Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Treasure of excellence



“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
2 Cor. 4:7

Oh, what an amazing statement concerning what we have, where it has been placed and why God placed it (Him) there. What a treasure! How wonderful, that God would see fit to place within us such enriching value, far more than that which is deposited in our account. Therein seems a strong indication of divine enlightenment and enablement. When we are saved that Christ life light of the knowledge of the glory of God, has been caused to shine into our hearts and dwell within these earthen vessels.

The reason this heavenly treasure was placed in such weak crumbling dissolvable earthen containers is clearly stated, “That the excellency of the power be of God, and not of us.” To God forever be the glory. That value God has placed in us is real, an everlasting reality to be realized. This treasure is to be treasured and enjoyed. What absolute contrast! That which is to be dissolved or transformed and that which gives substance, purpose, usefulness and the merit determined by the Lord. When we are humbled by our sinful condition to see our great need, we are blessed to take by faith this glorious treasure into our being.

 We are otherwise in a darkened, spiritually ignorant condition, with no other way to escape. Satan blinds the minds of them that believe not (II Cor. 4:4). We read in Romans one, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Vs. 21,22). In Ephesians four we read of those “Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them” (V. 18). In 2 Thess. 2:10 & 11, we read of those perishing because they receive not the love of the truth, that they may be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. Let us always be thankful that He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has graciously illuminated our innermost being.

In this fragile vessel the source of our power and enlightenment, is not for the major part very well known. Paul prayed that we be filled with the knowledge of our Lord’s will, and strengthened with all might according to his glorious power (Col. 1:9, 11). See also Eph. 3:16-21 & 1:19-22. Let us consider, digest and rejoice, living by experience in the power of God our Father’s provisions! Most of Christendom is sadly ignorant of our God given resources.

 Thank God for the scriptural illustrations, and spiritual lessons as to where the believer’s glorious virtues abide. Jesus said, “without me ye can do nothing.” Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The only course for us to take to enter into God’s best and greatest for us is covered by absolute dependence on Him.

In Judges 13, God promised that the son of Manoah and his wife would begin to deliver Israel out of the hands of the Philistines. He told them how to raise him and that he would be a Nazarite from birth. He was born and named Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to move him at times. Like the time a young lion roared against Samson. Judges 14:5-6, “the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand.” V. 19, Again the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he slew thirty Philistines. Another time the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him and he slew a thousand Philistines with a new jawbone of an ass - Judges 15:15.

Afterward, he loved a woman named Delilah of the Philistines. Her people got her to entice him to tell her wherein his great strength lay. She tried time after time to find out so they could bind him and afflict him, for the source of his great strength was not known (16:9). Delilah finally got him to tell her. She got his hair cut off which was part of his Nazarite vowel, and he was weak. The Spirit of the Lord had come upon him again and again and he always overpowered the Philistines, but the last time he didn`t know that the Lord wasn`t with him, and he wasn`t as strong as before. He seemed to be too sure of His own ability and it cost him dearly, and eventually his life. We must learn that when we are weak in ourselves, then are we made strong in the Lord, as we cast ourselves trustingly upon Him. We are taught to be “strong in the Lord and the power of His might.”  

Knowing God: “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear to wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest for her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Pr. 2:1-6). It is interesting to realize that our Father takes pleasure in hiding some of his richest treasures in plain sight, and deepest secrets in the simplest of hearts. How blessed are we to know of God’s willingness to make Himself fully known.

What a value system He has! “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD” (Jer. 9:23-24). Oh, how exceedingly blessed we are in knowing wherein our Father delights, especially when we put this knowledge to excellent use. He delights to make Himself fully known unto us through deeper and ever deeper revelations of our Lord Jesus Christ. What a premium privilege.

Hosea 6:3: “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord…” Oh, Glory to God! How kindly and gently He leads His people on and into heart and life realities of Himself. Line upon line and precept upon precept. He invites us and urges us on. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD...” (Zec. 4:6).

“Think on these things” – Phil. 4:8: The Apostle’s closing statements to the lovers of the race, emphasizes some very important essentials. These pre-eminent elements most worthy of note, to occupy heart and mind. He urges the closest attention with responsive heart. These things are worthy of praise.

Loves fullest development, in keen insight: “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent…” (Phil. 1:9-10). Paul’s concern was that their love would overflow, exceeding all bounds, that they be able to distinguish, discern, sense, appreciate, prize, that which is of greater value and higher degree of importance.

The excellency of the knowledge: Paul suggested experiencing a new and spiritual set of values (Phil. 3:7-10). “…What things were gain to me, I counted loss for Christ.” Saul knew of former selfish gains in human recognition, but now Paul realized and recognized it as one combined loss for Christ’s sake. He had compared it to the possession of the priceless privilege, overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord; progressively becoming more deeply, intimately acquainted with Him. Every thing could be lost in order to be found in Him and know Him in the fellowship of His suffering and the power of His resurrection.

Pr. 31:10, “Who can find a virtuous woman? Her price is far above rubies.” During this Church Age of grace, there has been a marvelous work taking place. A miraculous work indeed in individual believers, being searched out and drawn by the Holy Spirit into deeper love relations, unto the only head of the Church. These have been learning to respect and honor His Lordship, and to lean on Him. They are being prepared to make up a special company of people, from every walk of life, tribe, tongue, people and nation. They are joined only and especially unto Him. Being found in Him from among many daughters whom have done virtuously, will have excelled them all. She has cherished to hear His “well done.”
by J. D.

THE LAST DAYS

Anita Clark

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars, and upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s heart’s failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" Luke 21:25-26.

We are beginning to see more and more phenomena in the sky and earth showing us that time is very short until the coming of the Lord. While the greatest manifestation of these prophesied signs will take place during the tribulation, we see the "beginning of sorrows" at this present time (Mt. 234:8).

THE NEXT BLOOD MOON – In the January 2014 edition of The Glorious Gospel I wrote about NASA‘s announcement that there will be four blood moons (a "tetrad") manifested in 2014 and 2015. These blood moons will take place on the Jewish Passover, April 15th, and the Feast of Sukkoth (Tabernacles) October 8th of 2014, and then again on Passover, April 4, 2015 and Feast of Trumpets September 13, 2015. Not all blood moons appear on Jewish feast days, but when they did in the past, significant happenings sometime happened in connection with Israel.

The Jewish Press, a political and religious publication in the United States founded by Rabbi Sholom Klass, printed an article called "Messianic Blood Moon: Rising on Passover" Seder Night." It quotes Joel 2:30-31, which Peter quoted on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:19-20, which we more often teach is speaking of the last seventy-five days of Tribulation. However there may be truth to be had concerning these blood moons manifesting at this time also.

What is a blood moon? It takes place when there is a partial lunar eclipse, happening when the earth’s shadow covers the moon only partially. The earth’s atmosphere bends light around its edge and scatters out short wavelength light (green through violet), leaving longer-wavelength light (red, orange and yellow) in earth’s shadow.

There have been blood moons "tetrad" that occurred on Jewish feast days with events happening in connection to Israel which we have written about before. Since these happening there has been other "tetrads" of blood moons, but none on Jewish Feast Days. Now, in 2014 & 2015 on Passover and Feast of Tabernacles they are appearing again. The Jewish Talmud (Text of Rabbinic Judaism, expands on the Hebrew Bible, book of tradition/interpretation) says, "When the moon is in eclipse, it’s a bad omen for Israel. If the face is as red as blood, (it is a sign that) the sword is coming to the world."

In recent issues of Glorious Gospel, there has been an in-depth study of the Feasts of Israel and their significance to God’s time table of events. Jesus Christ died on the Passover, and fifty days later on the Feast of Pentecost, the church was baptized into one body, and the Holy Spirit began to fill believers. For many long years we have waited for Christ to come back in what is called the Rapture, when He will translate His overcoming Bride to Himself, and then the remaining ranks of the church in their respective times. The Feast of Trumpets corresponds to that time when Christ will blow the trumpet, and the saints will rise up to meet Him. Then will follow the Feast of Tabernacles. This was a time when Israel would make booths out of tree branches and camp outside and have wonderful feasts and worship. This feast speaks to us of the Millennial Reign, or Kingdom Age. Oh, how happy Israel will be, who have accepted the Lord Jesus as He returns in the clouds at the end of the tribulation. They will dwell on the renovated earth in an agricultural society, as the prophets of the Old Testament proclaimed. The other feast of the Fall season which I haven’t mentioned is the Great Day of Atonement, when the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holy Place to make the sin offering for himself and then again for the people. Those who endure through the tribulation will see Christ whom they rejected long ago coming in the clouds of glory and will repent and be born again as a nation born in a day (Isa. 66; Mt. 24:27-31; Rev. 1:7; & 19:11-20; Zech. 14). As a nation they will receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their King and Savior.

As far as these Blood Moons are concerned, we saw the first one on Passover this year - April 15, 2014. Since that time Hamas continued to send rockets into Israel, tunnels were created by Hamas into Israel in order to kidnap and injure Israelis in terrorist attacks, which brought about the retaliation of Israel in July 2014, sending troops into Gaza to destroy the tunnels. The international results has been a barrage of criticism and blame pointed at Israel. There is a cease fire right now negotiated by Egypt. However, many nations have condemned Israel for its actions, although trying to defend themselves against this aggression. It remains to be seen if this is the situation that the Blood Moons of 2014 is signaling, or if something greater is in the offing.

October 8, 2014 is the Feast of Tabernacles. We watch for significant events to be taking place involving Israel. The Feast of Trumpets is September 25, 2014, which speaks of the possible trumpet sound of Christ calling His beloved ones to Himself from the Church Age. Apostle Paul wrote of the trumpet that will sound in I Thess 4:13-18. We are not setting dates, but we do have a great hope that He will come very soon. This will take place before the tribulation of seven years.

EU/ISRAEL SIGN 2020 SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION AGREEMENT – An article from Haaretz.com Israeli website reports that the EU has signed an agreement with Israel, giving Israel the same access to EU research and innovation as that enjoyed by EU members. The article states, "For Israel to have this prestigious recognition is amazing." President Barroso, head of the EU rightly declared, "Israel is a strong player in research and innovation." He was expressing the fact that Europe needs Israeli intelligence and innovation more than Israel needs Europe. Although Israel is not a member of the EU, Israel participates in virtually all major European events, even sports. News From Israel magazine states, "This shows that the Roman Empire is well and alive; just as Israel was part of the Roman Empire during the birth of Christ, we believe that Israel will be part of Europe when Christ returns." From study of the Scripture, we see that in the endtime the Beast (Antichrist), from the revived Roman empire, who will rule the earth. This continued recognition of Israel by the EU, as a non-member state, shows the nearest of the endtime scenario of Antichrist ruling and bringing Israel to believe that there is peace and safety for them by sheltering under the wings of the EU. Already, as a non-member state they can and do attend all the EU meetings on world affairs, but do not have the right to vote. Daniel 9:27 tells of the "covenant" that will be made in the endtime with the Antichrist. This covenant will herald in the seven years of tribulation. Events like the one mentioned here cause us to wonder what is next in this cooperation between Israel and the EU.

US SENATORS QUESTION MILITARY AIDE TO ISRAEL – The debate over the size of military aide given to Israel is on in the U.S. Senate. The U.S. has been giving Israel $3.1 billion a year, not including money for special purposes like iron dome (the electronic defence system to prevent missiles striking Israel). In June senators raised the question for the first time as to whether U.S.A. should continue granting such large amounts to Israel. Israel uses this money to purchase military equipment from the U.S.A. At the present time Israel claims that it is running out of money and has ordered a halt to all air force training flights and cut backs on training for ground forces.

We are reminded again of what God said to Abraham in Genesis 12:3, "I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." Beware to those who fight against Israel. For even though they are in unbelief, they are still God’s chosen people. People of Israel can believe in the Lord Jesus today and become God’s children, but one day soon He will draw them back to Himself.

MORE SIGNS IN THE HEAVENS AND EARTH – Events in the heaven and earth are signs speaking to us of the coming judgment of God on this world. The world has had several axis shifts since 12-26-2004. You might recognize that date as being the date of the terrible earthquake of 9.3 and tsunami off the coast of Indonesia. The earth shifted on its axis 1 inch with that quake. On 2-27-2010 a earthquake off Chili, the fifth largest ever recorded, measuring 8.8 caused the earth axis to shift 3 inches, and shortened the length of a day by speeding up planetary rotation. On 3-11-2011 the terrible 9.0 earthquake in Japan took place and shifted the earth’s axis 4-10 inches, and also, literally moved Japan eight feet to the east. On August 24,2014 San Francisco, CA experienced a 6.0 quake and the same day Peru experienced a 5.7 and a 6.4, and Chile had two quakes of 5.7 and 6.4. The California quake was the strongest in 25 years. The governor of the state declared a state of emergency, damage could top $1 billion. Scientists say they are expecting three times more mega quakes in the 21st century. They define a "mega quake" as one by which 50,000 or more people are killed.

Jesus predicted that pestilence or disease would be a great concern in the last days. Right now there are several that are considered "mega" around the globe. These are HIV/AIDS, SARS, A(H1N1), Swine Flu, Ebola, West Nile Virus, Mideast Coronavirus. The United States is sending troops to Africa to help set up emergency hospital camps to try to combat the spread of Ebola. This is a very serious time to be alive. Many different ills are showing the time of the seven years of tribulation is at hand. Take heed! We are living in the time of the end. Jesus Christ is coming so very soon. Yield to God now. Be warned that the time is hand. Jesus will soon sound the trumpet to call His beloved ones to His side. Are you ready?
Itching Ears


For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 2 Timothy 4:3

The time has already come. This verse, in particular, refers to Christians who have no interest in the correct teaching of God's Word, but would rather hear something that agrees with what they already have chosen. Paul is instructing a young man, Timothy, to not give in to the call for teaching that dilutes the Word of God to make people feel good.

Over the centuries, some churches have continually sought to draw in people by adjusting the teaching to appeal to the current trend or tradition. There is much “feel good” teaching today that draws great crowds. While this is not an indictment of all mega churches, many of them draw crowds with “feel good” messages. The old nature will always want to be told that it is doing better, that it's alright to continue its own path and still find the blessing of the Lord.

Even society at large pushes on the church to teach according to the philosophy and wisdom of the world. They want the church to adapt its teaching to whatever man has decided is acceptable. Because many of God's people do not want to be seen as different from the world, many "church leaders" begin to interpret the Word so as to line up with the accepted value of the day. They will tell us that we have been interpreting wrong all these years. They tell us that things don't mean what we think they mean, or that God has changed His mind on certain topics.

We get marked as intolerant, and closed minded. It seems that the day road would be to just conform to whatever they want. However, we are encouraged to “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Rom. 12:2. God is separating His people from the world. There is supposed to be a difference in God's people.

Even Israel, in the Old Testament, often refused to listen to the words of the prophets when they did not prophesy the things people wanted to hear. They wanted to be like the period around them, but God had called them to be separate into to Him. This is a perpetual condition of man. The unbeliever does not want to hear about the danger of continuing in his way. Some believers do not want to hear about the perfect will of God. They just want to be affirmed in whatever way they are already taking.

The really sad part is that God has something so much better for us than we could ever find on our own path. When we are truly willing to listen to God's Word and accept it as it is, we are truly blessed, and He changes us from glory to glory.

Gordon Crook
RUTH


Debra Isenbletter



Ruth 2:12 – “The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.”

In this verse we see the wonderful Reward that is promised Ruth, it comes through Boaz. How wonderful a type this is, showing the promise of reward comes from Jesus, He tells us what lies in store for us. Boaz makes three statements about Ruth’s actions, and the decision she has made. He tells her of her Work, her Reward and her Trust. This is a revelation on the part of Boaz, of what she did and what God will do. It points to what Ruth has yet to realize, to what is already hers!

Her Work: “The Lord recompense thy work.” The first thing that Boaz says, it is the “Lord” and not man who will recompense her work. Only the Lord can do this, He can see her heart and her motive. Only the Lord can truly measure her work according to His Word. Jesus said: “…thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly” (Mt 6:4). There will be an immediate reward, where her needs will be met. Paul experienced this and told the saints at Philippi “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19). There will also be an unexpected ongoing reward, that changes her. She will be changed by her labors, by her fellowship, by her submission. She will be changed by the Spirit of the Lord, like those today who serve and submit and are changed as Paul says, “from glory to glory” (2 Cor 3:18). Ruth may not see it or feel it, but the change takes place, she will “grow up into him” (Eph 4:15) and “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord” (2 Pet 3:18). That is a reward that is ongoing that we don’t often think about. Many are concerned with only how their needs are met, but there is so much more going on in our lives, there is a work being done in us, as we like Ruth, go into the field and labor for the Master!

The word “work” comes from “to do” (habitually) or “to practice.” It speaks of an “act” or a “deed.” This began with her commitment to Naomi and to God and this work continued with her care for Naomi. This is her “work of faith” and “labor of love” (1 Thess 1:3).

The word “recompense” means “to be completed” or to “make perfect.” It also means “(make to be at) peace,” “to restore and reward” and “to pay in full.” Boaz says that it will be the Lord God of Israel that will “recompense” her. Her reward will be her growth because it is through her trial that the Lord is able to “make (her) perfect.” Her reward will be a “peace” both within and without. Her reward will be “paid in full” in an unexpected way – she will be joined to Boaz! This is her greatest reward. It will be through Boaz that God will “restore” and “reward” and fully bless Ruth.

Her Reward: “a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel.” Boaz tells her the extent of this reward, it is “a full reward.” The word “full” is the Hebrew word “shalem” which is similar to “shalom” (peace). It means “quiet” (peaceable), it means “complete” or “just.” Peace is the foundation of her reward, everything rests upon this. Despite her labors and trials, she has already begun to experience this “quiet.” Peace expresses what she feels in her daily life and spiritual life. And along with this “quiet” is a “fullness” or a “completeness.” She is letting the Lord complete her education. She shows she is “just” or righteous and there is a reward promised for the righteous (Ps 58:11; Isa 3:10).

Just as Ruth is in training, the Bride is in training, the Lord is completing her education. She is brought to a place of “completeness” through trials and labors and she is brought to a place of “fullness” of Christ in her (Eph 4:13).

The word “reward” speaks of “wages” earned. This reward is based on God’s grace for Boaz says it is “given thee.” It is “the Lord God of Israel” who gives this reward. In the phrase “Israel” we see she is no longer identified with Moab but with Israel, she is brought into the family of God. It is a “full” reward, a picture of the Bride’s reward. A “full reward” is to be “joint-heirs with Christ” (Ro 8:17); it is seen in the victor’s prize at the end of the race (1 Cor 9;24). It is seen in the “prize of the high calling” (Phil 3:14). It is seen in and culminates in “the marriage of the Lamb” (Rev19). What a glorious full reward is set before us!

Her Trust: “under whose wings thou art come to trust.” Finally we see the trust of Ruth. It is a wonderful visual picture, a picture of young birds fleeing from danger, running to their mother and being covered by her wings. There they find shelter from the elements. It is a place of rest and protection, a place she choose to “come” to. It is the “wings” of the Almighty that she has found shelter. These wings cast a shadow that is a great shadow, it stretches out and encompasses all of God’s people. The shadow of His wings hides us (Ps 17:8), becomes our refuge, a place filled with His mercy and love (Ps 36:7; Ps 57:1). The shadow of His wings are a covert or covering (Ps 61:4; Ps 91:4) that is both strong and tender. It is the place we can run to for help (Ps 63:7) and the place that Jesus used to described the tender love of God for His children (Mt 23:37).

These “wings” speak of God’s Power and Ability to Protect. It can be translated “overspreading” or “spreading over,” speaking of His Covering. It can be translated “an army,” speaking of His Might. It can be translated “a garment,” speaking of His Righteousness.

The final thought about Ruth and this wonderful place of refuge and safety, she chose to come to this place willingly. Boaz said “thou art come,” this is all we need to do, our faith, our trust shows us and draws us to this place and once we see it we run to it! Boaz tells Ruth she knew where to come and when to come to this place of protection. She chose to come and was not ashamed to do so. There is another’s “covering,” another’s “wings” that will “overshadow” her. Later Ruth will come and lay claim to this promise of a “covering” when she comes to Boaz and says “spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid” (Ruth 3:9). There we see her laying claim to Boaz and his ultimate protection, marriage. Let us joyfully and willingly and eagerly “come to trust” like Ruth in the “wings” of the Lord and lay claim to the covering of our Boaz, the Lord Jesus Christ!
THE DISPENSATIONS


Earlene Davis

Introduction

To understand the dispensations is very important that we may be able to rightly divide the Word of God. The word dispensations comes from a compound Greek word which together means “law of the house” or “law of arrangement,” or “to set things in order.” It is someone who has the management of a household, not the owner, but manger, to administer the affairs of another. It is  rendered 5 times as “steward” or “stewardship” Lk. 12 & 16.

The word “dispensations” is found 4 times: I Cor. 9:17; Eph. 1:10; Eph. 3:2; and Col. 1:25. In I Cor. 9:16-19 Paul speaks of the stewardship of the gospel which was laid upon him. If I do it willingly I have a reward. Paul didn’t charge the people, for God was going to be his reward and it would come at a different time; I have made myself servant unto all to gain them for the Lord. God placed Paul as a steward of this house, the Church Age or dispensation. More than one person are stewards in this Church Age. Read Gal. 6:10.

Col. 1:24-27: In Paul’s stewardship he filled-up the Word of God. This caused affliction in his life, he poured out his life daily for this gospel (I Cor. 15:31). He did this as a good steward before the Lord. God revealed to Paul a mystery that had been hid from ages and generations. The word  “ages” has the thought of a period of time marked out. The Greek “generations” means, to be born or brought into existence. So these generations are a period of time that God dealt with certain classes of people. When we talk about generations, we are talking about people, about ages, about time. In past time all these things were hidden, but now they are all brought out in the open and given to us. We have riches, we have Christ in us, the hope of glory. We can rejoice in what God has done for us and doing in us.

Eph. 3:1-8: Paul calls this Church Age the dispensation of the grace of God.  In every Age, God manifested His grace, even in the Law Age. But in this particular Age, God has manifest His grace more than any other time, because Jesus is the grace of God that appeared unto all men. – Titus 2:11-12. When we receive Him we receive the grace of God. It is in us and lives in us and becomes a part of our being. This grace of God changes our life to  deny ungodliness and worldly lust and live honestly and soberly in this present age. Paul received this dispensation of the grace of God by revelation, “that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs and of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel.”

Jew and Gentile have been made one in Christ during this Age. Peter, James and John had not knows this message of grace, it was especially given unto Paul. Jesus came unto His own, He ministered to the Jews. The Gentiles had a lesser place at that time. In Romans 15:16, Paul called himself the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.

In Eph. 1:10 we read of the dispensation of the fulness of times. Times is plural, more than one time. The Greek word for times refers to previous durations. When the fulness of all these times were come, there will be no more time, time will be full. Before God created anything, there was eternity, there was no such thing as time. Time has to do with rotation. Time is a big parenthesis in eternity. What is God doing in the dispensation of the fulness of times? “Gather together in one all things in Christ.” All believer from Adam until that time gathered together in one, both which are in heaven, and on earth, even in him. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: that we should be to the praise of his glory. God is going to have a people like Him, a New Creation that was predestined before the foundation of the world.

God has divided time into seven dispensations or ages. In each of these periods of time God tested man in a different way. God also revealed Himself in a different way in each one. In every dispensation man failed and each one ends in judgment. Five dispensations are past, one is present, and one is future.

PAST:  The Age of Innocence – Gen. 2 & 3
             The Age of Conscience – Gen. 4-7
             The Age of Human Government – Gen. 8-11
             The Age of Promise – Gen. 12 to Ex. 20
             The Age of Law – Ex. 20 to the Cross

PRESENT: The Age of Grace – the Cross to Christ’s second coming

FUTURE: The Kingdom Age – second coming to eternity

Next issue: The Age of Innocence
A Good Report


My Momma & Butterflies
I lost my Momma on 5/4/12 just 2 days before my 36th birthday. It was and continues to be the most profound loss I have ever experienced. Momma loved the Lord. She taught me to love God and to love others. She served from a young age as a waitress, then at 36 went back to school to become a nurse. She served the geriatric and pediatric special needs patients. Her life was filled with heartbreak except for the Lord, her children and her grandchildren. Her favorite song was “How Great Thou Art” and her favorite verse Ephesians 2:8. Momma struggled with depression for most of her adult life and sometimes she was not able to attend church. During those days, she clung to the verses in Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long, we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. After Momma passed, I began to see butterflies everywhere. Sometimes it would be a real butterfly other times I would see a butterfly on something. I couldn’t help but think of Momma every time I saw one. One day the Lord spoke to me, “Just like a butterfly starts as a caterpillar and then weaves a cocoon then emerges the beautiful butterfly, your Momma has been set free from the bondage and chains of this life. Woo hallelujah! John 8:36 says “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” Momma was set free from sin and death the moment she accepted Jesus’ salvation. She was set free from this life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Momma is a new creature she is with the Lord because the Word says in 2 Corinthians 5:8: “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with Lord.” I rejoice in knowing that she is with the Lord. I rejoice in knowing I will see her again. I praise God for being a loving Father who sends such words of encouragement to a daughter who still grieves on the wings of butterflies.
In loving memory of Cheryl A. Williams. I Just thought this might be a comfort to someone.
Dana L. Shields, Lafayette , GA

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Testimony of How The Lord Revealed True Doctrine
I was questioning the doctrine of unconditional eternal security and asked the Lord to show me the true doctrine. On Saturday June 28, 2014, I got mad at God, blamed Him, and use some blasphemous words. On Sunday the 29th between Sunday School and worship service I prayed Lord forgive me for getting mad at you and the words I used and do not take away your Spirit. During the singing of the last song, the Holy Spirit moved on me and I knew that the doctrine of unconditional eternal security was right doctrine. I have learned that some scriptures that are used by people who teach that it is false doctrine are misinterpreted. One of the scriptures is Romans 8:24, which says, “For what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?” I do not see how eternal security or the lack of it plays a part in this scripture.
Evert Hastie III, Wichita, KS