GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

[nChrist]

UNITY
By Pastor John LaVier Retired, 
 

The world is in despair of peace. The nations eye one another distrustfully and fruitless truce talks are carried on while the killing continues. There is much heard about the "United Nations" but there appears to be little or no unity. A better name would be the "Disunited Nations." The Bible teaches that sin is the cause of all the division, hatred, strife, warfare and bloodshed. 
 
The condition of the world should not surprise us when we realize that Satan is the god of this age and the whole world lieth in the wicked one. What more can be expected in a world where the rightful ruler has been rejected and a usurper is on the throne. God divided the nations at the tower of Babel and all of man's attempts to unite in failure. In the end time, there will indeed be a great federation of nations, controlled by Satan's man, but this will be smashed to smithereens at the second coming of God's Man, the Lord Jesus Christ. Then He will be the great Unifier and there will be real peace and unity among the nations.

As we turn our attention from the nations to consider that which bears the name of Jesus Christ, do we find things any better? No! We behold an apostate Christendom, and instead of unity, there is division and subdivision, with the professing church split into innumerable denominations and organizations. But here again we see man's endeavor to unite. The liberals continue to talk about ecumenicity, and we can be sure that just as there will be a federation of nations in the end time, so there will be a federation of the various religious bodies. We have read a booklet, "The Reappearance of the Christ," and in reading it, one is forced to the conclusion that the "christ" they are waiting to appear is Antichrist. According to them, he will bring together all the "knowers of God" of whatever religious persuasion they may be. Yes, there is coming such a great world church, united by the false christ, but its end is to be consumed and destroyed by the brightness of the Lord's coming.

But now let us look at so-called Evangelical Christianity, or Fundamentalism, those who are really the children of God. Do we find unity here? Sad to say, division, dissension, and discord seem to be much in evidence. There are many attempts at union: the organizing of "Associations," "Fellowships," etc., but we see little evidence of the unity of the Spirit. Man is never satisfied with what God has provided; man thinks he must add some work of his own to improve upon it. Instead of being satisfied with the position God has given him, with membership in the Body of Christ, man thinks he must have something else to join. However, such unions among the churches can never bring real unity, any more than the efforts of the nations to unite can never bring real peace. Usually, the basis of fellowship in all such unions is a man-made creed or doctrinal statement, to which all the members must subscribe. Here again, man shows his dissatisfaction with what God has given. God has given us His perfect Word, which is surely sufficient to govern our fellowship, doctrine, conduct, etc., yet man thinks he must have something in addition of his own devising. Naturally, every group fancy themselves as the custodians, champions, and defenders of all truth, and anyone who disagrees with them is a heretic.
 
Even among individual assemblies of God's people there are few places where real unity may be found. How often we hear of church quarrels and church splits, all the result of carnality. Many will battle to the last ditch to have their own way or in defense of self, when they would not fight at all in defense of God's truth. How often is trouble caused by a preacher who is a Diotrophes, or more often than not, the trouble may arise from popery in the pews and pusillanimity in the pulpit. May God deliver us from these unholy wars which mar that unity which should be kept in the bond of peace.
 
What is the answer? It is not "back to the unity of the early church" as some tell us. If we go even as far as the church at Corinth, there we find strifes and contentions and denominational divisions. No, it is not by being led backward to Corinthian failure, but by being led forward to the Ephesian doctrine of "the unity of the Spirit" that we find what is needed. In the 4th chapter of Ephesians, the Apostle emphasizes two unities. In Verse 13 he speaks of "the unity of the faith." This unity is future and will only be realized in that day when Christ presents the Church to Himself, "a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it would be holy and without blemish." Never this side of Heaven will we all see eye to eye on every point, but this should not prevent us from keeping "the unity of the Spirit" mentioned in Verse 3. This unity applies to the present, and is something we are to keep with all possible endeavor. This is not something which man produces. It is a unity already established by the Spirit of God Himself, and we have only to recognize it and walk in the knowledge of it.
 
The idea of most in regard to visible fellowship and corporate unity is that everybody should agree with them. Or, they say, we could have the unity of Ephesians 4:3 if we were all in agreement concerning the seven unities of the following verses. This is indeed to be desired, but it is grievously apparent that there are many of the brethren who are in doctrinal and dispensational agreement and yet without unity. Too often Ephesians 4:2 has been overlooked. In this verse, we have the graces essential to unity. There must be lowliness of mind, meekness and gentleness, long suffering and patience, forbearance and forgiveness, and above all love, which is the bond of perfectness. Only when these graces abound can we have the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. When there is pride and haughtiness, and the desire for self-aggrandizement, there can be no unity. There must be in each the mind of Christ. This means true humility. In lowliness of mind, each is to esteem others better than self. In honor we are to prefer one another, recognizing that we are members of the one Body of Christ, and, therefore, members one of another. Note I Corinthians 12:25, "That there should be no schism in the body: but that the members should have the same care one for another." This alone will produce unity.

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

TAKEN AWAY
By Rick Mazek

In Matthew 24:37-42 we are told that conditions on the earth prior to the Lord's coming will be similar to those in Noah's day. The record in Genesis 6:5-7 states that "the thoughts of mens' hearts were only evil continually" and "God repented that He had made man." An honest appraisal of present---day morals must conclude that we are fast heading in the same direction.

To the Lord's people, however, it is a comforting thought that when evil has reached its zenith, God always calls a halt. It was so in Noah's day. While the multitude of people were "eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage" completely indifferent to their eternal welfare, suddenly the flood came and "took them all away." Only Noah and his family were spared because they had entered the ark. Those who were "taken" died in the flood.

"So shall the coming of the Son of Man be" said the Lord Jesus Christ. "Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill, the one shall be taken and the other left."

Taken where? Not to Heaven as is sometimes taught, but into judgment. The one who is left will go into the millennial kingdom which Christ will have come to establish.

To God's people in this evil age, the Apostle Paul by inspiration tells of a secret coming of Christ (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; I Corinthians 15:51,52). Then, instead of being "taken away" members of the Body of Christ will be "caught up" to meet the Lord in the air and "so shall we ever be with the Lord." How wonderful to have this hope of being "caught up" and not "taken away." It can be yours by believing the Gospel and trusting the Saviour. Read Romans 5:I.

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

TRIUMPH IN TRIAL
 By M. Stanford


"Always guarded by the power of God through faith. . .. In such a hope keep on rejoicing, although for a little while you must be sorrow-stricken with various trials" (1 Peter 1:5,6, Wms.).

There are testimonies, and there are testimonies. Some can testify as to how God cleared up adverse circumstances for the victory; but others can testify to the triumph God gave in the midst of difficult circumstances. The essential consideration is that our Father be glorified in all His dealings with and for us. How He brings it all about should be secondary to us.

"If there is a great trial in your life today, do not own it as a defeat, but continue, by faith, to claim the victory through Him who is able to make you more than conqueror, and a glorious triumph will soon be apparent. Let us learn that in all the hard places our Father brings us into, He is making opportunities for us to exercise such faith in Him as will bring about blessed results and greatly glorify His Name."

"God has put you in exactly the right crucible to burn up what He sees needs to be burnt up. Many think 'victory' means getting your circumstances put right. No! true triumph is within -when in the midst of your circumstances the Spirit of God can so energize you and strengthen you in spirit, that you can stand quiet in the thick of it all, and say, 'God is God,' and know that you are held by Him - which is infinitely better than all your trying to hold things steady."

"Therefore, my brethren. . . stand fast in the Lord" (Phil. 4:1).

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

LITTLE-KNOWN REQUISITE
By Miles Stanford


"My beloved children, I am again bearing the pangs of travail for you, till Christ be fully formed within you" (Gal. 4:19, Cony.).
 
It is essential that we "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," for three reasons: (1) that our Father may be glorified; (2) that the Lord Jesus might be manifested in us; (3) that the Holy Spirit might have a suitable instrument through which to win and establish others .

"Paul had one great consuming purpose to be brought to birth by his sufferings for the Galatians, and that was the living expression of the Lord Jesus Christ in them. Nothing less could satisfy God, and nothing less than this should ever satisfy a servant of God. Numbers were still good in Galatia, activities well maintained and zeal unabated, but the Lord Jesus was being crowded out - and that is the greatest tragedy possible." --- H.F.
 
"It is a marvellous grace that we should be conformed to the image of God's Son. I think it is very sad that the highest thought which God has about us, and that which His heart is set on, is that which is least known by Christians; for I know no truth that is so little realized as union with Christ," - J.B.S.
 
"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" (II Tim. 1:9).

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

Our Purpose and Mission

The ministry of "Grace and The Truth" has the purpose of encouraging Christians to believe what God says.

We are dedicated to helping Christians to a fuller knowledge of Him, and the Grace of God. Until we all come into the Unity, Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:"

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

TWO GREAT SNARES
By JOHN McKAY, Pastor
 
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 29:25; John 12:42-43

John Knox had every reason to fear men (or the women who were the Romanist Queens of Scotland). Indeed he was arrested for treason. The great Scottish reformer preached the doctrines of salvation by grace through faith in the merit of Christ's blood shed at Calvary. He denounced the mass, as idolatry. Did he fear the human powers that had killed previous reformers? He may have had some hidden fears of men, but he did not let that stop him from the work that needed to be done. As one has written of him and the reformation in Scotland, "It was the victory of the people under the leadership of a brave and true man, against the combined forces of a queen, a court, and a powerful nobility."

Surely it was not for the praise of men that he suffered slavery, exile, torment, threats, arrest, and stress. We prefer to believe that John Knox suffered for the Lord Jesus Christ. We are convinced that he did not fall into the snares mentioned in our texts.

"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." We should know God so well that we will not fear men. Sometimes being afraid of what men think, or will say, will deter us from saying or doing what we ought to say or do.

" ... among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him (the Lord Jesus), lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." Don't let the fear of men or the love of their praise keep you from the will of God!

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

LOST AND RECOVERED TRUTH
By J. O'HAIR

     For nearly fifteen centuries many of the blessed truths of redemption were lost and the so-called Christian Churches carried a program of a Christian religion so corrupt, so paganized, that even the simple message of salvation was lost in the religious mixture. We doubt not that there was a remnant according to the election of grace, but so far as the masses were concerned, they knew nothing of the Pauline truth.

     With all Christendom under the control of corrupt religious leaders, with ecclesiastical man-made hierarchies, it was no easy task to deliver the deluded people from the corruption. How to get at them with the message was a real problem. It required much suffering, much prayer, much labor, and much time, to get to them with the message of justification by faith. But multitudes were reached and thousands delivered, and the reformation was on. It was truly a religious revolution. It was a glorious step toward the recovery of lost truths.

     Other "reform" preachers followed Luther. Little by little the grace message was uncovered and glorious church truths were recovered.

     About one hundred years ago, a number of servants of the Lord sounded forth the Blessed Hope of the Church. Many messengers of grace proclaimed the truth that there was but one Church of Christ; that that Church was not Israel; that the members of that Church are not under the law; that God's purpose in this age is not to Christianize the whole world and bring in the kingdom, but to gather out a people for His Name. They are called Premillenarians, or Pre-millennialists, because they teach that when the last member of the Church has been added, the Lord will return for His Church. Then He will return with His Church to deliver the Nation Israel out of the great tribulation and then establish His kingdom on earth.

     Surely these Premillennial Grace preachers recovered for the Church many blessed truths that were buried beneath the decrees, traditions and heresies of ecclesiastical lords over God's heritage. The messengers of grace, who sought to separate Israel and the Church, to shew that there were dispensational changes in God's dealings with different people, to deliver Christians completely from the law, and to convince believers that God has a special election purpose in this dispensation of grace, were branded as false teachers, heretics, and trouble makers. They were maligned and persecuted. False charges were brought against their characters in an effort to discredit their testimony. Their opponents would not meet them with an open Bible but hated them, condemned them, because they dared to teach contrary to established Church practices and denominational doctrinal creeds.

     But observe what has taken place within the past century. There are multitudes of Premillennialists who are looking for the Blessed Hope and who are not entangled with Israel's yoke of bondage, or expecting the Kingdom to come before the King comes. But the majority of these Premillennial Grace preachers have followed their forerunners and instructors into the serious blunder of believing that the Nation Israel was set aside with the death of their Messiah. The truth is, that Luke 21:20 and Matthew 22:7 did not have fulfillment until after the close of the "Acts" period, some thirty years after the death of Christ. Israel had the privilege of national life, temple worship, and peaceful habitation in Jerusalem until after Paul reached Rome as the prisoner of the Lord; first for the "hope of Israel" and then for "the mystery." Acts 28:20; Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3.

     Because of this serious blunder these Premillenarians could not, or did not, recover the high and blessed truth concerning the One New Man of Ephesians, Beginning the Dispensation of the Grace of God and the Dispensation of the Mystery with the day of Pentecost, continuing with Israel's water baptism, they have made little or no attempt to obey Ephesians 4:3 to 7 or Ephesians 3:9.

    Until students of the Word of God are willing to advance from 33 A.D. to 63 A.D. with the desolation of Israel, they cannot see the difference between the Pentecost Church of Acts 2 and 3 and Body Church of Ephesians 1:19 to Ephesians 2:21 So long as they insist on the baptisms of the Pentecost Church, instead of the one baptism of the Body, they will not see, or make others to see, the dispensation of the mystery.

    Most of the Premillenarians who will not see, are resorting to the same tactics and methods as their opponents employed in the beginning of their movements. But regardless of the sacrifice, persecution, and suffering, we must march on for the recovery of the glorious truths concerning the Body of Christ.

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

PAUL'S SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE
An Overview of Philippians 3
by Dr. E. R. Campbell



It is my desire that all of us believers might be identified with the message that the Lord Jesus Christ revealed to and through the apostle Paul, and how it controlled his thinking and living, I begin this by quoting from my literal and conservative translation of Philippians.

vv.12-14 "Not that I have already obtained or already have been made perfect, but I pursue, if also I may lay hold upon that for which I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not count myself to have laid hold, but one thing, on the one hand forgetting the things behind, and on the other hand reaching out unto the things before, I pursue the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

The apostle Paul never claimed that he had reached the spiritual status unto which end the Lord had laid hold of him. On the one hand, Paul and all those who believe that Jesus Christ died for their sin, are counted sinless and righteous in Christ Jesus for good works, which God previously prepared, that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10).

In the context surrounding the preceding verses, we need to identify with Paul in that which is all-important: the pursuing of "the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord" (Phil. 3:8 ). We need with Paul to be found having "the righteousness that is through the faithfulness of Christ" (Phil 3:9). We need to also be reaching out "unto the end to know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death" (Phil. 3:10).

In the third paragraph above, I have explained how God changes a sinner into one fit to serve Him. Also, in the light of what is said in this portion of Philippians, I indicated that salvation by grace should result in our living according to the good works prepared by God. The Pauline Epistles certainly make it dear, while the Apostle was focusing on the future, he was preparing for the reward which would accrue to his account (2 Cor. 5:9-10; 1 Thess.1 :9-10).

After bathing my mind in Philippians 3:5-21, I have concluded that the apostle Paul is sharing with us an overview of his spiritual pilgrimage, beginning with his deliverance from the Law, and ending with the acquisition of a body of the same form as Jesus Christ's glorious body (Phil. 3:21).

I want you to observe an important aspect of Paul's spiritual pilgrimage with which we all can identify. He says, "but one thing," then proceeds to mention the focus of his ministry, what he concentrated on. He says that, on the one hand, he was "forgetting the things behind." The Greek word translated forgetting is a present participial and means that Paul continually forgot and obliterated his past blasphemous conduct from his mind, for he had received mercy and forgiveness because he did it when he was an ignorant unbeliever (1 Tim. 1:13). We should identify with Paul in not doting on things we did in ignorant unbelief.

It is interesting that the Apostle links together the negative forgetting and the positive reaching out as one thing. Negative doting on the unalterable past has the potential to have a deleterious effect on our minds. Apparently, the apostle Paul is looking at it as that which stymies spiritual growth, maturity, and progress.

Summarizing we all need to be more closely identified with Paul in his intimate relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. He wanted to know experientially the power involved in His resurrection; he wanted, in a deeper sense, to feel His sufferings leading to the Cross; also, he wanted to be progressively molded and conformed to the death of Christ.

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

STAND WHERE YOU ARE!
By Miles Stanford


"God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love with which He loved us ... hath made us alive together with Christ ... and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:4-6).

Believers are not occupying their position! At best, most are trying to attain a victorious position by means of prayer, Bible study, commitment, reconsecration, surrender, and so forth. But the answer is simply to abide where we have already been placed --- in our risen Lord Jesus Christ. Abide above, and keep looking down!

"Our Father has taken us over Jordan and placed us in Canaan, but the reality of it is never known until by faith we accept the fact on the basis of having died with Christ, and that therefore heaven is our place, and we know it to be our place now; and that this side is not our place, and we know that it is not.

"The more we abide in the Lord on the other side, the less disappointed we will be here, for when we are there we import new joys and new hopes into this old world, from an entirely new one, and we therefore in every way surpass the inhabitants of this lost world." --- J.B.S.

"You must abide in Christ in heaven before you can descend with heavenly ability to act for Him down here. The great secret of all blessing is to come from the Lord. Most Christians go to Him."

"Christian experience is our measure of apprehension of that which is already true of us in the Lord Jesus Christ." - A.J.

"Stand fast in the Lord" (Phil. 4:1).

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

RECONCILIATION
by John Baker,


To understand reconciliation it helps to understand its antonym, alienation. Alienation means to be outside - isolated -separated - estranged. We must accept the fact of alienation in order to receive the great truth of reconciliation.

The unbeliever is in a threefold state of alienation:

* From the commonwealth of Israel. Ephesians 2:11-12
* From the life of God. Ephesians 4:17-18
* From God Himself. Colossians 1:21

In Christ we have been reconciled to God, to Israel, and have eternal life. Reconcile means reunite; reconnect; restore; or change completely the relationship.

Following are two non-doctrinal examples of reconciliation:

I Corinthians 7:10,11 - "And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife." In this case to be reconciled means to be reunited.

Mathew 5:23,24 - "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." Here the exhortation to change enmity for friendship or a strained relationship for reconciliation. The idea is to change the relationship completely. To be reconciled is to be reconnected; to be brought into a friendly relationship and back on speaking terms.

How does this apply to the alienation of Jew and Gentile? (Ephesians 2:11,12) The barrier between Jew and Gentile has been broken down and both have been reconciled unto God in one body. This was accomplished at the cross where Christ slew the enmity (see Ephesians 2:13-16). There is a new relationship in the body of Christ between Jew and Gentile. There is a new relationship between both Jew and Gentile and God. Both Jew and Gentile have been reconciled by the cross and brought into a new relationship with God described as the one new man; the body of Christ. The previous priorities by the Jew have been put aside. The Gentiles were alienated and separated, but now, they have been brought nigh through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. "And came and preached peace to you which were afar off (Gentiles), and to them that are nigh (Jews), For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father" (Ephesians 2:17,18 ).

"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" (II Corinthians 5:19). Through the death of Christ God changed completely the position of mankind (the world) in its relationship to Himself. The Bible never states that God is reconciled. God's righteousness never changes. God is immutable-never changing. Through the finished work of Christ on the cross, God sees the world reconciled. He is not changed or reconciled Himself.

Some Scriptures that talk about reconciliation are:

Romans 11:15 - The casting aside of Israel is the reconciling of the world.

Colossians 1:20 - all things are reconciled.

II Corinthians 5:19 - whole world reconciled.

From these references we conclude that reconciliation does not necessarily mean salvation. Reconciliation does mean that the world has been brought into a position or relationship to God whereby He can deal with the world in grace instead of wrath. In simple terms, reconciliation means man has been made saveable. This was all made possible by the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The whole world was not saved, nor is the whole world going to be saved. At the cross of Calvary God made reconciliation; this is an accomplished fact. Now, because of this accomplished fact, God can deal with the world in His grace. In II Corinthians 5:19 it says that God is not imputing our sins, but instead He is offering peace. Because of the cross, and what was accomplished there, God is able to deal with the world in His grace. The world has been reconciled through the blood of His cross. Man has been made saveable. The world is so altered, so changed in its position in respect to the holy judgments of God that it is rendered saveable.

II Corinthians 5:20 exhorts believers "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." As Christ's messengers we have been committed the word (or message) of reconciliation. We are to go forth in His behalf, beseeching others to appropriate this reconciliation as their own. Having been reconciled - be ye reconciled is not double talk. Man still has to accept God's grace and reconciliation. This is where faith comes into the picture. We are to put our trust in His finished work and appropriate the truth of reconciliation as our very own. God is beseeching the world to receive the reconciliation which has been made. God is offering peace and reconciliation and we are to be His messengers.

One of the obstacles between man and God is the law. This is God's standard and it condemns all, for none can meet God's standard. The Lord Jesus Christ took away this obstacle at the cross and the world has been reconciled. The demands and condemnation of the law have been satisfied, the guilt has been paid for, and the heart can be changed through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is all possible because God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself.

Glory be to God for fulfilling His promises in raising Jesus Christ from the dead. Nevertheless, does His resurrection have any meaning to you? Has it had any impact in your life? Have you experienced the work of salvation that Jesus Christ perfected in His resurrection?

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

PRESENT GRACE


PRESENT GRACE IS ROOTED IN THE SOVEREIGN LOVE OF GOD THE FATHER.

The story is told about the man who lost his dog. He put an ad in the paper and offered a reward. The advertisement read "Lost dog mixed breed, limps due to an arthritic condition, blind in one eye, large patches of fur missing, doesn't hear well, and answers to the name LUCKY." That dog was lucky because somebody loved him.

We are more than lucky---we are blessed beyond words--and that because of GRACE. God knew we were helpless and hopeless. "BUT AFTER THAT, the kindness and LOVE OF GOD OUR SAVIOUR toward man appeared" (v. 4). God in kindness and love sent His Son into the world. He was born of a virgin. Thirty-three years later, He died on a cross. Romans 5:8 states "God commended His LOVE toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died FOR US." On the cross, He bore OUR sins in HIS OWN BODY (I Peter 2:24). God does not love us because we are valuable--we are sinful, helpless, and hopeless. We are valuable because God loves us. Through simple faith in His Finished Work, we become His children, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with CHRIST (Romans 8:17). "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 1:4.

Ephesians 2:4 states "But God, who is rich in mercy, for His GREAT LOVE wherewith HE LOVED US--even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us together with Christ (by GRACE ye are saved). The Word plainly states we were DEAD--dead towards God. A dead person is unable to do anything to please God. Praise God, His love is not based on IF we do something, WHEN we do something, or BECAUSE we do something. HE LOVES US ... because of His amazing GRACE.

PRESENT GRACE IS ROOTED IN THE SAVING DEATH AND LIFE OF GOD THE SON

Titus 3:5 states "NOT by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration .... " This passage clearly teaches we are not saved by our good works. In God's estimation, our "good works" (for salvation) are nothing more to Him than filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). A filthy rag has absolutely no value! The grace of God is not "do", it is not "don't," but it is DONE! He has completed the work for our salvation (I Corinthians 15:3,4). Revelation 1:5 declares "Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood." We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, According to the RICHES OF HIS GRACE" Eph. 1:7. When GOD saves us He makes us a new creation in Christ Jesus (II Corinthians 5:17). HE washes away our sins and buries them in the grave of God's forgetfulness (Hebrews 8:12)

There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Immanuel's veins
And Sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains.

Paul, writing to the Christians in Rome, said "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, WE SHALL BE SAVED BY HIS LIFE (Romans 5:10). The "life" referred to in this passage is the PRESENT life of Jesus Christ at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven. "But this man (Jesus) because He continueth ever .. .is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing HE EVER LIVETH TO MAKE INTERCESSION FOR THEM" (Hebrews 7:24-25). Romans 8:33-34 states "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth (He has cleared us of every charge). Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, WHO MAKETH INTERCESSION FOR US." When believers sin, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE RIGHTEOUS ONE, stands up for us before the throne of GOD. He pleads that His own death on the cross paid the penalty for that particular sin and therefore, we cannot be condemned! Jesus Christ is our advocate, and there is therefore no condemnation to them which are in CHRIST JESUS (Romans 8:1).

God's GRACE is truly amazing.

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

THE INFLUENCE OF PAUL'S GOSPEL
by Russell S. Miller 
   

The Gospel which the Lord Jesus Christ revealed to Paul extended throughout the Roman Empire as Paul preached “the Gospel of the Grace of God” to saint and sinner a like. It affected the Hebrews, the Twelve Apostles, and Jews and Gentiles every where. His ministry influenced all the Churches of Gentiles; bishops and deacons; pastors and teachers; and households everywhere.

“To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom.1:7).

Paul’s gospel has reached down through the corridors of time to such men of God as Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wycliffe, John Hus, and John Knox, in the days of . Paul’s gospel shook all of Europe and England as these truths were being recovered. By the grace of God, such dispensationalists as John Darby and C. I. Scofield also furthered the cause of Christ. And in our day, J. C. O’Hair, Cornelius R. Stam, and Pastor Win Johnson have been used of God in the Grace Movement to increase our understanding of God’s Word, rightly divided, retaining the integrity of the gospel of grace. Paul’s gospel, “without works,” has also affected you and me. Would to God that all America could remember her roots, and why, and where it is that she has come from! This is why Paul declares that his epistles, and Jesus Christ, establish believers today:

“NOW TO HIM THAT IS OF POWER TO STABLISH YOU ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL, AND THE PREACHING OF JESUS CHRIST,ACCORDING TO THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY, WHICH WAS KEPT SECRET SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN,
“BUT NOW IS MADE MANIFEST, AND BY THE SCRIPTURES OF THE PROPHETS, ACCORDING TO THE COMMANDMENT OF THE EVERLASTING GOD, MADE KNOWN TO ALL NATIONS FOR THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH” (Rom.16:25,26).

But if you’re not saved, my friend, I want you to know that salvation is full and free today, with no strings attached. It is based upon the virgin born, Son of God, and His shed blood on Calvary’s cross. This is why God will not accept your “good works” as substitutes for Christ’s finished work. You must believe that Christ’s death on that cross was for you. “…CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS…” (ICor.15:3). It is our “SINS”, your sins and mine, for which Christ died on that cruel cross. God wants to save you from your sins, and He will save you, if you will only believe. Won’t you just now place your faith in the Lord Jesus, and be saved for time and eternity? Oh, my friend, Jesus will save you from hell and the lake of fire, if you will only believe.

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

"The Power of His Might"
Part 1 of 4
BY RICHARD JORDAN
 

 
 The book of Ephesians begins with a three chapter exposition of the wealth of our calling in Christ as members of His body. This is followed by almost three more full chapters detailing our walk in our conduct as members of that body on planet earth. Paul then concludes the epistle with an exhortation concerning the warfare we face due to our conflict with the adversary the devil.

These final instructions are introduced with the statement:
 
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" (Eph. 6:10).

This is a twofold declaration. First comes a message of grace: "Be strong in the Lord." As we previously saw in our study of this phrase, this is an exhortation to be strong in God's grace to us in Christ --to take our stand in the "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places" which God's grace has so freely bestowed upon us "in Christ. "
 
To this Paul adds a message of glory: "Be strong in ... the power of His might." Although this part of the verse is often mistakenly assumed to be simply a repetition of the first part, we will find great profit in considering it more fully on its own.

A MESSAGE OF GLORY

In speaking of being strong in "the power of His might" Paul is referring back to Eph. 1 and the risen, ascended Lord Jesus as the source of the power which enables us to stand the shock of the battle with the adversary. He does this for a very important reason--one which explains why Satan hates the Body of Christ and the message of grace with such ire.
 
Eph. 1:15-23 contains the first of two great prayers recorded in this book. It is a prayer for enlightenment: that believers might know what is (1) "the hope of His calling"--the glorious expectation inspired by what God has purposed to do with and through the Body of Christ; (2) "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints "--what God will gain for Himself in all He plans to accomplish; and (3) "the exceeding greatness of His power" in accomplishing it all.

The standard for measuring "the greatness of His power"is then set forth:

" ... according to the working of His mighty power,
 "Which HE WROUGHT IN CHRIST, WHEN HE RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, AND SET HIM AT HIS OWN RIGHT HAND IN HEAVENLY PLACES,
"FAR ABOVE ALL PRINCIPALITY, AND POWER, AND MIGHT, AND DOMINION, AND EVERY NAME THAT IS NAMED, NOT ONLY IN THIS WORLD, BUT ALSO IN THAT WHICH IS TO COME:
"AND HATH PUT ALL THINGS UNDER HIS FEET, AND GAVE HIM TO BE THE HEAD OVERALL THINGS TO THE CHURCH,
"WHICH IS HIS BODY, THE FULNESS OF HIM THAT FILLETH ALL IN ALL" (Eph. 1:19-23).

God's power has been measured in different ways throughout Scripture. It was manifest in creation. With Israel, when the Lord wanted to cite who He is and what He does, He often pointed to their deliverance through the Red Sea as illustrating His power to deliver them. In the dispensation of grace, however, His power is set forth "when He raised [Christ] from the dead and set Him at His own right hand in heavenly places."

It is important to read these verses fully and appreciate that much more than simply the resurrection of Christ from the dead is in view here--as glorious as that wonderful truth is!

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

"The Power of His Might"
Part 2 of 4
BY RICHARD JORDAN
 

What is being referred to here is the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ over the government of the universe. The Father "raised Him from the dead"·· and not just to "sit on David's throne" (Acts 2:30), as prophecy had predicted. We now know He has "set Him at His own right hand in heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion."

For God to have "set Him at His own right hand in heavenly places" and to have 'put all things under His feet and [given] Him to be head over all things" signifies that Christ has been placed into a position of governmental headship. Just what government the principality--power--might---
dominion" is referring to is expanded in Col. 1:16,

"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities or powers: all things were created by him, and for him."

There is a government not only "in the earth" but also "in heaven," Just as Satan usurped the position of "prince of this world" he has also taken the position of  "prince of the power of the air" --the unseen, heavenly realm, But God has a plan and purpose to restore His authority in all these governmental positions--in heaven as well as in the earth.

His prophesied intent, is to reclaim the authority in the earth through the instrumentality of a kingdom vested in the nation Israel. This is the subject of prophecy and has been "spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:21).

God also has a purpose and plan to restore His authority in the government in the heavenly places as well. This is the subject of the mystery revealed to Paul and was "kept secret since the world began but now has been made manifest" (Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3: 1-9).

Eph. 1: 19·22 is setting forth the greatness of God's power as demonstrated by making the Lord Jesus Christ the head over a heavenly kingdom. The governmental positions of rank and authority which have been usurped from God's authority by Satan and his host have been reclaimed by the Lord Jesus. Thus Christ now sits as the rightful head of "all things." Note that the context clearly defines "all things" in verse 19-- "all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named. "

And this is done to the specific advantage of the members of the Body of Christ:

"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, "Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (vs. 22,23).

Notice Paul does not here say that Christ is the "head of the church." That is a glorious truth but it isn't the point here. Rather Eph. 1:22 declares Him to be "head over all things to the church." Again, the "all things" over which He is made head is the heavenly government--and it is to the advantage of the church that He is so positioned.

Christ has a two-fold headship that should not be confused. Col. 1:18 declares, "He is head of the body, the church. " But he is also the "head of all principality and power, " as Col. 2:10 clearly states:
 
"And ye are complete in him, WHICH IS THE HEAD OF ALL PRINCIPALITY AND POWER."

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________

[nChrist]

OUR COMMISSION IN AGE OF GRACE IS:

2Co 5:16-21  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.  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.

_____________________________________________________
From Grace And The Truth Ministries
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.
_______________________________________________________