GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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THE PRICE OF UNBELIEF        APRIL 5, 2007


THE PRICE OF UNBELIEF
By the late Pastor Bob Hanna


Scripture Reading: Revelation 20:15

The fundamental principle of the requirement for salvation has always, in every dispensation, been belief in God - on His terms. "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness" (Galatians 3:6). "It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (I Corinthians 1:21). "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

But there is a dark side: "He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18 ) . "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). Christ warned of the day that He will return in judgment and vengeance. "HE shall set the sheep [the saved] on His right hand, but the goats [the lost] on the left. Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal" (Matthew 25:33,41,46).

True to His promise, when the Lord returns, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Thessalonians I:8 ) . He will seal the doom of the wicked. They will finally appear before the Great White Throne, and be judged and "cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).

___________________________________
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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THE RESURRECTION DAY      APRIL 6, 2007


THE RESURRECTION DAY
by C. R. Stam




In Psalm 2:7 we find the prophetic words: "I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto Me, Thou art My Son: THIS DAY have I begotten Thee."

Should we ask: "What day?" or "When was Christ officially declared to be the Son of God?" We will find the answer in Acts 13:33:

"God hath fulfilled the same [promises] unto us... in that He hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second Psalm: Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee."

So it was at Christ’s resurrection that the "decree" was made and He was "declared" to be the Son of God -- "begotten" in the larger sense of the word.

This agrees with what we find in the first chapter of Romans, where St. Paul speaks of God’s good news,

"Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power... by the resurrection from the dead" (Rom. 1:3,4).

This is a wonderful truth. It was Christ’s resurrection from the dead in power that proved that He was indeed God the Son. And more wonderful still: it was our death He died at Calvary, so that He might impart to us this everlasting resurrection life. In Eph. 2:2,3, we are all declared to have been "the children of disobedience" and therefore "by nature the children of wrath," but see how this passage continues:

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved), and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:4-6).

Thus, because of Christ’s finished work of salvation, those who place their trust in Him are given His resurrection life and "blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 1:3). This is their RESURRECTION DAY!

___________________________________
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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GRACE UNLIMITED       APRIL 7, 2007


GRACE UNLIMITED
By the late Pastor Bob Hanna



Scripture Reading: Titus 2: 11

"The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11). What is it that brings salvation? GRACE! What a profound truth is this and how little understood, even by Christian believers. The apostle Paul writes of those who are saved as "they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness" (Romans 5: 17).

"Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Romans 5:20). "According to His mercy He saved us ... that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:5,7). God pitied us and poured out His abounding grace to rescue us from the condemnation of Adam's transgression. "[He] hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son" (Colossians 1:13).

When one accedes to the apostolic instruction to "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31), in essence he is simply accepting a freely bestowed gift which has been proffered by a loving God: " ... the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift" (IICorinthians 9: 15). Oversimplification? No! It is just as uncomplicated as above described. Words from the lyrics of two beloved hymns of praise come to mind: "Jesus paid it all", and "'Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul." God's grace knows no bounds and has always been the basis on which He has dealt with His people. But in this Dispensation of Grace, there is no additional ingredient, such as works of the law.

___________________________________
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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THE FINALITY     APRIL 8, 2007


THE FINALITY
By the late Pastor Bob Hanna



Scripture Reading: Hebrews 9: 12

"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (Hebrews 9:12). "For it pleased the Father that in Him [Christ] should all fullness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself" (Colossians 1:19,20).

When John the Baptist announced the presence of Jesus, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John I:29). And the Apostle Paul declared, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (I Timothy 1:15). Christ's mission was clear; He was to be offered, bearing the sins of mankind, as the only one qualified to do so because He was the only perfect, sinless being. Thus Peter affirmed, " ... ye were not redeemed with corruptible things ... But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (I Peter 1:18,19).

"For He [God] hath made Him [Christ] to be sin for us, [He] who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (II Corinthians 5:21). Christ went to the cross and completed the work that He was sent to do. " ... knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled ... He said, It is finished; and He bowed His head and gave up the ghost" (John 19:28,30). "[God] 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 1:13,14.)

___________________________________
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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THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION        APRIL  9,  2007


THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION


More often than not, this is the month in which we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. To a few this is a myth, to some a fact, but to many it is a blessed hope!

How many people fully understand and comprehend the power of Jesus Christ's resurrection? How many Christians are allowing themselves to be energized and governed by that same power in their daily lives?

There are two great verses in Philippians, chapter three, concerning the power of the resurrection. In Philippians 3:10 we read, ''that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection." In Philippians 3:21 we read, "who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (NIV). The first verse concerns the power of the resurrection enjoyed and revealed morally. The second concerns the power of the resurrection enjoyed and revealed physically.

Therefore, the resurrection has a moral as well as physical aspect.

One day the believers will exhibit Christ's physical glory in resurrection; Philippians 3:21, "who shall change [transform or change the fashion of] our vile body [body of humiliation], that it may be fashioned like [to be conformed] unto his glorious body [the body of glory]." Ken Taylor has paraphrased this verse thusly: "When He comes back He will take these dying bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like His own .... " This truth assures believers of immortality (see also 1 Corinthians 15:14-20,51-53, and 2 Corinthians 5:1-61). After penning the truth in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, concerning the resurrection of the saints in this dispensation, Paul concluded by saying, "Wherefore comfort one another with these words" (v.18 ) . The truth of immortality is a tremendous comfort to the child of God.

But in Philippians 3:10, the power mentioned assures the believer of justification (Rom. 4:24,25; 1 Corinthians 15:17). To be justified means to be declared righteous because of the imputation of divine righteousness (Rom. 3:24,25; 2 Corinthians 5:21). This justification brings "peace with God;" "Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God" (Rom.. 5:1 ).

Secondly, the power in this verse raises up the believer spiritually with Christ. How? By identification (Rom. 6:3,4; Col. 2:12).

Thirdly, the power allows the believer to triumph over sin and produce the fruit of the Spirit in his/ her life. The Greek word translated ''to know" in Philippians 3:10 means ''to know by experience." Paul wanted the same power surging through his own being, that raised Christ from the dead, which helps believers overcome sin in their lives and produces the Christian graces. The Greek word for power in this verse is dunamis.

There are two aspects to this Greek word; one relates to that which overcomes resistance (Rom. 6:6, 14, 17, 18 ) , our word dynamite; the second refers to inherent power, the power to reproduce itself (Gal. 2:20; 5:22,23), our word dynamo.

What power was it that raised Christ from the dead? According to Romans 8:11 it was the Holy Spirit. How do we, then, appropriate this resurrection power? By faith--(Eph.1:15,16,19,20) and by yielding to the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18; Rom. 6:13, 16). It is said of the disciples in Acts 1:8 that they would receive power "after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you." You and I, as children of God, have this power continually at our disposal in this dispensation of grace because of the presence of the Holy Spirit indwelling our bodies (1 Cor. 6:19).

One of the great tragedies of the Christian life is unrealized, and therefore unused, power. As we will exhibit Christ's physical glory in resurrection, so should we exhibit His moral glory in daily conduct. So often we are willing to believe a divine fact (physical resurrection) but are not willing to be energized and governed by the same divine fact (power for victorious living). Philippians 3:10 must be true in your life before Philippians 3:21 can be a hope. Remember, resurrection is a demonstration of Christ's power and Calvary is a demonstration of Christ's love (Rom. 5:6-8 ) .

Unknown Author

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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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SATAN AND THE TRUTH       APRIL 10, 2007


SATAN AND THE TRUTH
by C. R. Stam






"If any man be in Christ he is a new creation..." (II Cor. 5:17).

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus..." (Eph. 2:10).

"And ye are complete in Him..." (Col. 2:10).

"In Christ!" What a glorious truth! What a high and holy position! No religious ceremony, neither circumcision nor baptism, needed to make us spiritually complete. God only asks now: "Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" (Eph. 4:1).

Many Christians are satisfied with salvation through the blood of Christ, but God wants us to have much more than this. He wants us to have "the full assurance of understanding" (Col. 2:2), to know the security, the blessedness, the glory of a position in Christ. He wants us to know "the exceeding riches of His grace" (Eph. 2:7), and to enjoy "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 1:3).

But Satan does not!

For proclaiming these glorious truths the Apostle Paul was bitterly opposed on every hand, even by some saved religious leaders of his day.

And Satan has not changed!

Proclaim this message today and "your adversary the devil" will soon be roused to action. He hates this message of grace which the glorified Lord revealed through Paul (Eph. 3:1-3) and let us not be asleep to the fact that, as in Paul’s day, he will again seek to use even saved religious leaders, evangelical "big guns," if he can, to oppose it, thus robbing Christ of His glory and believers of their blessings.

___________________________________
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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SCRIPTURE THAT CHANGED MY LIFE        APRIL 12, 2007


SCRIPTURE THAT CHANGED MY LIFE
I Corinthians 2:6,7,8
by RUSSELL S. MILLER



"Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought; But we speak the wisdom of God in a Mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (ICor.2:6,7,8 ) .

The Spirit of God revealed to the Apostle Paul, that other Apostle, wisdom which none of the Old Testament writers knew. He says:

"We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory "Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (ICor.2:7,8 ) .

It is evident that this "hidden mystery" was "ordained before the world," but few realize that it was first made known unto the Apostle Paul. His epistles are filled with the wonderful truths which this glorious "wisdom" affords the simplest of believers.

Beware though, for those who dare stand for this great revelation also discover that "the wiles of the devil" are hurled at them. "The preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery" (Rom.16:25) is, unfortunately, not a popular message for it puts to death the old man and his sinful nature.

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this age hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, LEST THE LIGHT OF THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL OF CHRIST, who is the image of God, SHOULD SHINE UNTO THEM" (IICor.4:4).

Our adversary hates this great body of truth because it spells his utter defeat. For on Calvary's cross Christ accomplished more than the devil ever could have realized: "And having spoiled principalities and powers HE MADE A SHEW OF THEM OPENLY, TRIUMPHING OVER THEM IN IT" (Col.2:15). Had "the princes of this age known" what the cross entailed "they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (ICor.2:8 ) . "BUT GOD HATH REVEALED [THE HIDDEN MYSTERY] UNTO US BY HIS SPIRIT: For the Spirit searcheth all things, YEA, THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD" (ICor.2:10). PRAISE THE LORD!

___________________________________
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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WHEN CHRIST SHALL APPEAR       APRIL 13, 2007


WHEN CHRIST SHALL APPEAR
By the late Pastor Bob Hanna



Scripture Reading: Titus 2: 13

   "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:4). When He shall appear to whom? The writer of this statement is the apostle Paul. He addresses the saints who are members of the church -- which is the body of Christ. He assures us that "Our conversation [our citizenship] is in heaven; from whence we look for [expect] the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). "Looking for [expecting] that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2: 13).

   The apostle is not speaking to the nation of Israel, the people of prophecy and promise. They have been set aside, and in this present dispensation "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28 ) . In other words, the Jew has no identification per se as a member of the body of Christ Ergo, the appearing which Paul defines is not the returning of the king of Israel.

   Sadly, many saints today are anticipating the wrong appearing. They are missing the joyful expectation of eternity in heaven - which is the portion of the members of Christ's body. "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (I Thess. 4: 16,17).

___________________________________
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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CHRIST RETURNETH!     APRIL 14, 2007


CHRIST RETURNETH!
By the late Pastor Bob Hanna



Scripture Reading: Acts 1: 10,11

"And His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west" (Zechariah 14:4). Thus shall Christ come back to earth as promised, and will sit on the promised throne of David in the promised millennial kingdom. To whom were the promises made? "Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises" (Romans 9:4).

"What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God" (Romans 3:1,2). When the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, His apostles watched "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said ... this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:10,11).

The nation of Israel is assured by God, that "all Israel shall be saved ... For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins" (Romans 11:26,27). Thus prophecy will be fulfilled: "This shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people" (Jeremiah 31:33). Christ will indeed return, but to whom? To the people to whom the promises were made!

___________________________________
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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THE WORD FOR LIFE          APRIL 18, 2007


THE WORD FOR LIFE
First JOHN 2:12-17
By the late Pastor L. Peterson


Paul in writing to Timothy (2 Tim. 4:2) said that his ministry should cover three distinct areas. First, it should be a word for encouragement - 'Preach the word' the apostle declares. This always is encouraging as the believers see the promises of God come true. Secondly, it should be a word of warning. The apostle adds 'reprove - rebuke'. Thirdly, it is a word of exhortation. The text referred to above declares 'exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

This portion in our study of 1st John covers these three areas. Verses 12 through 14 covers the area of encouragement. Verses 15 through 16 covers the area of warning and the 17th verse covers the area of exhortation. In our lesson for this writing we shall consider verses 12 through 14 or the subject of encouragement. The aged apostle encouraged his readers by addressing them as a one family unit. All the Christians are called by the family name 'Teknia' or 'little children'. This is a term of endearment. Regardless of their spiritual maturity they all belong to one family and being born in the bloodstream that flows from Calvary they have a common Father, our Heavenly Father. After resurrection morning and the giving of His shed blood the Savior called the disciples 'brethren' (John 20:17). This declares them as all in one family. How helpful it would be in our christian circles if we all realized this. It would help all of us who are truly Christians to better appreciate the entire family. Our denominational differences would fade into insignificance if we fully realized this wonderful relationship. How grateful we should be to God our Heavenly Father for addressing us with such an endearing term as 'children In the 13th and 14th verses the inspired writer gives credit and acknowledges their spiritual maturity.

First, he addressed the 'fathers'. Who are these so addressed? These no doubt were those who had been with from the beginning as we read in Acts 1:21 'These men who have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us'. The emphasis should be upon 'ye have known Him, from the beginning'. Some interpret the text that these fathers knew 'Him that was from the beginning'. The context and a proper translation will shew that they were called fathers because they had known the Lord for many years. John was an aged apostle when he wrote this letter and some of the fathers addressed were of his acquaintance and fellowship for many years. They were strong and stedfast in their faith and were looked upon as mature in the Lord.

Next the Apostle John addresses the young men. They are addressed as such because they were young in years but strong and mature in the Lord. They are complimented because they were overcomers. John in another portion of this letter declares that the spirit of antichrist was already in the world but these young men had overcome the wicked one. This is certainly an encouraging word to these young men and to those that observed their living. It is encouraging for us even today to know that we may even today be 'more than conquerors through Him that loved us'. For, if in that early day with so little of the then known world being Christian, young men would step out against the course of the age to stand and be strong in the Lord, how much more we who find great numbers following Christ and the gospel of salvation so well propagated as it is today. The word 'overcome' is 'nikos' which means conquered and is from the noun 'nike' which means victor. These young men living in those days in the very heart of paganism were victors.

In the 13th verse John addresses some again as 'little children'. These are a different group or a group in a different spiritual category as those called 'little children' in verse 12. Here they are 'paidia' little children. They were children of the Lord but not mature or spiritually strong. Nevertheless they have known the Father and were His children. How great, tenderhearted and good God is to His children. He does not cancel our relationship with Him because of immaturity. If this had been His way of dealing with us today, most of us would now be lost. However once born into His family we are His forever. This too is a word of encouragement to every sinner saved by grace.

Verse fourteen seems to be a reemphasize of the preceding verses. In the next lesson we shall consider the word of warning and exhortation.. This lesson which we have just considered prepares us to receive the following lesson. May we therefore daily rejoice in God's good word of encouragement and consider carefully other words or lessons to build us up in our faith.

Amen and love,

Pastor Peterson

___________________________________
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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GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY AND CHRIST'S COMING    APRIL 19, 2007


GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY AND CHRIST'S COMING
JOHN 14:1-3; PHILIPPIANS 3:20-21; TITUS 2:13
By Pastor Paul  Hume


   Jesus Christ IS coming again! This has been heralded during the past sixty to seventy years as it never has been since the first century in the days of the Apostles. The great recovery of what we sometimes call 'premillennial truth' has brought this about. This blessed truth of the soon-return of the Lord Jesus has filtered through churches of many denominations including the rise of independent churches. How we bless God for those who not only are truly saved -- regardless of human labels -- but also who 'love His appearing'.

   When will Christ come? No man knows' Concerning His second coming to the earth, our Lord declared: 'But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is' (Mark 13:32-33). Hence, all of His exhortations concerning His second coming at the close of the Great Tribulation were based on the fact that His coming would be 'like a thief in the night' (Matthew 24:36-51). This will be due to the fact that 'those days should be shortened' (Matthew 24~22; see Daniel 12:11-13).

    When will Christ come for 'the church, which is his body?' Again,  no man knows. For we believe that since this Mystical Body of Christ is a separate and complete program in itself and unrelated to the prophetic program of God (although there is an ultimate interrelation between the two in the ages to come, I believe), that there will be what some have rightly termed a 'secret rapture' for this church. This rapture ('catching away' -- I Thessalonians 4:17; 'calling on high' -- Philippians 3:14; being 'received up into glory'-- I Timothy 3:16) will take place before the prophetic program is on the stage of world history again. Just as we begin to see signs of the approaching Christmas season early in the fall but hear or see nothing about Thanksgiving until November is reached; so we are beholding signs of Christ's second coming to earth now. How much nearer must the conclusion of this blessed 'dispensation of the mystery' be! The time is His secret! Being saved and ready is our responsibility! Are you?

    Do you really know that Christ is in you by virtue of your having received Him by faith as your Lord and Savior? If you know that He is, may we together seek to live more diligently than ever by the energizing grace of our risen, living Lord (Titus 2:11-14)!

Grace Peace and Love, Pastor Hume

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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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THE CARE OF ALL THE CHURCHES      APRIL 20, 2007


THE CARE OF ALL THE CHURCHES
By Pastor John McKay



Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 11:28

Second Corinthians chapter eleven is part of a section which presents the Apostle Paul as God wanted him to be seen. Can you imagine saying that the care of all the churches is upon him? It would have to be someone who could say that men would be judged according to his gospel (Romans 2:16). It would have to be someone who could say that he didn't receive his gospel from men at all, but by direct revelation from the glorified Lord Jesus (Galatians I:11-12). It would have to be  someone who could say that he gave his gospel to the twelve apostles, but that they didn't provide any information to him (Galatians 2:2 and 6). It would have to be someone who could say that Jew and Gentile are now placed in One Body when they believe, and that this situation is a new dispensation of pure grace which God had never before revealed but now has given this gospel to that someone, who is to give it to everyone (Ephesians 2:11-17, 3:1-9). It would have to be someone who could say that God gave him the Word of God for this present dispensation, and that he would complete or consummate that Word (Colossians 1:25).

Chapter eleven of  II Corinthians says that this someone is the one who will "present" the believers to Christ (verse 2). He insists that believers receive only that Lord Jesus, that Holy Spirit, and that Gospel which were given to them (verse 4). He asserts that he is not a bit behind the very chiefest of the apostles (verse 5). This one gives as his foremost credentials to authenticate his authority, the most amazing array of sufferings (verses 22-27). This someone is Paul. Churches may take principles from the whole Word, but their "care" is in Paul's Epistles!

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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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CHRIST - THE HEAD OF THE CHURH       APRIL 21, 2007


CHRIST - THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH
By Pastor Dick Ware



Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:23


The church in our verse is the same one in chapter I, verses 22 and 23, where God says He put all things under Christ's feet: "and gave Him to be HEAD over all things to THE CHURCH, WHICH IS HIS BODY, the fullness of Him who fills all in all!" The "Body of Christ" is the only church God is building today. In the letter to the Colossians we also see that the Lord Jesus Christ ..... .is the HEAD OF THE BODY, THE CHURCH ... that in all things He may have the preeminence (Ch. I:17,18 ) !" If you recognize the many facets in Scripture of the Lord Jesus Christ, and know of His many titles, but don't recognize and glorify Him as the HEAD OF THE CHURCH, WHICH IS HIS BODY, you're not giving Him the full honor and glory given to Him!

In Ephesians 5:22, 23 where God says: "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church ... Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything"; God is not teaching the wife to submit because she is the bride of the man, nor that the church is the "Bride of Christ." Instead, God is teaching that the woman is to submit to the man because they are ONE FLESH (vr. 31), and the man is the head of that union; just as Christ and His Church which is His Body, are ONE FLESH, and Christ is the Head of that union! Verses 28-33 go on to say: the husband should love his wife as his own body; as his own flesh; and as himself. The illustration is, as Christ loved the Church which is His Body; members of His Body are ONE FLESH WITH HIM! What a glorious union and living reality!

___________________________________
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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Freedom From Worry and Anxiety       APRIL 25, 2007


Freedom From Worry and Anxiety
by Steve McVey


The world seems to be going crazy. Gasoline prices are higher than we have ever seen in our lifetime. Nuclear capability is being grasped by volatile leaders like North Korea’s Kim Jong Il and Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez. Outlandish remarks about wiping Israel off the face of the earth have been made by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran. A war continues in Iraq. Experts tell us that a real estate bubble is about to pop. Economists are nervous. There’s no doubt about it, if we judge by the things we can see, the world has become a scary place.

How are Christians to navigate through these trying times? While the answer doesn’t always seem easy, it is simple. We trust our Father. The answer may seem trite, but it is true. We trust. That’s it. What else can we do?

Our Father is the great I Am. Do we really need more than that? The One who loves you spoke all things into existence and it is by Him that all things consist. That’s enough to give us peace.  The Sovereign Lord is your Father. The One who neither slumbers, nor sleeps. The One who has the very hairs of your head numbered. The One who rules the smallest details of the universe. The great I Am is the One who cares for you.

Worry is what happens when we imagine a future without God. It is the ugly stepchild of faithlessness. It is the dull, nagging sense that God will abandon us in our time of need.  I think of the God of my own journey. He has never done anything but assure me of His love and good intentions. I have never known Him to be anything other than loving and gracious and compassionate and faithful. Any doubts I ever have don’t come to me because of His track record, because His record is perfect.

There have been times when I haven’t understood Him. I still don’t. Life hasn’t been a Disney World at every moment. But I’ve learned that I can trust Him, even when He makes no sense to me.

In the shaky world of today, let us choose to trust Him. To rest in Him and to yield everything to Him. The road we travel may seem bumpy at times, but He will see to it that we arrive safely home.

Don’t become distracted by the scenery along the way in your journey.. Trust Him. Look to Him and He will give you miraculous peace so that you can enjoy the journey. What He has said, He will do. It is already established in heaven. So, relax. Worry and anxiety are exercises in futility. I Am is our Abba. Is there anything more we need to know?

___________________________________
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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The EXCEEDING GREATNESS of GOD'S POWER 1    APRIL 26, 2007


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




-What is the measure of God's power toward believers?

-What can be accomplished in the believer by that power?

-How can the believer appropriate and apply that power?

THE MEASURE OF GOD'S POWER TO US-WARD

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

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

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

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

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

___________________________________
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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http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
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