GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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CONTENDING FOR THE MASTERY    JULY 16,  2007


CONTENDING FOR THE MASTERY
By FLOYD BAKER, Pastor

Scripture Reading: II Timothy 2:5

"And if a man strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." The words "strive for masteries" are taken from the practice of "contending in the public games" of that day. Paul is drawing upon familiar events in the lives of the people, as we see in our context, but with a spiritual application.

As we look about us today we quickly notice that not all who are saved are, "contending in the games" and for many who are, they are not "striving lawfully," i.e. "contending by the rules." The first thing the athlete needs to determine in his life is whether or not the prize is worth the effort. Whereas the athlete could see the benefits of his efforts by "being crowned" we must view it by faith. While their "being crowned" may have a lifetime benefit ours has an eternal one as we note in I Corinthians 9:25, "Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown but we an incorruptible."

We see throughout this book that the apostle is impressing upon Timothy the need to be faithful to the message committed to him. To "strive lawfully" means not mixing the earthly kingdom program with God's heavenly program; not mixing law with grace. It is evident that many of God's people are either ignorant of the consequence or they are looking at the cost of "striving for the masteries" and have taken the road of least resistance. May we be among those who are "to be crowned."

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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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CHOSEN TO BE A SOLDIER    JULY 17, 2007


CHOSEN TO BE A SOLDIER
DICK WARE, Pastor


Reading: II Timothy 2:3, 4


God through the Apostle Paul tells Timothy not to let his timidity cause him to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, nor of Paul who is in prison for the Lord and the Gospel of Grace. Paul exhorts Timothy to share in the sufferings  of Christ. Paul wants him to have a reproducing ministry (2:2). However, to do so, Timothy had better get ready for spiritual warfare and suffering. Timothy finds that his "holy calling" (1:9), involves him being "a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2:2). This is true of every believer, but, especially true of God-called Ministers!

Some divine  imperatives for God's soldiers are: "stir up" (1:6); "do not be ashamed"  (1:8 ); "hold fast" (1:13); "keep"  (1:14); "be strong" (2:1); "commit" (2:2); "endure" (2:3); study (2:15); "continue" (3:14): "Preach the Word" (4:1); "do the work of an evangelist"  and "fulfill your ministry" (4:5)!

The words of a song that I have worked at to memorize and challenge myself with, come to mind:

"AM I A SOLDER OF THE CROSS?"

"Am I a soldier of the Cross? A follower of the Lamb? And shall I fear to own His cause Or blush to speak His name?

Must I be carried to the skies On flowery beds of ease, While others fought to win the prize And sailed thru bloody seas?

Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood?

In this vile world a friend to grace, To help me on to God?

Sure I must fight if I would reign - Increase my courage Lord!

I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy Word!"

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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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WORKMEN - APPROVED      JULY 18,  2007


WORKMEN - APPROVED
Scripture Reading: II Timothy 2: 15-18



What will happen if we do not try hard to please God in correctly handling His Word? We will no doubt be disapproved. " ... the fire shall try every man's work ... " What we do is based upon what we believe the Bible teaches. If we have a careless or mistaken approach to Holy Scripture, it can ruin our works. This is why we must strive diligently In our study of the Word. Our careful study will give us the full knowledge of the right divisions of the Bible that will enable us to handle every detail properly. First, must be the overall approach, then will come the interpretation of the details. Surely we have known people who understood the exact particulars of the Old Testament sacrificial system, or the words of Christ in the Gospels, or the New Jerusalem, yet did not know where they fit in the overall program and purposes of God. Let us be better students than that!

Our text presents some possibilities of danger if we do not diligently study God's Word. First, profane and vain babblings can come in. Second, ungodly conduct can result. Third, the word of error can produce decay in someone's life. Fourth, faith can be overthrown by mishandling the Bible.

Bad doctrine and its companion, evil conduct, combine to produce shame. The worker that produces this cannot be approved.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." Will you he that workman?  Are you that workman today? Can you say that you are correctly understanding and explaining God's Word? If so, you are a worker, approved now and hereafter.

The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to change the people of God. — ODB

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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 RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST IN HIS ASCENSION  Part 1 of 2  July 19, 2007


THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST IN HIS ASCENSION
Part 1 of 2
by ~ Jack Trumm ~

The ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven is the final event of his fulfilling all righteousness on our behalf, from His:

1. Death on the cross
2. The shedding of His blood
3, His burial
4. His resurrection
5. His ascension

As we have seen what the previous four events have meant for all of mankind, let us review what our Lord's passion has done for us.

1. His death (He died our spiritual death) Romans 5:8 says, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

2. His shed blood (cleanses us from all unrighteousness) Romans 5:9 says, "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." In Ephesians 1:7 we read, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. And Colossians 1:14 says, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.

3. His burial (our sin nature, or our old adamic nature was buried with him.) Romans 6:4 it says., "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should ~walk in newness of life." And Colossians 2:12. "··Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

4. His resurrection (God regards us as being just or innocent, free, or being made righteous.) Romans 4:25 says, "Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."

So this brings us to the final event of our Lord giving of Himself on our behalf, His ascension into heaven. Let's ask ourselves a few questions:

1. What does the word ascension mean?
2. How do we know our Lord ascended?
3. What does his ascension mean for us?

First. let's look at the word ascension or (ascend). What does the word mean, according to the Strong's Concordance? It means "to go up, arise, come up". So when we speak of our Lord's ascension, we are speaking of him ascending or going back up to heaven after his resurrection. So this brings up the second question. How do we know that our Lord ascended back into heaven? "And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven." (Luke 24:50-51) "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? 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 1:9-11) "Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things." (Ephesians 4:9-10)

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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 RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST IN HIS ASCENSION  Part 2 of 2  July 20, 2007


THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST IN HIS ASCENSION
Part 2 of 2
by ~ Jack Trumm ~



So then, what does his ascension mean for us? First, we must understand that no man ascended into heaven before our Lord. "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven." (John 3:13) Seeing then that our Lord has ascended back into heaven, we too know that we will take part in this same ascension. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, tells us in II Corinthians 5:1-8, "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."  From this passage of scripture, we know that if our earthly house (that is our body) of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens; and we also know that if we are absent from our body we are present with the Lord. Now in order to be with the Lord, (and he is ascended into heaven) then we too must ascend into heaven to be with Him. We know also from this passage that Paul is speaking of our soul and our spirit. So this then brings up the question, what about our body? What will happen to our body? Will it forever remain in the grave? Or will it rise up (ascend) from the grave? I Corinthians 15 : 51-52 says, "Behold I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." Also in I Thessalonians 4:13-18 it reads, " But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
 
So, we can see from these two passages that our bodies will rise up from the grave and ascend into heaven to be with the Lord forever. With all of this being said, this poses another question. To whom will this happen? Romans 3:22, says "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference." Also in I Timothy 4:10, "For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe.

This wonderful gift of salvation is offered to everyone; but, it is given only to those that believe. Believe what?

1. Believe God concerning our need. The holy, righteous standard for everlasting life is the righteousness of Jesus Christ, and we all come short of that. God has concluded all in unbelief and thru Paul says: "There is none righteous, no, not one. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable, there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulcher, with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and misery are in their ways, and the way of peace have they not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes. " (Romans 3:10-18 )

2. Believe that Jesus's death and burial paid in full the penalty for sin. "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation" (Romans 3:25). "blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross." "having made peace through the blood of his cross" "In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight." Colossians 1 :20, 22, 2:14)

The religious world would tell us we have to work for our salvation, but God's word says in Titus 3:5, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost." Also in Romans 4:5, "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." And in Ephesians 2:8-9, it tells us, "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."

So then with all of this being said, I would ask the reader, to whom or to what are you putting your trust for salvation? If it is in your efforts that you are relying on, or your own righteousness, you will come short because in Romans 3:21-24, Paul declares that Jesus Christ is the only righteous one and we all come short of it. But His death through shedding His blood justifies us freely, today, by His Grace. "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe, for there is no difference. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

So this again leaves us with one option, we must put our faith (or belief) in the five events of the cross of Christ. Have you done that? What better time than now. II Corinthians 6:2 says, "For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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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A FORM OF GODLINESS     JULY 21, 2007


A FORM OF GODLINESS
By JON D. BEKEMEYER, Pastor


Scripture Reading: II Timothy 3:5

One of the great perils of the last days is that people such as those described in II Timothy 3 (covetous, blasphemers, false accusers, fierce, traitors, etc.) also have a "form of godliness." It would be good if all the enemies of the Lord would identify themselves as such, but instead, "they profess that they know God, but in works they deny him" (Titus 1:16).

True godliness is heartfelt devotion toward God. It exhibits a life that is pleasing to the Lord, because as the true believer seeks to live a godly life, the Lord enables him to do just that. Godliness is produced by the power of God.

A mere form of godliness is not enough. Unbelieving Israel had a form of godliness.  These religious people "followed after the law of righteousness," yet they did not attain it (Romans 9:31). They had at "zeal of God, but not according to knowledge" (Romans 10:2).

So it is with those described in II Timothy 3. To them godliness has nothing to do with the genuine working of God, it is simply a system. They deny the power of true godliness.

Just as there are those who deny the power of true godliness, we are to deny ungodliness. We live under grace today, and this grace enables us to live godly lives in the midst of an evil world (Titus 2: 12).

May we be totally dissatisfied with mere outward form, and insist on true godliness - the genuine working of God in our lives. He alone can give the increase. He alone deserves the glory.

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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 TIMETABLE Part 2 JULY 23, 2007


GOD'S TIMETABLE
Part 2
By ~  Jack Trumm ~





ISRAEL'S YESTERDAY

So with an outstretched hand and tender nurturing, God led the children of Israel and cared for them. He sent His Son to them confirming the promises made unto the fathers. Some of the promises made unto the fathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, etc.) were conditional. If they would be obedient, God would bless them, or if they disobeyed, He would punish them. However, God also made UNCONDITIONAL promises unto them, promises in which He would not take back. Among these was the promise that national Israel would be the instrument of blessing to the Gentile nations under the reign of Christ. Isaiah 60 and 61 describe this in detail, predicting a redeemed Israel, shining forth the glory of God, reigning over the rest of the nations as head.

Paul explains that God will fulfill this promise to them when He takes away her blindness, and takes away her sins in accordance to prophecy. Paul explains, "and so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, there shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins." (Romans 11:26-27)

The cleansing and deliverance of Israel was the subject of every prophet which spoke, beginning with "Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken" (Acts 3:24), also John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus Christ, and all of the apostles. This period of her cleansing can be summed up in the phase: "the great tribulation period". In the Old Testament it is referred to as: "the time of Jacob 's trouble ", and her "day of trouble ". (Jeremiah 30:7, Daniel 12:1, Zephaniah 1:15, Ezekiel 7:7) Paul the apostle called it "the day of the Lord", (I Thessalonians 5:12) John the apostle called it "the revelation of Jesus Christ". (Revelation 1:1)

But this terrible time of trouble has been put on 'hold' so-to-speak, "until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in ". (Romans 11:25) God has chosen to reveal and dispense a Gentile dispensation first. He chose to set Israel aside temporarily, avoiding her, considering her an enemy for the sake of the Gentiles. He chose to bless the world thru her fall, taking out of the Gentiles a people without Israel's instrumentality. And so God has ushered in a Gentile dispensation in which He shows mercy and grace to all who come to Christ by faith. In fact, even an individual from the rebel nation Israel may receive the spiritual blessings of grace, but he must come to God in the avenue which the Gentiles now receive it, by grace through faith alone. For the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile is now broken down, the Israelites have lost their favored nation status, that covenant relationship. They must come to God with no merit of their own. Paul writes "even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy (the Gentiles) they also may obtain mercy (the Jews)." (Romans 11:31) Today, in the day of grace, they must come to God through the mercy and grace presently being shown to the Gentiles. Paul makes this declaration against national Israel as the Book of Acts closes, "Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it." (Acts 28:28) We are in a Gentile dispensation. Israel nationally is still being ignored (actually considered as an enemy of God) for our sakes. "as concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes." (Romans 11:28)

God today is not answering Israel, for if He were to answer her, He would have to answer in His wrath for He still holds her responsible (nationally) for the rejection of His Son. It is spelled out by Paul in Romans 11:27 where it says, "when I shall take away their sins."

How long will the Gentiles continue to receive this blessed opportunity to approach God in this way, and enjoy this goodness? Paul answers this in Romans 11:25 by saying, "until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in ". This tells us that God has a number in mind, a number which will bring Him to what He considers "fulness". Maybe there is only one more to be added to "the church which is His body" (Ephesians 1:22-23) before He comes to gather us to Himself. "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the arch-angel, 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 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Continued

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
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GOD'S TIMETABLE Part 3 JULY 24, 2007


GOD'S TIMETABLE
Part 3
By  ~ Jack Trumm ~



TOMORROW

Paul warned the Gentiles concerning the end of this blessed standing, saying "boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee" "well because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear: for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee goodness, IF THOU CONTINUE IN HIS GOODNESS, otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they (Israel nationally) abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again." (Romans 11:18,20-23)

Paul predicted that after "the fullness " of the Gentiles are come in, God will do just that - graft Israel in again. "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, there shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is my covenant unto them, "when I shall take away their sins." (Romans 11:26-27) And then they will be that channel of blessing to the world, for Paul wrote that if setting Israel aside proved to be a blessing for the world, "how much more their fulness?" "now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles, HOW MUCH MORE THEIR FULNESS?" "For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but LIFE FROM THE DEAD?" (Romans 11:12,15)

You may be thinking, well we Gentiles are blessed either way! In the end, yes, but in between time, NO! Because at this present time many restraints are in place in this world, restraints in which God Himself has in place. These seals of restraints will be removed during the great tribulation period which is to come after the last trump of grace. Some people look at wars, natural disasters, various pestilences, earthquakes, and Tsunamis as acts of God's wrath, but the Bible makes it clear that when God pours out His wrath, there will be no mistaking it for natural disasters, or the folly of men. God at that point will speak as He answers in His wrath, as it is written, ''Then shall he speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure." (Psalm 2:5)

It will be during "the great tribulation ", that time referred to as "Jacob's trouble", and her "day of trouble", that Israel is delivered, cleansed, redeemed, and grafted back in as God's favored nation. During the great tribulation the Book of Hebrews, the epistles to the circumcision, and the Book of Revelation will be much more than books "for our learning." For those writings will find direct obedience and application necessary for the believers in those coming days, as God will have moved on in His dealings with man from the grace He shows today, to His righteous judgement. Once the fulness of the Gentiles have come in, through obeying the gospel of the grace of God, and we are caught up together to meet the Lord in the air, the remaining Gentiles will find themselves in the "day of the Lord." The remaining Gentiles will find themselves in "the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." (Rev.  3: 10) As God removes the seals of restraints upon the "mystery of iniquity ", they will be deceived, tested, and judged "when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." (II Thessalonians 2:7, 1:7-9)

With the restraints removed allowing the "mystery of iniquity" to do what he wants, those remaining Gentiles will be easily deceived. "And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; BECAUSE THEY RECEIVED NOT THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, THAT THEY MIGHT BE SAVED. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be darned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (II Thessalonians 2:8-12)

So do you see it? God's dealings with mankind after the present Gentile dispensation will not be so gracious as they are now. God will have moved on from showing the attributes of the grace, mercy, and love which are in Christ Jesus to His other important attributes. He will have moved on to show "who is the ONLY Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who ONLY hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen." (I Timothy 6:15-16) Those who remain on earth after "our gathering together unto him" (II Thessalonians 2:1), if they are able to endure long enough, will experience the revelation of Jesus Christ as He shows "his wrath" and makes "His power known" upon "the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction." (Romans 9:22) The time will have come when God the Father fulfills His promise to His Son in which He said, "sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool". (Matthew 22:44)

Continued

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
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GOD'S TIMETABLE Part 4 JULY 25, 2007


GOD'S TIMETABLE
Part 4  Conclusion
By ~ Jack Trumm ~




They will wish for the days of grace which we now have much like those Jews wail now at the Wailing Wall, wishing they could go back in time, but they cannot "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." (Matthew 24:21-22) "then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." (I Thessalonians 5:3)

So, the Bible tells us what happened yesterday, what is happening today, and what will happen tomorrow. But what about you, friend? Have you obeyed the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ? Will you be among those of us who "shall be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump" of grace? (see I Corinthians 15:51-58) OR will you be among those who remain here to endure the most horrible time of testing man has seen or ever will see because you failed to accept God's gracious offer of salvation in the day of salvation? Evidently the fullness of the Gentiles is not "be come in" yet. You can be the next, and who knows, maybe the last Gentile to receive this blessing before the Gentiles are "cut off" again and God turns His attention back to the "natural branches" (the nation Israel) to graft them back in through the time called "Jacob's trouble." Receive the good news of God's grace. Take it to heart, and apply it to your soul. Jesus Christ died the death you and I deserve. He made complete satisfaction to God for your sins and mine. God is satisfied completely by His shed blood on the cross and through His death. We know this because He raised Jesus Christ from the dead to assure us of His satisfaction. But you must believe that this is the only way of salvation, and that it is not by works of righteousness which we have done, but rather it is by His grace and mercy He saves us today as a free gift through faith. Trust Him with your soul now. "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) "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree. " (Galatians 3:13) "For he (God) hath made him (Jesus Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME, BEHOLD, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION" (II Corinthians5:21-6:2)

Trust Him now while this gracious offer is still being made.

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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 JUST JUDGMENTS    JULY 27, 2007


GOD’S JUST JUDGMENTS
by C. R. Stam



"We are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth..."

The first 15 verses of Romans 2 always make me think of our Lord’s dealings with the rich young ruler of Luke 18: 18,19. "Good Master," the ruler had said, "what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

The Lord answered in effect: "Why do you call Me good? There is none good but God, so if I am good I must be God. But do you want to know what to do to inherit eternal life? Simply obey the Law, the Ten Commandments."

Our Lord, of course, was trying to show the young man that it was impossible to earn salvation by doing good. To keep the Law was impossible for any child of fallen Adam, and breaking the Law could only bring condemnation. Now this absolute justice is the basis for the believer’s confidence in God.

It is wonderful to know that God does not merely pity sinners and smuggle them into heaven if they are sorry. If He did, someone in heaven could point an accusing finger at this writer and say: "What, you here!" Thank God, He has rather taken us before the bar of justice, pronouncing us guilty, but has stepped down, as it were, to pay the penalty for our sins Himself, then justly declaring us righteous! This is why salvation, in Scripture, is based upon Christ’s payment of our just debt. This is why Rom. 3:24 declares that believers are "justified freely, by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

"That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord"
(Rom. 5:21).

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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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[nChrist]

 "GRACE ABOUNDING IN PAUL’S MINISTRY" JULY 28, 2007
 
 
"GRACE ABOUNDING IN PAUL’S MINISTRY"
by C. R. Stam






“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and THE MINISTRY WHICH I HAVE RECEIVED OF THE LORD JESUS, TO TESTIFY THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD.”
—The Apostle Paul in Acts 20:24.


“GRACE to you, and peace” (Rom.1:7);

“Being justified freely by His GRACE” (Rom.3:24);

“we have access by faith into this GRACE wherein we stand” (Rom.5:2);

“the GRACE of God, and gift by GRACE…is by one Man” (Rom.5:15);

“the abundance of GRACE and of the gift of righteousness” (Rom.5:17);

“where sin abounded, GRACE did much more abound…that GRACE might reign” (Rom.5:20,21);

“for ye are not under the law, but under GRACE” (Rom.6:14);

“not under the law, but under GRACE” (Rom.6:15);

“there is a remnant according to the election of GRACE” (Rom.11:5);

“if by GRACE, then it is no more of works; otherwise GRACE is no more GRACE…. But if it be of works, then is it no more GRACE” (Rom.11:6);

“By the GRACE of God I am what I am; and His GRACE… was not in vain, but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the GRACE of God which was with me” (ICor.15:10);

“that the abundant GRACE might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God” (IICor.4:15);

“receive not the GRACE of God in vain” (IICor.6:1);

“ye know the GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ” (IICor.8:9);

“God is able to make all GRACE abound toward you” (IICor.9:8 );

“the exceeding GRACE of God” (IICor.9:14);

“My GRACE is sufficient for thee” (IICor.12:9);

“I do not frustrate the GRACE of God” (Gal.2:21);

“the praise of the glory of His GRACE” (Eph.1:6);

“the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His GRACE” (Eph.1:7);

“the exceeding riches of His GRACE” (Eph.2:7);

“For by GRACE are ye saved, through faith” (Eph.2:8);

“the dispensation of the GRACE of God… given me to you-ward” (Eph.3:2);

“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly…singing with GRACE in your hearts to the Lord” (Col.3:16);

“the GRACE of our Lord was exceeding abundant” (ITim.1:14);

“who hath saved us…according to His own purpose and GRACE, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (IITim.1:9);

“Be strong in the GRACE that is in Christ Jesus” (IITim.2:1);

“GRACE be with you all” (Tit.3:15).

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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 SUPREME CRITIC       JULY 29, 2007


THE SUPREME CRITIC
by C. R. Stam



About 1900 years ago St. Paul wrote to Timothy, with regard to the sacred Scriptures:

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (II Tim.3:16).

This truth has been confirmed by overwhelming evidence, and those who have tried, through the centuries, to overthrow the Bible have been about as successful as a man trying to overthrow the Rock of Gibraltar with a pea shooter.

Furthermore, the Word of God towers above the clergy as well as above the laity. The Bereans were called "noble" because they put the words of even the great Apostle Paul to the test of Scripture, to see if he taught anything contrary to it.

That blessed Book is the Supreme Critic. If we overlook vital doctrine, it is the Book that will "teach" us. If we handle the Word deceitfully, it is the Book that will "reprove" us. If we go astray in our conclusions, it is the Book that will "correct" us. Where moral questions are involved, it is the Book that will "instruct us in righteousness." Well do we remember when we were first convicted by the Bible as the written Word of God -- and we have never ceased to thank God for the blessed results.

This Book condemns men as sinners before a holy God, but presents salvation free and complete through the vicarious death of Christ at Calvary.

"Christ died for our sins" (I Cor. 15:3).

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
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THE FAITHFULNESS of OUR GOD Part 1 of 2   JULY 30, 2007


THE FAITHFULNESS of OUR GOD
Part 1 of 2
By Pastor James R. Gray





God is faithful in all that He is and that He does. Moses once said, "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, He is God, the faithful God" (Deut. 7:9). The Apostle Paul reminds us that even "if we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself" (II Tim. 2:13). Faithfulness is essential to His being and He cannot act contrary to Who He is or what He does. His faithfulness rests upon His very being. His omnipotence, truth, immutability, holiness, love and righteous justice are foundational to His faithfulness. He never forgets, fails, falters, or forfeits His word. Faithfulness is one of His glorious perfections and one of the great themes of the Bible.

The Apostle Paul is a great spotlighter of the faithfulness of God. In his epistles there are six declarations about God's faithfulness. God is faithful in all His relations with His own. It is not our faithfulness that is the focus, but God's faithfulness. In fact, God remains faithful in all of these areas, even when we do not.

GOD IS FAITHFUL TO SAVE

"Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it" (I Thess. 5:24). Believers are those who have responded to the call of God. This call was, first of all, to salvation. In II Thessalonians 2:13-14, Paul makes clear that salvation is the work of God. Our salvation is entirely due to the initiative of God. He chose us to salvation. However, God's choice did not automatically save us, it became a reality by the work of the Holy Spirit and belief of the truth. Believers are here contrasted with those who "did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness" (II Thess. 2:12).

We were called by the gospel of God's grace. The call of God involves receiving eternal life (II Tim. 1:9-10; 6:12; II Thess. 2:14). God in His grace calls men to salvation. It is His call that proceeds and inspires us to call upon Him (Rom. 10:12-13). Therefore, believers are called-out ones. We are called into one Body, the Church (CoI. 3:15). In fact, the word church is the Greek word ekklesia, meaning the called-out ones. We have not joined the church, Christ has joined us to His church and to Himself (1 Cor. 12:13). God is faithful to save those whom He calls (Rom. 8:29-30). He called us to salvation, and He is faithful to completely accomplish it.

GOD IS FAITHFUL TO SECURE

"Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (I Cor. 1:8-9). Believers are secure in Christ. God will "confirm you unto the end." The Greek word for confirm is bebaioo, meaning to fix, make sure, preserve. It denotes to "make firm or reliable so as to warrant security" (Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary, 331). God is faithful to secure us. We do not secure ourselves by works or any other means. Our security is completely in the hands of God. We will not present ourselves blameless in that day. He will present us "holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight" (Col. 1:22). the word blameless is a legal term in the Greek, indicating not merely to be unaccusable, but free from any charge. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1).

GOD IS FAITHFUL TO SAFEGUARD US

"But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil" (II Thess. 3:3). God is faithful to save and secure us for eternity. He is likewise faithful to safeguard us in this present age. The word keep is an interesting one. The Greek word is phulasso. Although keep is a true translation, the word is more colorful than what the English word brings out. It is a military term meaning to watch, guard, sentinel, or garrison. It implies conflict and armed protection against attack. God safeguards His own.

That which we are safeguarded from is evil, or the evil one. The text here could be translated either in the neuter: evil, or masculine: the evil one. Paul uses the word in both ways; for evil in general (Rom. 12:9; I Thess. 5:22) and of the evil one (Eph. 6:16). Most students prefer the masculine translation (the evil one) because of the context.

This does not mean that evil or the evil one will never touch us. Job knew what it was to be touched by the evil one. However, as J. Sidow Baxter observes: 
Again and again Satan is allowed to attack; and, alas, all too often our outward human defenses are pierced; but inside those there is an invisible wall of fire around God's elect before which Satan is scorched and thwarted. He may penetrate right to that innermost citadel, ripping away everything else to get there, as he did in the case of the patriarch Job; but there he always reaches the impenetrable, and slinks back in discomfiture, while the Lord's beloved comes through wiser and stronger, even as gold tested and purified (Majesty: The God You Should Know, 207).

God safeguards us so "who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these thing we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:35-39).

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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 FAITHFULNESS of OUR GOD Part 2 of 2   JULY 31, 2007


THE FAITHFULNESS of OUR GOD
Part 2 of 2
By Pastor James R. Gray




GOD IS FAITHFUL TO SANCTION

God is faithful to safeguard us, because He is faithful to sanction what He permits to occur. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (I Cor. 10:13).

Temptation is a persistent enemy to every believer. It never quits. It continually attacks morning, noon and night. It surrounds us, allures us, and tries to trip us day after day, month after month, year after year. When it comes to temptation, let us give careful consideration to the facts:

* God does not tempt us

The temptation we face never comes from God. James 1:13 warns us, "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man." The author of all good cannot be the author of sin, nor can He tempt any of His creatures to sin. We cannot blame God for the temptation we face. The buck stops with us. James continues, "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed" (1:14). When we fall into sin from temptation is it no one's fault but our own.

* God does limit temptation

God will "not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able" (1 Cor. 10:13). The word suffer is the Greek word eao meaning to permit or allow. God will not allow us to be tempted above what we can handle. God controls the amount of temptation Satan may bring upon us. Our all knowing God will not allow us to be overloaded. Each of us has a maximum capacity that we are able to handle, with His help. He knows our maximum capacity and will not allow more than that. At the point of maximum capacity He will say "no more" Job 38:11). It is important to notice that this is based upon God's knowledge, not upon what we think we can handle. He knows our limits even when we do not.

* God always makes an escape from temptation

God promises to provide a way of escape. It does not matter what the temptation is (drink, drunks, depravity, whatever), all have a way of escape. Thank God that is always true. The words "way of escape" is one word in the Greek, ekbasis, meaning a way out. We do not need to be victims of our weaknesses, environment or circumstances. God is faithful! He has appointed a way out of any and every temptation we face.

It should be pointed out that the way of escape may not mean a doing away with the temptation, but enduring the temptation. Otherwise, the last phrase - "that ye may be able to bear it" - has little meaning. The phrase clearly refers to enduring the temptation without faltering because Christ is "able to succour them that are tempted" (Heb. 2:18 ). The word succour means to help, aid. God is faithful to aid us in temptation. Making us able to ride it out, to go through it, and to bear it while we're enduring, thus coming out victorious. We can have victory over any temptation.

Notice also that the temptation and the way out come at the same time. When the temptation begins, the way out or the means to endure is available. The way of escape is always present with the temptation. The two cannot be separated. God is faithful to sanction or limit the temptation we face and to provide a way out. It is up to us to take the way out. In reality, whatever way of escape God is faithful to provide in a particular trial, it will include dependence upon the sustaining power of God.
==
GOD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS SOLEMN WORD

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised)" (Heb. 10:23). God is reliable. He will do what He promised. His is faithful to His word. Because He is faithful to His word, we ought to be faithful to Him. We may prove to be unfaithful to our word, but God never fails to perform what He promised in His solemn word. It is impossible for Him to lie (Heb. 6:16-18 ).

GOD IS FAITHFUL TO PERFORM

"But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay .... For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us" (II Cor. 1:18,20). The translation of verse 18 is not the best. For one thing, the word as is not in the Greek text. Also, the word true is the same Greek adjective which in the other references is translated faithful. Therefore it is better translated, "God is faithful."

The context shows that God is faithful to perform His Word. God not only promises, He performs what He promises. God's promise is always crowned by His performance. God will do what He says He will do. God is faithful!

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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 LAW MISUNDERSTOOD   AUGUST 1, 2007


THE LAW MISUNDERSTOOD
by C. R. Stam




There are three misconceptions that most people entertain about the law of God and its Ten Commandments:

Most people have a vague notion that the law always was in existence and that it must have been given to the first man, Adam, or soon after. Actually, God gave the law to Moses for Israel about 1500 B.C., after about 2500 years of human history had elapsed (John 1:17). So mankind lived on earth for about 2500 years without the law or the Ten Commandments.

Most people suppose that the law and the Ten Commandments were given to mankind in general, while, in fact, it was given to Israel alone (Deuteronomy 5:2,3).

Most people suppose that the law and the Ten Commandments were given to help us to do right. Even some clergymen teach this, although the Bible clearly teaches that they were given to show us that we are guilty sinners. It is true that the law, while given to Israel, also shows the Gentile that he is a sinner. This is why Romans 3:19 says:

“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought in guilty before God.”

But most important of all: Few people realize that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins to deliver us from the just condemnation of the law. This is taught in the following Scriptures:

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us…” (Gal.3:13).

“For God hath made Him to be sin for us, [Christ] who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (IICor.5:21).

“For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are NOT UNDER THE LAW, BUT UNDER GRACE” (Rom.6:14).

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

If this devotion has been a blessing to you, please share it with others. The Word of God is so needed in our troubled world.

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.

Click Below For FREE Email Subscription:
http://www.graceandthetruth.com/pop_up.htm
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