GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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THREE BRUTAL MURDERS
by C. R. Stam



    Every student of the Word should know the three brutal murders around which all history revolves. These three murders represent Israel's response to God's three-fold call to repentance. They explain the unpardonable sin and form the background for the present dispensation of grace.

It was John the Baptist, the last of the Old Testament prophets, who was sent as the forerunner of Christ to call Israel to repentance. He was beheaded by Herod, the wicked and licentious "king of the Jews". After John, Christ Himself took up the cry: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand". Him they crucified. Then, at Pentecost, Israel was given a third opportunity to repent, until they shed blood again, stoning Stephen to death.

It should be noticed, too, that their guilt, as well as their bitter enmity, increased with the second and third murders! Had Israel, responded to John's call to repentance Herod would never have dared to even put John in jail. This explains why our Lord did nothing to release him from prison, even though this had offended John. It was not His, but theirs to do something about John's unjust imprisonment and every moment he spent in prison testified against them. Read carefully Luke 3:18-20; 7:19-29; and Matthew 14:1-11. As to the beheading of John the Baptist, they permitted it. As to the crucifixion of Christ, they demanded it (Luke 23:23,24). As to the stoning of Stephen, they committed it, casting him out of the city with their own hands and stoning him there.

And so that generation in Israel committed the unpardonable sin which our Lord warned would not be forgiven, either in that age, or in the age to come. Thus we close this article by quoting those precious passages from Paul's epistles which clearly DENY the possibility of any "unpardonable sin" during the present "dispensation of the grace of God":

"We have redemption through His blood, THE FORGIVENESS OF SIN, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7).

"Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. BUT WHERE SIN ABOUNDED, GRACE DID MUCH MORE ABOUND: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 5:20,21).

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Faith And Hearing
by Pastor C. R. Stam





“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17).


This important passage of Scripture is, sad to say, little understood.Many people think of faith in the abstract, as though it had some mysterious power in itself. They speak of faith, but what do they mean?Faith in what? or in whom? Surely it is not possible just to have faith,without something or someone to have faith in.

Faith is not wishing hard, or feeling confident. It is not optimism or presumption or imagination. Faith must have a basis, a foundation. Thus the Christian’s faith is founded on “the Word of God” —on what God has said in the Bible.

The above passage explains: “Faith cometh by hearing.”Isn’t that simple? Isn’t it true? Some have said that“seeing is believing,” but a moment’s reflection will reveal that, like the phrase: “I’m from Missouri,” this saying is an expression of unbelief. When we have seen a thing we need no longer believe it; it has been demonstrated to us. But when we hear [or read] a matter reported, we may either believe or doubt it. “Faith cometh by hearing.” And likewise hearing comes through what has been said. We believe, or doubt, what we hear and we hear what has been said.The Christian’s faith, then, comes by hearing (God) and hearing by the Word of God. All true Christian faith is founded on the Word of God.

Actually the word “hearing,” in Rom. 10:17, however, has the idea of heeding — paying attention, listening eagerly. This is why Gal. 3:5 speaks of “the hearing of faith.” And thus Eph. 1:13,referring to Christ, says: “In whom ye also trusted, having heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.” Thus, too, we read in John 5:24 the words of the Lord Jesus:

“HE THAT HEARETH MY WORD, AND BELIEVETH ON HIM THAT SENT ME, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE, AND SHALL NOT COME INTO JUDGMENT, BUT IS PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE.”

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Death In Adam or Life In Christ


For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.  (1 Co_15:21-22)

The new covenant of grace is a covenant of relationship. Spiritual death through Adam made this covenant of grace necessary. Spiritual life through Christ makes intimacy with God possible. Every human who has ever existed inherited a sinful, fallen, earthly life from Adam: "by man came death." Every person who has ever put their faith in Christ has received from Him a righteous, risen, heavenly life: "by Man [i.e., Jesus] also came the resurrection of the dead."

Adam began with a measure of intimacy with His Creator. "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being . . . Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it" (Gen_2:7, Gen_2:15). In the garden, Adam served the Lord and had fellowship with Him, when He would walk "in the garden in the cool of the day" (Gen_3:8.).

Adam could partake freely of all that was in the garden, except for one tree. "Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die" (Gen_2:17). For Adam, as for all of his race, "the wages of sin is death" (Rom_6:23). The day that Adam and Eve disobeyed and ate of the forbidden fruit, they died spiritually. "And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden" (Gen_3:8.). Whereas they had enjoyed a degree intimacy with Lord, they now fled from His presence. Ever after, the natural children of Adam would begin there existence "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph_2:1).

The only remedy for the spiritually dead human family would be through a relationship to a new "family head." "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned . . . if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many" (Rom_5:12, Rom_5:15). There are only two families to which humanity can belong: Adam's or Christ's. There are only two family head's to which anyone can be related: Adam or Christ. Adam passed along spiritual death to his offspring. Christ gives to his own life eternal, life abundant — all by His glorious grace.

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The Unpardonable Sin
Part 1 of 2
By Gregg Bing




"Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come." (Matt. 12:31-32)

The "sin and blasphemy against the (Holy) Spirit" that Jesus speaks of here is what is commonly referred to as the "unpardonable sin." Many people worry about committing such a sin, even today during this present age of grace. Can a person commit such a sin today? In order to answer this question, we need to determine just what this sin against the Holy Spirit is, and we need to look carefully at the context in which Jesus made this statement to see whether or not this passage of Scripture is even applicable to us today.

The first word in verse 31 is "therefore," a word that forces us to look back at the previous verses, for they form the basis for Jesus' statement in verses 31-32. In verse 22, we find Jesus healing a man who was demon-possessed, blind and mute. As the multitudes watched this miracle, they were amazed and asked, "Could this be the Son of David?" Why would they ask this question? When we look back at Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of Israel's Messiah, the One anointed by God to be their King, we find that when He comes to save Israel, He will perform wonderful miracles of healing.

"Say to those who are fearful-hearted, 'Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.' Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing ..." (Isa. 35:4-6)

When the multitudes saw Jesus heal the blind and the mute, they wondered if He could be the Son of David, their Messiah and King.

The Pharisees, who were the strictest sect of the Jew's religion, disputed this question posed by the multitudes and offered their own explanation for Jesus' miracles.

"This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons." (Matt. 12:24)

Jesus, knowing their thoughts, responded to this false statement. He reasoned with them saying, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation." Therefore, it would make no sense for Satan to cast out his own demons, for "How then will his kingdom stand?" (Matt. 12:25-26). Jesus also pointed out,

"If I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out?" (Matt. 12:27).

Not only was Jesus able to cast out demons, He had also given authority to His twelve apostles to do so as well, therefore, He told the Pharisees, "They shall be your judges" (Matt. 12:27 cf. Luke 22:28-30).

Then, Jesus declared,

"But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house." (Matt. 12:28-29)

The kingdoms of the world, even the world itself, are presently under the control and authority of Satan. At one point during Satan's temptations of Jesus, Satan took Him up on a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, saying, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish" (Luke 4:6). While Jesus rebuked Satan for demanding worship that is due to God and God alone, He did not dispute Satan's claim regarding his authority over the kingdoms of the world. Later, we find Jesus referring to Satan as "the prince of this world" on at least three different occasions (John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11).

One day, the Lord Jesus Christ will completely fulfill what is found in Matthew 12:29. He will enter the strong man's house, returning to the earth and entering this world which is currently ruled by Satan; He will bind the strong man, casting Satan into the bottomless pit and imprisoning him there for a thousand years (Rev. 20:1-3); and He will plunder the strong man's goods, for all "the kingdoms of this world" will become "the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Rev. 11:15).

In casting out demons by the Spirit of God, Jesus clearly demonstrated His power and His authority to take the kingdoms of this world from Satan's control and establish His own rule over all the earth. The presence of their King, living and working in their midst, should have been proof to Israel that the kingdom of God had come upon them.

Jesus then dealt with the position of the Pharisees, who, even at that time, were already plotting against Jesus to destroy Him (Matt. 12:14).

"He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad." (Matt. 12:30).

The Pharisees had already rejected Jesus as their King and refused to confess that He was the Christ, the Son of God. Instead of working with Him to lead the children of Israel into the kingdom of heaven, their opposition to the Lord Jesus Christ caused others in Israel to be scattered abroad. Later, Jesus pronounced woe upon this very same group of self-righteous religious leaders.

"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in." (Matt. 23:13)

As we can see from the context, there is certainly nothing that would lead us to try and apply Matthew 12:31-32 in this present dispensation of grace. This passage centers on the question of Jesus' authority as Israel's King, a fact that was clearly demonstrated through His power to cast out demons by the Holy Spirit. The people who are being dealt with are Jews, in particular the Pharisees, the religious leaders of Israel. The key issue is their response to Jesus' ability to cast out demons. Instead of acknowledging this to be the power of the Holy Spirit, they attributed this miracle, instead, to Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons; that is to Satan himself.

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The Unpardonable Sin
Part 2 of 2
By Gregg Bing

"Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come." (Matt. 12:31-32)

What did Jesus mean when He spoke of "the blasphemy against the Spirit" in these verses? The word "blasphemy" means to speak words which cause harm or injury to someone, that which hurts, particularly, the reputation. Jesus' words of warning regarding this sin against the Holy Spirit were directed specifically to the Pharisees, Israel's religious leaders. By asserting that Jesus' authority or power to cast out demons came from Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons, rather than from the Holy Spirit, the Pharisees clearly spoke blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29-30). Their words, however, were more than just words; they were a reflection of these men's hearts. Jesus went on to tell them in verse 34:

"Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."

These were evil men whose words reflected the feelings and intents of their hearts. As a result, we see them taking their stand "against" Jesus (Matt. 12:30), even plotting "how they might destroy them" (Matt. 12:14).

While Jesus' warning was spoken to the Pharisees, the warning was not issued to them just as individuals, but as rulers of the nation of Israel. As we look more closely at this passage in Matthew 12, we find that this sin against the Holy Spirit, which Jesus said would "not be forgiven men," was not a sin that could be committed by individuals, but one that an entire nation, the nation of Israel, would commit in response to God's offer of their promised kingdom.

When some of the scribes and Pharisees proceeded to tell Jesus, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You," He answered them, saying,

"An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." (Matt. 12:39)

Jesus was not referring to the Pharisees alone, but to the entire nation of Israel at that time, for the hearts of Israel's rulers were representative of the hearts of the people of Israel during that generation.

As Jesus would later stand before Pilate, the Roman procurator, into whose hands the Jewish rulers delivered Him, this evil and adulterous generation of Jews would cry out: "Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!" (John 19:15). Thus, the Lord of glory was crucified on the cruel cross of Calvary. Though it was God's determined will that Christ die on the cross for the sins of the whole world, the hands that delivered Him up were described by Peter as "wicked" or "lawless" hands (Acts 2:23).

Yet, as Jesus hung there on the cross, the first words that are recorded that He spoke were these,

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

Though that generation of the nation of Israel, had blasphemed the Son of Man, Jesus prayed for mercy and forgiveness for this sin, and we find His prayer is answered during the Acts period.

The ascended Lord Jesus Christ poured out the Holy Spirit upon the nation of Israel on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), just as the Old Testament prophets had foretold (Isa. 32:15, Ezek. 39:39, Joel 2:28-29, etc.). The twelve apostles, being filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, were sent to proclaim to Israel the truth concerning Jesus of Nazareth—that He was their Lord and Christ, and that though He had been crucified, God had raised Him from the dead. The Holy Spirit confirmed the truth of the apostles' message with accompanying signs (Mark 16:20).

During one of Peter's early messages, he brought this indictment against the people of Israel:

"You denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses." (Acts 3:14-15)

Peter went on to say, "Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers" (Acts 2:17). Here is the reason why that generation of Israel, including their rulers, was forgiven for their blasphemy against the Son of Man; it was just as Jesus had uttered from the cross: "They know not what they do."

During the Acts period, Israel was given another opportunity to repent and believe in Jesus as their Lord and Christ. The nation was instructed by Peter to:

"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before." (Acts 3:19-20)

If that generation of Israelites, as a nation, which would include their rulers, had repented of crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ, God would have sent Jesus Christ back to earth to establish His kingdom and Israel would have ruled and reigned with Him, just as they had been promised in the Old Testament Scriptures.

How did the nation of Israel respond? The priests and Sadducees laid hands on Peter and John, "being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead" (Acts 4:2). Though they could not deny the miracles that the apostles were working, they were determined to stop their preaching and so they commanded them, "not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus" (Acts 4:18.).

Continued

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The Unpardonable Sin
Part 2 of 2 Continued
By Gregg Bing

The twelve apostles refused to heed this command and continued their ministry in Jerusalem as the Holy Spirit worked through them.

Later, the Jewish leaders, filled with indignation, laid hands on all twelve of the apostles, put them in the common prison, and asked them,

"Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!" (Acts 5:28.)

Peter and the other apostles answered,

"We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him." (Acts 5:29-32)

When the Jewish leaders heard this response, "they were furious and plotted to kill them," but Gamaliel, a Jewish rabbi, was used of God to intervene on their behalf. So, the Jewish rulers had the apostles beaten, commanded them not to speak anymore in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Shortly after this, we find the Jewish leaders seized Stephen, a man "full of faith and the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5) who "did great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8.). Being unable "to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke," they brought him before the Sanhedrin (council of seventy Jewish rulers) and set up false witnesses against him who accused him of blasphemy. As Stephen gave his defense before these leaders of the nation, he concluded with these words:

"You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it." (Acts 7:51-53)

On hearing these words, the Jewish rulers "were cut to the heart and gnashed at him with their teeth" (Acts 7:54). They "cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him" (Acts 7:57-58.). Following Stephen's stoning, "a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles" (Acts 8:2).

Thus, the nation of Israel, led by their rulers, sinned against and blasphemed the Holy Spirit as He ministered through the twelve apostles, resisting His call to them to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. They had blasphemed the Son of Man, and yet were forgiven of this sin and given another opportunity to repent. But, when this generation of the nation of Israel blasphemed the Holy Spirit, they were not forgiven, and the offer of their kingdom was withdrawn.

This is the very situation dealt with in the book of Hebrews, chapter 6:

"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame." (Heb. 6:4-6)

With the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon them, Israel had been enlightened. They had "tasted the heavenly gift," having heard the "good word of God," the gospel of the kingdom, and having experienced the "powers of the age to come" (i.e. miracles that will be experienced during the kingdom, cf. Isa. 35). But, the nation "fell away" and rejected the truth of the Word and "crucified again for themselves the Son of God." They "trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which they were sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace" (Heb. 10:29). Having done this, it became "impossible" to renew them again to repentance. This did not mean that individual Jews could not still repent and be saved from their sins, only that the people of that generation would no longer have the opportunity to enter into the kingdom rest that had been promised to the nation of Israel.

This situation was foreshadowed back in the Old Testament at Kadesh Barnea (Num. 13-14). The children of Israel reached the border of the land God had promised to give them. Moses was led of God to send twelve spies into the land to see what it was like. All of the men said that the land was truly a land that "flows with milk and honey," but ten of the spies reported that the people of the land were strong and their cities fortified and very large, and they concluded, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we." Two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, disagreed, saying, "Let us go up at once, ... for we are well able to overcome ... the Lord is with us." When the people of Israel rejected the testimony of Joshua and Caleb, that God was able to give them the land, and listened, instead, to the other ten spies who said, "we are not able," then God pronounced judgment upon the people. They would not be allowed to enter the land He had promised them, but would, instead, wander in the wilderness until that unbelieving generation died off. When the people heard this judgment from God, they tried, on their own, to enter the land, but they were driven back. They could not enter in for the Lord was not with them. The promise of rest in the land had been withdrawn from that generation.

This is what Jesus was referring to in Matthew 12:32 when He warned Israel that, "whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come." That generation of the nation of Israel, having rejected the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and then the ministry of the Holy Spirit, were never forgiven as a nation and could not enter into their kingdom. It will be a new generation, a still future generation of that nation, that will one day "look upon Him whom they pierced" and "mourn for Him." They will receive Him as their Lord and Christ and finally receive their kingdom promises.

So we see that Matthew 12:31-32 is not speaking of an "unpardonable sin" that individuals can commit today. The Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross and paid the penalty for all our sins. When we trust in Him as Savior, we are "made alive together with Him" and forgiven of "all trespasses" (Col. 2:13).

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WHAT IN THE WORLD?
By Les Feldick Ministries


In Matthew 24:3, the disciples asked about signs of the end. Jesus' direct answer in verse four was, let no man deceive you. In other words, one of the signs is deception or confusion. Now, Matthew 24 is totally tribulation ground, but the world has been warned for end time events. So, even though we are not seeing the super-natural events of the tribulation which are truly prophesied (i.e. the 2 witnesses of Revelation 11), common sense tells us the world cannot be made ready for the appearance of the Anti-christ and the False Prophet over night. So, we are naturally witnessing all the preparations. I have often likened it to getting ready before the curtain goes up. Therefore, when Jesus warned of deceivers, it follows that we can see that beginning to happen before the tribulation begins.

One of the many deceptions cascading on the Christian community like an avalanche, is the claim that the Body of Christ will go into or even through the tribulation.

The one cord that binds all these deceivers together is the rejection of Paul's Apostleship. For Paul alone reveals the doctrines, practices and the end of the Body on earth. For example, Paul alone reveals a salvation based on faith and faith alone in the finished work of the Cross; how Christ died for the sins of the whole world; how that His shed Blood and our faith in it brings justification; how the power of His resurrection is imparted to us when we believe; how that Jew and Gentile are saved the same way; etc. Paul alone gives instructions concerning Deacons (no one else uses the term) and alone gave instructions for the local church. So, also, Paul alone teaches us the end of the Body of Christ on earth. Consequently, Paul alone gives us the Scriptures concerning what many now ridicule - the rapture or the catching up of the Church which is His Body. The language of I Corinthians 15:51-54, I Thessalonians 4:13-18, II Thessalonians 2:1-3 cannot be found anywhere else in our Bible.

Every book that listeners send me advocating a later out-calling mixes these verses with all other verses that apply only to the Second Coming when Christ will stand on the Mount of Olives. If you mix Paul's doctrine concerning the rapture of the Church with the Second Coming, then you mix law and Grace. And, when you mix law and Grace, Satan smiles and God is grieved.

In II Timothy, Paul paints a vivid picture of America today. But, in Titus 2:13, he gives us the Blessed Hope of the believer - the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. I have to believe we are getting close. I trust none of you will be "left behind."

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HEART OF THE MATTER
By Miles Stanford



"That I may know Him" (Phil. 3:10).

Immaturity is selfish; maturity is selfless. "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). "The question for the tried and tempted, the harassed and oppressed, is this: 'Which would you rather have, the power of Christ's hand in deliverance from trial, or the sympathy of His heart in the midst of trial?' The carnal mind, the unsubdued heart, the restless spirit, will, no doubt, at once exclaim, 'Oh! let Him only put forth His power and deliver me from this insupportable trial, this intolerable burden, this crushing difficulty. I sigh for deliverance. I only want deliverance.'

"But the spiritual mind, the subdued heart, the lowly spirit, will say, and that without a single particle of reserve, 'Let me only enjoy the sweet company of the heart of the Lord Jesus Christ in my trial, and I ask no more. I do not want even the power of His hand to deprive me of one drop of consolation supplied by the tender love and profound sympathy of His heart. I know He can deliver me, but if He does not see fit to do so, if it does not fall in with His unsearchable counsels, and harmonize with His wise and faithful purpose concerning me so to do, I know it is only to lead me into a deeper and richer realization of His most precious sympathy.''' - C.H.M.

"The same faith that sees glory for us at the end of the path sees God for us all through the path. This is the secret of real strength. What unbelief does is to compare ourselves and our own strength with circumstances. What faith does is to compare God with circumstances."

"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ" (II Cor. 1:5).

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COLOSSIANS 3:1

"If (since) ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."



NOT HOW, BUT WHO!
By M. Stanford


We never question how He works, once we know Him for who He is. When I gain the treasure of knowing Him I can well afford to trust Him.

The heart that is captivated by an object could never be at rest until it was with the one who had won it; for satisfaction you must be where He is. Love really does not think of anyone but its object until it is quite sure of its place with Him, and then when at rest about itself it studies the mind and heart of the Object.

I find that Christ loved me, and gave Himself for me when I was in a most unattractive state; but He makes me suitable to Himself, and I am so assured of the permanency of His love and of my association with Him that my heart is free to study Him. The more I am in His company, the more I acquire the tastes and characteristics which answer to His mind.

There is an amazing effect of beholding the Lord's glory. You may be transformed from some old taste without even feeling it; but you are transformed!  and you cannot tell how. It is not the process that occupies you, but you are engrossed with the Lord. We are united to the glorified Lord where He is at home, and, blessed by God, that is our home, our life is there.



"Your life is hid with Christ in God (Col. 3:3)

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Strengthened by Grace


Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  (2 Ti_2:1)
Great strength is necessary for living as God intends. The grace of our Lord Jesus is where that strength is to be found. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." Some of the specific reasons why we need strength are listed here in the immediate context of this verse.

Part of our calling as believers in Christ is passing on to others the biblical truths that God has taught us. "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Ti_2:2). Disciplining others in God's truth can be demanding and discouraging. Strength is needed. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

Another aspect of our life as disciples of Jesus is functioning as spiritual soldiers. "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Ti_2:3). We are the Lord's warriors in a worldwide, lifelong spiritual battle. The battle has been won by our Commander, Jesus. However, the enemy will not stop striking back until he is confined forever.  As Jesus' soldiers, we face many hardships. Again, strength is needed. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

Another perspective on following Jesus is that of an athlete."And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules" (2 Ti_2:5). As it is in athletics, the Christian life requires discipline, training, and the exertion of great measures of energy. Yet again, strength is needed. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

One additional analogy of our life in Christ is that of a farmer. "The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops" (2 Ti_2:6). As with farmers, we are to sow the seed of the word upon people's hearts. We are to water the seed through prayer. We are to reap a harvest of righteousness. Farming is strenuous work. Once more, strength is needed. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

How wonderful that God did not limit His grace to justification. We need it just as much for sanctification. We need His grace to strengthen us for the extraordinary spiritual roles that God has for us as disciplers, soldiers, athletes, and farmers. For all of this the only sufficient resource is to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

O Lord of all might and power, I desire to be a faithful discipler, a sacrificial soldier, a disciplined runner, and a laboring farmer. Lord this sounds so right, so good. Yet,You know that I am intimidated by it all as well. I hear the call, and I want to respond; but my strength is so inadequate. So, I look to You and implore You to strengthen me by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, Amen.

[nChrist]

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Jesus Christ, Our Only Foundation



According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  (1 Co_3:10-11)

Another wonderful blessing in Christ is the foundation that He provides for all who live by His grace. As with buildings, lives also need solid foundations. Our foundation is a person, Jesus. "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." By the grace of God enabling him, Paul ministered the gospel of Jesus Christ. "According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation." In doing this, he was laying the only reliable spiritual ground for living as God intended. So many people attempt to lay other foundations for their lives. Some turn to earthly riches. Others hope in human wisdom. Others put their confidence in personal power and influence. Such vain pursuits are like attempting to construct a building upon shifting, sinking sand.

Our lives need a rock foundation. It has always been the Father's purpose to provide such for His people. David experienced this through his pilgrimage, as he trusted in the Lord. "From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (Psa_61:2). In the most extreme situations on earth, when circumstances were overwhelming him, David cried out to His God. He looked to the Lord to be to him a rock upon which he could stand above the rolling waves of impossibility. "He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved" (Psa_62:6). David stood on the Lord alone as his solid spiritual ground. Standing by faith he would not be destroyed.

Of course, the ultimate expression of God being a rock to His people would be in the coming of the Son of God to earth as a man. This great plan the Lord promised through Isaiah. "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily" (Isa_28:16). Jesus is that proven, priceless, and secure foundation. Now, all who stand on Him by faith will not be driven about frantically, searching for solid ground on which to plant their feet.

O Lord my rock, You are the only foundation that I will ever need for my life. I have tried to stand on so many things that proved to be sinking sand. Lord, I want to place all of my hope for spiritual stability in You. When circumstances threaten to inundate me, be to me my rock of refuge in the storm, Amen.

[nChrist]

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God’s Word at our Fingertips
Part ONE
By Chuck Schiedler





‘The Bible is the Word of God.’ These words so easily roll off of our tongue. But, what does this expression really mean? Volumes have been written over many centuries attempting to explain how Christians should view Scripture based on the claims found within its pages. Practically speaking, however, the central matter is how each believer understands the nature of the biblical record and how this belief should influence his or her everyday life.

Because of this, I would like to take a fresh approach to this subject. Instead of submitting statements I think are true and using quotes from the Bible for support, I will first analyze passages relevant to the topic in order to present their findings. Then, I will offer practical applications suggested by these teachings. In addition, I will focus on significant ramifications connected with Christian conviction and practice. My goal is to stimulate the reader to examine their heart in regard to how each views biblical teaching. It is my hope this evaluation will encourage more study time in His Word so each person can be increasingly directed by the truth he or she individually sees written.

Throughout the years, certain passages have personally challenged me with regard to how I should be impacted by teachings from the Bible. Based on this experience, I have chosen to concentrate on seven contexts from the Letters of Paul and Peter as well as the Book of Hebrews. Though, there are many other passages which could have been considered in relation to this topic. Join me in considering various Scriptures which pertain to the idea we have direct access to God’s written will.

Second Timothy 3:16-17
The first passage of consideration is also one of the most quoted. It reads, “Every scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, in order that the man of God might be equipped, having been fully equipped for every good work.” Referencing God’s revelation, Paul begins by focusing on “every scripture”. This phrase is singular in number so it emphasizes every particular Scripture is “God-breathed”.

The word translated “God-breathed” is an adjective describing the nature of the Scripture. It is commonly and well translated by the phrase “given by inspiration of God” (KJV). It could also be translated given by the Spirit of God. Note how the English word ‘inspire’ is partly built from the word “spirit”. The Greek word for “Spirit” refers to the movement of air such as breath. So the literal meaning of the word ‘inspire’ is to breathe in. What this verse intends to convey is God breathed His Word into the authors who wrote “every scripture” or men were caused to write “every scripture” as they were prompted by the Spirit of God.


Therefore, each Scripture has its source from God not any man. He simply used men as couriers to write down His will for mankind.

A second adjective describing the nature of “every scripture” is the word “profitable” which means it is beneficial for numerous applications. The first application for which Scripture benefits believers is the understanding of God’s “teaching”. In His Word, we learn His instructions regarding what is true and false; right and wrong. Also, every God-sourced Scripture is profitable for “reproof”. At its root, this word means exposure. After evil is exposed by illumination from Scripture, this wrong can be reproved or rebuked (Eph. 5:11;
1 Tim. 5:20; Titus 1:13).

[nChrist]

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God’s Word at our Fingertips
Part TWO
By Chuck Schiedler


Scripture is not only used for pointing out sin, it is also “profitable . . . for correction”. This word is derived from the noun meaning straight. Just as an orthodontist straightens teeth to correct alignment problems, the Scripture can fully re-straighten immoral character in our lives back to the godlike quality of our created state. The last mentioned application of Scripture is “for training in righteousness”. The noun translated “training” is related to the Greek word for “child”, so it speaks of discipline associated with raising a child. We are the children of God, so He wants us to submit ourselves to His will so we can be reoriented concerning how we are to please Him.


When we are initially saved, we find ourselves living entirely in the flesh while practicing sinful thoughts and desires. As we come to gradually know God’s will through the “God-breathed” Scriptures, a foundation is laid enabling us to progress on the journey He has prepared for us. This involves coming to know His teaching so our sinful actions can be exposed and changed into conformity to His character while we undergo His spiritual training. This transformation brings us to a moral plane where the potential to live in alignment with His will exists (Eph. 2:10).


The stated purpose for which verse 16 gives Christians this groundwork is “in order that the man of God might be equipped, having been fully equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17). The noun “equipped” means completed or perfected. The English words “artisan” and “artist” are derived from this Greek root describing individuals who are equipped to accomplish their craft or artwork. In the same way, every “man of God” can be “equipped” to perform His will by using the “God-breathed” Scripture designed to benefit believers for this task. The word translated “man” is a generic term referring to both men and women. And, the verb of being translated “might be” is in the subjunctive mode indicating every single Christian has the potential to be “equipped” if they seek to apply Scripture to their lives according to its capabilities listed in the previous verse.


In the last phrase of verse 17, the participle “fully equipped” is found in the perfect, passive form. The perfect tense indicates a person can be equipped by the Scripture to attain a morally outfitted status which remains in effect. The passive voice tells us this equipping happens to us by an outside force – the Holy Spirit. And, this word is translated “fully equipped”. Believers can obtain this preparation by gaining Spirit-supported understanding while taking God’s Word at face value. Then we need to implement this same divine power to convert this knowledge into action in order to launch us on a course of perfecting “every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17).


First Thessalonians 2:13
Speaking to the believers at Thessalonica, Paul said, “And on account of this we also give thanks to God unceasingly, because as those who have received the message of God heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but according as it is truly the word of God, which also is working in you who believe.” This statement follows a context which records how well the believers in this town received the message proclaimed by Paul, Silvanus and Timothy (1 Thess. 1:6-10). Then, a full paragraph follows which details how Paul and his associates effectively conducted their ministry among the Thessalonians. They had success with giving a bold, God-fearing presentation of the gospel because it was accompanied by pure motives, visible sincerity, humility, a demonstration they were not seeking personal gain, and an affectionate treatment of these Christians like family (2:1-12).


The demonstrative pronoun translated “this” occurring in the neuter gender refers to a concept in the former context (1 Thess. 2:13). The concept Paul thanks God for unceasingly is these Christians’ comprehensive reception of the message which was preached to them. Proof of this welcome is illustrated by how the gospel had become incorporated into their entire lifestyle (1:7-10). Then, Paul says they “accepted it not as the word of men, but according as it is truly the word of God.” The words translated “of men” and “of God” both occur in the genitive case, the case of association, indicating these people associated the message they heard as being directly from God. They did not think the gospel shared with them had its origin with these men.


In order for this attitude to materialize, there had to be a divine force working to arouse those who received the gospel. Other Scriptures give evidence this was God moving them by His Spirit (Acts 13:48; 2 Cor. 3:1-3, 6; Titus 3:5). As a result, these believers did not receive this message as some psychological communication or humanly generated wisdom to be equated or compared with other philosophies originating from men. But, it was accepted as absolute truth originating from the Creator of the universe.

[nChrist]

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God’s Word at our Fingertips
Part Three
By Chuck Schiedler


As the text continues, it further describes the gospel by saying, “which also is working in you who believe.” The verb translated “is working in” literally means just that, and when it is transliterated into English we get the word “energize”. Since this word occurs in the present tense, it indicates the message constantly energizes in those who believe it, producing an ongoing spiritual effect in their lives. This influence is from God’s revelation being uniquely invigorated by the Holy Spirit unlike other spoken or written messages with which they had come into contact. Every Christian can individually attest to the impact this same message has had on them since their initial belief was and continuing response is prompted by the Holy Spirit behind the humanly observable scene (1 Thess. 1:4-5).


Second Peter 1:20-21
This passage reads, “Knowing this first that every prophecy of scripture does not come about from its own explanation; for no prophecy was once carried forth by the will of a man, but men spoke from God while being carried along by the Holy Spirit.” As in First Thessalonians 2:13, the neuter demonstrative pronoun translated “this” refers to a concept found in the above context – how divinely given prophesies became “scripture”. Peter first gives an example of personally hearing the voice of God say, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased”, which is also recorded in three of the Gospel Accounts (1 Pet. 1:17; Matt. 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35). Then, he refers to all prophecies including his own record in this Letter when he says, “And we have a more confirmed prophetic word . . .” (1:19).


Peter uses the word “first” to emphasize what follows is the fundamental point which explains how these prophesies originate (v. 20). Then he says, every single (singular in number) “prophesy of scripture does not come about from its own explanation”. The word translated “explanation” is rendered “interpretation” in most English Translations. However, it is translated “motion” in both the 1557 Geneva New Testament and 1568 Bishop’s Bible. In addition, the most basic meaning attributed to this word by Liddell and Scott’s Greek-English Lexicon, based on its usage in New Testament times, is release. The noun “s” occurs only here in the New Testament. However, the verb form is found in two other passages, which help define its meaning.**

Before summing up the combined meaning of the words and grammar in verse 20, the contribution of two more words is significant. First, the verb of being translated “does . . . come about” means to come into existence.


** In Mark 4:34, Jesus uses the verb to explain what His parables meant to His disciples. That is, He released the meaning when He explained His analogies to them. Then, in Acts 19:39, the same verb is used in reference to determining a settlement in a “lawful assembly”. This passage refers to some kind of a court hearing in which a verdict would be rendered based on the evidence. That is, they would release a decision which would be a legal explanation based on the testimony.


The second key word rendered “from its own” is a possessive. Occurring in the feminine gender, it modifies the phrase “every prophecy” indicating no single prophecy came into existence on its own or by itself. The genitive case form of this possessive indicates no prophecy came about in association with “its own explanation”. Based on all of these individual elements, an expanded literal translation of this verse is: “knowing this fundamental point that no single prophesy of scripture comes into existence in association with its own explanation.” The translation “private motion” found in the above two cited early English Versions support this conclusion. Introducing the idea of human “interpretation” into this verse, which is not supported by the Greek grammar, tends to focus the reader on how men explain the meaning of these prophecies. However, a literal rendering focuses on how “every prophecy” surfaced with no natural “explanation” of how its release came about.


So how were these prophecies set into motion through the writers of Scripture? The next verse answers this question, “for no prophecy was once carried forth by the will of a man, but men spoke from God while being carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21). The conjunction translated “for” is commonly used to indicate information is coming which expands upon the thought being discussed. Then, to amplify on verse 20, the word translated “carried” used twice in verse 21 is central toward explaining how these prophesies came about.


The first occurrence rendered “was . . . carried forth” is the aorist passive form of the verb which means to bear or carry involving the idea of motion. The thought expressed in the first phrase is “no prophecy was once” set into motion “by the will of a man”. In other words, no prophecy originated out of a person’s head, being initiated by his or her “will”. In contrast to this, we are told; “but men spoke from God while being carried along by the Holy Spirit” (v. 21). The participle translated “being carried along” has the word “men” as its subject. But, since this word is in the passive voice it indicates these men were being set in motion by a force outside of themselves to deliver these prophecies. This initiating power is stated as “the Holy Spirit”. Because this word also occurs in present tense form, it specifies the Holy Spirit is the consistent force directing them during the reception of each prophecy “from God”.


When believers acknowledge biblical content is the accurate will of God, only then can it be trusted as a superior standard designed to guide our lives. If we allow thoughts initiated by the mind of men, including our own, to approach equal authority with His Word, we begin descending on the slippery slope of relying on humanly devised ideas to form our concepts of reality. Needless to say, this enters us into the realm of relativism – a place where absolute standards do not exist. In this philosophical position, spiritual confidence is not possible. This arena promotes the concept that one opinion or idea is just as valid as the next. Sadly, this kind of secular rational creates ‘the truths’ most people depend on to conduct their lives, including far too many Christians. From the biblical standpoint, thought arising from any human source cannot produce spiritual enlightenment, but merely endorses false teaching which is not “according to Christ” and is nurtured by the Devil’s deception (Eph. 4:14; Col. 2:8.).

[nChrist]

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God’s Word at our Fingertips
Part 4
By Chuck Schiedler


Hebrews 4:12
This Scripture follows a context discussing how people can enter into God’s rest because of their association with salvation through Jesus Christ. It reads, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than every two edged sword and piercing until the division of soul and spirit, and of both joints and marrow; and able to judge the emotions and thoughts of the heart.”


Three things in this verse personify “the word of God”. The participle translated “living” is in the present tense indicating the Word constantly flourishes. The noun rendered “active” is built on the same root word appearing in First Thessalonians 2:13, which means it is energetic or works in us. Also, the Word is described as being “sharper than every two edged sword”. These three designations together affirm the Holy Spirit is working in the background to make the Word of God alive within us so it can actively perform its metaphorical carving ability which consistently enables us to interpret our character and actions.


With its sharp spiritual capacity, “the word of God” can pierce “until the division of soul and spirit”. Soul and spirit are two of three entities which make up the essence of who we are as human beings. The other part is our “body” (1 Thess. 5:23). Our “soul” is the part of us which encompasses the totality of physical life. Animals also are said to possess this “life” when God made them on the fifth day of creation (Gen. 1:20-21). The “soul” includes our thoughts, expressions, emotions, and conscience, which are active only when our body is alive.The “spirit” is what sets men apart from animal life. It is the foundation of our human element which was distinctly created in the “image” of God (Gen. 1:26-27). This dimension makes up man’s moral consciousness and enables us to have a relationship with God. Character, motives and attitudes, shaped by moral choice, are central to this portion of our being. Since the corrupting consequences of Adam’s sin, mankind has been alienated from the Creator while occupying a spiritually dead state because of transgressions and sin (Rom. 5:12-14; Eph. 2:1-3; Col. 1:21). However, when a person is made alive in Christ, his or her spirit once again becomes responsive to the moral directives of the Father (Rom. 8:15; Eph. 2:5; 4:23).


After becoming a Christian, how can a person tell whether they are being controlled by the “soul”, our “natural man” which “does not receive the things of the Spirit of God” (1 Cor. 2:14), or by the “spirit”, which enables us to recognize God as our Father and to be renewed toward conformity with His character? This verse teaches us it is “the word of God” which pierces deep enough so we can perceive the divisions between these two parts of our being. The only way we can assess whether or not our thoughts arise from the spiritual realm is to examine them by biblical truth defining how we can walk in a manner pleasing to Him. If we do not use this barometer of His righteousness, we will naturally gravitate toward our current sinful state. We will walk in our “old man”, producing the “works of the flesh” from the soul (Gal. 5:16-19; Eph. 4:22).


The last phrase in Hebrews 4:12, says the “word . . . is able to judge the emotions and thoughts of the heart”. The adjective “able to judge” transliterates into English as the word “critical”. It describes the evaluating ability the Word of God possesses. The word translated “emotions”  literally means inner deep feelings. It refers to intentions originating from the feelings of our natural man, as indicated by its other three uses in the New Testament (Matt. 9:4; 12:25; Acts 17:29). The word translated “thoughts” is built from the preposition, meaning in, and the noun, meaning the mind. These are thoughts developed in our mind which can be aligned with God’s will if they are guided by a Spirit-led approach to His Word. Peter uses this word when he tells believers to “implement the same mindset” as Christ did in order to stop sinning (1 Pet. 4:1).


Finally, the meaning of the word “heart” is significant in order to grasp what this verse communicates. The heart is the center of being from which we express ourselves. It is no accident the common sayings ‘Heart of our being’ or ‘From the heart’ are used to define the place from which we act. We were given “the word of God” so that we can have the ability to judge what is coming out of our heart. Are the ideas controlling our heart “emotions” or “thoughts” surfacing from our sin-controlled flesh? Or, are they expressions reinforced by the revealed truth given by God? Because we still live in bodies deeply affected by sin, the only way we can be sure our “thoughts” or “emotions” are properly oriented with God’s ideals is to evaluate them by the divine critique found in His Word.


Because our sinful nature is so strong, it takes a great deal of effort to effectively apply the Word in order to “judge” our own actions. However, God has provided power through the Spirit to make this possible (1 Cor. 2:6-16; Eph. 5:17-18.). With the Spirit’s help we can allow God’s thoughts to direct our mind in order to forge a humble confidence within us and to aid us in progressing toward the purpose for which we were created – conformity with His image (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10).


Applying the truth in this verse to its immediate context helps us understand part of the process needed to enter into a position of “rest” in regard to our salvation and to grow in this newly acquired spiritual state (Heb. 4:1-11; 5:11-14). In Conclusion, this passage teaches God gives us the ability through His divinely energized Word to assess whether our thoughts or actions are moral in His presence.