GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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WARNING

The Tribulation is Coming!
Part  4 of 4
BY S. Lee Homoki


(13) Widespread crime and violence (Ezek. 7:11,23-24; Hos. 7: I; Isa. 1:21). Death, mischief, destruction and fear stalked the streets of the ancient world. It spreads like a disease. Do you remember when you could go for a leisurely walk down the street, park or mall? Do you remember when we could leave our car or house unlocked? Is there a lesson here that our modern society needs to learn?

(14) Complete moral and spiritual breakdown in all segments of society (Hos. 4:2; Ezek. 22:1-12, 24-31; Jer. 7:8-10). Israel's character, justice, honor, and righteousness are gone. The foundations of Israel's society and nation are gone. Corruption, like leaven, infuses the whole nation from top to bottom. No one is exempt; even the most impeccable failed to keep the conditional clauses of the covenants (2 Kgs. 17:15; 18:12; Isa. 24:5-6; Jer. 34: 18-20). The nation of Israel had been given specific guidelines for the operation of the Kingdom. These guidelines are called the Covenants; they had two divisions - unconditional clauses and conditional clauses. In the conditional clauses, God said in effect, "If you will do this, then I will do this. " This is illustrated in Deuteronomy 27, 28 and 30:1-6. The history of Israel is replete with examples of Israel's circular obedience and disobedience. The Tribulation Period represents the final stage in Israel's disobedience and judgment (Lev. 26).

(15) Fallen into pride (Jer. 13:17; Ezek.16:49; Isa. 2:9-17). The proud heart will not bend even when it knows the consequences of its disobedience. God's Word is proven to be true - "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov.16:18.).

(16) Neglected evangelism (Isa. 43:1-28; 56:3-8 with Mk. 11:17-18.). Israel had been given the custodianship of the truth that would set men free - not just the Israelite, but all men. The nation of Israel was elected of God to be a "kingdom of priests" (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6) to the whole world. However, Jesus said that the appointed place and people for the worship of God had deteriorated into a "den of thieves." In Matthew 23:37 He laments, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" Evangelism was the thing closest to the heart of God. He said He was "not willing that any should perish."

(17) Turned to the cults and the occult (Isa. 2:6; 2 Kgs. 17:17). This was strictly forbidden and was a manifestation of the depth of Israel's departure into spiritual darkness.

Does this partial list of Israel's sins bother you? It bothers me! I am deeply concerned. These are the sins that provoked God to wrath! One day, and I don't believe it will be in the too distant future, Israel and the whole world will be placed into the "winepress of God~' wrath" (Rev. 14:19-20; 19:15) during the Tribulation! All the references in this study are in some way, either directly or indirectly, connected by context with the "Time of Jacob s trouble." God will use this strong disciplinary action to cleanse Israel for their future role in Christ's Kingdom.

Somewhere near the middle of the "week" seven years of Tribulation, Israel "will look upon Him Whom they have pierced" God has promised that "Before they call, I will answer" (Isa. 65:24; 58:8-9). Praise the Lord! The Apostle Paul says at that time, " ... all Israel will be saved" (Rom. 11:25-26)!

Conclusion

Only a blind man would fail to recognize that this list of Israel's sins paints an accurate picture of the sins of the world we live in today ! Question: If God has and will judge Israel for their sin, will He dismiss the sins of this Christ-rejecting world? I guarantee you, He will not. If they do not repent, they "shall likewise perish" (Lk. 13:3-5).

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Justified Without A Cause
by Pastor C. R. Stam



      God tells us in His Word that believers are“justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:24). The word “freely,” here, does not mean “without cost,” but “without cause.” The same original word is so translated in John 15:25, where we find the words of Christ: “They hated Me without a cause.”

Thus sinners hated Christ “without a cause,” yet God justifies sinners “without a cause.”How can this be? Let’s see:

What had Christ done to earn the enmity of men? Nothing whatever. He had been kind and good, had helped those in distress, had healed their sick,had made the dumb to speak, the deaf to hear, the blind to see, and the lame to leap for joy. Why, then, did they hate Him: The Bible says they hated Him “without a cause, i.e., without any cause in Him. The cause of their hatred lay in their own evil hearts.

But on the other hand, what have sinners done to merit justification before God? Again the answer is: Nothing whatever. They have broken His commandments every day, lying, stealing, and committing hundreds of other sins. Yet in love God gave His Son to die for them on Calvary“that He might be just and [at the same time] the Justifier of him that believeth in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). He loves and justifies believers “without a cause”, i.e.,without any cause in them. The cause is to be found in His own compassionate heart, for “GOD IS LOVE.”

Thus those who trust in Christ, who died for our sins, are justified without a cause, by God’s grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.


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

“By this man is preached…the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which He could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38,39).

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THE BIBLE - GOD'S WORD OR MAN'S WORD - Part 1 of 3
By Jack Trumm



When reading the Bible, can we be sure that it is accurate? Can we read it with the assurance that it is the truth? Or is there error in it? So, therefore, do we need to interpret some things written in the Bible, simply because there are those that would say the Bible was written by man, therefore there could be error in the Bible?

What is amazing is that people will subscribe to a daily newspaper and read it from one end to the other, and believe every word it says, and not question it, yet it was written by man. People will subscribe to a monthly magazine and read it cover to cover and believe what it says. Yet, it was written by man.

There are those who will go to a library and get a book that is based on a true story, not question it, yet it was written by man. If one purchases a product that needs to be assembled, he is informed to read the instructions thoroughly before beginning to assemble it. Yet the instructions were written by man.

But, when it comes to the Bible (God's Word) some will say, it was written by man therefore there could be error in it and therefore we need to interpret or come to the conclusion that some of it might not even be true. So then, was the Bible written by man? Yes, it was written by man, but not by man's own knowledge or his own ability. Rather, it was written by men through inspiration from God. As Paul the apostle to the Gentiles tells us, "all scripture (the Bible, or God's Word) is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (II Timothy 3: 16)

The word inspiration is taken from the Greek word (theopneustos) which translated means "divinely breathed in". What God has done was to breathe into the hearts and minds of those men that He had chosen to write down those things concerning Himself that He would have us to know, and that word would be the Bible or God's Word, not man's word. Look also at the first two words of this verse, "all scripture" and especially the word "ALL". Notice it does not say "some scripture" but rather ALL SCRIPTURE. This means that every word in the Bible was given by inspiration of God.

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THE BIBLE - GOD'S WORD OR MAN'S WORD - Part  2 of 3
By Jack Trumm


Luke tells us (concerning Israel, God's covenant people) what God's plan was for them: "But those things, which God before had showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your (Israel's) sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, and he shall send Jesus Christ, which was before preached unto you, whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, WHICH GOD HATH SPOKEN BY THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS HOLY PROPHETS SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people (Israel). Yea, AND ALL THE PROPHETS FROM SAMUEL AND THOSE THAT FOLLOW AFTER, AS MANY AS HAVE SPOKEN, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you (Israel) first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities." (Acts 3:18-26)

What these verses tell us is that God inspired (or told man by revelation) to write down things concerning Israel and concerning our Lord Jesus Christ's coming to cleanse them and then reign over them, making Israel the instrument of blessing to the rest of the nations. This process of revelation began at the beginning of the world "since the world began" (verse 21). What was prophesied concerning Israel? Verses 19 and 20 tell us that if Israel as a nation would have been obedient to God by repenting of the murder of Jesus Christ, God would have at that time forgiven the nation and sent His son back to them. Jesus Christ would have immediately returned to reign over them as their King. God would have used the nation Israel as a blessing to all other nations of the earth. " ... and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (verse 25) "unto you first ... " (verse 26).

This does not sound like something that man could come up with by his own knowledge, and even if he could, how would he carry it out?

We also know that Israel as a nation failed to adhere to the word of God.

So what God has done is to set that program with Israel aside for the time being. Since they (as a nation) would not believe the claims of Jesus Christ, nor the witness of God the Father, nor the witness of the Holy Spirit in His coming at Pentecost, they have been temporarily broken off and set aside in unbelief.

" ... because of unbelief they were broken off." (Romans 11:20)

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THE BIBLE - GOD'S WORD OR MAN'S WORD - Part  3 of 3
By Jack Trumm



Because of Israel's unbelief, God has revealed a new program to Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles (or nations). "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward. How that BY REVELATION he made known unto me the mystery, (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not  made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who as less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 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". (Ephesians 3:1-9)

Notice Paul says it was REVEALED to him from God concerning the mystery of Christ. It was not by his own knowledge or ability that he wrote these things.

This brings up the question, What was revealed to Paul? "That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ BY THE GOSPEL" (Verse 6). What gospel? The gospel which was not made known in ages past, "which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men" (verse 5). What was the message of this gospel? "Moreover, brethren I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand, by which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

What is so beautiful about this revealed message is that we can be saved by just believing it. "By which also ye are saved" (verse 2).

Paul speaks of himself in this way, "And I brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified (or what He accomplished in the cross). And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (I Corinthians 2:1-5) We are also told, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. BUT GOD HATH REVEALED THEM UNTO US BY HIS SPIRIT, for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that  WE MIGHT KNOW THE THINGS THAT ARE FREELY GIVEN TO US OF GOD. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. " (I Corinthians 2:9-13)

So I would conclude by asking again, is the Bible man's word or is it God's Word? Yes, the Bible was penned by man, but it was not man's word, it is GOD'S WORD. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD OF GOD." (Romans 10:17)

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STEPPING UP TO STEPPING DOWN
By Charles W. Wages,


Taking on new responsibilities is always an adventure and challenge. However, the laying down of those responsibilities is possibly a more difficult task. There will always be beginnings and endings in a lifetime. That is the reason for this editorial.

There is no higher calling in anyone's life than being a minister (servant) of God's Word. The ministering of the Word is as broad as humanity itself and isn't the personal domain of any individual or group. It ranges from the home to the heavens.

The writer of this "departure" note came to know the Lord as Saviour as a young man and immediately entered the ministry of teaching and preaching to young people and then further as responsibilities grew. By the grace of God, and the help of a faithful pastor, Brother Ike T. Sidebottom, I have had the privilege and blessings of being His servant for 64 years, in giving out the message of the Gospel of Grace and the giving forth of the teaching of the dispensation of the mystery, by spoken word and the printed page.

In all these years I have also had the privilege of serving as pastor. Forty-four of those years were spent with this congregation of saints here in Fort Worth; twenty years were spent in Denton County as pastor, radio minister, and evangelistic Bible teacher.

There have been other ministry related opportunities across these years. The educational opportunities have afforded a springboard of living and learning to give out the Word. Serving as teacher, counselor, principal, and superintendent of a growing suburban school district afforded many opportunities of "defending the faith" and giving the gospel. These opportunities opened doors to be a witness and testimony to the wonderful grace of God.

A ministry of 64 years involved all the ups and downs, the high-lights and heartaches, the suffering and the glory that accompanies living and trying, by God's grace to serve Him. The results are all to the praise and glory of our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ.

As to the ministry of the Timely Messenger, and related books and pamphlets, there are many faithful saints who will be rewarded for their faithful continued work and support. It was my privilege to be serving as Associate Pastor with Brother Sidebottom when he began the Timely Messenger. My wife and I helped with the first printings, and have had the privilege of contributing lessons in the Timely Messenger all these years. There are many who have served to help in the giving out of the Word through the Timely Messenger. Quenton Goyne has given his time and talent in printing the Timely Messenger all these years. He was a professional printer, but gave his time on the side to be our printer, serving without any financial pay - just the blessing of giving out the Word for His glory. Even in his retirement years, he continues to do the printing. Through many years my wife, Beverly, did the typing and preparing for the printer; before the days of computers. Now much work is saved through the computer. Others have joined to help with the mailing out. Many have contributed articles and Bible study lessons through these years. Many of you readers have helped support this printing ministry with your offerings and prayers, and helping to distribute to others. Your letters and words of encouragement have meant much to us through the years. To all of you, I give my heartfelt thanks for your labor of love.

Having said all that is needed to be said, your long-time editor and friend, is stepping down after having the privilege of "stepping up" to the most wonderful and rewarding work of using this as one means of giving out the Word. This issue will be my last issue as editor of the Timely Messenger. It is left in capable and faithful hands and will continue, by God's grace. Brother Gregg Bing will be the editor beginning in January.

We ask you to continue to pray for this printing ministry and, pray for Brother Gregg. We also ask that you continue to remember Beverly and I as we carry, out what the Lord has for us to do.

"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)

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THE CHURCH AND THE TRIBULATION
By Pastor Bob Hanna


A prominently held view among Christian believers states that the church, the Body of Christ, will be included in the tribulation - the time of Jacob's trouble. Our apostle says otherwise. Writing to members of the body, he declares, "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day [the day of the Lord] shall not come except there come a falling away [literally, a departure] first, and that man of Sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God" (ll Thessalonians 2:3,4).

Verse seven states, "He who now letteth [hindereth] will let [hinder] until he be taken out of the way." That which hinders is the church, the Body of Christ. The rapture will take us out of the way. "And then shall that Wicked [one] be revealed." This is the great deceiver whose being revealed begins the tribulation period. Hence the rapture precedes the tribulation, which means that the church will not go through the tribulation. Verses nine through twelve graphically describe the activities of the man of sin during the first half of the tribulation. By this time we, members of Christ's body, will be in heaven with our Lord and Savior "Wherefore comfort one another with these words" (I Thessalonians 4:18.).

Some of those who put the church in the tribulation say that we are present in the first 3.5 years. Others say that we will not be raptured until after the full seven years. Either way, there is no substantiation to be found in Scripture. One verification of the fact of the rapture preceding the tribulation: our apostle nowhere instructs or advises us re how we would cope with the conditions or how to survive accordingly.

Our apostle repeatedly assures us in this regard. "God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him"- (Romans 5:8,9). "For God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thessalonians 5:9).

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TRUE FELLOWSHIP
PART 1 of 2
By Gregg Bing


The fellowship we enjoy with other believers is a wonderful blessing of the Lord, but often we take a rather shallow view regarding what fellowship is. To many, fellowship is basically viewed as friendship and having fun with other believers. In many churches, fellowship is almost always associated with the idea of food. Many churches have a fellowship hall in their building; and what is almost always connected to this fellowship hall? A kitchen! We speak of fellowship breakfasts or fellowship dinners as if the two ideas naturally go together. There is certainly nothing wrong with believers enjoying a meal together, but fellowship is much more than friendship, fun and food. In this lesson, we will examine the Scriptural concept of true, spiritual fellowship.

 In the opening verses of his letter to the Philippian saints, Paul writes:

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now. (Phil. 1:3-5)

What a love Paul had for these saints at Philippi. Every remembrance of them and every reminder he had of them caused him to give thanks to God. They were constantly in his prayers, making request for them all with joy. It is interesting that, even though Paul wrote this letter from a prison house in Rome (Acts 28, Phil. 1:7,13), the tone of the entire letter is one of joy and rejoicing. One of the key reasons is found in Philippians 1:5.

His joy was for their fellowship in the gospel from the first day unto now. The Greek word translated for is a word that literally means upon or based upon. Thus, the basis for Paul's joy regarding these saints was their fellowship in the gospel.

The word fellowship is translated from the Greek word koinonia. Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words gives the meaning of this word as communion, fellowship, sharing in common. To have fellowship means to have a common bond, to have something in common with someone else, to share together with another. What did Paul have in common with these saints at Philippi? The gospel! Their fellowship was in the gospel.

The word gospel means good news. It was clearly an important bond he had with the Philippians for he mentioned the gospel 5 times in the first chapter alone (vs. 5, 7, 12, 17, 27). What was the gospel that Paul referred to? It was the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:7): that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures. (1 Cor. 15:1-4). It was the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24): For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Eph. 2:8-9). It was this glorious gospel message that Paul had in common with the brethren at Philippi.

How did they share in this gospel? First, they had a common salvation. They believed the same gospel message. They trusted in the same wonderful person, the Lord Jesus Christ, as their Savior (Acts 16:31). They enjoyed the same glorious position, spiritual blessings, and hope in Christ (Eph. 1:3-14, Phil. 3:20-21). What a wonderful fellowship we have, as believers in Christ, rejoicing together in a common salvation. These are joys that can't be understood by those outside of Christ. As we read further in Philippians 1, we find that Paul's idea of their fellowship in the gospel went beyond just their common salvation.

Just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. (Phil. 1:7-8.)

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TRUE FELLOWSHIP
PART 2 of 2
By Gregg Bing



Paul also enjoyed fellowship with these believers in the ministry of the gospel. They were in his heart, for these saints shared with Paul in his preaching and teaching of the gospel, from the first day until now (Phil. 1:5). How did they share with Paul in this work?

To begin with, they shared with Paul by helping supply his needs. When Paul departed from Macedonia after visiting Philippi the first time, theirs was the only church who consistently shared with Paul and supported his ministry, sending aid once and again for his necessities (Phil. 4:15-16). Even in his chains, as he wrote this letter from prison in Rome, the Philippians were still supporting Paul, having sent a gift by the hands of Epaphroditus (Phil. 4:10,18.). Paul spoke of the Philippians sacrificial giving when he wrote to the Corinthians.

For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. (2 Cor. 8:3-5)

These saints also shared with Paul in being willing to suffer and endure the same type of conflict he experienced, all for the sake of the gospel of Christ (Phil. 1:28-30). Sharing a common suffering often brings people closer together, even unbelievers. For instance, people who have a serious illness, such as cancer, often feel close to someone who has shared the same experience. The bond is even closer when the sufferings are for the cause of Jesus Christ. In a very real sense, as we suffer in the ministry of the gospel, we are sharing in the sufferings of Christ Himself (Phil. 3:10).

Finally, the Philippians also stood with Paul in the defense and confirmation of the gospel (Phil. 1:7). The ministry of the gospel involves preaching or proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and Him crucified so that people may believe and be saved, but it also involves much more. In preaching the gospel, there is often much opposition, fueled by Satan himself. The apostle Paul was set or appointed by God, not only to preach the gospel (1 Cor. 1:17), but also to defend it (Phil. 1:17). As he stood firmly for the truth of Gods Word against the adversaries of the gospel, the Philippian brethren stood with him, striving together for the faith of the gospel (Phil. 1:27).

The church at Philippi also shared with Paul in the confirmation of the gospel. The word confirmation, according to Strong's Lexicon, means to make firm, to establish, or to make sure. After people hear the gospel and believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior, they need to be established in the truth of the gospel and Gods Word. Though often neglected, this is an important part of the gospel ministry. After Paul preached the gospel in a city, he would often return, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith (Acts 14:22). This is one of the key functions of a local church, and a wonderful work to share together in; seeing believers grow and mature, and become rooted and built up in Him (Christ) and established in the faith, as they have been taught (Col. 2:7).

Paul's relationship with the church at Philippi is a wonderful example to us of true, spiritual fellowship. What was the secret of their continuing and consistent fellowship in the gospel? They were all partakers together of grace (Phil. 1:7). Gods grace not only saves us from our sins, it also sustains us and supplies our every need. It is sufficient for us (2 Cor. 12:9). As we yield to the Lord and the strength of His grace (2 Tim. 2:1), He will work in and through us to accomplish His will (Phil. 2:13). We can be confident, as Paul was, being fully persuaded, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6).

When we recognize that true, spiritual fellowship with other believers is centered in the gospel of Jesus Christ, it causes us to have a genuine longing and affection for one another (Phil. 1:8.). As we share together in the blessings of our salvation in Christ, stand and suffer together for the cause of Christ, and spread the gospel of Christ to others, we experience a unity and closeness that brings real joy to our hearts and great pleasure to our Lord.

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Adoption as Sons
Part 1 of 2
by Dennis Hogg


Scripture often uses symbolism to illustrate spiritual principles. As with all Divine symbolism, the correspondence between the symbol and the actual principle is perfect. For this reason we can thoroughly analyze a symbol and thereby discover a deeper understanding of the spiritual principle as long as we analyze the symbol as given and remain consistent with the rest of Scripture.

Paul uses the Roman custom of adoption to illustrate the salvation and resulting position of the believer. Adoption was a very common practice as even a father's natural born children had to be adopted before they became sons and heirs. This is illustrated in Galatians 4:1-7...

"Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. But when the fulness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts crying, 'Abba' Father! Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God."

The characteristics here show us several things. The position of the child before adoption is paralleled with that of a slave. The two terms are so similar that they are almost completely interchangeable in this metaphor. Slaves were like property since they had no control over their own destiny. The child or slave had essentially no rights, and no power with which to change that situation. The power to change the future for a slave or child rested entirely with the father.

The father made the choice as to whom he would adopt. In many cases the natural firstborn child was not necessarily the heir. A natural born child may well expect that someday he would be adopted as a son, but a slave would never have any reason to expect to become an heir. (By working hard a slave could not merit adoption, because it was his duty to work hard in the first place. See Luke 17:7-9) The father was perfectly within his rights to adopt whomever he chose, and if a slave was adopted this was an unrequired act of kindness on the part of the father. Adopting one slave did not imply that the father had to adopt any other slave.

The result of the adoption was a new relationship between the father and the newly adopted son. This new closeness allows the son to call his father "Abba". The use of this title, essentially equivalent to the English "Daddy", was never permitted by a slave.  The son was now also the heir, and had a vast amount of rights and privileges that he would otherwise not enjoy. The father-son relationship is also permanent. A wife could be divorced, and a slave could be sold, but a son is a son forever.

The metaphor of adoption illustrates Christian salvation perfectly. We started out as slaves to sin. Galatians 4:7. ' We had no rights before God. Even if we could have done good works these were never a reason why God should save us. God chose to demonstrate His love and His kindness in us and has saved us even though we were totally undeserving of this kindness.

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Adoption as Sons
Part 2 of 2
by Dennis Hogg


"He predestined us to adoption as sons through Christ Jesus to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." Ephesians 1 :5,6

Just as with adoption, this choice lies entirely with the father and not the sinner. Also, God is completely within His rights to save some and to allow others to remain in sin. There is no injustice towards the sinner, just as the slave who remains a slave is not mistreated. This demonstrates the sovereignty of God.

This should impact the way we view ourselves before God. God chose us because it pleased Him, not because we wanted to be saved, or because we asked to be saved. (We were incapable of wanting or asking for this salvation. Rom. 3:11; 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 4:4)

This unmerited adoption now puts us into a new relationship with our Heavenly Father.

"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow-heirs with Christ, if we indeed suffer with Him in order that we may be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-17

Now we can approach God and without fear approach Him as Father or "Daddy". 'We are free to come into His presence and can talk with God on this personal Father-son level.

Associated with the Father-son relationship is an inheritance. We cannot even begin to imagine what God has in store for us.

"And has raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."  Ephesians 2:6,7

God will use us as a showpiece throughout all eternity to demonstrate how loving and kind He can be.

"Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered into the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him."  1 Corinthians 2:9

Any attempt to describe this would be futile.

Our position, in this inheritance is guaranteed. (Recall that once adopted a son cannot be cast away,) Not only this, but "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit" (Romans 8:16) that we are adopted. Since the Holy Spirit is eternal, we have a witness forever that we are sons and heirs of God the Father, Our position is as secure as God is eternal.

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RIGHTEOUS WRATH
By Pastor Bob Hanna




Fear of God's wrath troubles many who are ignorant of its nature and their fate in relation to it. The apostle offers solace to the saints: "To you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power" (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

Paul assures us, "Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him" (Romans 5:9), "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thessalonians 5:9), The apostle's comforting words bear witness of our salvation. We will not be present at the scene when God will display His wrath because it will take place after He has taken us up in the rapture, "and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:17). Our security against God's wrath was established when we received Christ as Savior. "After that ye believed [or, upon believing] ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:13,14). The Holy Spirit Himself is the seal.

Not only does the Holy Spirit seal us, but He indwells us permanently from the moment we believe. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you" (I Corinthians 3:16)? "What? know ye not that you body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (I Corinthians 6:19,20.) Positionally we are already in heaven: "from whence we look for [expect] the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:4).

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LOVINGLY LAYING UP AND LAYING HOLD
PART 1 of  2
By Charles W. Wages

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

There is a great interest and emphasis today in investing for the future. This, of course, in the main, refers to money or goods for this life on earth. This is not necessarily evil in itself. For instance, Joseph of old was led of God to store up food for a future day of famine. The apostle Paul instructed the saints in Corinth to lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. All of these examples are earthly and temporary. However, when we look and consider eternal values, a different perspective must be considered.

In our lead Scripture a contrast is made between uncertain riches that we accumulate for ourselves on earth and what God gives us to richly enjoy. There was nothing wrong with Joseph laying up food for his brethren to alleviate the suffering in times of famine. Neither was it wrong for the Corinthian saints to have means to help in the work of the Lord. However, the directing purpose, and what is being laid up is all important.

The purpose of laying up and laying hold is not to earn salvation. Salvation is by God's grace by believing in the finished work of Christ on Calvary (Eph. 2:8-9). Timothy had been told in 1 Timothy 6:12, Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. Eternal life is a present possession of every person who has accepted Jesus Christ as personal Saviour. It is not something we earn by good works. It is not something in the far-off future, but a present possession of every believer! Also, Timothy had been called a man of God in verses 11 & 12, and had been exhorted and encouraged to flee, follow, and fight the good fight of faith. In doing this, he could lay hold on eternal life. Even though eternal life is a present reality to every believer, not every believer has a present realization of this great spiritual blessing!

Laying hold of eternal life does include our work and sacrifice for Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. This involves our giving in every way giving of self, service, and substance. Someone has aptly said, He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.

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LOVINGLY LAYING UP AND LAYING HOLD
PART 2 of  2
By Charles W. Wages


Laying Up in Store

The way to lay up in store is defined in 1 Timothy 6:18: That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate. There are four things delineated in this verse:


Do good
Be rich in good works
Ready to distribute
Willing to communicate Again, we must be reminded that we are not saved by good works (Eph. 2:8-9). However, Ephesians 2:10 should be read in conjunction with verses 8 and 9. What does it teach? We are saved unto good works.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto (UPON A FOUNDATION OF) good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2:10)

This instructive verse not only teaches us that we are saved to do good works, but that we are to walk in them also. We are to walk the work! What are a few laid up spiritual blessings that are already assured to those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus? One, of many, is found in Colossians 1:3-5,

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints. For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.

This spiritual blessing is further explained in Colossians 1:27,

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you the hope of glory.

That hope is in the person of Jesus Christ, who is now in the glory. He is our hope! Another of these spiritual blessings that is laid up in heaven is the inheritance of the saints in light. This is found in Colossians 1:12.

Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.

According to Ephesians 1:14, the sealing of the Holy Spirit is the earnest or assurance of the believer's inheritance awaiting the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of His glory. What blessings are laid up for those who by God's grace have been redeemed from self and sin! But the question comes to all believers have we laid hold of these wonderful spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. (Eph. 1:3)

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Walk by the Same Rule
(Part 1 of 4)
By Gregg Bing

"Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind." (Phil. 3:15-16)

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, admonishes us, as believers in Christ, to "walk by the same rule." The word "rule" is translated from the Greek word "kanon." The English word "canon" is typically associated with the canon of Scripture, meaning the books recognized and accepted as being inspired by God. The Greek word "kanon" refers to a straight reed or rod to which some- thing was fastened to keep it straight or aligned. The word came to mean a measuring rod. Hence, the basic meaning of "kanon" is a rule or standard for measurement or judgment. Paul uses the word here as a standard for measuring the believer's walk.

The word "walk" is not the typical Greek word used in the New Testament of a person's walk. The word most often used is the Greek word "peripateo" which literally means "to walk about" and simply has reference to our daily conduct. Here in Philippians 3:16 Paul uses the Greek word "stoicheo" which means to walk orderly, to march in military rank, or to keep in step, thus to walk according to some order or rule. What is this rule or order for our walk as believers?

Paul clearly associates the "rule" for our walk with the word "mind." Those who are spiritually "mature" believers are told to "have this mind" (vs. 15), and he relates walking by "the same rule" with being of "the same mind" (vs. 16). The word "mind" is actually a Greek verb "phroneo" which means to exercise the mind, to think, to understand in a certain way; to be disposed in a certain direction, thus to be of a certain sentiment or opinion.

One of the primary themes of the book of Philippians is the believer's mind or mindset. This is particularly evident in the second chapter where Paul instructs the brethren at Philippi to be "likeminded," to be "of one mind" (Phil. 2:2). Paul tells them, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5). Paul identifies two elements of Christ's mindset we are to follow: 1) He humbled Himself and 2) He became obedient to the will of the Father. We find more specifics about the type of "mind" we are to exhibit in chapter 3.

Our passage, Philippians 3:15-16, begins with the word "therefore," which forces us to look back to the preceding context to understand Paul's admonition. Chapter three begins with Paul warning the Philippians about false teachers, specifically the Judaizers, who placed their confidence in the flesh rather than walking by faith (vs. 1-3). Paul reminds them of his own past life in unbelief, a time when he felt absolutely confident in and even boasted of his fleshly accomplishments: his Jewish lineage, his circumcision, his education, his zeal for God in persecuting the church, and, to cap it all off, the righteousness which he felt he had established by his adherence to the Mosaic Law (vs. 4-6).

Paul begins verse 7 with the word "but" from the Greek word "alla," a word which indicates strong contrast. "But, what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ" (vs. 7). The things that Paul once felt were great gain to him, the things he boasted of and placed his confidence in, he now counted as loss for Christ. Paul continues, "Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ" (vs. 8.). When Paul came to know the Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, his mindset changed drastically. He now counted (esteemed) all the things of the flesh loss for the one thing that excels everything: "the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." Paul not only "counted" these things loss, he "suffered" the loss of all things. When Paul acknowledged Jesus of Nazareth (whom he once persecuted) as Lord and Christ, he lost his position, his reputation, and his favor among the Jewish rulers and among the majority of the Jews. He was willing to suffer this loss because he realized that the things which he once highly valued, were nothing but "rubbish" (KJV uses the word "dung") or worthless. Paul's mind, heart, and desire was now set on one thing: "that I may gain Christ."