GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Part 1 of 3
by Darlene Homoki

Galatians 5:22-23


"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. "

LOVE, JOY, PEACE

Our Attitude or Inward  State

Editor's Note: This the second in a series of studies on the "Fruit of the Spirit." The first installment appeared July 2007.

LOVE: Love is a word that is hard to define. It is a word we grow up with, but we never really stop to think of all that it entails. One definition is that love is the high esteem which God has for His human children

There are many different kinds of love - natural love (children, parents, family); the love between husband and wife; love of friends,etc.; and then the love we have for God and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

There are many references to love in the Bible and it is certainly the  most remarkable Book of love in the world. It records the greatest love story ever written of God's unconditional love for us that sent His Son to die on the cross (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn.4:10).

Love also expresses the essential nature of God. Love can be known only from the actions it prompts, as seen in God's love in the gift of His Son (1 Jn. 4:9-10). Love found its perfect expression in the Lord Jesus. Christian love is the fruit of the Spirit of Jesus in the believer.

Love is like oil to the wheels of obedience. It enables us to walk in the way of God's commandments (Ps. 119:32). Without such love, we are as nothing (1 Cor. 13:3). Such Spirit-inspired love never fails (1 Cor.13:8.) but always flourishes.

Do we need love? Yes! We all have a need to be nurtured and respected.
The need for love is created further by ill treatment, hostility, abuseand the hatred all around us.

Remember love is important to God:
    1) God is love (1 Jn. 4:8.).
    2) Love like this is everlasting ("The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love ... "Jer. 31:3), given freely (" ... I will love them freely ... " Hos.14:4; cf. Eph. 2:4), sacrificial (Jn. 3:16), and enduring to the end (Jn. 13:1; Rom. 8:38-39).
    3) God loves (John 3:16). What greater love than this (Rom.5:8.)?
    4) Jesus loves. He willingly gave Himself for us - He was not a martyr (Mt. 20:28.). "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour" (Eph. 5:2).
    5) As Christians "the love of Christ constrains us" (2 Cor. 5:14).
    6) We are to walk in love (Eph. 5:2).
    7) We are to love one another (Jn. 15:12). "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you" (1 Thess.3:12).
    8.) Wives are to love their husbands and children (Titus 2:4).
    9) The older women are told to teach the younger ones how to love (Titus 2:4).
    10) We are to love our enemies (Lk. 6:27; Rom. 12:17-21).

To love is a decision. It is hard to love under difficult circumstances. There are times when we feel we need love and we don't feel like giving it. The love of Jesus is what enables us to give that love even when we don't feel like it. It is His love in us that helps us to reach out in love to others even when we don't want to.

Love is action - not just words. It is often much easier to say "I love you" than it is to put it into practice. Love has work to do and love does that work. Our actions back up our words and are proof of our love. Every family member provides you with an opportunity to love and do acts of love. Your work at home, at church, and at your job provides  you with many opportunities to perform acts of love.

Love reaches beyond family and friends to the unlovely. It is easy to love family, friends and nice people. But we are told to love our enemies - those who are not so nice. God's love calls us to love those who are irritating, a bother to us, unthankful, or even evil. We are to love those who bring us sadness and heartache. That is hard. Jesus tells us in Luke 6:27, "But I say unto you which hear, Love your  enemies, do good to them which hate you."

It is God Who provides the grace we need to extend our love to the unlovely. It is through His Spirit that we are able to love everyone,at any time and without conditions.

We need God to help us love. We rely on God for love. We naturally do not love those who do not love us, those who hurt us, bother us, and are different than us. It is God through His Holy Spirit Who gives us this love for others. God's love is there for us to give, and we who follow Christ need to remember that those who are the hardest to love are the ones who need it most. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Real love expects nothing in return. When we are loving toward someone, we expect that person to be loving to us. But when Jesus tells us to love our enemies and do good to them, He tells us to do good expecting nothing in return (Lk. 6:35 - "But love your enemies, and do good and lend, hoping for nothing again ... "). We need to love without any thought of personal reward. This is not natural. This kind of love can only come from God. This is the kind of love God offers us in Jesus (Rom. 5:8-10).

Love is not self-seeking. Its only intent is to love as Jesus loved, praying for others to respond to God's message of love through us.

The only way we can walk in God's love is to look to Him to fill us with that special kind of love - that love that is a decision to love -that love that takes action - that love that extends itself to the unlovely. You and I need God to help us love.

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THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Part 2 of 3
by Darlene Homoki

Galatians 5:22-23



JOY: The joy which the people of God should have is holy and pure. It is real! It is distinct from mere happiness. Happiness is often temporal and dependent upon current circumstances. Joy, however, rises above circumstances and focuses on the very character of God. It looks beyond the present to our future salvation (Rom. 5:2; 8:18.). Joy like this is possible, even in the midst of sorrow (2 Cor. 6:10; 7:4).

The need for this kind of joy springs from sorrow, tribulation, tragedy, affliction and trials. None of us is exempt from experiencing heartache and disappointment, etc., BUT through Christ we can have 'joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Pet. 1:8.).

Joy was important to Jesus.

   1. Jesus wanted His disciples (and wants us) to know the joy of fellowship with Him, joy to the fullest (Jn. l5:11)!
   2. Jesus looked beyond His suffering to the joy that was before Him (Heb. 12:1-2).

Joy that is the "fruit of the Spirit" is permanent (Jn. 16:22). It is not dependent upon circumstances and things. The one thing that can rob us of experiencing the joy God provides is our failure to walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5: 16). The Holy Spirit causes this fruit to grow in our lives as we abide in Christ.

Joy is always available (Phil. 1:4; 4:4). What ever the circumstances of our lives, we have ready access to the Source of true joy anytime we turn to Him.

Real joy is unspeakable (1 Pet. 1:8.). True spiritual joy is not mere happiness. If everything is going well, we are "happy." If we get what we want, we are "happy." Happiness can be a false joy. God's joy is a gift of grace to us as we encounter hardships, persecution and troubles in this life. It is supernatural and goes beyond all conditions of life.

   * This joy is not dependent on circumstances but on spiritual realities:
His unconditional love for us and His victory over sin and darkness.
   * This joy is not based on our efforts but, rather, on the truth of our relationship with God through His Son, the Lord Jesus.
   * This joy is not merely an emotion, but the result of choosing to look beyond the present circumstance to what is true about our life in Christ.

The source of real joy is:

    * God Himself. God - the only source of joy - wants to give you His JOY·
    * Salvation is a great reason for joy.
    * God's promises are a cause for joy. Simply by opening His Word, and reading and believing His promises, we will find a great source of joy.
    * Our future - our blessed Hope - brings us joy.

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THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Part 3 of 3
by Darlene Homoki

Galatians 5:22-23


PEACE: Peace refers to the inner tranquility and poise of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ. It is both peace with God and the peace of God.

The Apostle Paul tells us that such peace and spiritual blessedness is a direct result of faith in Christ (Rom. 5:1). Peace is having all our spiritual bones set. It gives calmness through the doubts, fears, and alarms in our lives. It is a restful assurance that God is in control. Peace is not the absence of problems, frustrations, or things going wrong but, rather, it is a peace that comes only from God that endures regardless of the circumstances.

Do we need peace? The answer is an emphatic yes! The need comes daily as we face events in our life that bring panic, fear, terror, dread and anxiety. Just reading the daily newspaper or listening to the news causes us concern and shows us the need for peace in our lives.

Truth about peace comes only from God. Without Him there is no peace.

    * It has nothing to do with our circumstances but everything to do with knowing we have a right relationship with God.
    * It has nothing to do with daily challenges or crises but everything to do with knowing that our times are in God's hands.
    * It has nothing to do with the present conditions of our life but everything to do with knowing that God is all-sufficient.
    * It is an inward serenity of the soul that indicates a life at rest as we place our complete confidence in God moment by moment.
    * It is knowing God is there! (See Ps. 139:7-12.)
    * The key to peace is not the absence of problems and conflicts but the presence of God. To enjoy peace we have to actively trust Him. Peace also requires a decision.
    * When we walk and are led by the Spirit, our life is characterized not by fretting, panic and anxiety but, rather, by the peace that comes from trusting God.
    * Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
    * When the circumstances of life tempt us to panic, or feel terrified, we. can choose either to give in to those feelings or to trust in God.
    * Choosing to trust God causes us to experience His peace even in the midst of the uproar.

God's peace comes to us from four sources.
    1) God, the Father. Isaiah 26:3 says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee." We cannot avoid strife, conflict and/or problems, but we can know perfect peace in the midst of this as we focus on God rather than on our difficulties.

    2) God, the Son. The prophet Isaiah tells us one of His names is the "Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6). That names reflects His mission. Jesus' death on Calvary gave us the gift of peace with God that comes only with forgiveness of our sins (Rom. 5:1). Our personal peace comes through the work of God's Son on the Cross.

    3) God, the Spirit. He is our personal Helper, Teacher and Comforter (Jn. 14:26). The instruction, guidance and comfort we receive from Him are indeed gifts of peace.

    4) God's Word. The Word helps us know God by revealing Himself, His ways and His purposes. The Psalmist declares in Psalm 119:165, "Great peace have they which love Thy law, and nothing shall offend them. "When we embrace God's standards for living, we experience the peace which comes from maintaining a right relationship with God.

We choose to apply peace in times of crisis. The choice is ours. Do we panic? We should pray first, pray often and pray continually. We can place our fears and doubts into His hands. When we pause to acknowledge God, His presence, His power and His love, He will make our paths straight. Then once we've turned to Him, we will again be in touch with His peace that passes all understanding.

Jesus is our example and displayed these attitudes in the Garden of Gethsemane. This was a dark night in human history as the sinless Son of God faced death for your sins and mine in order to accomplish our salvation.

Throughout His three years of ministry, Jesus often referred to God's plan for His death. As He prepared for the Passover (Mt. 26) He said, "My time is at hand." It was now time for Him to die and to fulfill the Father's plan.

Jesus willingly obeyed. Jesus, acting in love, gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. He knew He would be betrayed by His own disciples. He would be misunderstood by His family and friends. He would be rejected by mankind. He knew there would be verbal and physical abuse. He knew there would be an unjust sentence. And, worst of all, He knew there would be momentary separation from God, His heavenly Father. In other words, from the human perspective, Jesus was losing all He had. Yet, in love, He willingly went through with it all- "He first loved us."

Facing the crisis of the cross, Jesus went to Gethsemane to pray. He prayed fervently  - "His sweat became like drops of blood" (Lk. 22:44).On the physical level Jesus wanted it to pass - He did not desire to taste death and carry the burden of our sins to the cross. Yet He prayed, "Not as I will, but as Thou wilt." With this submission to God's will, we see Jesus emerge triumphant from His time in the Garden.

Love is the sacrifice of self. Jesus was determined to do the Father's will. Jesus' love looked to the Father and to us and the Spirit enabled Him to submit to death on the cross (Heb. 9:14; Eph. 5:2). The flesh wanted the cup to pass but love looked to God the Father and said, "Thy will be done."

Jesus experienced joy. Hebrews 12:2 says, "For the joy that was set before Him .... " What was that joy? It was the joy of fulfilling the will of the Father (Ps. 40:8; Phil. 2:8; Heb. 10:7).

He got up from His agonizing time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane with peace, knowing that His times were in God's hands, saying, "Let us be going" (Mt. 26:46). He was now rid of His fears, and free from those agonies and dreadful apprehensions of the events to come. He signifies His willingness to be apprehended, and to suffer and die bearing the sins of mankind.

It is good to note that the circumstances did not change! After agonizing prayer, Jesus was still going to be crucified; He was going to die but He went sustained by God's love, joy and peace.

It was not easy for Jesus.
    * He knew what suffering He was facing.
    * He prayed, not once, but three times.
    * When our Savior finally rose to go forward, He did so with love,joy and peace saying "Let us be going."
    * He went to the cross by His own choice; He did it willingly. "He could have called ten thousand angels, but He died alone for you and me."

What a challenge! Do those around us see love, joy and peace? What do our attitudes show to the Christian community? To the non-Christian community? What a difference we could make in this world if in our daily lives these three graces were exemplified!

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NO TIME FOR GOD?
by C. R. Stam


Those who have no time for God should consider what their circumstances would be if He had no time for them; no time to paint the sunsets, no time to send the warm sun's rays or the refreshing showers, no time to make the crops and flowers grow. We doubt that any thinking person would actually want nothing to do with God.

Cain despised God's authority and finally murdered his brother, but when he was driven from the presence of God he said: "My punishment is greater than I can bear" (Gen.4:13).

One of the saddest sentences in the gospel records is our Lord's prediction that He would have to say to some: "I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity"(Matt. 7:23).

Just what it will mean to be "cast into the lake of fire"(Rev. 20:15), we pray God none of our readers will ever find out, but the Scriptures do clearly indicate that those involved will be cast forever out of the presence of God.

Thank God, it is not He who desires this. He paid for our sins at Calvary to reconcile us to Himself (Eph. 2:16). St.Paul declares that God has called believers "unto the fellowship of His Son" (1 Cor. 1:9) and that at His coming for them they shall "ever be with the Lord," adding: "wherefore, comfort one another with these words" (1 Thes. 4:17,18.).

"Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" (II Cor. 5:20).

God has demonstrated His love for us in Christ. Why not respond by gratefully trusting Christ as your Savior?

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Turning Points
Part one of two
By Charles Wages

Turning points occur in everyone's life. They can be natural or spiritual; immediate or gradual; big or little; for good or bad. Whatever their magnitude or importance, they play a large part in our lives and in our attitudes toward God and man.

Our thoughts about "turning points" will be mainly of a spiritual nature, however the spiritual largely determines our attitude and manner of living in our natural estate. The Scriptures, especially in the epistles of Paul, speak of very dramatic and important "turning points." 1 Thessalonians 1:9 is an excellent example of a spiritual turning point.

"For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God."

Many of these people had been pagan Gentiles who worshipped all kinds of idols. Through the Word preached by Paul and the testimony of true believers they turned to God from their idols. This was a tremendous "turning point" that would affect their lives, and others, throughout their lifetime and into glory. The word "convert" means being turned around. Someone or something is going one direction in time and when converted they head in the opposite direction. They once faced Satan and self and now they face the Saviour.

One of the great passages of Scripture that clearly teaches a turning around is Ephesians, chapter 2. The first three verses tells us what we were by nature, how we walked and talked, and to whom we owed allegiance. What a dreary and degrading picture. Satan, "the prince of the power of the air," was our master. We were his children in disobedience. Our character was determined by his character. Our conduct was determined by his conduct or manner of living, our conversation or speech was fashioned after his, and our course or direction was determined by him. What a miserable picture. What a miserable life.

But God

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved). " (Eph. 2:4-5)

There can be no real turning point in one's spiritual life apart from the power of God. God exercises that power when we give up our own efforts and trust Him. The little preposition "for" in Ephesians 2:4 shows us why God is so willing to help all who look to Him. His mercy is shown because of His great love for sinners.

In times past we were:

dead in trespasses and sins
walked according to the course of this world
lived according to the lusts of the flesh
fulfilling the desires of the flesh and the mind
were by nature the children of wrath.All of these, and more, because we were under the influence of the "prince of the power of the air." This ruler is Satan.

But God enters the picture, and what a difference! This is also where the "turning point" takes place. The lost sinner becomes a saved saint. This does not come about by our own goodness or works (Eph. 2:8-9), but because of His mercy, grace, and love for sinners. God does the loving, giving, and the work needed for salvation. We, as sinners, do the receiving, and then begin to accomplish the "good works" He has appointed for His children. What does this accomplish in our "turned around" lives? We become "new creations in Christ Jesus" (2 Cor 5:17). This work of God allows the newly created individual to begin a new walk in a new direction.

Another great "turning point" is brought to our attention in Titus 3:3-7.

"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Again, we must consider what we were before God, through Christ, came into our lives and turned us around:


we were foolish instead of sensible
we were disobedient instead of submissive
we were deceived instead of self disciplined.
we were serving lust and pleasures instead of being servants of God
we were living in malice and envy instead of doing "good works"
we were hating one another instead of showing the love of God.

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TURNING POINTS
PART 2 of 2
By Charles W. Wages



But After

What a turning point! What caused this change of direction, this conversion? Titus 3:4 and 6 tells us,

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

When you read Titus 3 verses 4 and 6 together, you get the full meaning of what causes the dramatic change in ones life. The statement in verse 5 lets us know again that we had nothing to do with this change other than to accept it as a free gift of God. When we read the expression But after, we are forced to think of but before. It is not a pretty picture. Sin never is pretty. We don't like to think of being foolish, disobedient, deceived, lustful, envious, malicious, and hateful. These, though, are the results of letting Satan rule our lives. These are the qualities of a life without God. We see them mirrored in our society in every form of evil imaginable. A complete change is needed to get out of this mess. That can only be accomplished by the power of God who can turn our lives around and let us look to the future. In Titus 3:7 we are informed,

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Once we looked toward no hope now we face the future with a new hope. That hope is Christ in us, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).
In Ephesians 2:11-13, we read of another great turning point.

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

These verses teach a great dispensational truth that the devil would just delight in covering up from Gods children. He has done a pretty good job so far. Many of Gods children know very little of Gods great plan for this age of grace. We are told in these verses that in time past the Gentiles had no hope and were without God in the world. It was through Gods chosen people, Israel, that the Christ (Messiah) was to come. The only way to truly worship God was through His plan and purpose for Israel (the circumcision). Gentiles were considered aliens and strangers from the commonwealth of Israel and the covenants and promises made to them. The Gentiles were without hope and without Christ, except in relation to Israels hope.

But Now

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Eph. 2:13)

Another great turning point! It is characterized by the expression in Christ Jesus. This makes the difference. All is changed and turned around when we see we are now in Christ Jesus. Not just in the world, but in Christ Jesus! This great turning point in Gods dealing with humankind came about by Chris's death, not just His life. His beautiful, sinless life did not break down the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile, but the shedding of His blood at Calvary. This brought Jew and Gentile together in one joint body.

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. (Eph. 3:6)

Now, this joint body is known as the Church, the body of Christ. This was not only a great turning point in Gods plan and purpose for the ages, but can make a great change in our lives today. We, as believers, are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. What a position! What a future!

Yes, when we accepted Jesus Christ as personal Saviour, He completely turned us around. We once served Satan and self, now we serve the Saviour. Once, the many churches of man confused us, now we are secure in His Church, the body of Christ. What a change, what a hope, what a future!

Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. (Rom. 16:25-27)

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PAUL TELLS OTHERS ABOUT HIS GOSPEL
by C. R. Stam

It is true that now there is but one gospel and God's anathema is pronounced upon any who would presume to proclaim any other (Gal. 1:8,9), but those who suppose that Paul proclaimed the same good news which the twelve before him had proclaimed, should carefully read Galatians 2:1-9.

The twelve had been proclaiming our Lord's kingdom rights in "the gospel of the kingdom". The kingdom having been rejected, however, God raised up Paul to proclaim "the Gospel of the Grace of God" (Acts 20:24). In Galatians 1:11,12, this apostle declares:

"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man, for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ."

This is only one of many passages in which he declares that he was commissioned to proclaim a special message by the glorified Lord Himself (Eph. 3:1-4; Rom. 16:25; etc.).

Now in Galatians 2:2, the apostle states: "I went up by revelation [God sent him] and communicated unto them [the apostles and elders at Jerusalem] that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles...." But was he not merely checking to make sure that he and they were preaching the same good news? No, for he goes on to say: "But [I went] privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain".

Verses 7 and 9 then go on to tell how "they saw" and "perceived" the grace that had been given to Paul, so that they publicly and officially gave him "the right hands of fellowship", acknowledging him as the apostle of grace, sent to the world with a message of grace:

"Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:24).

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Growing Old Gracefully
by Pastor Paul M. Sadler




Scripture Reference:


“Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.”
– I Timothy 5:1,2



The Apostle Paul deals with many different types of relationships in his epistles, but perhaps the most delicate relationship is with those who are older in years. Like the seasons of the year, each of us gradually grow older until we find ourselves in the winter of our lives. The first 70 years are normally filled with vim and vigor as we fulfill the desires of our heart. But if by reason of strength we survive beyond this point the Scriptures indicate that the days ahead are going to be filled with labor and sorrow. Labor, in the sense that even the mundane things of life, such as rising from a chair, becomes burdensome.

To complicate matters further, sorrow surrounds us like a tattered garment as death robs us of those we love. Little wonder that Paul admonishes us to esteem the senior members of the Body of Christ as fathers and mothers. Their plight deserves our sensitivity and their years of experience our respect. Furthermore, it will serve us well to remember that someday soon we will be the patriarch or matriarch.

In Ecclesiastes wise old Solomon, stricken in years himself, describes the aging process that creeps up on us like the leopard that stalks its prey.

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth,while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say,I have no pleasure in them” (Eccl. 12:1).

Someday the grim reaper will stand at the foot of our deathbed and the“mourners [will] go about the streets” whispering: Has he passed on? Beloved, there are thousands of ways to leave this earthly tabernacle, but perhaps the most common today is when the “pitcher is broken at the fountain.” In short, a fatal heart attack.

“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was:and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (vs.7).

The sting of death is sin, but thanks be unto God that Christ died for our sins thereby removing its sting. Thus, according to Paul’s epistles death is merely a passage way into eternal life for all those who believe (I Cor. 15:55-57; Heb. 2:14,15). No one looks forward to growing old, but hopefully we will do so gracefully and with dignity. As they say: “There is nothing to fear, but fear itself.” The blood of Christ is our eternal life insurance policy which has a rider guaranteeing our future resurrection!

[nChrist]

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WHAT CHRIST WAS MADE
by Pastor J. C. O'Hair,

“But when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, MADE of a woman, MADE under the law. Galatians 4:4.

“And the Word was MADE flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only Begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth:” John 1:14.

“But we see Jesus, Who was MADE a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” Hebrews 2:9.

“Who is MADE, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.” Hebrews 7:16.

“Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be MADE like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation, for the sins of the people:’ Hebrews 2:17.

“Concerning His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, which was MADE of the seed of David according to the flesh:” Romans 1:3.

“For He hath MADE Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be MADE the righteousness of God in Him.” II Corinthians 5:21.



WHAT BELIEVERS ARE MADE IN CHRIST


“For He hath MADE Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be MADE the righteousness of God in Him.” II Corinthians 5:21.

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One shall many be MADE righteous.” Romans 5:19.

“But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, Who of God is MADE unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” I Corinthians 1:30.

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath MADE me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2.

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are MADE nigh by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13.

“Giving thanks unto the Father, Which hath MADE us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints.” Colossians 1:12.

“To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath MADE us acceptable in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:6.

“For now being MADE free from sin, and become servants of God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22.

“And hath raised us up together, and MADE us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:6.

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GODLY LIVING IN CHRIST
By Pastor John McKay



Scripture Reading: II Timothy 3:12


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

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

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

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Learning To Love God More
by Steve McVey


I recently heard a sermon online about lamenting the fact that Christians don't love God the way we ought to love Him. "How do you expect to be used by God if you don't even fully love Him?" the passionate preacher proclaimed. His message reminded me of the many sermons just like it that I used to preach, but it reminded me even more of the many years I struggled to love the Lord the way I felt I should.

It's a sincere endeavor to love the Lord, but so often is misguided. A lawyer once came to Jesus and asked Him, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" Notice what the man was asking about here. He was asking about the Law. Jesus answered his question, saying, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and foremost commandment." In response to the man's question about the greatest law, Jesus answered that it is to love God.

This verse has been abused many times by well meaning Christians because they fail to understand its context. It's important to note that the man was asking Jesus about the Law. As odd as it might seem, when we believe our greatest need is to try to love God more, we set ourselves up for failure. That's because of what the Law does to a person.

The Bible says that the Law stirs up sinful passions. (See Romans 7:4) It stimulates rebellion against the very thing it demands. So if you focus on how much you should love God, that law will condemn you and caused you to be filled with a sense of guilt. It isn't possible to love Him like we want to until we understand how much He loves us. Then, and only then, we will find love for God swelling up within our hearts.

Haven't you found this to be true in your own life? When you've focused on loving Him more, did you feel like you were succeeding? Or did you find yourself literally praying for help to love Him more? "Lord, help me to love you more" was evidence that you knew you were falling short in that area.

The Bible says, "We love, because He first loved us." Do you want to love God more? The key, then, is to focus on how much He loves you, not on how much you love Him at any given moment in life. The most important thing in your life isn't to struggle to love God more. By what power can you do that? Haven't we all struggled in that area? The secret is to begin to focus on how much your heavenly Father loves you.

As you grow in your understanding of the great love that He has for you, you'll find that what happens is the love within you will be awakened and motivated. In response to His love, it will grow and flourish and you'll find yourself loving Him more and more and, for that matter, even loving everybody else around you more and more too.

A legalistic view on the love relationship we have with our Father shifts the focus away from His goodness and grace and puts the responsibility on us. Grace reminds us that He is the initiator and we are the responders. The Bible says that God loves us, it's all about His love for us, and when we focus on that, instead of on our love for Him, we will discover that knowing the love of God for us becomes the catalyst for experiencing and enjoying His love in a deeper way than we have ever known. We will find that our own love for Him grows by leaps and bounds.

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Four Kinds Of Men
by Pastor C. R. Stam


      According to St. Paul’s inspired epistles, the human race is divided into four categories:


The natural man, i.e., the fallen son of Adam, as he is, without God. Of him the Apostle says: “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (I Cor. 2:14).

The babe in Christ.  When a person sees himself as a sinner and trusts Christ as his Saviour, he is “born again” and becomes a“babe in Christ”. But babes can and should grow, so these are exhorted: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere [pure] milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby” (I Pet. 2:2).

The carnal Christian is one who, though perhaps a Christian for years, has not grown, due to indifference and neglect of the Word of God. He still has to be treated as a babe in Christ. The Corinthian believers were examples of this. Paul had to write them: “I…could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear[digest] it, neither yet now are ye able” (I Cor. 3:1,2). Everybody loves a baby, but the joy that fills the hearts of loving parents turns to bitterest sorrow if their baby fails to grow.

The spiritual Christian is one who, through prayerful study of the Word of God, has grown to spiritual maturity. He is no longer merely a child of God; he is a “man of God”. We should all “desire the sincere [pure] milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby” (I Pet. 2:2) — “THAT WE HENCEFORTH BE NO MORE CHILDREN, TOSSED TO AND FRO, AND CARRIED ABOUT WITH EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE” (Eph. 4:14). Let us then heed St. Peter’s inspired exhortation: “BUT GROW IN GRACE, AND IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST” (II Pet. 3:18.).

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Eternal Life
By Charles Wages


"John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne."

God's existence spans all the ages—in fact, He is the designer of all the ages. John wrote earlier: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made" (John 1:1-3).

We accept the tremendous truth that God is and that He is eternal, in spite of the fact that the human mind cannot grasp or contain its magnitude. Yet, it becomes so wonderful and so personal when coupled with the truth that He has given this eternal life, through the Lord Jesus Christ, to all who believe the divine record of His Son.

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

It was in God's eternal purpose to give eternal life to those who believe. The Lord Jesus in His prayer to the Father, in John 17:1-3, said,

"Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee; As Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent."

Another remarkable thing about God giving man eternal life is that eternal life is a present reality not just a future dream or wish. That is the reason why a person really begins to "live" when they receive the Lord Jesus as personal Saviour. One of the most assuring and heart-warming verses in the Bible is the one recorded in John 5:24 where Jesus said,

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."

Another comforting truth to embrace is that God has prepared an eternal home for those who trust Him. Paul, under inspiration, wrote to believers of this present age or dispensation,

"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (2 Cor, 5:1)

Notice that this "house" is specified as being "eternal in the heavens." Also, we notice that the Scripture emphasized, "we have a building." M. R. Vincent states in his book, Word Studies in the New Testament, that, "the building from God is an actual possession in virtue of the believers union with Christ. It is just as we say of a minor, before he comes into possession of his property, that he has so much."

In view of the above truths, we, as believers, should "lay hold" on this wonderful eternal life. In other words, to grasp it in order to use it for God's glory. There are many believers who, of course, have eternal life, but they have never taken hold of this fact and used this abundant life for God's glory and their good. This word "lay hold" is used of those who "laid hold" of Simon who was to carry the cross of Jesus. He was divinely ordained to do this work of God. We should fully recognize and acknowledge the eternal life that God has given us. How different we would be, and how more fully we would live if we all would "lay hold" of eternal life!

We must see that it is "Christ in us" that makes us eternal. It is His life, not ours. It is He who enables us to live "abundantly" (John 10:10). It is the Lord Jesus that makes heaven, home. A little boy was asked, "What makes your house a home?" Quickly the little boy answered, as he put his arms around his mother, "It's my mom!" Well, we all should know, that it is the blessed Saviour who has given us eternal life and the "home" in heaven will be blessed and eternal because He is there.

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The EXCEEDING GREATNESS of GOD'S POWER
PART ONE OF  THREE



What is the measure of God's power toward believers?
What can be accomplished in the believer by that power?
How can the believer appropriate and apply that power?


THE MEASURE OF GOD'S POWER TO US-WARD


"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church" (Eph 1:18-22).

Such is the measure of God's power to the believer in the matter of salvation; salvation from sin. Something more than human power is needed to save the sinner from sin. Divine power is needed. And the very best news that any human being ever heard is, that Divine power is available. The news that there is power that will save from the power of sin is good news, or "the gospel." Every human being is utterly helpless to deal with sin. But the majority of sinners are more interested in being delivered from some of their sinful habits than they are in being saved from the penalty of sin. To be saved from the penalty of sin means to be saved from the wages of sin; which is death (Rom. 6:23).

God demands death for sin. Unless the sinner finds and appropriates the Divine remedy for sin, the death penalty is certain; it is fixed by the holy Judge. Apart from Divine merciful intervention, the sinner's doom is inevitable; Divine judgment is inescapable. So far as man is concerned he can do nothing to deliver himself from the presence of sin, from the power of sin, or from the penalty of sin. So far as God is concerned His very character demands justice. The question is, how can the helpless, powerless sinner escape justice at the hands of the God against whom he has sinned? There must be death for sin. Must each sinner die for himself? Is it justice for the innocent to suffer for the guilty? The world says, "No."

God's Word declares that "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God" (1 Pet 3:18.). Then this question, "has the Holy Judge the right to be the sinner's Saviour?" Can He act as Judge and Saviour and be both just and merciful? The world says, "true justice knows no mercy." But the Just One, who has accomplished the redemption whereby man can be brought to God, was both God and man. The Offended One was delivered for our offenses. He satisfied His own justice by becoming the God-man and receiving the wages of sin; death.

The Lord of Glory was crucified; put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit. Christ died for our sins: He was buried and was raised again on the third day. He dealt with sin, which He put away by the sacrifice of Himself.  Then He abolished death and hath brought life and incorruptibility to light in the gospel.  In this redemptive work Christ proved His Deity, vindicated and satisfied Divine righteousness and justice; and fulfilled His word: "I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.  I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again" John 10:17-18.). It must be admitted that such power is Divine power.

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The EXCEEDING GREATNESS of GOD'S POWER
PART TWO OF  THREE


God was ever well pleased with His Son; when He was Jesus of Nazareth in the midst of His people, and since He has raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the super-heavenlies. God manifested His great power in the act of the resurrection and exaltation of His Son. God manifests that same great power, to save from the penalty of sin, any and every sinner who believes this Divine gospel.

There is absolutely no saving message for anyone in the sinless life and holy example of the Son of God, apart from His death and resurrection. The penalty of sin is death. How could the sinner escape that death penalty by trying to live like Jesus lived? There would be no death penalty in such a struggle; but there would be utter failure; and eternal death after the futile struggle. It is the privilege of redeemed sinners to know Christ in the power of His resurrection; but not until they have escaped the death penalty by identification with Christ, "baptized into His death" (Rom. 6:3).

If the same exceeding great power that God manifested in raising Christ from death to the super-heavenlies is available for the believer to enable him to have power over sin, it would seem that the believer's defeat could only be the result of his failure to appropriate and apply that exceeding great power. If such exceeding great power is available for the believer, then the believer should be delivered from the power of sin.


ACCOMPLISHED BY GOD'S POWER

"How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" (Rom.6:2). The believer is baptized into the death of Christ, and having been crucified with Him he is raised to walk in newness of life (Rom.6:4). "Sin shall not have dominion over you" (Rom. 6:14). "Let not sin reign in your mortal body" (Rom. 6:12).

From these, and many other verses, it seems that victory is provided for the believer in Christ and that victory is expected of the believer in Christ. The believer is identified with Christ in death. Christ died unto sin.

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God" (CoI. 3:3)."If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God" (Col. 3:1). What things are where Christ is? Not a thing that has to do with sin. A very high standard? It couldn't be higher. It is the "super-heavenlies" standard. It is the Christ standard. The things which are where Christ is are the things which are in Christ. And the believer is in Christ. The believer is raised with Christ. The believer is seated with Christ in the heavenlies (Eph. 2:6). Because the exceeding great power God used to accomplish the resurrection of Christ is to us-ward who believe, the believer is exhorted to manifest that resurrection power in his life.

It is one thing to be kept by the power of God through faith unto that glorious salvation at the coming of the Lord; it is another thing today by day live in resurrection power.