GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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~Daily Inspirational~   A HIGHER CALLING    JANUARY 15, 2007


A HIGHER CALLING
By Mel Flogel

REALITY


The pursuit of happiness is said to be part of the American dream. No doubt, whether consciously or subconsciously, pursuing happiness, and pursuing wealth or at least a feeling of financial security are part of the goals and dreams of us in the USA. Add to this a desire to have or maintain good health.

For many of us, these are pursuits and may remain that way, simply a dream and a goal never reached. For others, this pursuit has become more like a rat race at times. And as one person has said, "It's been a real rat race here, and the rats are winning". Nevertheless, these motivations have brought about many accomplishments by us as a people.

But I submit to you that there is much more to life than this, that there is a much higher calling to each one of us individuals, a much more motivational power available to us. And what's more it is close to each one of us, and not just a dream. I'm talking about a relationship with God so personal that He takes up residence in your very being. We have some big words for this including: salvation, righteousness, redemption, justification and reconciliation. All of these terms, clearly defined can help us to understand it, and appreciate it, and often times to get it in the first place.

But has Jesus Christ taken up actual residence in your very being? I do not ask you if you understand the concept, rather, I ask you, Do you have the reality of Christ in you? Have you experienced the indwelling of God in the person of Jesus Christ? Has the Spirit of God born witness with your spirit that you belong to Him? Have you received the Spirit of adoption Who gives you the sense and assurance that God is your Father by relationship? Do you know (by experience) what it means to be "in the Spirit" and not merely "in the flesh "?

In Paul's gospel, we find God using "great plainness of speech" and asking straight forward questions like this. God wants us to know where we stand with Him. Paul said, "examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates? II Corinthians 13:5)

Unlike the American dream, which can remain that way, only a dream, God's desire is for each one of us to have the reality of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" which is the seal of peace with God, sins forgiven, and eternal life. Paul explains this by saying "you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest (or down payment) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory ", (Ephesians 1:13-14)

to be continued

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~   A HIGHER CALLING - PART 2     JANUARY 16, 2007


A HIGHER CALLING - Part 2
By - Mel Flogel -

CLOSE BY

Secondly, unlike the American dream, God has brought salvation close to each one of us. In Romans 10:6, Paul announces, "say not in thine heart, who shall ascend into heaven? (That is to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead). But what saith it? The word is near thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. "

What Paul is saying, is that now because of the finished work of Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection, He has made salvation, righteousness, justification, redemption, and eternal life as close as believing the words. Now, the operation of God goes like this, "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. " (Ephesians 1:13) And again in Ephesians 2:13, Paul declares "But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made nigh (near) by the blood of Christ. " So, much more than a dream, God's calling is a reality and rather than a far off hope, all the spiritual blessings of salvation and sonship are as close to us as believing.

A SURE THING

Thirdly, the American dream holds no promise of being a sure thing, but look at what our Lord Jesus Christ announces thru Paul, "Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed." (Romans 4:16) During this present dispensation, believing sets a process in motion. Paul called it conformation predestination. In Romans 8:29-39, he explains "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long: we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

So then, the promise of eternal life, righteousness, salvation, redemption, justification, and glorification are a sure thing for the one who believes. Once we believe, we become a member of the church which is the body of Christ. Each of these members is now predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ.

Salvation during this present dispensation of grace is all about the love of Christ for us, not our love for Him. Our love for Him is only a reflection of gratitude for His great love and longsuffering toward us.

These wonderful and sure promises are made possible because of two things. First it's possible because of the all-sufficient sacrifice made to God for our sins (called propitiation) (see Romans 3:25) which was made by our Lord Jesus Christ in Calvary's cross. Secondly, these promises, and this conformation process is possible because of the Holy Spirit's power and work in us after we believe. That's why Paul said, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6) and "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

There is a teaching and a power which comes automatically to us when we believe. That's why Paul could say, "But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus; that ye put off the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:20-24) And again to Titus, Paul wrote "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." (Titus 2:11-12) So we have good news from our Lord Jesus Christ which was announced "afterwards" (Galatians 3 :23) thru Paul that is a "sure" thing.

to be continued

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~   A HIGHER CALLING - PART 3     JANUARY 17, 2007


A HIGHER CALLING - CONCLUSION
By - Mel Flogel -



THE OPPORTUNITY FOR CHALLENGE & REWARD

Paul announced salvation as a sure thing to every one who believes during this present dispensation of grace. He proclaimed that in our Lord Jesus Christ "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power." And that (positionally speaking) God already "hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:5-6). So, positionally speaking, God now sees us as hidden in Christ so that when He looks at us He sees Christ. "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:3-4) Yet, the challenge to us is now to live like it. Paul exhorts us to live a life that fits one who possesses such a gift already. To the Corinthians he wrote "And that he (Christ) died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them and rose again." (II Corinthians 5:15) And "that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart" (Ephesians 4:17-18.)

So the challenge from our Lord Jesus Christ is now to follow Paul in this and "Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children" (Ephesians 5:1) And to seek perfection the way Paul did as he states, ''Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14)

Paul said, "I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereon." "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble, every man's work shall be made manifest for the day shall declare it because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide (remain) which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire.  (I Corinthians 3:1 0,12-15)

These are things which God has brought close to us, and within our reach. Eternal life, the reality of relationship with God, salvation as a sure thing to anyone who believes, and in this present life, the challenge to live as a possessor of the inheritance with the promise of reward for doing so.

So why not choose the gospel of the grace of God and believe. Set in motion, in your very being, the power of God's conformation process and become a possessor of the life of God and of the inheritance of eternal life by trusting in the shed blood of Jesus Christ as the only payment for sins, trusting in Him as the only way of salvation. You'll be glad you did!

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~    ALL-ESSENTIAL SPIRIT   JANUARY 18, 2007


ALL-ESSENTIAL SPIRIT
By Miles Stanford



"Ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit" (Rom. 8:9).

It requires more faith concerning the Spirit than concerning the Son.

"The believer, having received 'the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus,' comes under the influence of the 'law' of that Spirit (Rom. 8:2). The operating principle of 'the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus' ever works in the direction of profound self-judgment, and of the consciousness that we have in the Lord Jesus not only righteousness, but a divine Source of satisfaction and strength.

"This 'law' operates not to give a sense of claim (law), but of divine gift (grace) and resource and support. And thus it makes the one in whom it operates free from 'the law of sin and death.' It gives the consciousness that divine goodness is an unfailing resource for our hearts, and that all the treasures of that goodness are stored up in Christ Jesus, that we may learn them there, and find the life of our spirits in the growing knowledge of Him." -C.A.C.

"'The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus' made me 'free from the law of sin and death' - not 'the life,' but 'the Spirit of life,' -not our effort, but divine strength; not self-occupation, but occupation with Him in whom we are before the Father, and in whom the divine favor rests upon us full and constant, because on Him it rests."---F.W.G.

"'The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death' (Rom. 8:2). There is the substitution of the power of the Spirit for the power of a right will and human effort, the substitution therefore of occupation with the glorified Lord Jesus Christ for occupation with spiritual growth; for then and thus alone is growth obtained." ---F.W.G..

"Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh " (Gal. 5:16).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~     THE JOY OF FAITH        JANUARY 19, 2007


THE JOY OF FAITH
By Miles Stanford



"Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Pet. 1:8 ).

Although both faith and joy are included in 'the fruit of the Spirit,' joy can only flourish upon the foundation of faith. When faith is present and active, favorable circumstances are not necessary for joy; trials and tribulations cannot daunt it.

"There are some Christians who seem to be afraid of enjoying all the rays of the Son of Righteousness. They are afraid of being too happy. Perhaps some of us have not really considered that 'joy' is itself a part of that fruit by which the Father is glorified. There is nothing to be gained by despondency. Doubts are not marks of humility; unbelief is really evidence of pride. And there is no cloud that so effectively shuts out the glad sunshine of our gracious Father's face as the thick cloud of unbelief."---E.H.

"Although as to His circumstances the Lord Jesus was the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief, yet He had a joy always before His eyes. But we never find Him rejoicing in anything but the will of His Father. 'I delight to do Thy will' was His true testimony. So may we 'rejoice in the Lord' though all is dark around, with the joy of faith that sees the unseen and looks beyond the present and temporal to the eternal." ---G.G.

"The Old Testament believer had joy for God's gifts to him. God's power made things here contribute to him. But the Christian's joy is in heaven and springs from what the Father is to him there. He demands nothing from this world, but in the life of the Lord Jesus he contributes to it, of the grace that nourishes and com-forts him outside it." -J.B.S.

"Blessed are the people that know the joyful sound; they shall walk, 0 Lord, in the light of Thy countenance. In thy Name shall they rejoice all the day" (Ps.89:15,16).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~    FROM FIRST TO LAST ADAM       JANUARY 20, 2007


FROM FIRST TO LAST ADAM
By Miles Stanford


"For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace" (Heb. 13:9).

Thorough and intelligent establishment in the principle of grace concerning one's justification (re-birth) is the necessary footing for reliance upon the same principle for one's sanctification (growth). Unless the former is well settled, the latter will be badly unsettled.

"When the Lord Jesus has once died and risen, He is through with sin forever.. He is now living in the eternal light of His Father's face. He is our Adam, our life. We died in Him. We were raised in Him. Through our death with Him at Calvary we have escaped forever from the old Adam life. Our feelings have nothing to do with it. It was all accomplished at the Cross.

"We dare not deny God's Word. He says we died with Christ. We can cry triumphantly, when we know: 'I died unto sin with the Lord Jesus on the Cross, two thousand years ago! I reckon myself what the Father says I am in His Son - dead unto sin and alive unto God. Sin has no claim on me in the Lord Jesus, and cannot have dominion over me, as I yield myself to my Father in this wonderful new revelation of yielding myself to God, as one who is alive from the dead' (Rom. 6:13). Thus will we begin to find how true and how tremendous is the deliverance that is in the Lord Jesus for us. And thus alone will we really honor the grace of God." ---W.R.N.

"There is no way to a full abiding fellowship with our Father, but through the rent veil of the flesh; through a life with the old man crucified in the Lord Jesus. God be praised that the Holy Spirit ever dwells in us to keep the old man in the place of crucifixion and condemnation, and to give us progressive liberty from all the old."---A.M.

"As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly" (1 Cor. 15:49).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~      LAW VS. GRACE       JANUARY 21, 2007


LAW VS. GRACE - Part 1
By John Steiner


Romans 4:15, clearly states that "the law worketh wrath." But so many people do not wish to see this. Even some clergymen tell us that God gave the law to help us be good, when God speaking through Paul the apostle says the very opposite: that it was given to show us how bad we are and need a Savior. Could it be that some do not wish to  see themselves as law breakers? Or, as a person who stands guilty and condemned by the law of God?

"The law worketh wrath." You know every criminal knows this, and every sinner should too because the Bible has so much to say on the subject. A criminal understands that breaking the law has a consequence (especially if he's doing jail time for it). And in the Bible, breaking God's law always carried with it a consequence.

After the penalty for our sin was paid by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, He chose to reveal insight to man regarding the purpose and intent of the law. Through Paul, God now shows us what the purpose was and is to bring about "the ministration of condemnation" and "the ministration of death." (II Corinthians 3:7, 9) It was to stop every bragging mouth, and bring us before God as we really are: guilty. "Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and ALL THE WORLD MAY BECOME GUILTY BEFORE GOD. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: FOR BY THE LAW IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF SIN." (Romans 3:19-20)

Paul said, "I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, 'Thou shalt not covet .' But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I FOUND TO BE UNTO DEATH." (Romans 7:7-10)

By the way, who would be considered under the law today? Would it not be anyone who seeks to make himself acceptable to God by keeping the law? In Galatians 3:10-14, Paul tells us that these people are under a curse. The law only condemns them. "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that NO MAN is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, 'The just shall live by faith. "

Here Paul quotes the law and the prophets, but is giving added revelation now with it saying: "AND THE LAW IS NOT OF FAITH, but the man that doeth them shall live in them. CHRIST HATH REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LA W, being made a curse for us: for it is written, 'Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.' That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. "

CONTINUED 1/22

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~    LAW VS. GRACE  Part 2      JANUARY 22, 2007


LAW VS. GRACE
Part 2
By John Steiner


   Those who approach God expecting eternal life in return for good works are offering God THEIR terms which He will never accept. God will not sell justification or righteousness to those ALREADY UNDER CONDEMNATION FOR SIN! But now He does offer sinners complete justification by grace because, again, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, 'Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree! 'Under the law, God through Moses, commanded:

   "And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he is to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree. His body shall not remain all night upon a tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day, (for he that is hanged is accursed of God) that thy land be not defiled, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. " (Deut. 21:22-23) Could it be that being hanged pictures being cursed because he is being suspended between the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of earth so-to-speak? And that this depicts being a citizen of neither? And consequently the "cursed man" should be avoided since he is cursed? THANK GOD He sent Jesus Christ to become that curse in our place! Thank God, those who trust this good news are given God's righteousness for it is bestowed upon them as we read in Romans 3:21-22 "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference." Do believe that? This is difficult for many people to accept, especially the religious, but here it is written in the Word of God, "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested .. "

   But how shall we interpret the words "But now" in this passage? When was this "Bestowed righteousness" due to trusting in Jesus vicarious death first shown, or revealed? Was it revealed at Calvary? No, nothing is explained of the accomplishment there yet. Was it revealed at the so-called "great commission"? No, not one record of the commission contains one word about justification given through the merits of Christ's death. (Only that remission of sins could be issued to those repentant of the murder of Christ and water baptized demonstrating faith that He is the Son of God.) Was it at Pentecost then? No, not even at Pentecost. There the convicted murderers were still told to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.

It was not until Paul that this blessed message went forth. It was Paul and no one until Paul who declared "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested." The reason for this is that up to the point of Paul's conversion, God was still honoring and answering the prayer of our Lord Jesus on the cross. There our Lord prayed, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do," (Luke 23:34) And the Father answered that prayer giving Israel (nationally) the opportunity to demonstrate repentance and faith in Jesus as the Son of God after the coming and testimony of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Remission of sins and the Holy Spirit was given to those who obeyed the Apostles command to be water baptized in Jesus' name. (See Acts 2:36-39, Acts 3:19-20, Acts 5:30-32, and Acts 8:35-38) But with the stoning of Stephen, and the great wave of persecution that resulted from it, it was evident that Israel did not wish to be the instrument of blessing to the world for they were sticking with their rejection of Jesus Christ from a national standpoint.

Continued 1/23/07

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~    LAW VS. GRACE   Conclusion     JANUARY 23, 2007


LAW VS. GRACE
Part 3- Conclusion
By John Steiner


So, no, this righteousness bestowed "upon them that believe" was not possible until it was revealed, and announced. At Calvary our salvation was purchased but not proclaimed that way until through Paul. And who better to be the herald of the grace of Christ than Saul, also called Paul. After all, by the inspiration of God, he called himself  the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints, because he persecuted the Jewish church and wasted it. He hadn't repented or shown any signs of faith for he was "yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter" when he was stopped by the Lord in "exceeding abundant" grace and love.

Paul received the message of grace directly from the Lord himself by direct revelation. In a similar way as John the apostle received the Revelation concerning the tribulation period and the Day of our Lord's jjudgment Paul by direct revelation received the message which is in affect "now" or during "this present time", or the "Day" of grace and the "Day of salvation".

Paul tells us "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." (Galatians 1:11-12) He says "If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward. How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when you read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." (Ephesians 3:2-5)

So when Paul says "but now ... "rest assured that these are the very words of our Lord Jesus Christ and that he is only speaking in behalf of the Lord in this day of grace. And so as a scripture writer he says, "But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, (this message) we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ,  that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:22-26)

So what about you my dear friend? Do you know what it means to experience bestowed righteousness? Or are you still under the curse of the law, still trying to do the impossible feat of keeping the law perfectly? Jesus Christ was "made a curse for us" by enduring the cross, and bearing our penalty. Put your trust completely in His finished work there in shedding His blood and YOU WILL experience His bestowed righteousness. Take advantage of God's gracious offer while it's still being made. We have no promise of tomorrow, so this may be your last day, hour, or minute for that matter. And besides that, God may decide to move on with his dealings with man, and begin to show His other attributes such as His righteous judgment. For under His righteous judgment the great tribulation period, His dealings with man will not be so gracious as they are today in the Day of Grace. Under the dispensation to come you will need to endure to the end in order to be saved. But for now, God is offering you the same kind of grace He showed Paul on the road to Damascus. So don't pass it up, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:31)

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~    MORE THAN CONQUERORS     JANUARY 24, 2007


MORE THAN CONQUERORS
by C. R. Stam



Two boys fight in a back alley. Fists fly. Shouts go up from the other youngsters standing by. "Give it to 'im! Let 'im have it!"

Finally one of the two struts away with an arrogant bearing, head and shoulders wagging. He has won!

But has he? Look at him. He has a bloody nose, a black eye and welts on his face and arms. And if looks could kill he wouldn't even be alive, for while his friends shout his praises, the boy he has beaten gives him a look that says: "Just wait." He has not won anything except, perhaps, a bitter and lasting enemy.

So it is with the wars that nations wage against each other. Necessary as it sometimes becomes to defend our liberties, our homes, our way of life, by force of arms, seldom does any nation actually win the war. Rather all lose, even the "victors," as in their "victories" they sow the bitterness and hate which are the seeds of future wars.

It is different, however, with "the good fight of [the] faith," for the Christian may come out of every battle stronger than when he went in. Only the Christian can say with regard to the heartaches and disappointments, the difficulties and obstacles, that cross his path: "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us" (Rom. 8:37).

During Paul's busy ministry for Christ he suffered a painful "thorn in the flesh," and "besought the Lord thrice" that it might be taken away. The Lord did not see fit to remove the thorn, but answered Paul:

"My grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (IICor. 12:9).

Paul's response:

"Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me... for when I am weak, then am I strong" (Vers. 9,10).

Let all go well, and we are prone to grow careless in our Christian lives. Adversity, on the other hand, makes Christians lean the harder and pray the more -- and therein lies their strength and their victory.

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~    THE SECRET OF SPIRITUAL VICTORY     JANUARY 25, 2007


THE SECRET OF SPIRITUAL VICTORY
by C. R. Stam


Believers in Christ have been made “free from sin” by grace (Rom.6:14,18) in the sense that they need not, indeed, should not, yield to sin when temptation arises (Rom.6:12,13). Believers have also been made “free from the law of sin and death” (Rom.8:2) for Christ, in grace, bore the death penalty for them.

But no believer is free from what Paul calls “the law of sin which is in my members” (Rom.7:23), that is, the old Adamic nature, with its inherent tendency to do wrong. Nor is he free from the conflict with the new nature which this involves. If the Christian would be truly spiritual and deal in a scriptural way with the sin that indwells him, he must clearly recognize its presence; he must face the fact that while, thank God, he is no longer “in sin”, sin is still in him.

But this conflict should not discourage us, for it is one of the true signs of salvation. It is unknown to the unbeliever, for only the additional presence of the new nature, along with the old, causes this conflict, for the Bible says about these two natures: “these are contrary the one to the other” (Gal.5:17).

But not only is this conflict within the believer a sure sign of salvation; it also creates within him a deep and necessary sense of our inward imperfection and of the infinite grace of a holy God in saving us and ministering to us daily in helping us to overcome sin. And this in turn gives us a more understanding approach as we proclaim to the lost “the gospel of the grace of God”.

Paul’s epistles show clearly that there is nothing that will so help us to overcome sin and live pleasing to God as an understanding and an appreciation of what He has done for us in Christ. As we are occupied with these “things of the Spirit” we find ourselves “walking in the Spirit”, and Galatians 5:16 says: “WALK IN THE SPIRIT, AND YE SHALL NOT FULFIL THE LUST OF THE FLESH”. How much better to have our lives transformed by occupation with Christ (II Cor. 3:18) and our position and blessings in the heavenlies with Him (Col.3:1-3), than to assume the hopeless task of trying to improve the “old nature”; always engaged in introspection; always occupied with the flesh!

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~     TWO ASPECTS OF CHRISTIAN LIBERTY   JANUARY 27, 2007


TWO ASPECTS OF CHRISTIAN LIBERTY
by C. R. Stam


"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free... If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:32,36).

The true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ enjoys glorious liberty, and our Lord Himself said that there are no strings attached... "Ye shall be free indeed," free even from the most oppressive of all slave masters: sin. While the Law never saved one man from sin, the Lord Jesus, by His death on Calvary did, for we read that "Christ died for our sins."

Therefore the Apostle wrote by divine inspiration: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage" (Gal. 5:1). His letters thunder severe rebukes against believers who "desire to be under the law." To the Colossian Christians he wrote:

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days; which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [substance] is of Christ" (Col. 2:16,17).

But true liberty is used for good, otherwise it only reverts to bondage again, for whatever overcomes a man becomes his master (II Pet. 2:19), and doing evil can only harm ourselves and others. Thus the Apostle says further:

"But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak" (I Cor. 8:9).

"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another" (Gal. 5:13).

"...Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth" (Rom. 14:22).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~  HEAVEN IS BETTER THAN THIS    JANUARY 28, 2007


HEAVEN IS BETTER THAN THIS
by C. R. Stam


A large percentage of the people of the world wake up every morning with some kind of ache or pain. If you are one of the many victims, with some infirmity of the flesh, perhaps you will agree with the little chorus which says: "Heaven is better than this."

The Scriptures tell us that "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now" (Rom. 8:22). Note the expression: "the whole creation." This takes in the whole world; no one is excluded. Indeed, the very next verse goes on to say to Christian believers:

"And not only they, but ourselves also... even we ourselves groan within ourselves... waiting for... the redemption of our body."

No doubt many of us feel like crying out with the Psalmist David, "Look upon mine affliction and my pain" (Psa. 25:18). In spite of all sorrow, trouble and pain which the child of God must endure, however, he can be assured with the Apostle Paul that: "our light affliction, which is but for a moment [comparatively], worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory"
(II Cor. 4:17). When we go to be with the Lord we will no longer be living in "this earthly tabernacle," but will have "a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (II Cor. 5:1). Paul even adds that as Christians we earnestly desire "to be clothed upon with our house [our new body] which is from heaven" (II Cor. 5:2).

Finally, St. Paul declared that "to depart, and to be with Christ... is far better" (Phil. 1:23); far better, not only than all earth's sorrow and trouble and pain, but far better even than earth's greatest joys and its dearest treasures. How wonderful it is to know that "Christ died for our sins," to have a light beyond the grave, a hope beyond the tomb! Surely "heaven is better than this!"

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~        QUIET!                JANUARY 29, 2007


QUIET!
By M. Stanford


"The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever" (Isa. 32:17).

The triune God is in His element within a quiet, resting assured spirit.

"Just as a sinner is taught to rest in the Lord Jesus' shed Blood for his forgiveness, so must the saint rest in the Lord Jesus for his deliverance from the power of sin and the grip of the law - yes, and from himself, also. Therefore we should not be in bondage to sin, 'for he that hath died (and that is everyone who is in the Lord Jesus) is justified (or released) from (the power of) sin' (Rom. 6:7);and we are now under grace, which does not demand righteousness of us, for the Lord Jesus was made unto us righteousness and sanctification and redemption (I Cor. 1:30).

"The believer truly walking in the liberty wherewith Christ hath set him free (Gal. 5:I), has Him ever before his eye of faith; delighting that because of Him he is in the Father's favor. He evermore learns to abhor himself as he sees the sinfulness of the old man within, only to delight himself the more in the Lord Jesus who is his life." -W.R.N.

"It is only too possible for us to harbor feelings of resentment even against the Father Himself; and what inner turmoil results from such an attitude. Until we deliberately enter the stillness of the acceptance of His will, we live in chaos. Once we lay aside our rebellion in the tomb, and place our confidence in our Father, and in His love for us in the Son, we are obeying the command, 'Be still,' and we gain an understanding of the God of deliverance we could gain in no other way. Then we shall be in position to help others.."

"Their strength is to sit still" (Isa. 30:7).

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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~Daily Inspirational~       PIONEERING                JANUARY 30, 2007


PIONEERING
By M. Stanford

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

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

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

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

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

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

___________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/

Should this Inspirational be a blessing and encouragement to you, why not send to a friend, coworker or, to your loved one who maybe defending the USA. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.  It is our heart at GRACE AND THE TRUTH and mission to reach as many people as we possibly can TO SHARE with them the Word of God and all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

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