GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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STOP, THINK, LIFT
Part 2 of 2
By Mel Flogel


So Paul's gospel is a message of imputed righteousness, the righteousness of Jesus Christ is imputed to our account the moment we rest by faith in His death as the only payment for our sins. Paul writes, "But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." (Romans 4: 24-25)

This is God's gracious provision for our dilemma of falling short of the righteousness of Jesus Christ and the condemnation that came with this declaration.

May I also ask you to STOP, THINK, and LIFT your thoughts to another reason God can impute His righteousness to us. Paul's gospel declares that Jesus Christ died in our place. He died our death at Calvary. The word for this is vicarious. The righteousness of Jesus Christ not only shows us that we come short, it also shows us that we are guilty and are under the penalty of sin which is death. Our sins place us under the curse of the law. Paul wrote, "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." (Galatians 3:10)

Paul was chosen to reveal that now the law is not of faith and that "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." (Galatians 3:13) This means He died in our place, He died the death we deserved because of sin. He paid it all.

This seems to imply that all men needed Jesus's death in their place doesn't it? Read Paul's words, "For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead. And that he 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: 14-15)

This also seems to imply that the world as a whole stands at enmity with God, but through the death of Jesus Christ in our place reconciliation is made for us if we will believe it. Again, read Paul's words, "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (II Corinthians 5: 19-21)

I would just ask you to please stop and take a moment out of your busy and active life to think on these truths. Lift your thoughts to the One who came to earth, His creation, and endured the death of the cross in your place making complete satisfaction to God for your sins and mine, and rose again from the dead showing that His offering was accepted. Believe this message of God's grace and receive it for yourself and never regret it. Don't let thoughtless activity rob you of God's gracious offer, for we now live in His" accepted time". Paul wrote, "we then as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation)". (II Corinthians 6: 1-2)

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The Key to a Worry-Free Life
by Paul M. Sadler


 According to doctors at the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, rattlesnakes thought to be dead can still strike, bite, and kill you. Doctors in Phoenix said they have a large number of patients admitted each year suffering from bites from rattlers thought to be dead. Sometimes the snakes were shot and their heads cut off; but, the snake head retains a reflex action. In fact, one study showed that snake heads could still make striking-type motions up to sixty minutes after decapitation.

 Satan, that old Serpent, was defeated at Calvary—his head was cut off. Hebrews Chapter 2 says that our Savior, by His death, destroyed him who holds the power of death. But for a season Satan can still strike and wound us. He can still hurt us and poison our relationships and spread his deadly venom into our homes and lives.

 Paul admonished the Corinthians to take great care in this area, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (II Cor. 2:11). Although this may have been true in the apostle’s day, we are not sure it is the case today. It seems to us that many believers are unaware they are under attack. Satan can be very subtle and his devices are well planned. While his devices take on many forms there is one in particular that he uses quite effectively— worry! If the enemy can keep you off balance in this area he can successfully hinder your service for the Lord.

 WORRY

 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” —Phil. 4:6,7

 Do you worry? I didn’t think so, but there are some who struggle with this problem. Paul says, “Be careful for nothing.” In our modern day language we would say, “Don’t worry about anything. ”The Greek word behind the term “careful” here is merimnao, which means to pull in different directions, to distract. This is exactly what worry will do to you—it will tear you apart both emotionally and physically. It can be one of the leading causes of ulcers, which is something else to worry about!

 Worry always dwells on the future in regard to what may or may not happen. It mulls over every worst-case scenario imaginable.

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THREE CHURCHES IN SCRIPTURE
PART 1 of  3
BY PASTOR JOHN  FREDERICKSEN


Much confusion exists today about the biblical word church. Without studying it in Scripture, many people conclude this word refers to a building for worship. The Bible teaches that the church is not a building, but that the believers themselves are the church. Others, who have come this far in their understanding, assume that anytime they find the word church in Scripture, it refers to them or truth about them; this is not true either. In fact, such a conclusion can lead to a multitude of practical and doctrinal errors.

THE MEANING OF THE WORD CHURCH

In Scripture, the word church means "called-out ones." When translating from Hebrew and Greek into English, the same word rendered church is also translated "congregation" or "assembly." God uses these three words with great frequency-more than 25 times in II Chronicles and 117 times in the New Testament. It can be used to describe any group of people, from an angry mob to a group of saints gathered for worship. As it is with many words, it is critical to look at the context in which they are used to understand the meaning. With this in mind, we find that there are three different churches which refer to believers in God's Word.


THE CHURCH "IN THE WILDERNESS"

As Stephen recounted his long chronology of Israel's history to the hard-hearted Jewish religious leaders in Acts, Chapter 7, he referred to "the church in the wilderness"  (v. 38.). Who was he talking about? This church initially "refused" the leadership of Moses (v, 35), later followed him out of Egypt "after that he had shewed wonders and signs"  (v. 36), and "made a calf" for false worship while Moses was receiving God's "lively oracles" on Mount Sinai (vv. 38,41). This church "had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness" (v. 44) and as Stephen said, did "always resist the Holy Ghost" (v. 51). The context clearly identifies the nation of Israel in the Old Testament as being this "church in the wilderness."

God frequently confirmed Moses as the leader of the church in the wilderness. When the people "complained" about their journey, God's judgment was not abated until Moses prayed for them (Num. 11:1-3). When Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses and tried to usurp his authority, Miriam was made leprous and Aaron was soon stripped of his priesthood (Num. 12). When 250 sons of Korah challenged the leadership of Moses, God opened the earth and "swallowed them up" (Num. 16:32).

God so validated the leadership of Moses that, centuries after his death, the nation of Israel recognized the "customs [or laws] which Moses delivered us" (Acts 6:14) as being binding upon them. They came to revere Moses as having been God's man, who represented the foundation of all the truths they held dear, which had been given to Israel throughout the Old Testament. Now, think about what this means. It means that there was a "church," or called-out group of believers, that was exclusively Jewish, had laws or requirements specifically for them, and had Moses as their leader. When we read about this church in the Old Testament, it does not refer to us. Therefore, we need to be careful NOT to indiscriminately apply to ourselves the instructions or promises that God gave to them.

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THREE CHURCHES IN SCRIPTURE
PART 2 of  3
BY PASTOR JOHN  FREDERICKSEN



THE JEWISH "KINGDOM" CHURCH

As the earthly ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ was nearing its end, the Savior told Peter, "Upon this rock I will build my church" (Matt. 16:18.). The immediate and long-range context of this verse gives us key information that helps us identify who this church is and what kind of instructions they were given.

In the chapter immediately preceding the above reference, the Lord Jesus said, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (15:24). Clearly, our Lord's ministry and message at that time was to the nation of Israel and not to us today. Old Testament passages such as Isaiah 9:7, Jeremiah 23:5, Daniel 2:44, and Zechariah 8:3 promise Israel a King and a Kingdom of great blessing. Throughout the Gospel accounts, the Lord Jesus Christ and His disciples went everywhere "preaching the gospel [or good news] of the Kingdom" (Matt. 4:23; 9:35), promising that "the Kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 4:17; 10:7). In this overall context, the Lord Jesus asked Peter who people were saying He was and who Peter thought He was. Peter's answer was, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:16). Our Lord's response was that He would build His church on the truth Peter knew: that Jesus of Nazareth was Israel's long-promised King. The Jews who chose to believe this message were being called out of the hard-hearted and unbelieving nation of Israel by believing that the Lord Jesus Christ was their promised King and that His Kingdom would soon be established.

Many Bible students refer to this church that Christ was building during the Gospel accounts as the "Kingdom church." Such a name identifies the Lord Jesus Christ as the King of Israel. It identifies the members of this church as being exclusively Jewish, with the hope of these believers being an earthly Kingdom where they would reign from Jerusalem with their King, the Lord Jesus. It further identifies a range of specific doctrines that the Savior taught as to how these followers were to live in anticipation of their Kingdom. For example, they would be forgiven only IF they forgave others; they were to "take no thought" about providing for their daily needs, but instead completely trust God to supernaturally provide for these needs; and they were all to perform miracles, such as casting out devils or drinking poison (Matt. 6:14,24-34; Mark 16:15-18.). All these things were intended to verify the validity of the Lord Jesus Christ as Israel's King.

A "church," or called-out group of believers, certainly did exist in the Gospels and early chapters of Acts. But what is clear is that it does not refer to believers today in the Age of Grace. We too believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, but the national make-up, eternal hope, and instructions about how to live today are distinctly different from the Kingdom church. Therefore, when reading this section of the Bible, we must NOT indiscriminately apply instructions or promises to ourselves that were intended specifically for the Kingdom church.

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THREE CHURCHES IN SCRIPTURE
PART 3 of  3
BY PASTOR JOHN  FREDERICKSEN



THE CHURCH, "THE BODY OF CHRIST"

The Apostle Paul referred to a new group of believers over which the Lord Jesus Christ is "the Head" and it is called "the church, which is His Body" (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:16-18.), or the Body of Christ. This is the distinctively different church that exists today.

Only the Apostle Paul wrote about "the dispensation of the grace of God" and only he, by divine inspiration, claimed that the doctrinal truths for our Age of Grace had initially been "given" exclusively through him (Eph. 3:1-5). This is why he repeatedly wrote, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (I Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3: 17). The people of this church are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ from all nations. The "middle wall of partition" that once stood as a barrier between Jew and Gentile, and Gentiles and God, has now been "abolished" by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:11-16). Today, there is "no difference between Jew and Greek" (Rom. 10:12; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11). The eternal hope of this church is to be "raised ... up ... and ... sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:6,7; I Cor. 15:40-53; I Thes. 4:13-18.). All of this stands in contrast to the two previous churches that are described in the Bible.

Believers today are members of "the church which is His Body" or the Body of Christ. The rest of our Bible was written "for our learning" (Rom. 15:4), but the section of the Bible that contains our promises, instructions, and doctrine is found in the letters of the Apostle Paul. Let's look to the Books of Romans through Philemon as "our mail."

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POWERS ORDAINED OF GOD
By Ivan Burgener




"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (Rom. 13:1). These words are clear and shocking. Their clarity gives no room for misunderstanding, yet some find it, impossible to esteem world leaders as "ordained of God," and "the minister of God ......for good" (v. 4). They feel it must refer to a pastor or spiritual leader. A pastor or shepherd might wield a shepherd's staff, but could he bear "a sword .." or be "a revenger to execute wrath "on the evil doer" (v. 4)?

The words, "Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God" might give pause to a Jewish believer, for God had written, "thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, who is not thy brother" (Dt. 17:15). But with the captivity of Judah, God commanded all nations to obey His servant, Nebuchadnezzar! (See Jer. 27:6-8.) Thus the times of the Gentiles began with Israel's captivity and servitude. Now God warns us through Paul that "they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation" (i.e., judgment by the ruler).

"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil" (v. 3-4). God forbids us to take vengeance because He has established government as His representative, "a revenger to execute [His] wrath" on evildoers.

"Wherefore we must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake," conscience because we know it is the right thing to do. And we should fear the wrath of "the powers that be" as well.

This passage shows the grace of God given us for service; first toward believing brethren, then toward the world, living peaceably as much as possible without being overcome with the evil of taking vengeance, and lastly to be subject to the government which God has placed in all nations throughout the world. If government oversteps its bounds, our path is clear, "We ought to obey God, rather than men" (Acts 5:29), even when there may be dire consequences as in Daniel 3 when Jews were commanded to worship an image of gold.

One observed long ago that the "times of the Gentiles" began with government enforced idolatry, as in the case of Nebuchadnezzar, and that it might very well end the same. May we ever look to God for grace and courage.


"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers and for the praise of them that do well.

"For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
"Honor all men.
"Love the brotherhood.
"Fear God.
"Honor the king." (1 Peter 2:13-17)

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TRUE LIBERTY
by C. R. Stam


As true Americans celebrate their liberty, true Christians should rejoice in the even greater liberty which they have in Christ.

Our Lord said: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" and "If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:32,36). Likewise St. Paul declares that believers in Christ have been made "free from sin" and have become "servants to God," who deals with us in grace (Rom. 6:22).

It is strange that so many sincere religious people actually wish to be in bondage to the Mosaic Law, which can only judge and condemn them for their sins. Peter called the law: "a yoke... which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear" (Acts 15:10). Paul called it "the handwriting of decrees, that was against us, which was contrary to us" (Col. 2:14). He called it "the ministration of death" and "the ministration of condemnation" (II Cor. 3:7,9).

He challenged those who "desired" to be under the law:

"Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?" (Gal. 4:21).

"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them" (Gal. 3:10).

Thank God, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us" (Gal. 3:13). Man always responds better to grace than to law. The law was "added because of transgressions" (Gal. 3:19). "By the law is the knowledge of sin" (Rom. 3:20). But Christ died for our sins and now true believers serve God from gratitude and love. Hence Rom. 6:14 says: "Sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law but under grace." Since Christ has redeemed us from the law (Gal. 4:5) God says to every true believer:

"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).

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"The Fruit of the Spirit"
Part 1 of 4
by Darlene Homoki
Galatians 5:22-23



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

A tree is known by its fruit. We recognize an apple tree because it bears apples. A cherry tree bears cherries, and so on (Ps. 1:3; Mt. 12:33). Wouldn't it be wonderful if we, as Christians, would be recognized by others because of the fruit we bear?

Please note that in Galatians 5:22 the word "fruit" is singular. When we think of a basket of fruit, we picture in our minds a basket filled with various kinds of fruit - not just one kind of fruit (for example: apples, oranges, grapes, bananas, etc.). Yet, we call it a basket of fruit, not fruits. We can say the same is true of the "Fruit of the Spirit." Though there are several kinds of fruit mentioned, they are all considered one; that is the "Fruit of the Spirit." These fruit are all consistent and connected together. They are one!

This fruit presents a portrait of Christ. It suggests the character of Jesus in contrast with the "works of the flesh." The Spirit seeks to produce these by reproducing Christ in the believers (Gal. 4:19). John Gill puts it this way: "It is also the same as to be conformed to the image of Christ, which in regeneration is stamped upon the saints, and is gradually increased, and will be perfected in Heaven; and that this might more manifestly appear, over which a veil was drawn, by their departure in any degree from the truths of the Gospel, was what he earnestly sought after: once more, it is the same as to have the form of Christ; that is, of the Gospel of Christ upon them, or to be cast into the form of doctrine, and mold of the Gospel, and to receive a Gospel impression and spirit from it; which is to have a spirit of liberty, in opposition to legal bondage; to live by faith on Christ, and not on the works of the law; to derive comfort alone from him, and not from any services and duties whatever; to have repentance, and the whole course of obedience, influenced by the grace of God, and love of Christ; and to be zealous of good works, and yet have no dependence on them for justification and salvation. This is what the apostle so earnestly desired, when, instead of it, these Galatians seemed to have the form of Moses, and of the law."

In other words, the Christian life is the out-living of the in-living Christ. "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20).

We must recognize that living like Jesus would have us live and manifesting the fruit of the Spirit does not include adding any rituals, ceremonies or works to our salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith alone. Living like Jesus would have us live is walking "worthy of the vocation to which we have been called" (Eph. 5:1; cf Gal. 5:16). Walking in or by the Spirit means living each moment in submission to God - walking to please Him in thought, word and deed. It means letting Him guide us each step of the way bringing glory to God.

The Fruit Defined

The fruit of the Spirit has been described as "those gracious habits which the Holy Spirit produces in the Christian." A habit is that which becomes so routine in our lives we don't even realize we are doing it. We do it without thinking. It takes time, practice and work to develop a habit whether good or bad. It doesn't happen overnight. For example, let's say personal devotions ... Good intentions don't get the job done.

The fruit of the Spirit is Christian character as shown in the possession of these nine graces. These nine fruit stand together and make up our walk with God and our testimony to others. They work together to make a whole.

These nine character traits are one and the same fruit, i.e., "the fruit of the Spirit." We might give the example of a watch - it needs all the little pieces in their right and proper place to keep good time. If one little piece is out of place, the watch does not function properly. The same is true of the Christian. We need to have a balanced life displaying all the character traits mentioned here. In other words, to function as a whole we can't pick and choose those character traits that we like and not work on developing the others.

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"The Fruit of the Spirit"
Part 2 of 4
by Darlene Homoki
Galatians 5:22-23

How Do We Obtain the Fruit?

It is given by the Holy Spirit. When an individual is presented with the Gospel of Christ and responds positively putting his/her faith in the finished work of Christ, he/she becomes a member of the Body of Christ. At that very moment, the time of salvation, the believer is:

1. Baptized by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13);
2. Sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13-14); and
3. Indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16).

I believe these nine graces (nine fruit) are at that time placed in our lives in seed form. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance are the fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our lives. They are there waiting to grow.

Just as a seed planted in the ground needs to be watered, fed, nurtured, and to have the weeds removed, so does the seed of the "Fruit of the Spirit" need to be watered, fed, nurtured, and to have the weeds removed by the Word. It is growing up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

The Fruit of the Spirit is not to be confused with the "gifts of the Spirit." The Fruit of the Spirit is the result of believing the Gospel and is given to all that believe.

Let us take a moment to think about that time in our life when we trusted in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross and became a believer or a Christian. I trust everyone knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that should they die today, they would spend eternity with Jesus. If perchance there is one who has not trusted Christ as Savior, then I pray that you would do so now.

The Fruit of the Spirit Is:

1. Given to all that are saved;
2. Same fruit given to everyone; and
3. The fruit remains the same - only ripens as we grow.
In contrast, the gifts of the Spirit are given to individuals. Not everyone has the same gifts. (1 Cor. 12:4 reads, "Now, there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.") There are pastors, teachers, evangelists, gift of helps, administration, etc.

These Gifts Work Together to Make up the Body of Christ:

1. Given to all that are saved;
2. Different gifts to different individuals; and
3. Gifts may change as circumstances change.

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"The Fruit of the Spirit"
Part 3 of 4
by Darlene Homoki
Galatians 5:22-23



Fruit of the Spirit Contrasted with the Works of the Flesh.


Galatians 5:22-23 starts out with the word "but." This word points us to the preceding verses where we see the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. This conflict begins the instant we put our faith in Jesus Christ. See Galatians 5:17. The deeds or sins of the flesh are listed in Galatians 5:19-21. These are not good but are weaknesses/sins. These must be guarded against while the Fruit of the Spirit ought to be cherished and brought forth in our daily lives.

We are to "reckon [consider] ourselves dead indeed unto sin ... Let not sin reign in your body .... Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness" (Rom. 6:11-13).

Note the number of sins listed here in verses 19-21. There are seventeen in comparison to the nine fruits! They are called the works of the flesh and are mentioned in the plural because they are distinct from, and often inconsistent with, each other. These can be divided into four groups.


The first group is sensual/sexual sins (sins against the 7th Commandment).

1. Adultery - the unfaithfulness of any married person to the marriage bed.

2. Fornication - sexual sin of the unmarried.

3. Uncleanness - moral impurity, all sexual defilement and unnatural sexual practices - sodomy, etc.

4. Lasciviousness-looseness, indulgence of animal desires, lustfulness. In other words, shameless conduct!


The second group is religious sins (sins against the 1st and 2nd Commandment).

1. Idolatry - the worship of idols, images, or anything made by hands, or which is not God. It is two kinds: the worship of images, statues, pictures; and the worship of the heavenly bodies, the sun, moon and stars. It is also the excessive attachment for anything.

2. Witchcraft - the English term is "pharmacy," and means administering drugs, magical potions. It refers to the practice of magicians, sorcery, witches, enchantments, etc.

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"The Fruit of the Spirit"
Part 4 of 4
by Darlene Homoki
Galatians 5:22-23



The third group are temperamental sins or sins against our neighbor (sin against Galatians 5:14, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself')

1. Hatred - enmity; deep rooted hatred or irreconcilable hostility. Feelings that are contrary to love, to abhor, to loathe, strong antagonism.

2. Variance - a state of dissension or controversy, in a state of enmity. A difference that produces dispute or controversy; disagreement, dissension, discord.

3. Emulations - a contest, contention, strife, competition, rivalry accompanied with a desire to depress another resulting from envy or jealousy.

4. Wrath - violent anger. An anger that is abiding with the purpose of revenge.

5. Strife - contention in anger or hatred. A violent effort to obtain something. Could be by words, debate, quarrel, contest, etc.

6. Seditions - divisions, dissensions causing rebellion. The inciting of rebellion against leadership/government.

7. Heresies - dissensions arising from diversity of opinions causing divisions.

8. Envyings - ill will, malice, spite, jealousy. A malignant passion that sees in another qualities that it covets of resulting in hatred.

9. Murders - to kill a human being with premeditated malice. Often the result of the above list of temperamental sins.

The fourth and final group are sins against ourselves.

1. Drunkenness - Intoxication is a state in which a person is over-powered with liquor so that his reason is disordered and he reels or staggers in walking.

2. Revelings - Boisterous merrymaking or noisy partying. Lascivious feastings (shameful conduct) with obscene songs and music.

Why does Paul give us the list? He gives us the list to emphasize the conflict between the "flesh" and the Spirit and the results of each. It is given:

l. To show that an individual that is an unbeliever and follows the "flesh" will not inherit eternal life (Gal. 2:20b).

2. To show that a believer may fall into such wrongdoing if he walks after the flesh and not after the Spirit - hence, the inclusion of this list in this letter to the Galatians where the life of the Christian is under review (Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7).

3. To contrast the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit."

Sin is not what keeps an individual from gaining entrance to eternal life. It is not believing that Jesus died, was buried and resurrected for my sins. It is not believing that "God so loved the world that He gave ... " It is not believing that God's wonderful redemption plan for man today is complete. The songwriter has said, "Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe .... " Just as the "works of the flesh" are categorized, so is the "Fruit of the Spirit." There are three categories with three "fruit" in each one. Dr. Scofield has this to say: "Christian character is not mere moral or legal correctness, but the possession and manifestation of nine graces: love, joy, peace - character as in an inward state: longsuffering, gentleness, goodness - character in expression toward man: faith, meekness, temperance - character in expression toward God ... " (Scofield Bible page 1247) .

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GRACE TODAY AND TOMORROW
By C. R. Stam


Paul learned what thousands upon thousands of God’s saints have learned from his day to ours: that it is often more blessed to experience God’s grace in suffering than to enjoy deliverance from suffering, for in the former case we lean the harder and pray the more, and so are drawn closer to Him. Moreover, we find that His strength is made perfect in weakness and that when we are weak, then are we strong (II Cor. 12:9,10).

But even better things are in store for God’s people: Someday, "in the ages to come," God will display to all the universe "the exceeding riches of His grace." How will He do this? "In His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:7).

Dear reader, have you accepted the grace of God in Christ Jesus? Do you believe that He loves you and that He "came into the world" to bear all the blame and shame and punishment that was your due, so that you might be "justified freely by His grace" (Rom. 3:24)?

If not, will you take Him at His Word now and come to know the truth of II Cor. 4:15:

"For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God."

Whatever your past; however great or many your sins, take God at His Word. Believe that He loves you in spite of all. Believe that He has already provided the payment for your sins in Christ:

"In whom we have redemption. through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7).

[nChrist]

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NO CONDEMNATION IN CHRIST
By JON D. BEKEMEYER, Pastor

Scripture Reading: Romans 8: 1

To many, the word condemnation always indicates eternal judgment in the Lake of Fire. While it is true that because we are in Christ we are saved from eternal judgment, that is not the point of Romans 8:1. What is condemnation? According to Webster, condemnation is to "disapprove of strongly, to declare guilty of wrongdoing."

With the proper definition, one must readily admit that the believer can be condemned. Even a casual reading of the verse indicates that those who walk after the flesh have condemnation. This is also supported by the context.

A similar idea is expressed by the word damnation. The word damnation sometimes expresses eternal judgment, but certain passages indicate that this is not always so. For example, 1 Corinthians 11:32 says that a believer who partakes of the Lord's Supper unworthily (i.e. without discerning the Lord's Body), eats and drinks damnation to himself. Does that mean if one partakes of the Lord's Supper while his mind is on carnal things, he will go to Hell? Of course not. It indicates that such activity is seriously wrong and will be dealt with by chastisement (see context and Romans 13:2; 14:23 & 1 Timothy 5: 12).

Thus, there are two criteria in Romans 8:1 to escape condemnation: to be in Christ (everything about the unbeliever is under condemnation) and to walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Let's all seriously contemplate this truth today.

[nChrist]

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NOT UNDER LAW
by Cecil Argetsinger



NOT GENERALLY TAUGHT, but of tremendous importance is the truth set forth in these six simple words: "Not under law, but under grace."

They speak not only about two completely different and opposing systems by which God relates to His people here on earth, but they also speak of two separate and distinct periods of history. The "law" represents the manner of God’s dealings with the nation of Israel, while "grace" depicts the nature of His relations with the Church, the Body of Christ.

The one, law, began with the covenant made between God and Israel on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19:3-8.) about 1500 years before Christ appeared on the scene. It ended with the death of Christ on the cross, for it was there He "blotted out the handwriting of ordinances [the law] that was against us, and took it [the law] out of the way, nailing it to His cross" (Colossians 2:14). The other, grace, began (generally speaking) with the same death and will continue until the Church is taken out of this world (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.). In the Scriptures, the word "law" has two significations. Particularly, It has reference to the commandments and ordinances given by God through Moses to the nation Israel (Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 32:47). but it also includes any system or rule that regulates human conduct and by the keeping of which is supposed to make men right in the sight of God. Basically, the law is a works or merit system. It represents the efforts and good deeds of men by which they seek to please God and make themselves acceptable to Him.

Grace, however, is in principle exactly the opposite of law, Grace represents not what man must do in order for a right standing before God, but rather asserts that God, entirely apart from any good deeds or works that man might do, freely accomplishes the same. Grace declares that righteousness with God is given, not earned.

That "law" and "grace" are opposing principles is easily demonstrated. The law principle says "If you do good, I will bless you." That this was the nature of God’s relationship with Israel is clearly expressed in the covenant he made with that nation on Mt. Sinai.

"Now therefore IF you will obey My voice, and keep My covenant, THEN you shall be a special treasure to me above all (other) people; for all the earth is mine" (Exodus 19:5).

"If you will obey" is the prerequisite for "then you shall be a special treasure."

How different is the principle of grace: "I have blessed you, now do good." Pure grace represents the manner by which God is dealing with the believer of this present age, the one who has heard the message of the Cross and has placed his faith and confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ. For him, his blessings are all of grace and only by grace. Under grace, blessings are never earned nor deserved. Good works have no part or place in the bestowal of God’s blessings--instead they are freely given. Under grace, the motive for right living arises out of gratitude and love for the One who suffered so much in the believer’s behalf.

The law proved to be an "administration of condemnation." It did not and could not make people righteous before God. It could only prove their total sinfulness. The law could not bring men to God, it only proved them guilty before God (Romans 3:19-20). It takes imputed righteousness, the gift of grace, to make one right in God’s sight (Romans 8:1-2;3:24).

But there doesn’t need to be any mistake. Being "under grace" provides no license to sin; grace rather prohibits sin.

"For the grace of God that brings salvation to all men has appeared [on the scene], teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13)

Indeed, the conduct that is set before the one who is "not under law but under grace" is a high and holy walk that is in keeping with his heavenly calling and position in Christ. "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, " writes Paul, "beseech you that you walk worthy of the calling to which you have been called" (Ephesians 4:1). In our own strength, such a walk is absolutely and completely beyond any Christian to accomplish. We may no longer be "dead in sins" (Ephesians 2:1), but we are not under law--that is, not under its demands for righteousness. But as far as attaining righteousness in our own strength, we cannot, for we are spiritually unable.

However, not only does grace forbid sin by the believer, as Romans 6:15 declares. It also frees him from the power of sin.

"For sin shall not have dominion [exercise lordship] over you, for you are not under law but under grace."

And the believer under grace has something never given under law. That something is, in all reality, Someone--namely the indwelling person and presence of God, the Holy Spirit.

Nowhere in Scripture is it taught that the believer has attained to sinless perfection. The Christian life is a struggle, fierce and constant, not just against Satan and his forces, but against the evil and awful sin nature that is still present in every believer. This nature will only be removed when we are "forever with the Lord." But victory is assured because. under grace, the Holy Spirit has come to indwell every believer and to abide there as long as we are on this earth.

The Christian may temporarily give in to sin, but the dominion of sin over the Christian is broken. The believer may, for a time, allow his sin nature to govern his activities, but, unlike the unbeliever, he is not controlled by it. Once we were sinners and walked according to the dictates of Satan, but now all is changed. We are new creations in Christ and have the privilege of living a life of righteousness by the power of the Holy Spirit. Sin may be in us, but is no longer our master, for we are "not under law, but under grace."

[nChrist]

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Trusting Christ as Your Life
(part 1 of 4)
by Dr. Bill Gillham


Here's how trusting Christ to express His life through you works. It's what one dear brother called "The Normal Christian Life."

The boss buzzed you on the intercom and told you to come to his office. He said that the report you had submitted for the quarter was unacceptable, and he gave you one week to rewrite it. That's the sort of hell on earth that Christ has saved you from. As you're sitting there with your heart in your throat, you're to think, Lord Jesus, I'm so glad that I don't have to do this rewrite. You are my life and this is Your baby. Thank You for saving me from this. You think that concept in a micro second. Then you say, "Yes, sir, Mr. Mulligan. I'll do my best. The problem will be fixed. You can count on it." Then you think, Whew, Lord! You really do have a problem here. I'm so glad that I don't have to do this rewrite. Yes! The burden is the Lord's!

Afterward, you burn the midnight oil, highly motivated as your hands sometimes fly over, sometimes labor over the keyboard of your computer, trusting that Christ is doing this report for you, through you on a moment-by-moment basis. Yes! You don't go fishing and wait till you feel the Spirit of Christ take over and carry you to the computer terminal. You go sit at the keyboard. You save the document to a working file and then begin the rewrite job. However, your faith is saying, "OK, Lord, where do we begin? I don't have a clue." This, my friend, is trusting Christ as life through you, by faith. Have you missed this piece in the salvation equation? Christ as life comes right along with the package that you acquired when you got saved. Many of us have trusted Jesus as Savior; we've trusted Him as Lord, but may have never trusted Him as life until we meet something which is absolutely beyond our ability. Trusting Christ as life is "[casting] your burden upon the Lord" (Psalm 55:22)-a command, not an option. God commands you to shove the burden of living on earth squarely onto the broad shoulders of your Savior and to keep piling it on Him moment-by-moment. Gang, this may sound like a cop-out to you, but it's normal. You were not saved to "carry your own weight." That is the devil's idea. Not only is this not noble, it is sin to carry your own weight! It's independence. God says, "Whatever [as in breathing God's air] is not from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23b).