GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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~Daily Inspirational~    PERSONAL PRIVILEGE       MARCH 17,  2007


PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
By Miles Stanford




"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matt. 17:5).

All the Father accomplished on our behalf is that we might have all He has in His beloved Son. "For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Co!. 2:9).

"Of all the marvels of the Father's grace, none is more marvelous than the fact of His bringing men into fellowship with Himself. That He should interest Himself in the concerns of our daily lives, is wonderful indeed; that He should give us glory in heaven above the angels is a wonder deeper still; but that He should call us to like thoughts, feelings, and to common objects with Himself is beyond conception." -H.F.W.

"It is by occupation with, and contemplating the Lord Jesus Christ, that we are brought, by the enablement of the Holy Spirit, into fellowship with our Father; enabled to enter into His own thoughts concerning, and even to share His own affections for, that blessed One who is now seated at His own right hand." -E.D.

"There is a marked distinction between the Father's actings in old times and since the day of Pentecost. He had revealed Himself to man in man's circumstances till that day; since then He has been requiring man to come into His circumstances. The whole testimony of the Father now is to what the Lord Jesus is in heaven." -G.V.W.

"We only touch the positive blessings of Christianity as we reach the Lord Jesus Christ in glory. One may have a measure of relief and the assurance of eternal security because we trust the shed Blood and His finished work on the Cross, but when we come to divine favor and the reality of the Christian life, that is all connected with a Person, and inseparable from that Person." -C.A.C.

"When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, except Jesus only" (Matt. 17:8).

___________________________________
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~    THREE BILLION WILLS   MARCH 21, 2007


THREE BILLION WILLS
by C. R. Stam





As long as man remained obedient to the will of God, his Maker, all was well with him. His life was perfectly balanced because it was centered in God. As soon as he listened to Satan, however, and set his will against God's, all began to go wrong. His life was now off center and out of balance. It was no longer subject to the one central will. Alienated from God, man now reaped the fruit of his rebellion, not only in his banishment from Paradise, but in the self-will of his offspring.

Of the first two children born into the world, one bludgeoned the other to death, and this was but the beginning. Whereas God had originally created man in His own "image" and "likeness" (Gen. 1:26,27), we read later that Adam begat Seth "in his own likeness, after his image" (Gen. 5:3). And so parents down through the ages have begotten children like themselves, with fallen natures and wills of their own, until now we have some three billion wills operating in the world instead of the one central will of God.

This does not mean, however, that God has abdicated, or that the future of the world is now subject to the wills of three billion fallen creatures. Nor was God forced to formulate new plans because of the fall of man. Far from it, for despite man's rebellion -- even through it -- God has been carrying out His plan and every true believer rejoices that God "worketh all things after the counsel of His own will" (Eph. 1:11). While He does not rule directly in the affairs of men, He very definitely overrules, and as a result "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).

All glory to that blessed One of whom it is written:

"Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of Me) to do Thy will, O God" (Heb. 10:7).

___________________________________
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~     AT WHAT POINT IS A PREACHER A FAILURE?   3/22/07


AT WHAT POINT IS A PREACHER A FAILURE?
Pastor Delbert Rogers

FAILURE! What an awful, devastating word that is to every preacher who loves the Lord and lives to serve Him. It is a word filled with impotence and reproach. To fail our Lord and to fail in our calling is a heart-rending experience. I would guess that most preachers often feel like they have failed to accomplish everything that God has for them, and perhaps that is normal and even healthy since it keeps them on their faces before the Lord pleading for His grace and power to be manifested in their lives.

What is unhealthy and unfair is the criteria by which failure is judged. I believe that far too many preachers are unfairly judged to be failures by their peers, by their people, and by themselves.

So I ask, "At what point is a preacher a failure?" It is a very important question to be asked since it greatly affects how preachers feel about themselves and their ministries. I think the Bible alone should provide the criteria for discerning what is failure and what is success.

A Preacher is not necessarily a failure because the following things happen to him:

When some folks leave his church. "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him" (John 6:66).

When the number of unsaved folks reached is few. " ... but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness .. ." (II Peter 2:5).

When the problems and pressures are great. "For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life" (II Corinthians 1:8)

When the compensation is meager and even ordinary things that others have are beyond the preacher's income. "Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Philippians 4:11)

A preacher is a failure when these things happen in spite of whatever numerical following he may have:

When he compromises his preaching to please the hearers. "Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears." (II Timothy 4:2-3) .

When his preaching is wishy-washy and vacillating, "for if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?" (1 Corinthians 14:8).

When his preaching is void of love and compassion. "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1).

When his heart is not burdened for souls. "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved" (Romans 10:1).

When his preaching does not point people to Christ. "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:14).

When his preaching is more geared to appearing eloquent and wise, than to being sensitive to the Holy Spirit. " .. . my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (1 Corinthians 2:4).

When his ethical behavior toward other ministries is deceptive. "....we ... have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God" (II Corinthians 4:1-2)

When he is unfaithful to his marriage vows. "A bishop then must be blameless.. . . " (1 Timothy 3:2).

When his children do not respect and obey him. "One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity" (1 Timothy 3:4).

When what he is paid is more important than obeying God in where he should serve. "For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, a man of God, flee these things ... " (1 Timothy 6:10-11).

I believe that many preachers who are labeled as failures are going to be seen as faithful servants when we reach the other side. It is a sad thing, though, to see so many preachers who are hurting now because they feel like they are failures. I also believe that on that day when the Lord shall reveal all hidden things, some who are considered successful now, will be ashamed at the revelation of truth. As far as preachers are concerned, my friend, "It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" Nothing else really counts with God.
Reprinted by author's permission.

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From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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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 GOD OF PEACE       MARCH 23, 2007


THE GOD OF PEACE
By John D. LaVier


The name God of Peace is used three times in the New Testament Scriptures: Romans 16:20, Philippians 4:9, and Hebrews 13:20. This name stands in contrast to God as He revealed Himself to Israel in the Old Testament. There He is many times called the Lord of Hosts. This is a warriors name. He is the Lord of the fighting armies and over and over again He fought on behalf of His people.

This name stands also in vivid contrast to the worlds past, which has known little of peace. From the very beginning of mans history upon the earth, even until the present moment, it has been a continued story of nation being pitted against nation and kingdom against kingdom. Strong nations and mighty empires have appeared upon the scene, flourished for a season, and then vanished away. They have fallen by two causes: (1) an inner decay of pride, envy, greed and lust, and (2) a strong enemy from without that warred against them and won.

As one reviews the worlds past history, as well as the present, when our armies are at war in Iraq, the Israelis and Palestinians killing each other, and the terrorists doing their dastardly work everywhere, the question arises: Shall this condition continue always, with nations rising, shining, sinning, sinking? It is then the name God of Peace comes to mind as the prophecy of a better day. God wants peace and in His own day and way He shall bring peace to the world.

Back in the days of the now defunct League of Nations, when many were congratulating themselves on the fact they had outlawed war, it was my privilege as a young man to speak in a certain denominational church. The subject assigned was World Peace. I was brash enough to tell them that in spite of mans rosy dreams and schemes, there would be no real peace until the Prince of Peace returned to rule and reign. At the close the pastor publicly took me to task, asserting that it was the duty of Christians to work for peace and brotherhood among men. He said: We pray Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven and when we thus pray we are praying for peace on earth. Later I called his attention to the three words just prior to the words he had just quoted.. Those three words are: Thy kingdom come! Thank God, that kingdom is coming! Then Gods will shall be done in earth, and not before. Then the God of Peace shall send the Prince of Peace and He will usher in an era of universal tranquility. Then men shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks, and they shall learn war no more.

The blessed name God of Peace stands also in contrast to Satan, who is the real god of war. For six thousand years this arch-criminal has instigated war and strife among the nations. Satan wants war and God wants peace, but the question of who shall win is never in doubt. It may seem that Satan is having his way but he has nigh well run his malevolent course. Listen to what the apostle says in Romans 16:20, And the God of Peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The God of Peace shall bring war against Satan, and then Satan will be shut up and sealed under lock and key, so that he can no longer deceive and seduce the nations of the world. Israel and the nations will then enjoy peace, when Satan is imprisoned and Christ enthroned.

Meanwhile, the believer may enjoy peace even in a world where there is no peace. The God of Peace sent His Son to die on Calvary and He made peace by the blood of His Cross. Then we read in Hebrews 13:20 that the God of Peace brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus. Christ Himself becomes the believers peace. Then as we entrust our all to Him we have the Peace of God which passeth all understanding garrisoning our hearts and minds. And. too, we have the blessed promise: And the God of Peace shall be with you.

___________________________________
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~    BIBLE TEST       MARCH   24, 2007


BIBLE TEST
by C. R. Stam


A Bible test was sprung recently on five classes of college-bound 11th and 12th graders in an American public school.

Some thought Sodom and Gomorrah were lovers; that the Gospels were written by Matthew, Mark, Luther and John; that Eve was created from an apple; and that the stories which Jesus told were called parodies.

Eighty to ninety percent of the students could not complete the most familiar quotations from Scripture.

The teacher, Thayer S. Warshaw, was understandably upset and rightly asked: "Is the student to study mythology and Shakespeare and not the Bible? Is it important for him to learn what it means when a man is called an Adonis or a Romeo, yet unimportant for him to be able to tell a Jonah from a Judas?"

This writer's heart is with that teacher and all who are awake enough to see that the Bible is disappearing more and more from American life. How can we expect anything but juvenile delinquency, the rapid general rise in the crime rate, the growing divorce rate, increasing dishonesty at every level of business and social life? How can we expect anything but these conditions when the Bible is flaunted and despised? This departure from the Word of God is bound to get us deeper and deeper into trouble.

But whatever the conditions about you, you may have the joy and peace and light that comes from that Blessed Book. The Bible tells us frankly that "all have sinned" (Rom.3:23) and that "the wages of sin is death" (Rom.6:23) since a just God must deal with sin. Ah, but it tells us also that "Christ died for our sins" (ICor.15:3), and that the believer may have "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom.5:1).

Read the Bible, especially the Epistles of Paul, who was raised up to proclaim "the gospel [good news] of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24).. You will never cease to thank God for having given your attention to this wonderful Book.

___________________________________
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~   AMBASSADORS OF RECONCILIATION     MARCH 25, 2007


AMBASSADORS OF RECONCILIATION - Part 1
Pastor J. C. O’Hair


In Great Britain, France, Mexico and other countries, the United States maintain ambassadors. Such a representative of the United States is called “minister plenipotentiary and ambassador extraordinary.” As a servant of this country he is a servant full of power or authority, and, being the personal spokesman for more than 120 million people, with the President, the cabinet, the congress, the army and the navy behind him, he is truly a representative extraordinary.

Of course, the man selected for such an important ministry should be fully qualified for the position. In order that he may honorably and uncompromisingly protect the interests of his nation and people at the foreign court he must be exceedingly careful about receiving personal favors, concessions and gifts from official representatives of that foreign nation.

In the important act of establishing treaties and agreements between his own government and the foreign nation that has received him as United States representative, this ambassador is forwarded a government document from Washington, bearing the seal of the United States of America. signed by the President and the Secretary of State. In dignity, accompanied by his official attendants, the ambassador presents the document to the foreign court for the signature of the Ruler and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Thus treaties of possession, commerce and peace are made.

It is deplorable when such a representative is chosen, not because he is qualified for the post but to pay a political debt.

Surely it is a great privilege and a great honor to be an ambassador representing the United States.

It is not an easy task to persuade people that it is a greater honor and a greater privilege to be an ambassador for Christ, and the Kingdom of God. Note the statement of the Apostle Paul, recorded in II Corinthians 5:20. “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.”

This same apostle, in Philippians 3:20, says: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” The word “conversation” here could be translated “citizenship” or even “politics.” There is a sense, then, in which the citizenship and politics of every representative of Christ is in heaven. But while here on earth, as ambassadors for Jesus Christ, those who belong to Christ have the very difficult task of trying to be pleasant among sinners, while at the same time being governed by Galatians 1:10; “for do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

In His wonderful prayer, recorded in John 17, the Lord Jesus said concerning His disciples: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” John 17:16. The qualification for an ambassador is set forth in Colossians 1:12 to 15: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son; In Whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” In Colossians 1:12 the expression “hath made us meet” could be translated “hath qualified us..” In other words, before we can acceptably represent Christ we must qualify. We must be delivered; we must be redeemed. In Colossians 1:20 we are told how this is accomplished. It is through the blood of His cross. Here we note that by the blood of the cross of Christ the believer is reconciled and is at peace with God. We quote Colossians 1:20 to 22: “And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things it. earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled. In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight.”

Here we note that alienated enemies are made wholly unblameable and unreproveable because of what Christ did through death.

Peace and reconciliation by the blood of His cross. What a wonderful message God’s ministers have to proclaim to lost sinners. And what glorious good news the sinner may receive and be saved for time and eternity.
Continued 3/26/07

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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~   AMBASSADORS OF RECONCILIATION  PART 2    MARCH 26, 2007


AMBASSADORS OF RECONCILIATION - Part 2
PART TWO
Pastor J. C. O’Hair



We go back now to II Corinthians 5:17 to 21: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 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.”

Here we note that the ambassador for Christ is a new creature. According to Ephesians 2:10 he is God’s workmanship, created anew in Christ Jesus.. Man by nature belongs to the old creation. He is identified with Adam, the sinner. The most important transformation that can come to any man is to get out of Adam and in Christ; that is to be identified with “The Last Adam” Who is now the glorified Man in heaven. All who are in Adam are in sin, in the flesh, and under condemnation. If any man be in Christ there is a new creation. The new creature is no longer dead in sin. He is dead to sin. The believer’s old man has been crucified with Christ. He is in the Spirit. He is made accepted in Christ, the Beloved. He is complete in Christ. He is waiting to appear with Christ in glory. His citizenship is in heaven. He is in the world, but not of the world. And now he has a new responsibility. For unto him is committed the word of reconciliation. To him is given the ministry of reconciliation.

In these closing verses of the fifth chapter of II Corinthians we observe that it is not the sinner seeking God; but God, through ambassadors of Christ, seeking the sinner, and beseeching the sinner, in Christ’s stead, to be reconciled to God.

There is no more definite statement of the gospel, no clearer announcement of saving truth than we find in II Corinthians 5:21: “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.”

When the Lord Jesus Christ cried “finished”, and yielded up the Ghost on the cross, He was crowned with a crown of thorns, the emblem of the curse. He was made sin, although He knew no sin. The God of all grace ordained and permitted the cruel death of the sinless Christ, yea, offered up His well-beloved Son, so that poor unrighteous men might, by His infinite grace, through faith, be made the righteousness of God in Christ. Man’s only place of security and Divine blessing is in Christ.

This ministry of reconciliation is distinctively a Pauline ministry. More than a dozen times that great apostle emphasized the fact that he was the apostle, the preacher, and the teacher of the Gentiles; that unto Him the risen Christ committed the “dispensation of the grace of God for Gentiles”; the “unsearchable riches of Christ for Gentiles”; “the mystery among the Gentiles”; and the “dispensation of the mystery.” Romans 11:13; Ephesians 3:1 to 3; Ephesians 3:8 and 9; Colossians 1:24 to 27.

According to Galatians 2:8, God was mighty in Peter in the apostleship of the circumcision. Peter received from Christ the keys of the kingdom of heaven and the so-called “great commission.” In his ministry, recorded in the early chapters of Acts, Peter preached unto Israel repentance and restitution; the gospel of the kingdom; the promises and blessings of the covenants which God made concerning Israel; but never once did he preach reconciliation to Gentiles. He did not refer to Adam. Never once did Peter preach to Israel, in those chapters, concerning the “old man” and the “new man”; concerning the “old creation” and the “new creation”. Peter did not preach concerning the believer’s identification with Christ in death, burial and resurrection; blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies. Peter had no authority from Christ to even refer to uncircumcised Abram from whence came Paul’s gospel of the uncircumcision. It was unto Paul that the risen Lord committed the gospel of the uncircumcision, (Galatians 2:7; Galatians 3:8) the ministry of reconciliation and the mystery concerning the Body of Christ. Invariably when we have the ministry of reconciliation we find linked with it the ministry of the new creation and the truth of the believer’s identification; out of Adam, into Christ. The word “atonement” in Romans 5:11 is a mistranslation. It should read “reconciliation”. Then follows the story of Adam and Christ, the old creation and the new creation, and the new creature’s identification with Christ. Romans 5:12 to Romans 6:12.
CONTINUED 3/27/07

___________________________________
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~   AMBASSADORS OF RECONCILIATION - CONCLUSION 3/27/07


AMBASSADORS OF RECONCILIATION - Conclusion
PART THREE - CONCLUSION
Pastor J. C. O’Hair


Our mission today is to beseech sinners to believe the word of reconciliation; to believe that the document has been signed and sealed; that the Lord Jesus Christ provided this reconciliation and made peace by the blood of His cross. Truly with such a ministry we should know that we are ambassadors extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary. How willing and eager sinners should be to accept this glorious gospel message, be at peace with God, reconciled to God, and be redeemed for time and eternity.

If you are troubled to know under which one of the Lord’s commissions you are to labour, remember these words of Paul, “the gospel of the uncircumcison was committed unto me (Paul) as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter.” Galatians 2:7. And again Paul’s words in II Timothy 2:2. “And the things that thou hast heard of me (Paul) among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” Again in Ephesians 3:1 and 2, “I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles”. . . “the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward”. Again, “the gospel which was preached of me is not after man . . . taught it by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:12.

“That I (Paul) should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles—I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation.” Romans 15:16 and 20.

Note what Paul says concerning himself, in I Corinthians 3:10: “According to the grace of God which is given unto me (Paul), as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation.”

When the risen Christ gave the so-called great commission, in Matthew 28:19 and 20, to Peter and his associates, he never hinted at the gospel of uncircumcision, the dispensation of the grace of God for Gentiles, or the ministry of reconciliation which some years later He committed, by revelation, to Paul who then declared, “I am the apostle of the Gentiles; I magnify mine office.” Romans 11:13.

The pity is that the Lord’s ambassadors today minimize Paul’s office instead of magnify it.

Well, fellow-Christians, our commission and message today is the word of reconciliation. That reconciliation message was not the commission of Matthew 28:19 and 20, because Israel had not yet been cast away and God’s word instructs us in Romans 11:15, “the casting away of them (Israel) be the reconciling of the world.” After Christ had been raised from the dead. Peter declared that He was raised from the dead to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance unto Israel. Acts 5:30 and 31. Christ raised from the dead to give repentance is quite different from the reconciling of the world because of Israel was cast away.

Now here is sufficient Divine authority for our ministry for the Lord, “hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” II Corinthians 5:19, “Hath given us the ministry of reconciliation.” II Corinthians 5:18.

In the context note our identification with Christ—II Corinthians 5:15—And also note why we labour as ambassadors of reconciliation: “the love of Christ constraineth us”; “Knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men.” II Corinthians 5:14 and II Corinthians 5:11.

Let us not be guilty of the spiritual crime of perverting the glorious Divine message of grace. In the message of reconciliation sinners are not to beg God to be reconciled to them and save them. Carefully note II Corinthians 5:20: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as thought God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

God beseeches the sinner. We pray the sinner. This is not the sinner seeking God and salvation. This is God beseeching the sinner to accept the perfect work of redemption accomplished by Christ. When He was made sin on the cross, God was reconciled. The reconciliation becomes mutual the moment the sinner believes God and receives Christ. We have a blessed ministry, a great responsibility, and a glorious privilege as ambassadors of reconciliation.

___________________________________
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~    WHAT ABOUT ME?      MARCH  28, 2007


WHAT ABOUT ME?
by C. R. Stam



Hebrews 2 states that unbelievers are, "through fear of death... all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Ver. 15). How often they must ask themselves: "What will become of me: finally become of me?" The best they can hope is that God will be merciful to them and accept them at last, but God cannot do this without a just basis, and since unbelievers have rejected His gracious payment for sin, they must remain under its condemnation. Many hope that physical death will be the end for them, but they fear that the Bible may be true and that death will not be the end.

This writer once talked with a profane barber who had boasted that he was his own "God," and would be until they put him "six feet under." To this we replied: "The Bible says that ‘it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this is the judgment.’ You may not believe this, or accept it as the Word of God, but you can’t prove it isn’t so, and I would urge you to look into it carefully, asking God to give you light."

Here we ask the reader a very personal question: Are you saved? Have you accepted Christ and His payment for your sins, now standing before God "justified from all things," and "accepted in the Beloved"? If not, we beg you: do not delay. These are serious times and who knows how soon God will take His own away and bring this dispensation of grace to a close. Then it will be too late, so we urge you, face up to your sinful condition now, and place your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ who, in infinite love and grace, bore the burden of your guilt and condemnation at Calvary. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." (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~     FEAR STEALS      MARCH  29, 2007


One summer night during a severe thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small son into bed. She was about to turn the light off when he asked in a trembling voice, "Mommy, will you stay with me all night?" Smiling, the mother gave him a warm, reassuring hug and said tenderly, "I can't dear. I have to sleep in Daddy's room." A long silence followed. At last it was broken by a shaky voice saying, "The big sissy!"

Fear - it's an epidemic in this world. There are more types of fear than most people can imagine. There is peladophobia, the fear of baldness and bald people. Then there's acrophobia fear of drafts. Another is porphyrophobia, fear of the color purple. Consider these - Chaetophobia: the fear of hairy people. Levophobia: a fear of objects on the left side of the body. Dextrophobia: fear of objects on the right side of the body. Auroraphobia: a fear of the northern lights. Calyprophobia: the fear of obscure meanings. Thalassophobia: a fear of being seated. Stabisbasiphobia: fear of standing and walking. Odontophobia: the fear of teeth. Graphophobia: fear of writing in public. Phobophobia: a fear of being afraid.

These are extreme examples, but fear has been a universal curse in this world since the day God was looking for Adam in the garden and I asked, "Adam, where art thou?" Adam answered,  "I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid myself" (Genesis 3:10).

What fears have caused you to hide? Jesus told his disciples repeatedly, "Fear not." He still tells us that today.

In Matthew 25, the story is told of the stewards who were entrusted by their master with a number of talents. One was given five, another was given two and the third was given one talent. The master went away on a journey and came back after a while.

When he asked the first two about their use of the talents with which they had been entrusted, he learned they had invested and doubled them. The third person had taken a different approach. When the master asked about his handling of the talent, the man answered, "I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground" (25:25).

Fear steals away our potential for intimacy with God, as illustrated by Adam in the garden. It robs us of productive lives, as illustrated by the servant in the parable of the talents. It causes us to cower and robs us of the faith to confidently take chances.

How many songs are yet unwritten because somebody is afraid? How many businesses have not been started yet because of fear? How many marriages have not happened because somebody is scared? How many people stay in dead-end jobs because they are afraid? How many sermons are not preached, lost souls are not reached, miracles not seen, all because of fear?

Don't let your fears paralyze you! A sovereign God has ordained some things for you. His loving Son will accomplish them through you as you trust His supernatural Spirit to empower you.

Do you feel afraid? Admit it and move on beyond it! Courage isn't the absence of fear. Courage means that you act in faith despite your feelings of fear.

During World War II, a military governor met with General George Patton in Sicily. When he praised Patton highly for his courage and bravery, the general replied, "Sir, I am not a brave man. The truth is, I am an utter craven coward. I have never been within the sound of gunshot or in sight of battle in my whole life that I wasn't so scared that I had sweat in the palms of my hands." Years later, when Patton's autobiography was published, it contained this significant statement by the general: "I learned very early in my life never to take counsel of my fears."

That's good advice for the rest of us. Don't take the advice of your fears. Move forward in faith despite feelings of fear. The faith to move ahead doesn't come from self-confidence. It comes from faith in the God who loved you so much that He gave Himself for you and then to you. Rest in Him and go forward to accomplish the things He has planned for you.
-Steve McVey
www.gracewalk.org·

___________________________________
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~    HE THAT IS SPIRITUAL      MARCH   30,  2007


HE THAT IS SPIRITUAL
By late Pastor Bob Hanna



Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 2: 14


"Lean not to thine own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5).

The apostle Paul prays for us, "that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Colossians 1 :9).

If we are to know the truths of God's Word according to His will and purpose in our lives, we must be attuned to His Spirit. "To be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:6). "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things" (I Corinthians 2:14,15).

Human intellect cannot possibly absorb the meaning of Romans 8:24 and 25, "We are saved by hope; but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." Similarly, natural man can scarcely digest the depth of meaning of Hebrews 11:1. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

As we consider "faith" and "hope" it is well to note the significance of a third ingredient as defined by the Lord as He responded to the question, "Master which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God . ..and thou shalt love thy neighbor. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:36-40). "Faith, hope, love ... but the greatest of these is love" (I Corinthians 13:13).

___________________________________
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~    TOTAL FORGIVENESS    APRIL 1, 2007


TOTAL FORGIVENESS
By late Pastor Bob Hanna


Scripture Reading: Colossians 2: 13

"You, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses" (Colossians 2:13). "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:12-14).

What greater comfort can we experience than the assurance of these words of unqualified release from the bondage of iniquity! Unregenerate man suffers constant fear in his state of guilt and shame. His hope lies only in the one "in whom we [who are saved] have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7). "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9). "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Once possessed, one's salvation can never be lost. The apostle explains the process of judgment when the departed saints appear at the judgment seat of Christ. "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon [the foundation, Jesus Christ], 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: 14,15).

We can neither earn nor deserve salvation. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us" (Titus 3:5).

___________________________________
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~    WHOSE RIGHTEOUSNESS?       APRIL 2, 2007


WHOSE RIGHTEOUSNESS?
By  the late Pastor Bob Hanna



Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:9

The apostle Paul defined Israel's self-imposed barrier to securing salvation: "They being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God" (Romans 10:3). And Paul declares, regarding his own spiritual condition, as "not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" (Philippians 3:9). "I know that in me, (that is, in my flesh), dwelleth no good thing" (Romans 7:18).

The prophet Isaiah describes the condition of natural man: "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). And David stated, "In thy [God's] sight shall no man living be justified" (Psalms 143:2). It is clear that man, by his own efforts, cannot attain to righteousness. This state of affairs has been pondered since time immemorial.. Job asked, "How should man be just with God?" (Job 9:2.) The answer can come only from God Himself. He sent His Son and " ... made Him to be sin for us, [Him] who knew no sin: THAT WE MIGHT BE MADE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM" (2 Corinthians 5:21). We, being saved by grace, are "in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us ... righteousness" (I Cor. 1 :30).

That righteousness is attained by faith, and is the only way acceptable to God, has always been the one approach. "Even Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness" (Galatians 3:6).

___________________________________
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~    REWARD vs. LOSS       APRIL 3, 2007


REWARD vs. LOSS
By the late Pastor Bob Hanna


Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 3; 14, 15

When the apostle Paul was nearing the end of his life, he exuded complete confidence in his appearing before the judgment (award) seat of Christ. "I have fought a good fight, I have [finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7.) "We must all appear before the judgment (awards) seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (worthless)" (2 Cor. 5:10). Would that we all might have the same expectation as did our apostle as we anticipate that great event.

When we appear at the judgment (award) seat it is not our salvation that will be determined, but the value of our conduct in service of the Lord. "If we suffer we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us" (2 Timothy 2:12). This speaks of loss or denial of reward for our works. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Ephesians 2:10). "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1). Thus we are advised of what is expected of us in God's service.

When we are judged, the kinds of works to be examined are described as wood, hay, stubble (which would be determined unacceptable) and gold, silver, precious stones (which would be deemed worthy). "If any man's work abide ... 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: 14,15). This, because " ... after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise" (Ephesians 1:13).

___________________________________
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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SIN  vs. SINS       APRIL 4, 2007


SIN vs. SINS
By late Bob Hanna



Scripture Reading: Romans 12:12,13

"There is none righteous, no, not one ... For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:10,23). The apostle Paul, though the most faithful of all saints of God, wrote of himself, "I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing" (Romans 7:18 ) . And King David confessed, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me" (Psalms 51 :5).

No unregenerate human being can claim God's approval or eligibility for eternity in His presence. Salvation cannot be attained by good works or moral principles. Even if it were possible to live a life of perfection (which it is not), this wouldn't purchase a ticket to heaven. If one were capable of never having committed any sins, such a performance would not qualify him to be called righteous. Why? Because the issue is not a matter of sins, but of sin -- the state of sin.

Our·father Adam willed us his guilt and condemnation."Wherefore, as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Romans 5:12). This inherent guilt places condemnation on every descendant of Adam, " ... even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression" (Romans 5: 14). Guilt by association!

Thank God, He provided a solution to our hopeless condition. "For if by one man's [Adam's] offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:17). "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8 ) .

___________________________________
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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