GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

[nChrist]

BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM
by Russell S. Miller



The Apostle Paul not only preached the death of Christ but he also declared what was accomplished in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This no other writer Old Testament or New, had ever done before!

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? 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” (Rom. 6:3,4).

In Romans 6 Paul teaches us that when we got saved God took us back to Calvary, and made us one with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Our old Adamic nature, “that old man” that we are all so ashamed of, was crucified with Christ: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Rom. 6:6). Thus “sin [is] not to reign” in our “mortal body” (6:12). And what’s more, we have also “become dead to the law by the body of Christ” (Rom. 7:4,6).

“Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace” (Eph. 2:15).

But not only are we made one with Jesus Christ in His death, and set gloriously free, there is another very important reason for Christ’s burial, which again is only revealed in Paul’s epistles.

That Adamic nature has been buried in Joseph’s tomb with Christ. Yes, our sins, and that sin nature, has been put away forever out of God’s sight, and we are free (Lev.16:1-34; Heb.13:10-14)! Just as Jesus Christ was actually buried, so we have been buried with Him. “Therefore,” says the Apostle, “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” (Rom. 6:4). Yes, this is true, it has really taken place. And because you can’t reform that old sin nature, nor justify it, Paul here declares that the old Adamic sin nature must be buried, and we must reckon it to be so daily:

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:11).

___________________________________
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
___________________________________

[nChrist]

NOT DYING FOR LACK OF LOVE
by C. R. Stam


It has been said that "the world is dying for the lack of a little bit of love." When this statement is examined in the light of Scripture, however, it is found to be the exact opposite of the truth. Listen to what God’s Word says about this:

"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).

"God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom 5:8 ).

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (I John 4:9,10).

Many about us are dying in their sins, but not "for the lack of a little bit of love." It is rather because they reject the great love that God has manifested to us in His Son. We are told in John 1:10,11 that "He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not." This is the problem: men are rejecting His love. "And this is the condemnation," says John, "that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light" (John 3:19).

But while others reject Him, you may accept Him as your Savior and know the joy of sins forgiven and of everlasting life, for "as many as received Him, to them gave He the power [Lit., right] to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name" (John 1:12).

"The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand.
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on Him" (John 3:35,36).

"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
___________________________________

[nChrist]

Thanksgiving is....

Thanksgiving is a
Time of gratitude to God,
Our Creator and Provider,
Whose guidance and care
Go before us...
And whose love
Is with us forever.

Thanksgiving is a time
To reflect on the changes,
To remember that we, too,
Grow and change
From one season of life to another.

Thanksgiving is a time
Of changing seasons,
When leaves turn golden
In Autumn's wake
And apples are crisp
In the first chill breezes of fall.

Let us remember the true meaning
Of Thanksgiving.
As we see the beauty
Of Autumn, let us acknowledge
The many blessings
Which are ours...
Let us think of our families
And friends..
And let us give thanks in our hearts.

~~Author Unknown.~~

Dear Father,

I come to you with a thankful heart, for all that you have done for us and provided.  I pray for each member of Grace and the Truth Ministry, which you have directed here.  I'm thankful that you began this Ministry 9 years ago, and for directing each and every devotion that goes out daily.  Praise for those who have let us know how much they have learned and grown in grace and knowledge of our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ.

I pray that each person receiving this have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and will also be praising God and thanking Him.

In our Saviour's name, Amen

___________________________________
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
___________________________________

[nChrist]

ALL GLORY TO GOD
By Miles Stanford



"Whether, therefore, ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).

The present and eternal ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Son; the past, present, and future ministry of the Son is to glorify the Father. Our life and ministry will bring glory to our Father to the extent that we abide in the Son, and are controlled by the Holy Spirit.

"When one's ministry or outreach flows from close communion with the Father, one's influence and moral authority will be recognized. Moreover, such a workman is not carried beyond what he has received from the Lord, so that his ministry finds sanction in hearts without any pressure." -J.N.D.

"The object of all Christian life and ministry, of whatever kind, must surely be to bring glory to God. Any lesser motive is inferior. If this were kept in the forefront of our thinking and praying, it would have two beneficial results. The hectic strain would be taken out of our lives and service, and spontaneous fruitfulness would follow.

"We can aim to meet the needs of people as a primary objective, and fret because so many of our efforts prove abortive. We may secretly pride ourselves on our ability to minister, or on our efficient service, and reap nothing but frustration. It is only when our whole outlook is made radiant by His glory, because we are hungry to do His will and that only, that our activities will be quickened into new life, and others be truly blessed." -J.C.M.

"He [Abraham] ... was strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Rom. 4:20).

___________________________________
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
___________________________________

[nChrist]

LEGALLY DEAD
By Miles Stanford




"Seeing that we have died to that which once held us in bondage, the Law has now no hold over us" (Rom. 7:6a, Wey.).



For the believer, the dominion of Law is just as devastating as the dominion of Sin. At Calvary, death freed us from both.

"Theological teaching since the Reformation has not set forth clearly our utter end in death with the Lord Jesus on the Cross. The fatal result of this error is to leave the law claimant over those in the Lord Jesus, for 'the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth' (Rom. 7:1). Unless you are able to believe in your very heart that you died with Him, and that you were buried, and that your history before the Father in Adam the first came to an utter end at Calvary, you will never get free from the claims of the law upon your conscience." -W.R.N.

"The principle of the new life is faith. Faith, hope, and love are its characteristics. All these require, not self-occupation, but occupation with the Lord Jesus Christ. If you take up the law to help you, it tells you just what you must be and do, but it gives no power for it. Power is in the Spirit; thus grace, not law, is the way of growth. That the law cannot justify is comparatively simple; but that it hinders fruit-bearing is hard to realize. 'Sin shall not have dominion over you, because ye are not under law, but under grace.' "-F.W.G.

"Those who put the believer under law destroy the authority of the law, or put the Christian under the curse, for in many things we offend all. They fancy they establish the law, but they destroy its authority. They only establish the full, immutable authority of the law, who declare that the believer is under grace, and therefore cannot be cursed by its just and holy curse." -J.N.D.

"So that we render a service which, instead of being old and formal, is new and spiritual" (Rom. 7:6b, Wey.).

___________________________________
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
___________________________________

[nChrist]

STOP, THINK, LIFT
Part 1 of 2
By Mel Flogel


We see these words on boxes in large bold print, reminding us to bend our knees and keep the back straight as we lift the heavy box. Prepare yourself, brace yourself and use correct strategy or you might be paying for a thoughtless action afterward.

For many of us, active lives can hinder our thinking. Sometimes by accident our activity, even good activity, crowds out and limits the amount of thinking we do. This can be very detrimental to our lives and souls for God does not bypass our minds in communicating to us human beings. He has very crucial truth to convey concerning our everlasting destiny, so if we fail to stop, think, and lift our thoughts to what God has revealed through Paul's gospel, we could pay for this by spending eternity in the "Lake of Fire", and in "everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord". (II Thessalonians 1: 9)

Our Lord Jesus Christ communicated this principle through a parable when He ministered to Israel saying, "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully, and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, THOU FOOL, THIS NIGHT THY SOUL SHALL BE REQUIRED OF THEE, then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luke 12: 16-21)

Failing to stop, think, and lift his thoughts to our Creator this man died leaving his acquired possessions to new owners. But worse than this, he was not rich toward God before Whom he now stands.

Later, our Lord Jesus Christ revealed much more about the dilemma mankind is in. Man is under the condemnation of God and is pronounced guilty of coming short of the glory of God. Stop for a moment and consider the righteousness of Jesus Christ. In Luke 23:41, we read of His sinless life, it says "but this man hath done nothing amiss." In II Corinthians 5: 21, it says He "knew no sin". Hebrews 9: 14, says He was "without spot".

You may have heard and understood this, but now through Paul it is revealed that the righteous of Jesus Christ is the only acceptable standard for everlasting life, and that we all come short of it. Paul wrote "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." (Romans 3:21) Please take note of those two words "but now". They denote a change from what was previously revealed.

Paul goes on to explain and declare why we all come short of God's newly revealed holy righteous standard by saying, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God". (Romans 3:23) God's standard is perfect, sinless, and holy. He revealed His holy standard in giving the Law to Israel. People often are not informed that there were many more commandments and ordinances than the ten commandments initially given. There were at least six hundred and thirteen (613) which we can find in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. And out Lord Jesus added commandments to that number as He ministered to Israel. He perfectly fulfilled all righteousness in living a sinless life but also in that" he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father". (Philippians 2: 8-11)

So then now with Paul declaring the righteousness of Jesus Christ to be God's only acceptable standard and that we all come short of it, this places us in quite a dilemma. But with this new declaration, Paul also is chosen to declare imputed righteousness. This is the good news that God will impute to us the righteousness of Jesus Christ when we believe the good news concerning the cross of Christ. The good news is that Jesus Christ made complete satisfaction to God for our sins by His shed blood once for all. The word for this is propitiation. Paul said, "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, whom God hath set forth to be a PROPITIATION through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God, to declare, I say at this time his righteousness, that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. " (Romans 3: 21-26)

___________________________________
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
___________________________________

[nChrist]

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



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

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

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

Paul was chosen to reveal that now the law is not of faith and that "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, BEING MADE A CURSE FOR US: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." (Galatians 3:13) This means He died in our place, He died the death we deserved because of sin. He paid it all.

This seems to imply that all men needed Jesus's death in their place doesn't it? Read Paul's words, "For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead. And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them and rose again." (II Corinthians 5: 14-15)

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

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

___________________________________
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
___________________________________

[nChrist]

A LIFE DRIVEN BY PURPOSE
Part 1 of 4
By Joel McGarvey


During the 60's and 70's, many wandered in search for the meaning of life. They asked themselves questions such as, "Who am I?" and, "Why am I here?" Unfortunately, many sought the answers to these questions in drugs and alcohol, thus never discovering their purpose. The modern-day religious search is not in the negative elements of the past. We know that lasting answers cannot be found in the mind-altering effects of drugs and alcohol. We are older and wiser than we were thirty and forty years ago. And so today we turn to the emotions and intellect of the present.

The religious community has been absorbed of late, whether individually or as a corporate body, seeking to find its purpose. A whole industry has sprung up around this notion of discovering the purpose of one's life or church. Books, notebooks, posters and trinkets geared to this journey of discovery can be found in most religious bookstores.

But must the church spend thousands of dollars buying books to discover its purpose in life? Is a forty-day odyssey of discovery really necessary? Or can the purpose of life for each individual child of God, as well as the corporate body, be found in a much simpler fashion?

In the spiritual realm, using the measurement of God's Word, can we, should we, trust the writings and schemes of man that are based primarily on human reasoning and logic? True, we all use a degree of these each day to guide us in many of the decisions we must make. A little common sense and a little logic can go a long way in helping us find solutions to daily questions. But in the scheme of eternity, in the overall plan of God for our lives, should we rely upon anything limited by its very nature? Or is there a far greater source of direction available to the child of God?

What is the source that every child of God should rely upon? And what is our purpose in life? What should the driving purpose be in the life of each individual who has put his faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ? What should the purpose be in driving each child of God and the Church?

The first word in our name, Bible, reveals the source we turn to and seek to follow here at Bible Doctrines to Live By. It is to the Bible alone that we must turn to find God's direction for our lives. The Bible is the Word of God, not only in name but in fact. The Apostle Paul wrote, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" ( 2 Tim. 3:16). The three words, "inspiration of God," are actually one word in the Greek - theopneustos - and literally means "the breath of God" or "God breathed." Thus, when we use the term, "the Word of God," to speak of the Bible, we are literally declaring that the Bible is the very Word of God. As such, then, the Scriptures are the only absolute source of direction available to mankind. All else is merely thoughts of man and naturally flawed by the very limited thought process available to man. As wise as man may believe he is, he is still far from the mind of God. Note how Isaiah compared the thoughts of man to those of God: "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa. 55:7-9). The Apostle Paul wrote, concerning the so-called wisdom of this world, "Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" (1 Cor. 1:20). The brilliance of man is seen as mere foolishness when held in comparison to the mind of God.

___________________________________
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
___________________________________

[nChrist]

A LIFE DRIVEN BY PURPOSE
Part 2 of 4
By Joel McGarvey


The problem with the world and especially the Church today is its attempt to address the issues of the day from a purely humanistic point of view and not the Word of God. Within the Church there is a growing tendency toward this humanistic approach rather than a purely Biblical one. Even well-intentioned saints gain more of their direction in life from their neighbors, fellow workers and television than they do the Word of God. Oprah and Dr. Phil are top-rated television programs known for the advice and counsel freely dispensed. The advice may sound good and logical, but if it isn't based squarely upon the Word of God, its value is extremely limited, if not worthless.

In my years as a pastor I can't begin to count how many times I was told in the course of a counseling setting that actions taken were okay because it made one feel good. "It can't be wrong if I feel good; can it?" "Everyone is doing it." "I (he/she) deserve(s) it." I found that the greatest source of advice sought after and followed (even by believers) was from fellow workers, not the Scriptures nor even the counsel of Biblically-based saints of God. The sad thing is that often the party involved would admit that it may be contrary to Scripture but they were going to press forward anyway because they felt good.
 
Friends, if the Word of God is not our only source of direction, then our compass will never point true. Any source apart from Scripture is man's thoughts and those will change with every blowing wind. If we are truly to find our purpose in life, our direction, then we would do well to spend time in the Word and in prayer, seeking the Lord's direction for our life and not the thinking of man.

So what does the Word hold out as our purpose in life? From the very creation, man's purpose has been to glorify and give praise to our Heavenly Father. "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Cor. 6:20). "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God" (Phil. 1:11). "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Pet. 4:11).

Our very lives, the way we conduct ourselves (in private and public), is to bring honor and glory to the Father. How important is it that our lives and lips are united as one? The Scriptures have as much or more to say about the conduct or walk, as it does the work of the believer. Even in this present Age of Grace there are many instructions - commands given to the saints of God in how they are to live in this world.

- Glorify the Word -

So the first "purpose" of the saints is to glorify God through their lives and in their worship of Him. This may run counter to what has been the driving force in the lives of many - generally referred to as the "American dream." From the time a child is old enough to walk, he is encouraged to strive for success in the world which is measured by the size of one's possessions and the amount of money in the bank. But this is not our purpose; this is not the reason we were created. We were created to bring glory to the Father and serve Him with our whole heart and mind. I may add that this mentality is what, I believe, is being used by Satan to keep men and women out of the ministry. Sons and daughters are encouraged to choose a profession and seek a college education with dollars in view. It is said that this is true success. The ministry is not encouraged, and is often discouraged, because of the smaller wages involved. Obviously a forty-hour work week is to be preferred over the 24/7/365 of the pastor or missionary. This is not to imply that well-paying professions are out of the will of God, for that is not necessarily the case. But to choose wealth over ministry certainly is a choice that is not glorifying God.

Then beyond the worship, glory and praise come those daily deeds that are outlined for us in Scripture in order to provide us with yet another daily driving purpose. It is in these that we find purpose and meaning to our lives. To discover these, let us take a simple journey through some of Paul's writings and gather a list of things that we are instructed to carry out.

___________________________________
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
___________________________________

[nChrist]

A LIFE DRIVEN BY PURPOSE
Part 3 of 4
By Joel McGarvey


- Study the Word -

There is no better place to begin than 2 Timothy 2:15, where the Apostle instructs us to study the Word of God. We begin here, for without a proper foundation gained through the study of God's Word, a proper walk and work would be empty and useless, if not impossible. One must spend time daily in the Scriptures if he is to be truly approved of God. In a parallel passage, the Apostle prayed for the saints at Philippi that they might "approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ" (Phil. 1:10). Again, it was the Apostle's desire that the saints be grounded in the Word of God and especially the Word rightly divided. But in his letter to the Colossae church, Paul wrote directly concerning the place of the Word in relation to man's so-called wisdom. "Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" (Col. 2:7-8 ). Here "the faith" (one's Biblical belief system) is placed in contrast to human reason and tradition. In fact, the reader will notice the caution given against all that is not after or according to Christ or His Word.

- Preach the Word-

If the child of God is going to find his purpose for life, it can only be done as he seeks to study the Word of God. All else is merely the so-called wisdom of man and is flawed at best.

But what do we do with the Scripture after studying it and growing in knowledge? The answer to this can be gained by examining the words of Paul to the saints at Ephesus. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Church of Ephesus and told them that the risen Christ had given certain gifts to the Church. (It is not our intent to discuss the details of these gifts and their functions down through history.) In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul wrote that the gifts were given for the purpose of perfecting, or educating/training, the saints "for the work of the ministry." (We wrote of this "professional" mentality in a previous article so we will not spend a lot of time addressing it here. But contrary to popular opinion, the work of the ministry belongs to the saints of God and not just to a band of professionals/pastors.) This work of the ministry involves all areas of the believer's life, and in every case it includes the application of the Word of God. It includes the obvious areas such as the various teaching ministries in and through the local church, giving of one's finances, visiting the sick, encouraging the saints, and praying and caring for one another (Rom. 12:4-21; 1 Cor. 12:12-25). Certainly the work of the ministry extends to the saints of God, our earthly spiritual family. To this end, the saints are instructed to reach out in love to those who are hurting, to rejoice with those that rejoice and grieve with those that grieve. This is not to the exclusion of correction or discipline when that is called for. The failure to discipline is not an act of grace, but rather of hatred (Prov. 13:24), as well as a disregard of Scripture (Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5:1-7, 11-13; 2 Thess. 3:6,14; 1 Tim. 5:20; Titus 1:13). The work of the ministry is wide and varied and belongs to all of the saints of God. It always amuses me that that most of those who criticize the pastor for not visiting enough don't visit at all unless it is a very close relative or friend.

Paul's words to Timothy, "Preach the Word" (2 Tim. 4:2), form an excellent foundation for what we are to be doing on a day-to-day basis as part of the work of the ministry. We are to take the Word that we have studied and live it out and share it with others. This forms what I believe to be the very heart of our purpose, for it comes from the very heart of our Heavenly Father. Keep this in mind when it's used in conjunction with Paul's instruction to the saints of Ephesus. There the work of the ministry was to be carried out for the edifying (building up or expanding) of the Body of Christ. This enlarging is the increasing or expanding of the Body through soul winning. In other words, the saints of God are called upon to be soul winners - to be sharing the saving Gospel of the Grace of God with a lost and dying world.

Consider Paul's words to the saints at Corinth when he spoke of the ministry that had been given to them. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:17-21). It will be noticed that he stated they had been given the "ministry of reconciliation," and then he explained what it was by telling them what the Father had done through the Son at Calvary. This was the work of Christ on behalf of the lost: paying the price of sin. To the Romans, Paul called that work of Christ our "propitiation," the full satisfying of the Father's righteousness through the finished work of the Son. Then to the Corinthian saints, Paul stated that to them had been given the "word of reconciliation." You see, friends, we have been given an awesome task to share Christ with a lost world, a world that is headed for the Lake of Fire.

Once again the point is driven home that this ministry belongs to everyone who names the name of Christ as Savior. Someone may point to the Church and ask, "Who is the minister of the Church?" Some may respond by pointing to the Pastor, but this would not be totally accurate. He is the Pastor, but every child of God is to be a minister (servant) of God. Every saved individual has been given the ministry of reconciliation and is, therefore, a minister. As a minister of God, an ambassador of reconciliation, every child of God is to preach the Word.

Again to Timothy, the Apostle wrote, "Be instant in season, out of season" (2 Tim. 4:2). The Apostle Peter would give similar instructions to the saints when he wrote, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Pet. 3:15). The idea is a prepared people ready at all times to tell others of the hope they have and how they received it. Peter stated that this readiness sanctified the Lord in their hearts. By this he meant that through their ready willingness, they were consecrating or setting the Lord apart in their daily living. Paul urged the same thing when he gave the instruction to make Christ preeminent (Col. 1:18 ). As we set Christ apart, or make Him preeminent in our lives, we are, first of all, glorifying Him above all else, and secondly, serving him wholeheartedly (Col. 3:17,23).

___________________________________
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
___________________________________

[nChrist]

A LIFE DRIVEN BY PURPOSE
Part 4 of 4
By Joel McGarvey


- Live the Word -

Another related instruction would again be found in Paul's words to the saints at Colossae: "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Col. 4:5-6). Here conduct and words are to come together as one, and in a spiritual wisdom, be lived out before those who know not Christ ("are without"). This term is used to designate all those who are without Christ. In the Old Testament it is often used to designate those who were unclean or outside of Israel (outside the camp) (see Lev. 13:46; 14:40; Num. 5:3-4; Deut. 23:12; Josh. 6:23). Certainly this wisdom is the knowledge gained from the study of the Word of God. Our intent is not to speak of the believer's conduct in this article, but, suffice it to say, godly conduct and faithful soul winning go hand-in-hand.

Much more could be listed regarding the purpose that is driving the life of the Church, the Body of Christ, individually as well as corporately. One thing is obvious in all that has been presented here: our purpose is Christ, to share the glorious Gospel of the Grace of God with a lost and dying world.

It is not necessary to spend days in an odyssey of discovery. All that is necessary is to get into the Word of God, read it, study it and put it into practice. This is the purpose the Lord has given to each and every saint. This is what is to be driving the life of the believer. A search or desire for anything else is purely an attempt to satisfy the flesh rather than seeking to please the Spirit.

The purpose-driven life is a life lived in the Spirit, for the glory of the Father, sharing the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Gospel of the Grace of God with others. It is only as we fulfill this service through our lives that our lives will truly be purpose driven.

___________________________________
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
___________________________________

[nChrist]

"The Splendor of His Glory"
By R.H. Schaefer

If then, you were roused
together with Christ, be
seeking that Which is
above, where Christ is
sitting at the right hand of God.

Be disposed to that which is
above, not to that on the
earth, for you died, and
your life has been hid
together with Christ in God.

Whenever Christ, OUR LIFE,
should be manifested, then
you also will be manifested
together with Him in Glory
(Col. 3:1-4).

Oh! that we could think God's thoughts! That we could see the Christ as God sees Him! As a young man recently wrote me, "Men do not reject Christ, what they reject is our (meager) concepts (and presentation) of Christ."  Oh! that we could think God's thoughts as He sees us as having been awakened because of our encounter with His Christ. For seeing this our seeking would irresistibly be drawn to God's Christ and to the realm or His enthronement above. God has placed a "death" in our path by virtue of uniting us with our Savior in His death and with our Lord in His seating. The lustre of this union pales all else besides. The most beautiful and attractive things on earth are but humble pointers of things above. The vast inner temple of life, that inner "secret hiding place" known to each of us and  to God,  is indeed "in spirit, His Temple" (Eph. 2: 22), and been kept inviolable and unprofaned as God's secret meeting place with us in Christ with Christ in Himself. All of  God's purpose for Creation is summed up briefly in this, that it all be made Christlike, or as Ephesians 1:10 aptly expresses it, "totaled up in Him," summed up in Him," "headed up in Him." Christ is the expression of what our life  is meant to be, Christ is the expression of what our life will yet be, hence the Colossian passage boldly expresses it, 'Christ OUR life."

The "appearing," or better, "manifestation" of our Lord is not a synonym for the parousia or presence, or: as the A. V. so frequently translates it, "coming."  The Second Epistle of Peter stresses the parousia while the first mentions the "manifestation." The temper of the two is quite different, the latter being identified with the Day of the Lord and of God (3:4, 10, 12) and the earlier with blessings (1 Pet. 1:7, 13, 20; 5:4), When the Colossian passage speaks of "whenever Christ ....  should be manifest" (Col. 3:4), of what is the text speaking? The A. V. translated "appear" rather than "manifest" but the latter is correct. The word used here (Greek {phanerothe from phaneroo) means simply "to bring to light, to view clearly, to see one as he is." This could be a mental viewing, or an actual comprehension of another in the fulness of his being. It is interesting that Peter in his second epistle (1:16-18 ) declares that he had  made known the power and presence (coming) of the Lord Jesus Christ,  i.e., His incarnation presence, but then he goes on to  speak of Mount of Transfiguration and the majesty seen there,

Peter had been in the "presence" of Christ for a number of years prior to the transfiguration where Christ is seen for the first time in the fulness of His being, garmented with light and His face shone like the sun -- this was the manifestation that Paul saw on the Damascus road. 'The hope of the Body of Christ collectively am personally is epitomized and summarized in this wondrous Colossian passage:

Whenever Christ, OUR LIFE, should be manifested ...

whenever He is seen in the majesty and splendor of His being, what He really is in His fulness, then we see ourselves as God intends us to be. Surely that is the meaning of the rest of that Colossian passage:

... Then you also will be manifested together with Him ...

First John 2: 28 and 3: 2 shed some light upon the meaning of this word "appear" or "manifest." The first is used in conjunction with parousia:

If He is MANIFESTED we may have confidence and not be shamed from Him in the PRESENCE of Him.

'The second reference is self-explanatory as to the meaning of "appear" or "be manifest":

... and not yet was it MANIFESTED what we shall be, we know that if he (he? it?) is manifested like Him we shall be, BECAUSE WE SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS.

Subjectively, we are transformed only as we see Christ.

Now, in the written Word that speaks of His person and work, hence, "that  Christ might be completely at home in our hearts by faith (not by sight) ."

Objectively, then we too are transformed:
...manifested 'TOGETHER with Him.

Oh, to think God's thoughts with Him, to see as He sees, the whole and not merely the part!

Then the Colossian passage adds:

IN GLORY

This is truly the substance, the reality of the Shekinah (Heb. shekinah, the dwelling place). It was out of this glory that the heavenly voice spake on the holy mount (2 Pet. 1:17) and it is uniquely "'The Magnificent Glory." It was always God's plan that we bear the heavenly image; that was true in the very act of creation itself. God's ultimate purpose for Israel was that they make known to the nations the glory of God. ''To awaken in His likeness" was the hope of ages past. But from now on forward whenever Christ OUR LIFE is manifested (Oh! so intimate is our oneness with Him!) that the manifestation will automatically be a mutual one. And, it will be IN GLORY, at one, at home in the splendor of His glory, wherever that is and wherever it might yet be. e Our destiny will be one with Him forever. 

___________________________________
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
___________________________________

[nChrist]

The Convicting Work of the Holy Spirit
by Steve Me Vey

The ministry of the Holy Spirit in bringing conviction into our lives is one of the most misunderstood truths of the New Testament. Many of us have lived for many years with a viewpoint that suggests that one of His main responsibilities is to point out our sins so that we will abandon them. Many are surprised to learn that, while the Holy Spirit does indeed convict us, it isn't about our sins. He convicts us about something altogether different.

Consider John 16:8-11:

8 "And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; 11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

This passage says that the Holy Spirit convicts of three things: 1. Sin  2. Righteousness  3. Judgment. He convicts two groups of people: The world (not you) and you (the Christian).

    Who does the Holy Spirit convict of sin? Verse 9 says that the conviction of sin is connected to the world. Why are they convicted? "Because they do not believe in Me," says Jesus. It is the unbeliever who is convicted of sin. What is that sin? They are convicted of one sin in particular - unbelief in Christ. The Holy Spirit doesn't convict unbelievers of their sins (plural), but of the singularly greatest sin of all -- their failure to trust Christ as their Savior.

   Even if they stopped doing all the wrong things they do in life, the world would still have the fundamental problem of their unbelief. When your house is burning to the ground, you don't worry that it needs a paint job. There are more pressing matters. So it is with those who don't know Christ. The Holy Spirit convicts them of their great need to believe in Him. Everything else is incidental.

   But what of the Christian? Jesus said the Spirit would convict of righteousness because "I go to My Father and you no longer see Me." Conviction of sin is directed to a group Jesus called "they" - the world. Conviction of righteousness is associated with "you" - the follower of Jesus. The ministry of the Holy Spirit toward the Christian is to convince us of our righteousness. Jesus has put away our sin by the sacrifice of Himself (see Hebrews 9:26). Now He seeks to convince (convict) us of that reality so that we will act consistently with who we are.

   The Spirit of Christ doesn't put you under guilt and condemnation about something Jesus Christ has already absorbed into Himself at the cross, defeated and put away. Remember that Jesus dealt with sin and then sat down by the right hand of God because there was nothing left to do regarding sin. Your sins have been defeated and put away. So at every moment, "There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus."

When the Christian sins, the Holy Spirit causes us to realize, "This isn't who I am. I don't want to live like this." That realization is a call to recognize our righteousness and act like who we are. If you sense feelings of worthlessness and shame; if you think you are a horrible person when you sin, that isn't the Holy Spirit speaking to you. It may be your church or family history rising up to condemn you, but it isn't God's Spirit. He doesn't do that. Ever.

You can be convinced (convicted) that the ruler of this world (Satan) has already been judged and has nothing on you anymore. Your sins have been defeated, so when you find that you have fallen, don't beat yourself up because God doesn't. Just get up and act like who you are!

___________________________________
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
___________________________________

[nChrist]

THE RICHES OF THE GLORY OF THIS MYSTERY - Page 1
By R.H. Schaefer



"Christ in you the hope of glory." This, says Paul, is the riches of the Glory of this mystery among the Gentiles.

Whether the expression, as given above, "Christ in you" gives the correct meaning to this passage or "Christ among you", as some prefer, is correct, cannot, as we have seen, be decided by others. Only we can decide which is correct. Context alone must decide the matter, for as we have seen, Biblical scholars have come down on both sides of the matter. Since it is context alone which must decide this matter great care must be exercised in searching out the purpose of the (Colossian) Letter and its general intent.

If we assume that the expression, "Christ among you" is the correct translation and meaning, we must pause to ask ourselves how it fits in with the near and more remote context.

First, the near or immediate context. Here we find that Paul states in verse 25 (Ch. 1) that he -- for the sake of the church, His Body has been made a minister of God to fulfill the Word of God in accordance with the stewardship that God had given to him on behalf of the Church. Paul goes on to state that it is the Mystery (The Secret) which has been hid from ages and generations that fills full the Word of God. He leaves no doubt that the Mystery that completes the Word of God is the very Mystery of which he has spoken and written of in Ephesians. It starts with God's secret desire of Eph. 1:9,10 and takes in God's engracing of the Church to make it His own special inheritance, Eph. 1:14. And, reveals the oneness of relationship between the Head and His Body, and between each member --- and goes on to speak of many other things which were all kept hidden and secret from all past generations until revealed to and through Paul. To this, Church, Paul goes on to state:

God would make known what is the
RICHES OF THE GLORY OF THIS
MYSTERY among the Gentiles; which
is Christ in/among (?) you, the Hope of Glory.

Is Paul saying that the "riches of the glory of this mystery" is Christ among you --- the Gentiles?

Christ being preached among the Gentiles apart from the hope of Abraham or Israel is certainly a part and parcel of what is involved in the Mystery, but the Mystery involves much more than simply Christ being preached among the Gentiles apart from Israel and the covenants. If we insist that it must be translated, "Christ among you" then we have redundancy in Paul's words. He would then be stating:

To whom God would make known what
is the riches of the glory of this MYSTERY
AMONG THE GENTILES: which is .......
CHRIST AMONG THE GENTILES.

The MYSTERY itself must be something less than the RICHES OF THE GLORY of the Mystery otherwise words have no meaning. If the RICHES OF THE GLORY is nothing more than the Mystery, what then is the Mystery?

What about the remote context of this passage? What is the purpose of Paul in writing the Epistle? Is it not to reveal to us how God in engracing His inheritance beyond what man ever dared to dream has made us complete in all the perfections of Christ? Note, the expression Riches Of The Glory follows after Paul has dealt with the perfections and superiority of Christ. In 1:15 (Col.) Christ is presented to us as the Image (Ikon) of the Invisible God, the Firstborn of All Creation. He is presented as the reason for creation. He is the Preeminent One (Before all things), He is the Sustainer of all things, He is the Head of the Body, the Church, He is the Beginning, He is the Firstborn from the dead, in Him ALL FULNESS DWELLS. What was Paul's point in laying before us his Christology at the time he does in this letter? Was it done so that we would find it convenient to build a systematic theology and base our Christology on these very points? Or, was it because the total argument of the Epistle required that he first establish the perfections and superiority of Christ as a basis for what was to follow? The riches of the glory of the mystery depends on the superiority and perfections of Christ. It was necessary that this be fully established before what was to follow could be understood and appreciated. It is this Christ, the One in Whom all fulness dwells, Who indwells the believer and constitutes what is the "riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles."
__________________________________

[nChrist]

THE RICHES OF THE GLORY OF THIS MYSTERY - Page 2
By R.H. Schaefer

Paul goes on in the second chapter of the letter to deal with the practical outworking of this inworked reality. He deals there with what it means to be "Complete In Christ" based upon the reality of the indwelling Christ.

The expression, "Christ among the Gentiles", tells us nothing more than we had already learned from Ephesians. Worse, however, is the fact that it ignores the context of Colossians and denies the thrust of Paul's argument.

"CHRIST IN YOU" not only follows the natural progression of Paul's thought but makes the words:

RICHES OF THE GLORY

meaningful.

THE HOPE OF GLORY
Col.1:27.

Have you seen the Christ of God in all His personal splendor and glory? What He is? He is the fulness of God. He portrays the nature and being of God. He is the Glory of God, the Shekinah. The Body of Christ is to be the fulness of God. It is to convey the nature and being of God, with Christ, in all the oncoming ages:

To Him be all the glory in the Assembly
And, in Christ Jesus -
Unto all the generations of the aeon
that comprehends the ages! Amen.
Eph.3:21.

The life of Christ and ours have become entwined and intermingled so that as the fulness of God is shared and manifested in Christ it is also manifested in His Body. This is far beyond the promptings of the spirit in our lives, rather it is the essence and full realization of what is spoken of in Eph. 4:13:

Until we all advance -
Into the oneness of the faith and the
personal knowledge of the Son of God,
Into a humanity of full maturity,
Into the measure of the stature
Of the fulness of the Christ.

___________________________________
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
___________________________________