GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

[nChrist]

THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION

Our era is one of power! There is hydraulic power, atomic power, nuclear power and many other types of 'power' frequently  spoken of. Many cars are made to operate with much 'horsepower'. Large jet airplanes have been constructed to carry hundreds of people and cargo at once, operating with tremendous power.

But did you know that there is power in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ? Not atomic power or explosive power, but spiritual and moral power. This 'power' changes the lives of people and affects whole families, communities, and even the course of history.

Paul the Apostle speaks of his intense desire as a Christian to 'know Him (Christ) and the power of His resurrection' (Phil. 3:10). Elsewhere in his epistles, Paul spoke of 'Christ the power of God' (I Corinthians 1:24), the gospel of Christ being 'the power of God unto salvation to all that believe' (Romans 1:16), and 'the power' of true godliness (II Timothy 3:5). Christ, who once was 'crucified because of weakness' now 'lives because of the power of God' (II Corinthians 13:4).

What is this 'power'? The Greek word used suggests 'inherent energy'. It also involves 'ability' and 'might'. God has the supreme monopoly on power. We as humans can do many things. But that there is a limit to what we can do is quite obvious. With God, however, there is no limit to his ability, might, energy or power. This is why astonished Job cried out to Jehovah, 'I know that Thou canst do all things' (Job 42:2). The Psalmist also exulted, 'Great is our Lord, and abundant in strength' (Psalm 147:5).

Therefore with a God such as He is, it is a small thing for Him to raise the dead and transform the sinner into a Christ-like saint! This is why Paul inquired of the doubting Roman governor Agrippa, 'Why is it considered incredible among people if God does raise the dead?' (Acts 26:8). God DID raise the dead! Not only did Christ raise from the dead Lazarus (John 11), the widow of Nain's son (Luke 7:11-17), and Jairus' daughter (Luke 8:49-56), but God raised up Jesus Christ from the dead 'the third day' 'with power' (Romans 1:3-4). He, the crucified one who had suffered at the hands of sinful men, came forth 'in the power of an indestructible life' (Hebrews 7:16). No wonder we rightly may sing:

     'Up from the grave He arose
      With a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
      He arose a Victor from the dark, domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign...'

Now this same power with which God raised His Son from the dead gets into all who truly are 'born again' by faith, alone in Jesus Christ. Study carefully Paul's great prayer in Ephesians 1:17-23 and note how he goes on to start Chapter 2 by saying, 'And you who were dead in trespasses and sins.....hath (God) made us alive together with Christ (by grace are ye saved), and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.' The same power of the living God which --'brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus' (Hebrews 13:20) is that by which each of us is saved and seated with Christ in the heavenlies ' far above all'! This is soul-transforming power!

Are you experiencing the resurrection power of the living Christ in your daily life? Don't be content with a mere 'form of godliness' or 'religion'! Make sure today that the Lord Jesus Christ is 'in you', so that you may more and more 'know Him, and the power of His resurrection'!

Grace, Peace, Pastor P. Hume

_____________________________________________________
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]

NOW AND FOREVER FREE!
By Miles Stanford


"Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 1:7,8).


We can trust Him for our matriculation here, and we can trust Him for our examination and graduation in Glory!

"That word, 'blameless,' may be translated 'unimpeachable' or 'unaccusable.' In other words, when we stand at last at the judgment seat of Christ, God Himself is going to see to it that no charge can stand against any believer, because the Lord Jesus Christ has atoned for all our sins with His own precious Blood. Every failure in life will be dealt with there, and all the wood, hay, and stubble will be burned in the fire of that day and we shall stand before our Lord unimpeachable, unaccusable." -H.A.I.

"Instead of my sins being between myself and Him, as before, it is Himself who is now between me and my sins; and the One who has thus interposed has given me to know that in the doing it He has brought me to Himself, and tuned my heart to His own praise.

"He has borne the judgment due to my sins, and condemned sin in the flesh; in the Person of my Substitute I am clear from, and carried beyond, the judgment forever; the power of death is annulled, that of Satan finally broken."
 
"Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's. elect? Shall God that justifieth? Who is he that condemneth? Shall Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us?" (Rom. 8:33,34).

_____________________________________________________
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 GROUND OF FAITH
 By JOHN McKAY, Pastor
 
Scripture Reading: Romans 10:17

Some think faith is a "blind leap in the dark" or believing something that is irrational. While Christians must admit that there are many things in faith and in science that can't be proven, the foundation of our faith is firm. It is based upon the written revelation of the Almighty God Who cannot lie.

Please notice that far from being a leap in the dark, our faith originates as the work of God. "This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE on Him Whom He hath sent" (John 6:29). Our faith is "the faith of the operation of God" (Colossians 2:12). Human faith that originates in humans and terminates in human ideas of God the Father and the Son, will prove itself to be "vain" faith. Read I Corinthians 15:1-4. Perhaps more enslaving---although with the same outcome---is the satanic and demonic faith that brings another Jesus, another gospel, false apostles, angels of light, and ministers of righteousness to modern religious movements (II Corinthians 11:1-15). Many of these people have faith in faith itself and promote the kind of unhealthy supernaturalism from below that produces signs and miracles which are inferior imitations of those produced for Israel's benefit by the Lord's true representatives (Acts 4:13-16, I Corinthians 13:8-10 and 14:22).

Our faith is not in faith. Our faith comes from the Lord and rests solidly upon the foundation of the Holy Bible. " .. .faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17).

The beginning of our faith and the finishing of our faith has the Word of God as its foundation and the Lord Jesus as its worthy and glorious Crown.

_____________________________________________________
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]

NO CONDEMNATION IN CHRIST
By JON D. BEKEMEYER, Pastor

Scripture Reading: Romans 8: 1

To many, the word condemnation always indicates eternal judgment in the Lake of Fire. While it is true that because we are in Christ we are saved from eternal judgment, that is not the point of Romans 8:1. What is condemnation? According to Webster, condemnation is to "disapprove of strongly, to declare guilty of wrongdoing."
 
With the proper definition, one must readily admit that the believer can be condemned. Even a casual reading of the verse indicates that those who walk after the flesh have condemnation. This is also supported by the context.
 
A similar idea is expressed by the word damnation. The word damnation sometimes expresses eternal judgment, but certain passages indicate that this is not always so. For example, 1 Corinthians 11:32 says that a believer who partakes of the Lord's Supper unworthily (i.e. without discerning the Lord's Body), eats and drinks damnation to himself. Does that mean if one partakes of the Lord's Supper while his mind is on carnal things, he will go to Hell? Of course not. It indicates that such activity is seriously wrong and will be dealt with by chastisement (see context and Romans 13:2; 14:23 & 1 Timothy 5: 12).
 
Thus, there are two criteria in Romans 8:1 to escape condemnation: to be in Christ (everything about the unbeliever is under condemnation) and to walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Let's all seriously contemplate this truth today.

_____________________________________________________
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]

"Walking With God"

    I recently realized why I find myself frustrated at times in my walk with God. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. It's simple, really. The problem is that God apparently likes to stroll and, for the most part, I'm not a stroller by nature. "Do you want to run around with me today?" I sometimes ask my wife before I start out on errands. Running around -that's my style.

    I like to run around and get things done. I want to make things happen. My Father, on the other hand, refuses to be rushed by His impatient boy. I really identify with what one man I recently read had to say on the subject: "I feel like running, but life is on a stroll. That's how God works." "Yep, I'm with you a hundred percent," I thought as I read his words.

    The irony of it all is that I, a man who constantly teaches people how to rest in Christ, still struggles with this. I even wrote a book on the subject (The Godward Gaze). Maybe I'll go back and read that book again.

    I love the practice of contemplative prayer each morning. It soothes my soul, calming my anxious thoughts and bringing me into the awareness of basking in Love too big to explain or even understand. If I let that early morning time slip, I feel the difference all through the day. It's not a legalistic practice for me. It's something I do because I love being loved and to be honest, as much or more than that, I love feeling loved by my heavenly Father.

    I want to learn to live in that place of awareness all day. Sometimes I do pretty well with it, then at others I take on the role of deity and try to manage every detail of my own life with perfection and exact precision. I work to make life fit my schedule and that's when I start to slip.

    Do you experience this type problem in your life? I don't think I'm alone in this. Patience isn't one of the top virtues in the life of most Christians. It has always been a challenge for people of faith. That's why a child named Ishmael was born. That's why there was once an Apostle named Matthias that nobody ever heard about again. Believe me, we're not alone.

    What's the answer? It's to keep learning the lesson, again and again if necessary. When we find ourselves rushed, anxious and tapping our fingernails on the table while we wait for God to hurry and catch up, we need to stop. Stop and realize what we're doing, then acknowledge our hyperactive frenzy before our Father. Yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit and affirm the truth that we don't control life in any way. We must intentionally choose to relax our grip on our circumstances and slow down our pace again.

    Life will be much easier on us all when we learn once and for all that we won't make God run. He's going to do what He's going to do, so we might as well slow down and enjoy the walk.

- Steve McVey
Grace Walk Ministries

_____________________________________________________
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]

BUSILY  BARREN
By M. Stanford


"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me" (John 15:4).


A barren life means barren service, and no amount of self-effort will ever make up for that!

" 'Not I, but Christ.' The Lord Jesus does not ask that we should work for Him, but He intends to work through us. There is all the difference in the world between the two. In the one I plan and then ask His blessing upon it; in the other He plans and lets me into the secret of His glorious purpose. The one ends in futility and disappointment; the other in life, progress, and joy.

"In the one I slave and work worthily for Him, and constantly feel the barrenness of a busy life; in the other I let His life flow through me in all His glorious effortlessness, and rest in the assurance that the Lord Jesus at work cannot fail. The one is a life of endeavor, always being keyed up to do something greater; the other a life of faith always looking to the Lord Jesus to reveal the next step and then give the enablement to carry it out." -H.G.

"The great question is not what you are doing, how successful you are, how great are your crowds, how impressive your work - but the question is, by what power are you doing it? It is difficult to attend any large religious gathering without perceiving the governing influence, consciously or unconsciously, of the psychological - which is of the human. Many apparently successful 'revival' meetings have much more in them of psychology than Spirit. Large numbers of seekers are brought to the altar by human soul-power rather than by the power of the Holy Spirit. And this accounts for the large number of so-called backsliders and 'repeaters' at the altar."


"Without Me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5).

_____________________________________________________
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]

~GRACE TODAY AND TOMORROW~
By C. R. Stam


Paul learned what thousands upon thousands of God’s saints have learned from his day to ours: that it is often more blessed to experience God’s grace in suffering than to enjoy deliverance from suffering, for in the former case we lean the harder and pray the more, and so are drawn closer to Him. Moreover, we find that His strength is made perfect in weakness and that when we are weak, then are we strong (II Cor. 12:9,10).


But even better things are in store for God’s people: Someday, "in the ages to come," God will display to all the universe "the exceeding riches of His grace." How will He do this? "In His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:7).


Dear reader, have you accepted the grace of God in Christ Jesus? Do you believe that He loves you and that He "came into the world" to bear all the blame and shame and punishment that was your due, so that you might be "justified freely by His grace" (Rom. 3:24)?

If not, will you take Him at His Word now and come to
know the truth of II Cor. 4:15:

"For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God."

Whatever your past; however great or many your sins, take God at His Word. Believe that He loves you in spite of all. Believe that He has already provided the payment for your sins in Christ:

"In whom we have redemption. through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7).

_____________________________________________________
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 SOVEREIGNTY of THE SON IN SALVATION
Scripture Reading: John 17:1-3; Eph. 1:7-12

It was the distinct pleasure of the Father to plan our salvation through bringing about the "Golden Chain of Redemption" (Rom. 8:28-30, Eph. 1:3-6). We say it reverently, that the Father's plan would have been powerless and ineffective had it not been for the fact that it was the role of the Son of God to purchase our salvation. Thus we read of His having been "foreordained before the foundation of the world" in relation to His suffering and sacrificial death as "a Lamb without blemish and without
spot" (I Peter 1:18-20).
 
The primary mission of the Lord Jesus in His first advent was redemptive and not regal. His second advent will be regal. He came, as Hebrews 10:7 states, "to do thy will, 0 God." That will of the Father included His drinking that awful "cup" in the garden of Gethsemane (which I believe related to His being forsaken and cut off by His Father while He was to become the sin-bearer for all mankind); it involved His suffering and deep humiliation as a malefactor both from His arrest in the garden to His agony on that Roman cross; it involved the terrible agonies which His Holy Soul suffered while the Father was laying upon Him "the iniquity of us all;" it involved His experience of death--a thing that He, the eternal Son of God, had never, ever experienced; and it involved Him being buried in a borrowed tomb--the Creator and Lord of Glory dead and buried (think of it!!).
 
What was all of this for? To redeem us--buy us out of the slave market--from Satan's power, sin, self, this present evil age, and the power of death itself. What wealth is packed away in those blessed words, "In Whom (Christ) we have (as a present possession) redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7)!  With Fanny Crosby we must sing anew:
 

"Redeemed--how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed thro' His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am."

_____________________________________________________
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 SOVEREIGNTY OF THE SPIRIT IN SALVATION
By Pastor P. Hume


Scripture Reading: 2 Thes. 2:13-14; Eph. 1:13-14

It has been well stated that the blessed Holy Spirit of God is "the executive member of the Godhead." This is indeed true. The Father's plan to bring "many sons into glory" must be further carried out by the Son's purchase by His own blood of those "many sons" out of the slave market of Satan and sin and death. He died, was buried, and was raised again from the dead to save all whom the Father had given to Him (John 6:37, 17:2-.3). But unless the Spirit of God applies the redemptive work of Christ, then the Father's plan is again powerless!
 
But not so! The Holy Spirit has been sent into the world on a special mission. This mission is to glorify the Son of God in saving and sanctifying those whom the Father, chose in Christ before the foundation of the world. What does this work of the Holy Spirit include? He first draws the sinner to Christ (John 6:44). This is also referred to as being the "sanctification of the, Spirit" in 2 Thessalonians 2:13. By this, the Holy Spirit woos and draws and sets apart the one who is "dead in trespasses and sins" to Christ. He also convicts the sinner of "sin, righteousness, and judgment" (John 16:8-11). He pricks the conscience and brings the Word of God to bear upon it. Then He grants "the hearing of faith" (Rom. 10:8,17; Eph. 1:13). He causes the sinner to "hear with understanding" (see Matthew 13:23 on this). Never is the sinner told to work up his own faith in order to be saved. Rather, God grants every sinner "the hearing of faith"--a gift from God (Eph. 2 :8-9)--in order to be saved. Then the Holy Spirit regenerates the one who believes on Christ Jesus. That is, He imparts the Life of Christ into his spirit, and, as Romans 8:10 states, the "spirit is life on account of righteousness." Remember, "that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6). At the same time He baptizes the one who believes into Christ and thereby makes him a member, of "the church, which is His body." He also, at that same moment, takes up His permanent dwelling in the believer, and He becomes the seal of God (as well as the new nature) in the believer.
 
Wondrous salvation! Do you have Him in your heart today?

Publisher Note:  Dear Saints once again I am having mass computer problems, therefore I have hired a new man, but he is not available till the 27, should it go completely I will be off line till then.  Paris   

_____________________________________________________
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]

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 by-pass 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
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]

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 emnity 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
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]

"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (EPHESIANS 2:6)


~GLORIFIED IN CHRIST~
By Richard A Mazek,


Once again, the key phrase to note is "in Christ" The doctrine of our Glorification is inseparably linked to that of our identification with Christ.  When Christ died; we died; when Christ was buried, we were buried (Romans 6:3,4); when Christ arose, we arose with Him (Colossians 2:12). The Apostle Paul further proceeds to tells us in Eph. 2:6 that when Christ ascended and was seated in glory on the right hand of the Father, we too were raised (past tense,) and glorified together with Him. This is an accomplished fact .  As far as God is concerned we are already glorified, for He see us "in Christ." The Apostle is not here referring to our state or condition, but rather to our standing or position.

It is upmost importance for us to comprehend this crucial truth. Not seeing the distinction between standing and state has, no doubt, led many a new believer down the road of discouragement and despair. Our position is perfect, holy and without blame in Christ, and yet our state fluctuates (changes) from day to day. The believer continues to sin (to his dismay) and continues to experience the daily conflict between his new nature and the flesh (one of the solid proofs of salvation). Our standing and state will never be identical until the Rapture, the grand homecoming of the Body of Christ.  But until then we rejoice in our glorious standing and destiny secured for us "in Christ"

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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.
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[nChrist]

POWERS ORDAINED OF GOD
By Ivan Burgener




"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God· (Rom. 13:1). These words are clear and shocking. Their clarity gives no room for misunderstanding, yet some find it. impossible to esteem world leaders as "ordained of God," and "the minister of God ......for good" (v. 4). They feel it must refer to a pastor or spiritual leader. A pastor or shepherd might wield a shepherd's staff, but could he bear "a sword .." or be "a revenger to execute wrath "on the evil doer" (v. 4)?

The words, "Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God" might give pause to a Jewish believer, for God had written, "thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, who is not thy brother" (Dt. 17:15). But with the captivity of Judah, God commanded all nations to obey His servant, Nebuchadnezzar! (See Jer. 27:6-8.) Thus the times of the Gentiles began with Israel's captivity and servitude. Now God warns us through Paul that "they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation" (i.e., judgment by the ruler).

"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil" (v. 3-4). God forbids us to take vengeance because He has established government as His representative, "a revenger to execute [His] wrath" on evildoers.

"Wherefore we must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake," conscience because we know it is the right thing to do. And we should fear the wrath of "the powers that be" as well.

This passage shows the grace of God given us for service; first toward believing brethren, then toward the world, living peaceably as much as possible without being overcome with the evil of taking vengeance, and lastly to be subject to the government which God has placed in all nations throughout the world. If government oversteps its bounds, our path is clear, "We ought to obey God, rather than men" (Acts 5:29), even when there may be dire consequences as in Daniel 3 when Jews were commanded to worship an image of gold.

One observed long ago that the "times of the Gentiles" began with government enforced idolatry, as in the case of Nebuchadnezzar, and that it might very well end the same. May we ever look to God for grace and courage.


"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers and for the praise of them that do well.

"For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
"Honor all men.
"Love the brotherhood.
"Fear God.
"Honor the king." (1 Peter 2:13-17)

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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 GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD
    by Russell S. Miller

    *“Grace be to you, and peace, from God the Father, and from our
    Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph.1:2).*

    The above verse is the theme of all of the Epistles of St. Paul. The words of this verse are found at the beginning of every one of
    his letters. Even in Hebrews we find /“grace”/ to be the theme of  the Epistle.

    So, which would you rather have the “grace” and “peace” of God, or would you prefer to see the Lord Jesus Christ on that “white
    horse” of the Book of the Revelation?

    *“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He
    doth judge and make war” (19:11-16).*

    It is on account of the wickedness of men in seeking to run the world without the Lord Jesus Christ that He judges/ the earth and makes war.

    However, since we are living in the Day and Age of Grace, we may enter His presence without fear of the wrath of God upon sin. This
    does not mean that even the people of God have a license to sin, far from it. It simply means that “He hath made us accepted in the
    Beloved [One]” (Eph.1:7). And Ephesians 3:12 states: “In whom we  have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him”  (Eph.3:12). He rules from the throne of grace” (Heb.4:16) don’t you see? Now that we are “made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Eph.2:13), "draw nigh unto God, He will draw nigh unto you" (Jas.4:8). Just as our “walk”, as Christians, is one of faith so salvation is received "by grace through faith" in the finished  work of Calvary's cross. Paul therefore declares in his Epistle to  the Corinthians with regards to “the gospel by which ye are  saved…” (ICor.15:1,2):

    "How that CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SIN according to the  Scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the  third day according    to the Scriptures" (ICor.15:3,4).*

    This redemption that is in Christ Jesus is ours by simple faith in Him.

  "We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph.1:7)."

    Therefore we can, and should, "draw nigh" unto Him, through faith His blessed Word, the Bible. Read especially the epistles of St. Paul. Herein is the grace and peace.

   "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom.5:1)."

    There is no peace in this world, so worth having, as "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom.5:1).

_____________________________________________________
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]

WHAT GOD IS DOING TODAY
by Russell S. Miller


"...For to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace" (Eph.2:15).

It is a shame that so many in the Body of Christ do not see what it is that God is doing today, in this dispensation of His grace committed to Paul. The error of some is a failure to come unto perfection in the Pauline revelation, for they labor under the so-called Great Commission. Others go to extremes with agendas that are used of the devil to cause "divisions" in the Church and "blind [even] the minds" (IICor.4:4) of believers from knowing the truth. Consequently such teachings are used by Satan to deceive both saint and sinner alike. Thus men walk in darkness. When lies are substituted for truth, the devil gets a foothold in the Church to wreak "havoc".

God, however, will not be mocked of men, for "the Judgment Seat of Christ" (IICor.5:10) awaits those who make merchandise of "the Word of God" (IICor.2:14-17; Tit.3:10) and there shall be a great loss of rewards (ICor.3:15). And when the devil "blinds the minds of them that believe not", souls that could have been saved will be cast into hell and the Lake of Fire at the "great white throne" judgment (Rev.20:11-15).

In this endeavor to discover what it is that God is doing today, several passages of Scripture come to mind. Along with Romans 16:25 and I Corinthians 12:13 are two very similar verses in Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians:

"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).

"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" (Eph.3:9).

God is in the business of building the Body of Christ today, and He is looking for "faithful" men and women in the ministry of the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (ICor.4:1,2). He appointed Paul, "the Apostle of the Gentiles" (Rom.11:13), giving him the blueprints (ICor.3:9-15) for the Church today. Paul and Timothy were faithful in proclaiming "this Mystery among the Gentiles" (ICor.4:15-17). Will you "follow" in their footsteps or be drawn into an extreme teaching?

_____________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________