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January 17, 2010

THE DAY OF ITCHING EARS
by Cornelius R. Stam


For the professing Church the day of theological controversy has passed. Ecumenism is now the word on every tongue. Church leaders appear to have become convinced that the stifling confusion in the Church can be overcome only by all of us getting together, minimizing our differences and emphasizing those doctrines on which we all agree. As a result some of the most important doctrines of Scripture are neither denied nor affirmed; they are ignored. But little matter, for the objective now is not to be true to the written Word of God, but to see to it that the Church is "strong" and commands the world's respect.

Ecumenism, sad to say, has made significant inroads among evangelical believers too. All too seldom do men of God stand up to defend by the Scriptures the truths they believe and proclaim. Theological debate has given place to the dialogue, in which two individuals or groups sit down together to discuss their differences and see if there is not some basis for agreement. This appears generous and objective but too often convictions are compromised and the truth watered down by such undertakings, with the result that the Spirit's power is sacrificed for numerical strength.

No man of God can speak in the power of the Spirit when he places anything before the Word and Will of God. Nor can the Church ever be truly united and strong unless she puts God's Word and Will first and takes her place in the world as Christ's embassy on alien territory (See 2 Corinthians 5:20).

[nChrist]

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January 18, 2010

RELIGIOUS MIXTURES
by Cornelius R. Stam


The largest segment of the professing Church offers her devotees neither peace for the present, nor assurance for the future. She does not tell them that believers in Christ are given a position in heaven at God's right hand (Ephesians 2:4-7). She even brings Christ down from His exalted position and offers Him to the world on a crucifix, requiring men to eat His flesh and drink His blood to be saved. And this when Paul, by the Spirit, so emphatically says:

"...yea, THOUGH WE HAVE KNOWN CHRIST AFTER THE FLESH, YET NOW, HENCEFORTH, KNOW WE HIM NO MORE" (2 Corinthians 5:16).

Man's religion, especially in "the Church," is built upon an appeal to the senses. Her devotees are occupied with beads and bells, statues and crucifixes, candlesticks and sacred objects, robes and incense; so far has she departed from the teachings of Paul and from his declaration that "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Lingering still among the types and shadows of primitive ages and mingling these with meaningless pagan rituals, she keeps millions from trusting and rejoicing in an already accomplished redemption.

We beg those who read these lines to look in faith to the risen, exalted Christ and to trust in His finished work:

"Who... when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Hebrews 1:3).

"This Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God" (Hebrews 10:12).

This is clear enough. Our Lord came to earth to accomplish our redemption and, having accomplished it, He returned to heaven and sat down with His Father. The work was finished. And now He invites us to rest in His finished work.

"THERE REMAINETH THEREFORE A REST TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

"FOR HE THAT HATH ENTERED INTO HIS REST, HE ALSO HATH CEASED FROM HIS OWN WORKS, AS GOD DID FROM HIS" (Hebrews 4:9,10).

[nChrist]

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January 19, 2010

PAUL'S CLAIMS
by Cornelius R. Stam


Paul's Spirit-inspired claims for the distinctive character of his apostleship leave no room for doubt. Consider a sampling of these.

Romans 11:13: "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I AM THE APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES: I MAGNIFY MINE OFFICE".

Galatians 1:11,12: "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is NOT AFTER MAN.
"FOR I NEITHER RECEIVED IT OF MAN, NEITHER WAS I TAUGHT IT, BUT BY THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST."

Ephesians 3:1-3: "For this cause, I PAUL, THE PRISONER OF JESUS CHRIST FOR YOU GENTILES,
"If ye have heard of THE DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD, WHICH IS GIVEN ME TO YOU-WARD:
"How that BY REVELATION HE MADE KNOWN UNTO ME THE MYSTERY...."

Colossians 1:25: "...I am made a minister, according to THE DISPENSATION OF GOD WHICH IS GIVEN TO ME FOR YOU, to fulfill [fill full, or complete] the Word of God".

I Timothy 2:5-7: "For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus;
"Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
"WHEREUNTO I AM ORDAINED A PREACHER, AND AN APOSTLE (I SPEAK THE TRUTH IN CHRIST, AND LIE NOT); A TEACHER OF THE GENTILES IN FAITH AND VERITY."

Titus 1:2,3: "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie; promised before the world began;
"But hath in due times manifested His Word THROUGH PREACHING WHICH IS COMMITTED UNTO ME, according to the commandment of God our Saviour."

[nChrist]

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January 20, 2010

SALESMEN AND SOLDIERS
by Cornelius R. Stam


It is true indeed that salvation is bestowed by grace and received through faith -- entirely apart from works, religious or otherwise. But it is equally true that it costs to embrace the truth and costs even more to stand for it, rather than selling out. This is why Proverbs 23:23 exhorts us to "buy the truth and sell it not". In this sense we are not to sell the truth. Yet in another sense we are salesmen of the truth, urging men to buy it.

As we do this we find that there are those who would actually seek to hinder men from buying the truth. Yet it is not primarily they who oppose our efforts, but Satan and his hosts.

"FOR WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD [age], AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS [wicked spirits] IN HIGH PLACES" (Ephesians 6:12).

This is why God's salesmen must also be "good soldiers of Jesus Christ" (2 Timothy 2:3). We must make the glorious message known despite the opposition. We must "put on the whole armour of God" and meet our adversaries with "the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (Ephesians 6:11,17). When they would shut our mouths we must pray for ourselves and each other:

"...that utterance may be given unto me, THAT I MAY OPEN MY MOUTH BOLDLY, to make known the mystery of the [Paul's] gospel.
"...THAT THEREIN I MAY SPEAK BOLDLY, AS I OUGHT TO SPEAK" (Ephesians 6:19,20; Romans 16:25, 26).

This, by the grace of God, is our prayer and our resolve.

[nChrist]

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January 21, 2010

WHO'S TO BLAME?
by Cornelius R. Stam


This writer was a bit irked, recently, to read the following paragraph in one of our leading Chicago newspapers:

"Professional thieves and joy-ride-happy teenagers are not to blame for most auto thefts. It's true that they are the ones who do the stealing -- but the careless motorist must bear the blame... When not in use, cars should be locked."

Just think this through: More than 1,000 cars stolen every day throughout the nation, but those who steal them should not be blamed -- the owners should be blamed for not making it impossible for the thief to steal his car!

Man has always been a master at "blame shifting." Adam said to God, in effect: "It's not my fault; it's that woman you gave me." Eve said: "Don't blame me. The serpent deceived me," and ever since, the descendants of the first couple have been adept at shifting the blame.

But now it's getting so that the courts defend and protect the criminals and even blame the innocent for not making it impossible for the criminal to act! It is a shame that we have to lock our cars against theft -- and it is a stigma on our society. Some judges don't see it that way, but God does. Read Romans 2:2:

"But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who commit such things."

We may all be grateful, though, that it was the very justice -- as well as the love -- of God, that caused Him to take on Himself human form and pay for our sins at Calvary. God cannot overlook sin, yet He loves the sinner. This is why He paid for all our sins at Calvary, and this, too, is why we may now be "justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:24). "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).

[nChrist]

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January 22, 2010


BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH
by Russell S. Miller


"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into His death" (Romans 6:3)?

It is a sad commentary indeed that after 2000 years the vast majority in fundamentalism still labors under the so-called "great commission" and, consequently, is manifestly confused and divided over the subject of water baptism. However this "baptism" of which Paul speaks here in Romans 6:3 is so absolutely absent of water that most of those who water baptize fail to see that believers in the dispensation of grace are actually "baptized into His death". This is why Paul can write in Galatians 2:20:

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me."

And not only that, but the Apostle further states that it is the old Adamic nature in all of us that was crucified with Christ:

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, THAT THE BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED, THAT HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN" (Romans 6:6).

And what's more, in this baptism, "...the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world" (Galatians 6:14).

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul writes by divine inspiration in I Corinthians 12:13 that upon believing in the Lord Jesus Christ we are baptized into the Body of Christ:

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." And this was revealed to Paul "by the revelation of Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:11,12).

We have been so completely identified with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection that Paul goes on in Romans 6 to declare:

"Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4).

No wonder the Apostle exhorts:

"God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 6:14).

[nChrist]

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January 23, 2010

PEACE WITH GOD, ACCESS TO GOD AND THE HOPE OF GLORY
by Cornelius R. Stam


According to Romans 4:25, Christ was delivered to death for our sins and then raised from the dead because He had fully settled our debt. The results of this mighty work of redemption are marvelous indeed to ponder over.

First, it means for every believer in Christ, that "being justified by faith we have peace with God" (Romans 5:1). If Christ has paid for our sins and the barrier between God and us has been removed, why should we not enjoy peace with God? Why should we not rise in the morning, go about our work during the day and retire at night with complete confidence that all is well; that we are at peace with God and that He loves us as His very own?

But more: Verse 2 goes on to say that by Christ we also have "access by faith into this grace wherein we stand." If the barrier of sin has been removed and we are at peace with God, what is there to keep us out of His presence, especially when He Himself bids us to "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need"? (Hebrews 4:16). How wonderful to have a standing before God in grace! to be at peace with Him and to enjoy free access into His presence by faith!

But there is still more. Not only does the believer in Christ enjoy peace with God and access to God, but, as this same verse says: "We rejoice in hope of the glory of God." "Hope" in the Bible is, of course, more than a wish. It is an eager anticipation of wonderful things to come. Hebrews 6:19 says: "Which hope we have as an anchor to the soul, both sure and stedfast." Man has always been afraid of the glory of God. When the glory of the Lord shone round about the Judaean shepherds "they were sore afraid." This was because "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). But the simplest believer in Christ may rejoice in the anticipation of sharing God's glory some day.

[nChrist]

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January 24, 2010

MERCY AND GRACE TO THE “CHIEF” OF SINNERS
by Russell S. Miller


    When the world was ripe for the judgment of God to fall, indeed now seems overripe and long overdue, the Lord Jesus Christ reached down in mercy and grace to save “the chief of sinners,” as Paul later calls himself in I Timothy 1:15.

    In saving Saul of Tarsus, God has “shewed forth all longsuffering” to this lost and dying world. Consequently, the Lord’s words to Ananias concerned Paul’s conversion, his apostleship and commission, and also speaks of God’s grace to us all when the very next prophesied event was the judgment of God. Contrary to the Great Commission, then, Acts 9:1-6 marks a new beginning as to the administration of God in the affairs of men today:

    “…for [Paul] is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:15,16).

    Notice that the order of Paul’s commission is the reverse of that given to the Twelve! Saul of Tarsus, the one who had persecuted the followers of Jesus Christ, is specially “chosen” of God through whom “God’s Son” is to be revealed to “all nations.” Since the favored nation had rejected Messiah and refused “the Kingdom of Heaven” on earth under their so-called “Great Commission,” God sent forth the Apostle Paul to all nations with a new message and ministry, “to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God” (Acts 20:24), from the moment of his conversion.

    “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, PUTTING ME INTO THE MINISTRY; who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious; but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

    “AND THE GRACE OF OUR LORD WAS EXCEEDING ABUNDANT WITH FAITH AND LOVE WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS.

    “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, THAT CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS; of whom I am chief.

    “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, FOR A PATTERN TO THEM WHICH SHOULD HEREAFTER believe on Him to life everlasting” (1 Timothy 1:12-16).

    Have you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour? He will make a real difference in your life, if you will just ask Him to save you. Won’t you do it today?

[nChrist]

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January 25, 2010

THE OLD NATURE IN THE BELIEVER
by Cornelius R. Stam


The believer who would be truly spiritual must recognize the presence of the old nature within. It would be dangerous not to recognize a foe so near.

The old nature in the believer is that which is "begotten of the flesh." It is called, "the flesh," "the old man," "the natural man," "the carnal mind."

Just as "they that are in the flesh cannot please God" (Romans 8:8 ) so that which is of the flesh, in the believer, cannot please God. "The flesh," as we have already seen, is totally depraved. God calls it "sinful flesh" (Romans 8:3), warns that it seeks "occasion" to do wrong (Galatians 5:13), and declares that "the works of the flesh" are all bad (Galatians 5: 19-21).

Nor is the old nature in the believer one which improves by its contact with the new. It is with respect to "the flesh" in the believer, even in himself that the Apostle declares that in it "dwelleth no good thing" (Romans 7:18 ), that it is "carnal, sold under sin" (Romans 7:14), that it is "corrupt according to the deceitful lusts" (Ephesians 4:22), that it is at "enmity against God," and is "not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Romans 8:7).

"The flesh," even as it remains in the believer after salvation, is that which was generated by a fallen begetter. It is the old Adamic nature. It is sinful in itself. It cannot be improved. It cannot be changed. "That which is born [begotten] of the flesh is flesh," said our Lord (John 3:6), and it is as impossible to improve the "old man" in the believer as it was to make him acceptable to God in the first place.

The "old man" was condemned and dealt with judicially at the Cross. Never once is the believer instructed to try to do anything with him or to make anything of him, but always to "reckon" him "dead indeed" (Romans 6:11), and to "put him off" (Colossians 3:8-10).

[nChrist]

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January 26, 2010

THE SON OF A VIRGIN
by Cornelius R. Stam


"Behold, a virgin shall be with child" (Matthew 1:23).

Mary was highly honored that she should be chosen to be the virgin mother of Messiah. This was a distinction for which every Jewish woman had hoped and prayed. But -- now that she had heard the glad news from the angel Gabriel, she was to find herself in the most embarrassing position of an unmarried maiden with child. Little wonder that Mary hastened to the hill country to visit Elisabeth, the mother-to-be of miraculously-born John, later called John the Baptist. Who, in such a case, would better understand, or be better fitted to give sympathetic advice to Mary?

Mary remained with Elisabeth for about three months, or until the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:36,56), but now the real test lay ahead, for she must return to her home in Nazareth to face her relatives and acquaintances -- and Joseph, her lover. What would they say? And above all, what would he say? How could they be expected to believe her story? An angel had appeared to her, indeed!

In the record of Joseph's reactions we are given light as to the extreme embarrassment in which Mary now found herself. Consider Joseph's position. Mary was his "espoused wife." Why had she gone away -- and stayed so long? And now, what is this? She is found with child -- not by him. Her explanation, if indeed she offered it to him, must have seemed most unsatisfactory. He could have charged her with adultery and had her stoned, but "being a just [Lit., "fair-minded"] man" he "was minded to put her away privily" (Matthew 1:19).

But "while he thought on these things," with a heavy heart, "the angel of the Lord appeared unto him" and Joseph learned the truth; that she was indeed to be the honored mother of the Messiah of Israel, the Redeemer of sinners.

It was because our Lord was the Son of God, born into the world by a virgin and not partaking of Adam's sinful nature, that He could go to Calvary and pay the full penalty for our sins. He "suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18 ).

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January 27, 2010

Cremation
by Paul M. Sadler, President


Scripture Reading: "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away." -- Psalms 90:10

With the rising cost of funerals these days many families are faced with the decision as to whether or not cremation should be considered as a viable option to burial. Many have concluded that this is an acceptable alternative since the matter is not addressed in Paul's epistles, and we are living under grace. While there does seem to be liberty here, perhaps it is the better part of wisdom to consult the whole counsel of God.

In Biblical times cremation of the body was primarily identified with the pagan nations of the world. According to the Old Testament there were a few isolated occurrences of this practice, although they always seem to be associated with judgment or cases of emergency rather than merely disposing of the body (Joshua 7:25,26; 1 Samuel 31:6-13).

Consequently, cremation was more the exception than the rule.

Throughout the Scriptures it is said that they buried their dead.

"Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah..."

"Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury."

"And the young men arose, wound him [Ananias] up, and carried him out, and buried him."

In keeping with the Word of God, we believe it is preferable to bury our loved ones even though we may have liberty to do otherwise. Of course, the additional financial burden can be eased by planning ahead for our inevitable departure. The services that normally accompany a funeral bring the unsaved face to face with their own mortality.

Thus, the occasion, heartbreaking as it may be, has often been used of the Lord to bring many sons to glory. Whatever your conviction may be on the matter, it is important to heed the words of the Apostle Paul:

"Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind" (Romans 14:5).

[nChrist]

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January 28, 2010

THE KINGDOM REIGN OF CHRIST
by Cornelius R. Stam


The Kingdom Reign of Christ, often called the Millennium, is, of course, still future, but even this dispensation will commence with a clear indication that our Lord's beneficent reign will not change the unregenerate heart. Man is still a failure.

This will be evident from the fact that to put the rebellion down our Lord will have to "break" the nations "with a rod of iron" and "dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel" (Psalms 2:9). Indeed, He will have to "rule them with a rod of iron" (Revelation 2:27). It is not strange, then, that we read in Revelation 20:7-9:

"And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

"And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

"And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them."

This final rebellion is followed by the casting of Satan and all unbelievers into the lake of fire and the bringing in of the new heavens and the new earth in which all the reconciled find their all in Christ (Revelation 20:10-21:1; Ephesians 1:9,10; Colossians 1:19,20). It is interesting and instructive to see in the book of Revelation how the Lamb slain occupies the center of the glory of the universe. Not one saint from any age will ever boast of his own righteousness in that day. All will acknowledge their own unworthiness and proclaim the praises of the One who died that they might live and be justified and gloried. And even the unsaved and all demons and angels will acknowledge Jesus as Lord in that day. Because He humbled Himself and submitted Himself to "even the death of the cross... 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).

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January 29, 2010

IS INSPIRATION THE VOICE OF A DUMB ANIMAL?
by Russell S. Miller


“Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet” (2 Peter 2:15,16).

Since our subject today has to do with the inspiration of the Scriptures, we must ask, is inspiration the “voice” of a dumb animal?

“Virgin births” are impossible. “Resurrection” is impossible. “Healings”, from death-like sicknesses to physical health and strength again in a moment of time, are impossible. And the “raising of the dead” is also an impossible feat for man. But God can do all these things and more. Did I fail to mention the Creator and His universe!?

The Scriptures to which Peter alludes, here, in regards to “Balaam the son of Bosor” are clear enough on the events of that morning in history:

“And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou has smitten me these three times?” (Numbers 22:22-27).

Of course there is much more that was said in that discourse between Balaam and his donkey, as well as those words which the angel of the Lord spoke to Balaam, but the beast may not have been so dumb after all, for she saw the glitter of that angelic “sword,” and Balaam, well, he sure looked silly arguing with his donkey (Numbers 22:23-35).

Now “the Lord opened the mouth of the ass” and she spake unto Balaam. Only God can cause a “dumb” animal to speak with “man’s voice,” and this may well have been a female voice that “she” spake with. Interesting. What do you think? Is inspiration the voice of a dumb animal? Probably not! Scripture does not indicate that the deaf and dumb, whom our Lord made to speak and hear, were inspired (Matthew 15:29-31; Mark 7:31-37; John 5:1-9). Inspiration is rather the voice of those “MEN” whom God “INSPIRED” to write the Bible.

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:20,21).

Moses was not there when this event between Balaam and his donkey occurred. But regarding this event Moses was inspired of God to write the very words with which this beast of burden “forbad the madness of the prophet” (2 Peter 2:16), and we have those very words upon the pages of our Scriptures. These words were not uttered 400 years ago, nor were they uttered 2000 years ago. Rather, 1,500 years before Christ, Balaam’s donkey spake those words. If Moses had not been “inspired” (2 Peter 1:21) we would not have a record of that most interesting conversation, nor the resoluteness of God Almighty to keep His promise of blessing upon the children of Israel (Genesis 12:1-3).

Which brings us back to the credibility with which Scripture speaks of the “holy men” who spake and wrote “as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).

So, inspiration in the original autographs is NOT MERELY the words on the page, but the men who SPAKE those Words were also inspired of God to WRITE the very Words of God, for without the one you will never have the other.

“ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, AND IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS:
“THAT THE MAN OF GOD MAY BE PERFECT, THROUGHLY FURNISHED UNTO ALL GOOD WORKS” (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

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January 30, 2010

"THE WRATH OF GOD REVEALED"
by Russell S. Miller


How and why is God's wrath "revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men" (Romans 1:18 )?

It is revealed "because that which may be known of God is manifest in them...". Even the "invisible things of...creation...are clearly seen..." (1:19,20). They did not want a Creator!

It is revealed "because ...[they] became vain in their imaginations... and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image..." (1:21-23). If you insist upon believing "a lie...and worship and serve the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever" (ver.25), God will send you "a strong delusion"--the devil's "lie" (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

We have seen why God's wrath is revealed, but how is it revealed? "...GOD ALSO GAVE THEM UP TO UN-CLEANNESS through [their] lusts..." (Romans 1:24).

And because man has "changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator" (ver.25): "...GOD GAVE THEM UP UNTO VILE AFFECTIONS..."(Romans 1:26).

"For even their women did change the natural use [of sex] into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet [fitting]. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge..." (1:26-28 ),
"...GOD GAVE THEM OVER UNTO A REPROBATE MIND, to do those things which are not convenient" (Romans 1:28 ).

And because they had "filled" themselves with "all ungodliness and unrighteousness" (1:29-31) the judgment of God is revealed in such things as venereal disease and AIDS.

"Who knowing the judgment of God, THAT THEY WHICH COMMIT SUCH THINGS ARE WORTHY OF DEATH, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them" (Romans 1:32).

"THEREFORE thou art inexcusable, O man..." (Romans 2:1).

But no matter what your sin, big or little, as we described or otherwise, God "LOVES" YOU and wants to save you, AND HE WILL SAVE YOU FROM YOUR SINS, if you will simply believe in His Son, who died for our sins on Calvary's cross, and arose from the dead. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).

[nChrist]

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January 31, 2010

TRUE THANKSGIVING
by Cornelius R. Stam


    Many people entertain only vague notions about thanksgiving, just as they do about faith.

    They confuse faith with optimism, will power, presumption, imagination, and all sorts of other things. A doctor tells his patient that but for his faith, he never would have come through his illness. Somehow the patient was "just sure" he would recover. A smiling mother encourages her married daughter to "have faith, that everything will turn out all right." But faith in God is believing God; believing what He has said. True faith is based on the written Word of God (See Romans 10:17).

    But unregenerate men have vague ideas about thanksgiving. A man escapes some great harm and thanks his "lucky stars." Another says: "I'm grateful for a healthy body," but to whom is he grateful? He doesn't say. In many cases it doesn't even occur to him to ask. He's "just thankful"!

    How refreshing, then, it is to open our Bibles, especially to the Epistles of Paul, the chief of sinners, saved by grace, and to see him giving thanks for specific blessings, and to a specific Person -- God!

    "Giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us meet [fit] to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son" (Colossians 1:12,13).

    "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15).

    "Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory!" (1 Corinthians 15:57).

    "Thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph!" (2 Corinthians 2:14).

    It is our prayer for all our readers that you may be especially thankful for "the gift of God [which] is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord" (Romans 6:23).