FIRST THINGS FIRST

Jack Davis

“The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits” II Tim. 2:6. The apostle Paul is instructing true followers how to be good soldiers, triumphant competitors, successful farmers, II Tim. 2:1-6. Our heavenly Father is the original Husbandman – John 15:1. He placed Adam and Eve in His first garden, and gave Adam a most delightful occupation. God had the right to expect fruit for His enjoyment. But since the fall of man, He has waited with long-suffering for full enjoyment.

“Be patient therefore, brethren unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient, establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh” James 5:7-8. We are able to understand that our Father’s plan wasn’t thwarted by the fall of the first Adam in the garden, but looked forward to fruit from a new creation. 

We read in Genesis one, “And the evening and the morning were the first day.” Glory to God, He could look forward to another first day. When Jesus arose, the tomb was found empty on the first day of the week. A new day had wonderfully begun, a new creation from the tomb had victoriously sprung, with Jesus as the everlasting Head. Soon every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He alone is number One.

He has promised “Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I Am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” - Rev. 22:12-13.

When we think of our Father as the heavenly Husbandman, we rejoice to see Jesus Christ as the first fruit of a holy new creation. He arose from the dead in His order, and than afterward they that are His at His coming in their order. We just can’t help but rejoice that many like sons are being brought unto glory – I Cor. 15:20-23. We also are not amazed that Jesus told Mary, as recorded in John 20:17, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father.” His Father (and now our’s) was to have the first enjoyment of the first fruit of resurrection. Amen, SO BE IT.

Now, our heavenly Husbandman can work to make us good and patient husbandmen, bearing and sowing precious seed – I Cor. 3:5-9. He in this sense is indeed first partaker of the fruit of redemption. We then have the place and privilege of being labourers together with God, expecting Him to give the increase. Thus we are called to and urged on in spiritual priorities, since we are risen with Christ. We are challenged to exercise our pursuits in focus with the heavenly and spiritual, and eternal – Col. 3:1-4.

We realize that there are more and more intrusions, and interruptions that are intended for influence to trivial pursuits, as we near the end of this age. We as husbandmen here need to know the value, favor, long range benefits of what we share. Let us prove in practice and experience all that we claim is of chief importance. Taste and tell it like it is. 

In quality control, the inspector can attest to the durability, and dependability of the goods offered. The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31: that excels them all, not only brings her food from afar, but also perceiveth that her merchandise is good.

We read of those in Ephesus being corrected for leaving their first (preeminent) love - Rev. 2:4. It is very important that we remember that we are only able to love Him because He first loved us, and it is our glorious privilege to return His own to Him of any thing we have. What do we have that we didn’t receive? “Who hath first given unto him?” – Rom. 11:35. He giveth and giveth and giveth again.

“This they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God” – II Cor. 8:5. There is a great deal missing in any giving, wherein we don’t first give ourselves, especially to the will of God.

 Open Eyes

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” Psalms 119:18

As I come to the end of 2023 and think ahead to what God would have me do in the new year, I came across this verse, and especially the phrase “open Thou mine eyes.” I think this is my prayer especially for the new year 2024. I feel like it needs to be the prayer of all of God’s people.

Some will start reading this and think, “that’s right, we need to have our eyes opened to the terrible condition of our government, or maybe, open to see how evil some group of people are, or all of the “evil” that is going on around us and how we need to change that.” There is so much political jousting going on in many churches today; so much fighting with each other and with unbelievers over the culture and the political system that many Christians believe the church needs to fix.

That is not what I am praying our eyes be opened to. In fact, it might be exactly the opposite. I want my eyes to be opened to the wondrous things that are found in God’s Word, just as the Psalmist says. I want my eyes to be open to the wondrous hope that we have through Jesus Christ. I want my eyes to be open to understand what God desires from me and what His will is for my life.

Paul prayed for the Ephesian saints that their eyes be opened to understand “what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power” Ephesians 1:18-19. Having a clear vision of the hope of His calling is key to being able to live in these difficult times without being overwhelmed or depressed by the condition of this world. 

When our eyes are so focused on this world, and the things of this world (whether that be things that we want, or the world system, or how we are being treated by the world or anything else of the world), we are not going to be focusing on our Lord.

I realized recently just how much our enemy, Satan, is attempting to distract God’s people with every possible distraction of the world. It is not the same thing for everyone. What distracts me might not be the same thing that distracts you. However, the enemy knows exactly what to put in front of you that will distract you. This is the reason that I cannot and will not attempt to name the thing that I think is distracting God’s people today, because I would probably miss something and maybe attempt to somehow justify myself.

What I do know, is that there is only one way to avoid being distracted; spending time in God’s Word and listening to the Holy Spirit. I find that when I do this, I realize pretty quickly what the enemy is putting in front of me to draw my attention. Sometimes, it is essentially my own self righteousness wanting to consider myself so spiritual that I don’t get distracted by anything. 

I am so thankful that our Father is so gracious to work patiently in my life. I am understanding more every day just how personal this relationship with my Lord is. Having my eyes opened to understand how much God wants to change me; not me changing other people. As I allow God to work in my life, I find that He can then use me to help others. This is also true in your life. You have to allow God to work in your life if you want to be able to help others. I cannot change anyone, and neither can you. However, God can use us to help others in their spiritual growth. I want my eyes to be opened to understand God’s power to change my life and your life. 

The Psalmist mentions “beholding wondrous things from God’s Word.” This is something I have also pondered much. What exactly are we looking for when we get into God’s Word? Are we looking for something that we can use to beat some other person over the head with? Are we looking for some special code or secret prophecy that we can use to make ourselves look ultra-spiritual? What about looking for “wondrous” things about our Lord?

The word “wondrous” means “marvellous, wonderful, extraordinary.” All of these remind me that our Lord is all of these to us, and we are so privileged to be able to spend time looking for all of this in His Word. I hope your prayer for the new year is to allow God to open your eyes for the purpose of seeing our wonderful Lord more clearly and more personally every single day.

 NOAH - OVERCOMER OF HIS DAY

Anita Clark – Pastor

Grace Chapel, Carbondale, Kansas

“But of the day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be”  Matthew 24:36-39. In these verses we see the people of the world in Noah’s day were extremely self-indulgent and uncontrolled. This is the attitude in our time also. V. 38 tells the story, “eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the flood came and took them all away.” There are places in the world today where extreme poverty and famine have caused the death of thousands, with no end in sight. On the other hand we have read recently how obesity is causing grave health problems for individuals in the United States and else where.

It is interesting that the second thing happening in Noah’s day was “marrying and giving in marriage.” In our society many people live together without being married, despite this, the marriage business is thriving.  Millions of dollars are spent on extravagant weddings.  Divorce rates are very high now, with statistics stating that at least 50% of all marriages end in divorce.

In the days before the flood, they had a problem similar to our day. “The sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair: and they took them wives of all which they chose.” Apostle Paul says, “Be ye not unqually yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness” (II Cor. 6:14).  

Let’s look at some other problems in Noah’s day. Pride was a big problem as seen in V. 4, “...the same became mighty men, which were of old, men of renoun.” In our reckoning we wouldn’t rate pride as being a worse sin than fornication, but in God’s sight, He rates it first.  Proverbs 6:16-19, tells us that seven things the Lord hates, listing “pride” as number one. Pride is the predominate sin in humanity. Pride keeps God from working in the life.  Next we see “wickedness,” and “his imagnation only evil continually” and the earth was “corrupt and filled with violence.” For these reasons God said, “I will destroy them with the earth.”

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (V. 8). “  All were wicked and ungodly, “But Noah.”  Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that Noah had brothers and sisters who did not believe. He might have also had, sons and daughters who didn’t heed his preaching (II Pet. 2:5).  It is a hurtful thing when those we love of our families don’t heed the truth of God’s Word. “But Noah found Grace.” The word “found” means “to acquire or attain.” Noah found it. He found something, extremely  precious and marvelous, the GRACE of God.  He found strength in God’s grace to help him be an overcomer over all the rejection, hurts and persecution of his day.

This grace gave him righteousness, V. 9 says, “Noah was a just (or justified or righteous) man. God says of Noah in Genesis 7:1, “Thee have I found righteous.” II Peter 2:5 calls Noah, “the eighth person.” In the study of numerology seven is the number of Divine perfection, and eight is the New Creation number. Noah became a new creation in Christ looking ahead to the cross. I Peter 1:11 tells us that Old Testament prophets had the Spirit of Christ in them.  Glory to God!

 

Peter tells us, Noah was a “preacher of righteousness.”  He preached that people should turn to the Lord and receive God’s righteousness, but not only that, but also to live a righteous life. Remember the horrible sin manifest in Noah’s day, yet he did not stop preaching the truth. They no doubt ridiculed him and persecuted him.  Yet, he maintained his faith. Hebrews 11:7, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” We also have been warned of God of future events coming very soon on this old world. There are things not seen as yet, but we believe God and His Word, which warns us to be ready and watching. Remember, “as the days of Noah;” the same condition is here today, violence, wickedness, indulgence of every kind, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, attending natural things, putting priority on earthly things rather than on the important things of God. Paul says in Col. 3:2, “set your affections on things above, not on things of the earth, for ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” We should take heed to the Word and the admonition to hold fast.  He is coming!

Times are hard, but they may get harder. God will not fail us. As He has been with the saints of God in ages past, He will be with us. I often think of the “Great Depression.” I heard my parents and grand parents speak of how bad it was, but God was there also. He delivered His people out of that awful time.  He will deliver us as we trust him.

Most Christians in foreign lands are persecuted. Many are beaten or killed. Many suffer their homes being burned and their churches destroyed and burned. Recently many churches in Pakistan were destroyed by evil doers, and yet they (the believers) keep on proclaiming their faith. Ask yourself, how well would you stand if you were fined for having a Bible study in your home, or if you were beaten because you were a Christian and would not deny your faith?

Let me tell you assuredly, the persecution will come to the United States of America and other nations of the world. The tribulation of seven years will be worse than anything that has ever happened before. There will be a rapture, or catching away of the overcomers before the seven years starts. Then, Satan’s forces will be unleashed, and he will incite men to rampage and persecute anyone who professes the name of Christ. We have the privilege now to prepare and be ready for the upward call, that call to His bride, “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.” Are you ready?  Are you living as Noah - by the grace of God?  Are you overcoming the sin of this world, which presses in more so all the time?  Saints of God, let us press on.  Christ is coming so soon!

 The Two Creations

Part 1

Pastor Vicky Moots

Kingman, Kansas

II Cor. 5:17: “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature [creation]: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”  Paul is speaking of two different creations: an old creation, our old, sinful nature that we were born with, and a new one which we become in Christ.

There is nothing good in our old nature, as we find written in Rom. 3:10-12: “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” And again, we read in v. 23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

It is through the new birth that we become a new creation and receive a new nature.  The life of Christ is conceived in our hearts by the Holy Spirit in much the same way that Christ was conceived in Mary’s womb.  We accept it by faith. His life then becomes just as real to us spiritually as it was to Mary physically.

But, as a Christian, have you ever struggled with “trying to live a Christian life” and finding out that you keep on failing and making mistakes, no matter how hard you try to “be good,” and to “do the right thing?” Perhaps you thought that after you were born again that you would no longer have to deal with any of your old sinful desires and that you would just automatically quit all of those bad habits that you knew were harmful or displeasing to God.

If we are a “new creation” in Christ, and “all things are become new,” then why do we find ourselves still doing some of the “old things” that are supposed to have passed away? It is because those two creations, the old and the new, are at war within us, trying to gain control over each other in our lives.

The Apostle Paul explains this battle in Gal. 5:17: “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” The word “lusteth” means “has a strong desire,” indicating that the Spirit and the flesh are battling within us and have a strong desire against each other to suppress and overcome each other.

Even though we are a new creation spiritually in Christ, we are still living in our old creation body, with its fleshly desires that wants to have its own way.  So, how can we have victory over our old nature? Before I discuss that, we need to see what else the scriptures have to say about these two creations.

In the New Testament, Paul refers to the old and new creation as the “old man” and the “new man.” (We will study those verses later). The “old man” is our old, corrupt nature which we inherited from our earthly father through Adam. This nature is present in all mankind ever since Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden. The “new man” is the life of Christ, Himself, which is formed in us after we are born again.

In the Old Testament, in Gen. 25:21-26, we find described for us a physical example of this struggle within us. This is the story of Isaac’s children, Jacob and Esau, before they were born. Rebekah, his wife, was experiencing some unusual discomfort inside her womb during her pregnancy and couldn’t understand what was happening.  We read in v. 22, “And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the Lord.”

The Lord explained the problem to her in v. 23: “And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels: and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.” She was not aware that she was carrying twins and that they were fighting each other. We find in vs. 24-26 that Esau came out first so he was the elder one, and then came Jacob, the younger.

These two brothers are a spiritual type, or picture, of the two creations, the old (the elder) and the new (the younger), which are at war inside each of us as Christians. So, is it normal for all Christians to experience this kind of struggle? If so, how long does it last, and how do we end the battle?

Yes, it is normal, but just as Rebekah’s difficult pregnancy did not last forever, neither does our spiritual struggle need to continue. The struggle within her ended when she was delivered. God has likewise provided a way of deliverance for us, which Paul explains in Romans chapter 6. But Paul had to learn this by experience, just like us. Would you be surprised to know that he also went through a personal struggle between the two natures early in his Christian life? He relates this for us in Rom. 7:18-24, and then, in v. 25, he testifies of his deliverance so that we too can know the way of victory.

To be continued – part 2 next issue

 Grace to You and Peace 

Greg  Gilliam Pastor

Grace Christian Assembly

Kansas City, Missouri

“...Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; Phil. 1:2; Col. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:2; Philemon 1:3) “Grace, Mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord” (I Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4). The Apostle Paul’s calling was to be the apostle to the Gentiles - (Gal. 2:7,8; Eph. 3:8). He traveled extensively, as the Holy Spirit directed, to different places to share the gospel of the grace of God.

He also wrote, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. As we can see from the references above, each letter contains a salutation. Webster defines a salutation as an expression of greeting, good will; or courtesy by word. The Apostle was a mouthpiece for God. Thus, the salutation given is from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace: It is so hard to define a word such as grace. We may think of the favor (an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual) of God. It is unmerited (not deserved). Undeserved (not warranted, or earned). We read in Eph. 2:5, “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) Grace played a big part in our salvation. God showed an act of kindness toward each man and woman by giving His Son, Jesus. Jesus showed an act of kindness toward us in that while we were yet sinners He died for us (Rom. 5:8). What God the Father and the Son did was not deserved by any of us. In fact, we deserved death (wages of sin is death - Rom. 6:23). 

Notice Eph. 2:8, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: It is the gift of God:” We see through the eyes of the Spirit this grace and we accept it for ourselves by faith.  

If this new life is started by grace then it will be maintained by grace. Eph. 2:9, “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Those that truly lay hold of this grace, that we have been given, learn to walk under grace. 

What do I mean by this statement?  We see what grace has done in our lives and no longer want to live any longer under sin (Rom. 6:1-2). Not wanting sin to reign in our bodies (V. 12). Not yielding our members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin V. 13. We are alive, unto God, It is this grace that is our instructor teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; our eyes focused on the blessed hope, the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-13).

The Apostle Paul shared that he was given a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet him, lest he should be exalted above measure (2 Cor. 12:7). He sought the Lord for the thing to depart on multiple occasions  (2 Cor. 12:8).  Here is the answer the Lord gave to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee:  for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor. 12:9). His grace sustains us.

Peace: The other part of the salutation from God and the Lord Jesus Christ includes peace.  Before we came to Christ we were enemies with God (Rom. 5:10).  However, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. We are now drawn close, being called Sons of God. What brought the reconciliation - Christ became the sacrifice for sins, taking upon himself the sin of the entire world. We acknowledge by faith that when Christ died we died with Him, His death paid the price for our sins. 

We sing a little chorus…’He paid a debt He did not owe.  We owed a debt we could not pay.  We needed someone to wash our sins away. And now we sing a brand new song, “Amazing Grace.” Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay.’ We are dead with Jesus and now alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 6:11). We are made nigh by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13). We are called fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God (Eph. 2:19). 

John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” 1 John 3:1, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” 

Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” The peace with God is one aspect of the peace provided for us. Another aspect of peace is the daily provision of peace. We encounter many things in this life that would trouble us. Jesus’ comforting words to his disciples as they faced the fact that He would be leaving them is John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. V. 27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

God has made provision for us to lay hold of the peace of God. Phil. 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Dear one, whatever you are facing today let the peace of God rule within your heart and mind.  

Peace, peace, wonderful peace

Coming down from the Father above

Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray

In fathomless billows of love.

The apostle Paul carried this sweet salutation, of grace and peace, to the different ones from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  May we, like the ones these letters were written to, be reminded of His grace and peace.

“...Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

 The Last Days

Earlene Davis

Many believers do not realize the time in which we are living. Our Apostle Paul informs us, relaying the message from the Holy Spirit in I Tim. 4:1, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” We are seeing this coming to pass, many are seduced by Satan and receive false religious doctrines. V. 2, “Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” Thus we know, we are living in the last days of this Church Age. 

Paul in writing to Titus said, false teachers profess to know God, presenting themselves to be pious, but have no conscience about deceasing the people. They are abominable, and unto every good work reprobate. Putting people under bondage. Paul said by the Spirit in I Tim. 6:3-5, if any one teaches otherwise than the doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ He is proud, knowing nothing. The fruit of their words is envy, strife, railing, evil surmising. It is perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

I Tim. 4:3, “Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:  For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” God’s Word purifies when we thank Him for what He has provided for us. Thank God for His warning of threatening dangers peculiar to this end time.

By the description found in II Tim. 3:1-5, there is no doubt, we are in the end Days of this Age. Religious men can have the appearance of godliness, but know nothing of the power thereof. True godliness has power without any form or laws. V. 13, it is getting worse all the time.  V. 14, let us to continue in the Word of God which we have learned, which makes us wise to understand that we may prevail in these perilous days. Let us not be careless in our attitude. The world boasts in its wisdom, but if we honor God’s Word, He gives us of His wisdom. Job said, that wisdom is valuable above rubies. I Cor. 1:30 says, “In Christ, God is made unto us – wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.”

God’s Word meets every need, no matter what circumstance we are in; and we desire God’s work of perfection in our lives. So let us not neglect the Scriptures. Which pushes us on and builds us up. When we are faithful to testify of God’s goodness and love, the Holy Spirit will do His work of convicting sinners or encourage believers. For He brings the Word home to people. If it is not received, that same Word will judge them. We are not called to clean up the world, as some seem to think. We are called upon to simply let our light shine.

II Tim. 4:3, “itching ears” will hear only what they want to hear. V. 4, Many don’t want to hear the truth, but rather believe a lie. The Gospel is not popular and Satan would like to make us ashamed to speak God’s Word, to boldly testify for fear of rejection. “God has not given us the spirit of fear” – II Tim. 1:7. Fear brings other temptations, to let down, to take it easy, to neglect the Scriptures. But the Gospel has power to deliver from this present evil world. Rom. 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God, unto salvation to every one that believeth. ‘

 

I Cor. 1:18, “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” V. 21, “it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” Vs. 24-25, to them which are called, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger then men.” God has chosen the foolish things, the weak things, the base things, to bring to naught things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence…He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

Hardships and afflictions will come when we testify, but we can overcome by the power and wisdom of God and endure as a good soldier of Jesus Christ – II Tim. 2:3. Let us remember the battle is the Lord’s, trust Him for strength – I Sam. 17:47. We are constrained by the love of Christ to endure and go forward with Him – II Cor. 5:14-15. Others will behold how we stand and withstand and it influences them for good. Let us consider this that many would faint if you and I failed to endure. Our attitude speaks to those around us.

God’s Word is inspired (God breathed) and is meant to be learned and made practical in our lives. It will put a fire  in our bones to share it. We see in the Word, a crown is promised and I desire to be in the throne room of heaven to cast my crown at the feet of the worthy One, who died for me. Let us press on that we may qualify for the out resurrection from among the believing dead or the translation of the first rank; to witness Jesus taking His throne, crowned King of kings and Lord of lords. Our Lord laid the foundation, that we might have the privilege of overcoming and reigning jointly with Our Lord – Rom. 8:17. Jesus is coming, we want to be ready. Heb. 10:37, “For yet a little while, and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry.”

 Lessons of the Year

For I learn as the years roll onward

   And leave the past behind,

That much I have counted sorrow

   But proves that our God is kind;

That many a flower I longed for

   Had a hidden thorn of pain,

And many a rugged by-path

   Led to fields of golden grain.

We must live through the dreary winter

   To value the bright warm spring;

The woods must be cold and silent

   Before the robins sing;

The flowers must be buried in darkness

   Before they can bud and bloom,

And the purest and warmest sunshine

   Comes after the storm and gloom.

So the heart from the hardest trial

   Gain the purest joy of all,

And the lips that have tasted sadness

   The sweetest songs that fall.

Then as joy comes after sorrow,

   And love’s the reward of pain,

So after earth is heaven,

   And out of our loss is gain.

– Anonymous

 The Encouraging Word

 

“Let us hold fast the confession of our Hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

“This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever.” I Chronicles 16:34

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

Let us … (by the grace of God) Praying, one for another.

Martha Wainright

 WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE

Wonderful Story of love; Tell it to me again;

   Wake the immortal strain!

   Angels with rapture announce it, 

   Shepherds with wonder receive it;

Sinner, O won’t you believe it?

Wonderful story of love.

Wonderful story of love; Tho’ you are far away;

   Still He doth call today;

   Calling from Calvary’s mountain,

   Down from the crystal bright fountain,

E’en from the dawn of creation,

Wonderful story of love.

Wonderful story of love; Jesus provides a rest;

   All the pure and blest,

   Rest in those mansions above us,

   With those who’ve gone before us,

Singing the rapturous chorus, 

Wonderful story of love.

Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!

Wonderful story of love.

     – J. M. D.

 ILLUMINATED FOR

INHERITANCE

Part 2

Jack Davis

“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” Col. 1:12. As we enter into the enjoyment of our Father’s great giving, we want to give thinks unto Him for the unspeakable gift of unsearchable wealth. II Cor. 9:15, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” Eph. 3:8, “Unto me (Paul), who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” 

BY THE HOLY SPIRIT BROUGHT

The “Father of lights” giver of every good and perfect gift has also promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to his children that ask – Luke 11:13. This Person came to convict humanity of their sin, need for, and provision of righteous, and impending judgment if refused. He is also the power whereby those that believe are brought into the realm of light, and holiness making us holy ones – saints – John 16:7-11. He, the Spirit of truth is sent to guide us into all truth, glorify Christ to us, in us, and out from our lives, and make the things of Christ our own – John 16:12-15.

He (the Holy Spirit) is the illuminator, making us know by revelation and realization the things freely given to us of God – I Cor. 2:9-14. God has given into our hearts the Spirits security deposit as pledge and guarantee of future blessing – II Cor. 1:22. When we receive him we began to enjoy a foretaste of eternal bless. He is also given as a guarantee of a glorified body, our house from heaven – II Cor. 5:5. He is also spoken of in Eph. 1:13-14, as the Holy Spirit of promise, the earnest (foretaste and token) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchase possession, unto the praise of His glory.

WALK IN THE SPIRIT

Because the rulers of the darkness of this age are intent on robbing God of His glory, and us of our inheritance, it is necessary that we give the Spirit full right – of – way, while walking in the Spirit, and in the light. See Romans 8:4-17 and Galatians 5:16-18 & 25. 

Someone may ask, How do we walk in the Spirit? Let me touch upon two aspects of this high and lofty privilege. We need to be receptive and responsive to Him, our guide. He often checks God’s people about wrong attitudes and actions, even thoughts, using the Word hidden down in our hearts – Philippians 3:15-16. Grieve not the Spirit (Eph. 4:30). He also urges, and prompts to actions in the will of God, inspiring us to that which glorifies Him. Quench not the Spirit (I Thess. 5:19). We read much in Acts about men like Philip, Steven, Peter, and Paul with their lives directed in God’s will thereby. Thank the Lord for such examples.

IS THERE ROOM?

When Eliezer was sent to bring a bride to Isaac, (Gen. 24) he told her how wealthy Abraham was, and that his son Isaac was to come into all that wealth. Two important questions were asked Rebecca, “Will you go” 

 And “is there room in thy Father’s house?” We are enabled to gain God’s best by giving the Holy Spirit all the room He requires in our hearts and lives on the way.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, OH HEAVENLY FATHER.

 Gifts

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15

This is the time of year that we think about giving gifts. It has become a very commercialized time where businesses are trying to sell as much as possible to make a profit for the year. In order to accomplish this, we are bombarded with advertisements that tell us we need more of this or that, and we need to give more stuff to our loved ones to demonstrate our love.

Hopefully you already know that buying gifts does not demonstrate real love. However, there is one gift that demonstrated real, true love. God’s gift of Jesus Christ to demonstrate His love for us. Most gifts we can give someone can be of some value or usefulness, but God’s gift has eternal value that cannot be calculated.

I came across this verse as I was studying for a message on gratitude, and was interested in the thought of being grateful for God’s gift even as we start thinking about the time of year where we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus.

Before a bunch of people reading this start out on a crusade about how December 25 is NOT the birthday of Jesus, let me be clear. I don’t care what day is actually Jesus’ birthday. It is enough for us to take some time every year to think on and consider His birth, and be truly grateful for His coming to earth for us.

Notice that Paul uses the phrase “unspeakable gift.” The word “unspeakable” means “indescribable.” That is, something that we lack words or expressions to describe adequately. God’s gift of His Son is unlike any gift we could imagine or describe. He didn’t just come down to show off His deity, He came to give Himself in the ultimate way. He died for us. Philippians 2:8.

You might be thankful if someone gives you a gift of something that you have longed for, or maybe a gift of very high value, but this gift goes far beyond that. There is no other gift that can save your soul or get you an inheritance in heaven. There is no gift on this earth that can “deliver you from darkness and translate you into the kingdom of God” - Colossians 1:13.

If you consider the context of 2 Corinthians 9, where Paul is speaking about our giving of the natural things, he then brings us to this conclusion. As we go about our busy season where we are getting and giving gifts, let us not be distracted by all that this world would have available and forget the gift that really matters. We have an enemy that would have God’s precious people consumed with the cares and bounties of this world so that we fail to take time to meditate on God’s gift of His only Son.

True gratitude comes from an understanding of the value of something, and especially if it cost the giver something significant. Thus, I encourage you to consider the value of God’s gift, and the cost that He incurred to bring it to us. 

Something has value because it is rare or because it cost a lot to acquire. God’s gift of His Son is the rarest of gifts, because He was the only one that could become our Savior. “For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. 

The cost to God was His only Son. It is hard to understand the true depth of this, but consider what Paul tells us in Romans 8:32 “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Giving His only Son was everything to God, such that everything else He has is easy to give. I hope you can understand this depth of cost, and it makes you truly grateful for God’s indescribable gift.

I remind you that true gratitude is not just words that are easy to say, but is demonstrated by our actions. How do we live our life here? Is it in true gratitude every day?

 VICTORY!

  

WHERE IS YOUR HOPE PLACED?

Anita Clark – Pastor

Grace Chapel, Carbondale, Kansas

I will start with an old hymn to help us to think about what Christ has done for us.  “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.”  “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.  I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.” The world is growing more and more evil and wicked.  It is time to wake up and stand for the truth of God’s Word against all evil.

Apostle Paul said in Galatians 1:4-5 speaking of Christ Jesus, “Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.  To whom be glory forever and ever, Amen.”  Let us especially emphasize the phrase, “..this present evil world.”  As we see the news of the day, we see what terrible ungodliness is so predominant in our present time.  Also in II Timothy 3:13, Paul says, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”

Jesus spoke about the endtime in Matthew 24:6-8.  “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be nor troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom and there shall be famines, and pestilence, and earthquakes, in divers places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

Satan is having a “heyday” right now with all that is going on against Israel. We must look up and be ready for the coming of Christ at any moment for the overcomers of this Church Age.

What is the remedy - VICTORY!  Psalm 98:1 gives us great hope - “O sing unto the LORD a new song; for He hath done marvelous things: His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him the victory.” We too can have the VICTORY.  This word in the Hebrew language is ‘yaw-shah,’ it means - “to be free, safe, defend, deliver, help.” II Corinthians 4:16-18 tells us about the Victory we can have from our dear LORD. “For which cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Our eyes need to be elevated. 2 Cor. 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith and not by sight.” 2 Cor. 10:7 declares, “Do ye look on things after the outward appearance?” Perhaps Apostle Paul was remembering a Scripture from I Samuel 16:7 “...for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”  In Jesus’ day He was going to heal a blind man. (Mark 8:25) At first he did not get full healing. Jesus told him, “Look up!” And when he did, he was healed.

VICTORY is given unto us by Jesus Christ as it says in I Cor. 15:57 -”But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Victory defeats problems with our fleshly nature, the world, and Satanic powers. The word “victory” in the Greek means “conquest, and triumph” To be a “conqueror” means to “be able to take by force.” Romans 8:37, Paul says, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.”  I John 5:4 states, “...this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.”  To the seven churches of Asia, (Rev.1:20), were rewarded in the same way -if they were overcomers.

Most importantly of all was the promise in Revelation 3:21 - “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcome, and have sat down with my Father in His throne.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

 Eternal Life

Part 2

Vicky Moots

There are some who may argue, “I know that Jesus said that I am safe in His hand, and no man can pluck me out of His hand, but what if I decide to jump out?” How foolish!

Can you loosen the grip of the Almighty’s hand on you? Are you stronger than God? If you are His child, one of His sheep, He will never let you go.  That is His promise, and He never breaks a promise.

It should also be noted that eternal life is a free gift from God. To be more specific, it is a love-gift, as we previously learned from John 3:16.  That love-gift was in the person of His Son, who was freely given to all who will receive Him as Savior.

God’s free gift is also spoken of by the apostle Paul in Rom. 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The Greek word which is translated “gift” is “charisma.” According to Zodhiates this word means “the result of grace; an undeserved benefit from God.” God’s gift of eternal life is therefore something that cannot be earned and something which we did nothing to deserve.

In Matt. 19:16 we read of a rich, young ruler who came to Jesus and asked Him, “…Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” Jesus answered him in v.17 by giving him an impossible task: “…keep the commandments.” The young man quickly replied that he had already done that, even as a child.

Jesus then told him to sell all of his goods and give to the poor and to follow Him.  We read in v.22 that he refused to do that and “went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” Through the commandment to sell all of his earthly goods, Jesus revealed what was hidden in the young man’s heart: money had become his god.  He had already broken the first commandment, and therefore all of the Law: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Ex. 20:3).

Jesus was trying to show him that neither he, nor anyone else, is good enough to be able to keep the Law.  The Law shows up sin and brings condemnation instead of life.  There is nothing good that we need to do, or can do, to earn eternal life.  The “good thing” (to die for our sins) has already been done.  It was accomplished on the cross by Jesus.  Eternal life is not associated with our works because it is a gift.

Can this gift ever be lost? Is it possible to shorten something that has been declared by God to be eternal? Eternal life is not probational life.  In other words, it is not conditional.  It begins the moment we are born again and never ends.  How is this possible? The gift of eternal life which has been given to us by God is actually Jesus Himself, and He is eternal.  He has promised never to leave us or forsake us, for He said in Matt. 28:20, “…lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

In John 4:10, Jesus referred to Himself as the gift of God when He was speaking to the woman at the well in Samaria: “…If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” Then in v.14 He tells her, “…whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Drinking of the living water brings life eternal, for it is the life of Christ Himself.  We drink the life of Jesus into us when we accept Him as Savior, and He dwells within our hearts eternally.  Jesus clarified the source of the living water in John 7:37 when He cried out to all those who were thirsty and said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.”

Jesus is our source of life, so our new creation life is as eternal as He is.  At the moment we are born again, we are freed from death and condemnation, for Jesus bore the condemnation for our sins on the cross.  The promise of life eternal was given to us by Jesus in John 5:24: “Verily, verily [truly, truly] I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

Peter also declared in I Peter 1:23, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” The word “incorruptible” means “immortal.” It is therefore eternal. If we are born again by eternal seed, then our new life in Christ is eternal just as He is.  Praise God for eternal life in Christ!

 The Lamb of God

by

Vicky Moots

The Lamb of God was crucified.

They pierced His hands;

They pierced His side.

For me He suffered, bled and died

To wash me in the crimson tide.

‘Twas love that held Him on the tree.

Oh, such love to die for me

To pay sin’s dreadful penalty.

Now I shall live eternally;

Amazing grace has set me free.

 John 11:32

Debra Isenbletter, Pastor

Christian Assembly, Springfield, Missouri

“Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died” – John 11:32.

Her DESTINATION: Mary came in obedience to Jesus word. She came without question, without hesitation. She came knowing where to come. She came publicly, though she had been told privately. She came with liberty, with boldness. She came with her sorrow, with her need. She came with her faith. Jesus waited for her to come. He did not go on until she has this personal time with Him. I believe He was watching and waiting until she came. Mary carried a burden of sorrow,  weighted down with the loss of her brother. She knew the relief she would find when she came to Jesus.

This is a wonderful picture of how we come to the Lord. We come because He has invited us, our hearts have heard His call. His love and compassion draws us. We come personally and privately but when we do, we do not care if others know about it. This is our privilege, and it is a precious one. We come to Him knowing where He is, He is not hard to find, He is waiting for us. All we need to do is lift up our hearts and eyes and come to Him by faith. We come to the throne of grace, with all our needs, all our burdens, all our fears, all our sorrows. We come to Him and lay everything at His feet. Jesus is watching and waiting for us to come. The fact that we are willing to come is a testimony of faith.

Jesus issued this invitation to “come” to Him, and Mary heard it and fully embraced it. He still offers this invitation today. It has not changed because he has not changed. The offer is made to those who feel their need and see that only He can meet their need. Jesus is waiting for those to do as Mary. It is seen in the invitation to discipleship: “come and follow me.” (Mat.19:21) It is an invitation to lay down our burdens and rest in Him: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mat.11:28). It waits upon the Lord’s leading and enabling. For Peter when seeing Jesus walking on the water, said: “Lord, if thou wilt, bid me to come unto thee.” (Mat.14:28). It is an invitation for the smallest, age does not matter: “Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me” (Mat.19:24).

Her COMPREHENSION: John says Mary “saw him.” The word “saw” means she “knew” Him and recognized Him. This means that she “beheld” Him. I believe that means that Jesus filled her vision, she could see no one else. She saw Him with her eyes, but she also saw Him with her heart. She saw Him through the eyes of faith. She saw Him through her tears. Is this not wonderful! There is a progression in her journey from her house to His feet. First Mary came and then she saw. First, we must be willing to come, then we will truly see Him. We see Him in a greater way because we have come closer to Him. Mary, saw only Him. I do not think she saw the disciples or the people that followed her. Her eyes were fixed upon Him. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full, in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim. In the light of his glory and grace.” Mary was about to see His glory and His grace revealed! This is what we do by faith with our needs. When we come by faith, we will see Him. He will fill our vision and I believe nothing else will matter but being in His Presence.

Her SUBMISSION: The words “fell down” means to “prostrate oneself” and is used of those “making supplication.” It is also used to show “worship.” Mary is not ashamed to do this. The one she has taken in her home as she sat at His feet as a disciple. Mary did this privately, now she will do this publicly. Mary is overcome and overwhelmed by both sorrow and joy. There is sorrow that her brother has died and joy that her Master has arrived. She fell at His feet physically, lay prostrate before Him and in so doing showed an absolute surrender and acceptance to His will. This is the position of an overcomer, of one who not knowing why things happen, rather than rebel, come and not only kneel but fall on their faces before the Lord. Jesus did this when prayed to His Father in the Garden. “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Mat.26:39). Jesus gave us a visible example of self-surrender when He accepted that cup of suffering. He would drink every drop because it was the Will of God. That surrender of His will is the foundation for His victory. He was not the Victim at the Cross; He was the Victor. 

“At his feet” is the place and position seen in the testimony of overcomers. It is a place of submission, also a place of victory. The 24 elders and 4 living ones, who had been standing around the throne, in a place of authority later “fall down before him that sat on the throne” (Rev.4:10). They have overcome, and are overcoming as they stand in His presence and are overcome with joy. This is absolute adoration and  submission. They are in closer proximity to Jesus and have a deeper revelation of Him. The great multitude, who stand before the throne, give a testimony of faith, but I noticed their testimony is given standing. There is a reaction from all who hear their testimony. When it is heard, those who are standing closer to the throne, fall down before the throne on their faces and worship God (Rev.7:9-12). Both these groups have a testimony of faith, but one does so standing, and the other does so kneeling. What Mary does is a picture of those who have made it a habit and are comfortable at the feet of Jesus. This submission is a place of victory and overcoming.

Her DECLARATION: The words of Mary sound the same as the words of Martha. But she says them from a place of submission. She is at His feet, bowing down,  submitting to His Will. They are words that come from her deep faith. Martha had a measure of faith when she said these words, but it was not the same as Mary’s. What she says is not an accusation, but a declaration and confession of faith. She knew if Jesus had come her brother would not have died, just as Martha did. She declared this. She calls Him, “Lord,” just as Martha did but unlike Martha, she does not say anything more. Martha had told Jesus she knew He could “ask” God, and God would hear Him. But Mary does not ask Him to ask God for anything. She sees His power and authority and simply submits to Him. She did not say, ‘Why did you not come sooner? Why did my brother have to suffer and die?’ She did not blame Jesus. Her words combined with her sorrow and submission, will move Jesus in a way that Martha’s words did not. Martha had a little faith, but Mary had greater faith. Each of us have different degrees of faith and we all grow in our faith.

 The Privilege

AND

Power of the gospel

Bob Briner

I Thessalonians 2:4

“To be put in trust with the gospel” – Entrusting man with the gospel was perhaps the greatest responsibility God ever gave to him, while at the same time, it was perhaps one of the greatest privileges. The Apostle Paul was very glad for the ministry he had been given.

To Paul, it was indeed a privilege, the very highest vocation. “Ye remember…our labor and travail…we preached unto you the gospel of God…how holy and justly and unblameable we behaved ourselves…we exhorted, comforted and charged every one of you” – I Thess. 2:9-11.

Paul expresses to Timothy his pleasure that he was called to be a minister of the gospel, I Tim. 1:11-12, “Which was committed to my trust.” Here is the word “trust” again that we read in I Thess. 2:4. The Greek reads “Entrusted” which means to charge to a specified office. In verse 12 of I Tim. 1, Paul tells of his enabling. “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me.” Paul says in I Cor. 15:10, “Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

Paul would agree certainly with Jesus when He said in John 14:10, “The Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works.” Just as Jesus, in His humanity became that vessel through which God the Father could work, Paul became a vessel through which Christ could work. We do the same as we yield to His enabling. The apostle says, “I can do all things through Christ.” We whole heartedly agree!

Paul says, “He counted me faithful” I Tim. 1:12. Note, the apostle says, “counted” not “Made” and this is suggestive of Grace. God “called those things which be not as though they were.” He sees the end from the beginning.

The last part of verse 12 reads, “Putting me in the ministry.” If we are successful in one ministry the Lord gives us, it’s because He does the “Putting” Col. 1:25-29. Paul’s “putting” is first noted in Acts 9:15, “For he is a chose vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles.”

“Even so we speak” – Paul said, “For necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel” I Cor. 9:16. We are admonished to be prepared to give out the Word; Col. 4:6; I Pet. 3:15. Paul tells Timothy: “The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” II Tim. 2:2. “Even so we speak” – So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.” Rom. 1:15. Paul loved his vocation!

“Not as pleasing men, but God” – C.E.O.’s of large corporations make huge compensations because they have what one would call “great responsibility.” They must please customers, employees and stockholders, but they answer only to man. They that are entrusted with the gospel, of course, answer to God. He is the One they want to please. Col. 1:10 and I John 3:22.

“Which trieth our hearts” – One translation says, “But to please God, who is testing my motives.” When the Pharisees put Jesus to the test to see if He would heal on the Sabbath, we read “But He knew their thoughts” Luke 6:8.

When feeding the 5,000, Jesus did not say, “How shall we feed them?” He said, “Whence shall we buy bread?” In John 6:6 we read, “And this he said to prove him” for he himself knew what he would do.” Jesus knew Philip would count his money. “For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him” Matt. 6:8. He knows our thoughts and motives, past, present and future.

We read of the power of God’s Word in Psalm 33:9, “ For he spake, and it was done.” Peter had fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus said to him “Launch out unto the deep, and let down your nets.” Peter responds by saying, “At thy word I will let down the net” Luke 5:5. The centurion told Jesus in Matthew 8:8, “speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.” We read in Genesis, all of  God’s works, He merely spoke into existence. Paul speaks of the power of God’s Word in Rom. 1:16, “For it is the power of God unto Salvation.”

“Even so we speak.” – We hesitate oftentimes to give others the Word of God – perhaps because Satan may tell us, “They won’t listen to you” or “They will only ridicule you.” This may be true in the natural, but the gospel is not natural, it is supernatural! May the Holy Spirit cause us to remember the difference and to boldly proclaim the gospel. We too, as Paul, are glad that God has entrusted us with the gospel and “so we speak.” We pass it on! Not to please men, but God – who knows our motives and “trieth our hearts.”

The gospel tells us that we are not alone in our spiritual battles, but that the Lord is with us. He is on our side, it’s His battle and He makes us winners!

If God be for us, who can be against us?”

 A LESSON FROM ENOCH

Enoch lived in days of old,

Before the flood, we are told.

No record of his house or lands,

Nor fame or fortune was his claim,

But “dedication” was his name.

He prophesied of heavenly things,

The Lord’s descent on heavenly wings.

One day his friends looked, but in vain,

  To find their neighbor was their aim.

They never laid him ‘neath the sod,

Simply because he walked with God.

Translations door was opened wide,

And Enoch found himself inside.

The lesson here is plain to see,

God’s promise holds for you and me.

Christ soon will come as Enoch said,

To claim His own, both live and dead.

If we that day will gladly meet,

We must surrender at His feet.

If we walk with God in Enoch’s way,

With joyful hearts, we’ll greet that day.

For then, we too, with upturned eyes

Will see the Lord come from the skies,

Then with a shout and trumpet cry,

We’ll gather to Him in the sky.

–Thora Evans

 The Encouraging Word

 

“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will rescue you and you will honor me.” Psalm 50:15

“Do not fret or have anxiety about anything; but in every circumstance and in every thing by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving continue to make your wants known to God.” Philippians 4:6 Amp

“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” Isaiah 40:29

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He Who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

“I will bless the Lord Who has given me counsel; yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.” Psalm 16:7

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song.” Psalm 95:1-2

Martha Wainright

 THANKSGIVING

Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

   Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim!

Hail Him! Hail Him! Highest archangels in glory;

   Strength and honor give to His holy name!

Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children,

   In His arms He carries them all day long:

Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

   For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died;

He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation,

   Hail Him! hail Him! Jesus the Crucified.

Sound His Praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows,

   Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong:

Praise Him! praise Him!  Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

   Heavenly portals loud with hosanas ring!

Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever;

   Crown Him! crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King!

Christ is coming! over the world victorious,

   Power and glory unto the Lord belong:

Praise Him! praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness;

   Praise Him! praise Him! Ever in joyful song!

– F. J. Crosby

 ILLUMINATED FOR INHERITANCE

Jack Davis

“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet 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: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” Col. 1:12-14.

Oh, what a wonderful Father we have by faith. What marvelous things He has done for His family. Shall we not thank Him forever, and even now? How could we not appreciate being delivered from the dominion and controlling influence of darkness.

WE HAVE REDEMPTION

Our deliverance is spelled redemption through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. In fact the Triune God is involved in our being made meet (fit, qualified, entitled, illuminated) to partake fully of this vast, rich, glorious, eternal inheritance. By Jesus Christ we were bought, by the Father – begot, and by the Holy Spirit we are brought into the revelation and realization of an heirship for His Holy ones, in the realm of light.

BLESSED BY RESURRECTION

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again in unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you…” I Pet. 1:3-4. We, being delivered by redemption, have blood rights, and being translated by resurrection and regeneration we enjoy birth rights. Our wholehearted thanks must ascend to our heavenly Father for transforming us from our former condition. We, who were “sometimes darkness,” are now light in the Lord to walk as children of light. Consider Eph. 5:5-15. Our former conduct was to do the bidding of Satan. Eph. 2:1-3.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” Jas. 1:17-18. Having called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, (I Pet. 2:9) the Father of lights has given unto us many good gifts. He has given us the ministry of the Apostle Paul to turn us from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that we may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by the faith that is in Jesus. Acts. 26:18. So Paul commends unto God and the word of his grace. Acts 20:32.

Therefore the calling, the turning, and deliverance is that we might “show forth” His praises, display His excellence, manifest the virtues of His person.

“God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all…If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” I Jn. 1:5-6. We manifest our thankfulness to the Father by staying in fellowship with Him. We have a new realm to walk in and a new course to travel since we’ve been –-

“ILLUMINATED”

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them…For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” II  Cor. 4:3-4,6. Being illuminated and walking in the light will bring us into direct conflict with the forces of darkness, set against God being glorified and enriched by our entering into the fullness of our God given inheritance. Therefore when we go after those eternal spiritual things the way is not easy, and we experience a “great fight of afflictions.”

“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;   For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing  in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.” Heb. 10:32-35.

Divine enlightenment points all God’s family toward full partakership. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things”…Rev. 21:7. Will a full share to those that neglect or reject the provision given to enhance complete appreciation and enable full appropriation in the face of satanic opposition?                                                                                                                

To be continued

 Walk In The Light

   Let us walk in the light of the Lord,

      Let us heed all the truth we have heard;

   ’Tis the goodness of God that has come to abide,

      And reveal wondrous things through the Word.

   To the world we must say one “Goodbye,”

      To the flesh and all sin one “Nay! Nay!”

   Neath the shade of the wings of the Christ we will hide,

      And to Him shout an eternal “Yea.”

   When our friends pass away with disease, 

      Having yielded to flesh and applause;

   And when some turn to selfishness, envy and hate,

      Then we know what’s the deep-seated cause,

   Let us walk in the light of the Lord,

      And with hearts full of gladness press on, 

   Never slacken our gate, Jesus coming await,

      Then in triumph we soon will be gone.

   Thru the ages eternal we’ll prove

      All the marvels of infinite grace,

   And forever rejoice that we walked in the light

      By the Spirit, and quickened our pace.

   In the glory we’ll find a reward,

      We will walk on the evergreen plane,

   And forever  have Jesus our Bridegroom in sight,

      And to Him shout an eternal “Yea.”

– A. S. Copley

 Vitamin G

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

When studying human nutrition, we come across something called vitamins. These are necessary for the optimal function of our bodies, and we must get them in the necessary amounts.

If you are worried this is going to be an article on human nutrition, you can relax. There is no Vitamin G amongst those we need for our human body. Vitamin G is just a way to think of Gratitude. It is a necessary part of our spiritual life, and we need a daily dose to stay healthy.

This week, Cathy and I welcomed our grandaughter and a great wave of gratitude has come over us. We are so grateful for God’s faithfulness, and for the miracle that is a child. While it is easy to be grateful for something wonderful like a grandchild being born, we need to be grateful everyday.

We are coming up on the US holiday of Thanksgiving which has mostly become about commerce and excess. However, we can make it into a day where we truly reflect on how much we truly have for which to be grateful. I always feel like we can just take back the holidays that the world has turned into simple commerce. 

We, as God’s precious people, have so much for which to be grateful. Starting with the amazing fact that we are God’s children. If God never did anything for us after salvation, we would still be thanking and praising Him for all eternity. Thankfully, there is so much more prepared for us.

Just as we need to take in vitamins daily for our natural body, we should be taking our spiritual vitamin G daily. Every morning when you wake up, there is reason to be grateful to God. “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,” Psalms 92:1-2. Thankful for the breath to start another day, and grateful to know that God will be with me in that day.

In the night time, we can give thanks. If You wake up in the middle of the night, give thanks for God’s faithfulness through the day. “At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.” Psalms 119:62. At any time, and anywhere, we can get some vitamin G and show gratitude to our Father.

For David, considering God’s holiness was enough to get his vitamin G. “Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.” Psalms 30:4. “Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.” Psalms 97:12. God’s holiness is something we can be grateful for. I’m not sure if people realize the importance of God’s holiness. He is separate from us in a way that benefits those that are His people. It takes the Holy Spirit to reveal to us the beauty of His holiness.

We should be continually reminded that God’s mercies are new every morning. It is His mercies that we are not consumed. Lamentations 3:22. David encourages us to thank God for His mercy. “Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.” Psalms 106:1. Are we truly grateful for God’s mercies? Do we truly understand what God has given us by His grace? The world system encourages us to believe that we deserve better, that we deserve to have more. I think we need to understand what we really deserve is God’s wrath, but He has taken that away because of what Jesus did for us.

David also encourages us to show our gratitude in front of others. “I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.” Psalms 35:18. We often do that in giving a testimony in church, but it could be as simple as telling other people that we are thankful for God. When something good comes in our lives, we tell others that we recognize it is God’s grace and we are grateful.

What about when things are not going so well. When it seems that our life is in upheaval for some reason? We should still be grateful and express that gratitude to our Father. He is working in our lives and that is more valuable than just walking a perfect tranquil path. James 1:2-4. Perhaps this is why David tells us: “I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.” Psalms 116:17. We often think that gratitude should be easy, but sometimes it is not. It might be a sacrifice. It is also a sacrifice in that we are recognizing God is sovereign and all He does is good.

So, have you been getting enough Vitamin G? Just as our natural bodies need their vitamins to function optimally, so do we need our spiritual vitamins to function optimally. We certainly have good reason to get lots of Vitamin G, as our God is so good to us. 

I encourage you to get into God’s Word, and study to know what we have been given in our Lord Jesus Christ. It will amaze you and elicit serious amounts of gratitude from your heart.

 Count It All Joy

Anita Clark, Pastor

Grace Chapel, Carbondale, Kansas

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4.

“Count it all joy” or “Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren” (AMP). When you fall into divers temptations.” The word “temptations” in the original Greek means, “a putting to the proof.” A temptation is any trial that tempts us to complain or lose faith in Who God is, and is perpetrated by the devil. God allows these trials as tests of faith. “Trials are dynamic – they have the ability to work in us and produce growth and greater trust in Christ.

“The trying of your faith works patience,” means ‘trying or proving” of our faith, that testing period when we must wait upon the Lord for Him to work and change the situation we are enduring. God is so very patient with us, and loves this characteristic of patience in His people. He is constantly working so tirelessly to product this beautiful attribute in our lives.

We are reminded of Romans 5:2-5, where Paul says, “We glory in tribulations…knowing that tribulations worketh patience, and patience, experience; and experience hope and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Tribulation is “pressure, anguish, burdens, persecution, or trouble.” Notice Paul ;says, “Knowing” that these things “work” in us. Through experience with the Lord over time, we learn that trials and tests are doing a work in God’s perfect will for us, “changing us from glory to glory “ (II Cor. 3:17). Romans 8:28 is true, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love  God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

There are some things that every believer in Christ can positively know that should give us confidence in all our trials and tests. (1) II Cor. 1:7 – “Knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.” (2) Col. 3:24 – “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ.” (3) Heb. 10:34 – “Kook joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in your selves, that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.” (4) Ps. 118:6 – Knowing that “The Lord is on our side, what can man do unto me?” And as Paul says, “If God be for  us, who can be against  us.” Rom. 8:31.

James 1:4 says, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire wanting nothing.” “Let endurance and steadfastness have full play and do a thorough work that you may be fully developed (with no defects), lacking nothing” (AMP. Version).

In II Corinthians 4:16-18, Apostle Paul says, “For which cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but the things which are snot seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” “We faint not” speaks of failing, being weary and exhausted.

There is no way that we can overcome the trials in our own strength. This is the lesson we must learn. Col. 1:27 says, “Christ in you the hope of glory.” “For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). The “eternal weight of glory” speaks of a “load beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons, and all calculations, a vest and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease.” (AMP. Version). Our part is to let god do the work. 

II Cor. 4:18 says, “While we look not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen.” The word “look” in the Greek means “to take aim.” Is our “aim set on the trial and the suffering or on the victory and our Lord Jesus Christ. The things of this life, the trials, tests and deaths are just temporary detours. “The things which are seen,” are these “temporal” natural things that only go on for a time before relief comes. “The things which are not seen,” (meaning not seen with our natural eye) are “eternal weights of glory.” There will come a day very soon when He will come again, and we will stand before our Beloved Lord Jesus and enter into the glory there.

Those things we see in Spirit through our Spiritual eyes or vision. Let us press on. The time is short. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us” Romans 8:18.

 JONAH 

Debra Isenbletter, pastor

Christian Assembly, Springfield, Missouri

Jonah 4:11—”And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than six score thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?”

The City: “And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city.” The Lord reveals His compassion and the justification for that compassion. The Lord reveals to Jonah those that He saw that Jonah did not see. Again the city is called “great,” that cannot be denied. It had a great name. It had great power. It had great wickedness. It had great repentance. Jonah could not see the great repentance but the Lord did.  

The Children: “wherein are more than six score thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and knew the exact number. There were more than 120,000 thousand, apart from the adults. He saw each one of them, He saw their innocence. They had not reached the age of accountability, not old enough to understand. They had “no knowledge between good and evil” (Deu.1:39). The adults had already repented, so they are not mentioned. If there were 120,000 children, what was the total population of Nineveh? Many commentaries say it is generally calculated that the young children of any place are a fifth of the population, so that the whole population of Nineveh would amount to about 600,000.  (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown; Treasury of Scripture knowledge; Ryrie Bible).  If that is true, then the Lord spared at least 600,000 lives. He spared the parents who repented and He spared the children not yet old enough to repent.

The Cattle: “and also much cattle?” The Lord gives another example of His compassion. It was the cattle.  He does not give their number but takes note of their lack of guilt. They are not guilty for what men have done. He cares for all of His creation and if we read what Paul writes in Romans, creation is suffering and waiting for deliverance (Rom.8:22). The lesson and theme seen throughout Jonah is God’s love and pity and His patience and grace. Jonah has experienced it twice. First when he ran away from the Will of God and second when He complained about the Will of God. He saw it in his life, in Israel’s life and now in Nineveh’s life. He is a picture of Israel who has repeatedly seen God’s mercy and grace throughout their history. Who stumble at God’s mercy to the Gentiles. Who will one day be obedient servants when they receive God’s grace through God’s Son, their Messiah. Who will one day fulfill their true destiny and be a light to the nations. But Jonah teaches us the same lesson in God’s patience and grace and mercy. It is a wonderful reminder of how easy it is to be legal and to judge based on what we feel and not what we know, for the Lord knows the heart and sees the heart. I am so grateful and thankful for His grace and love. Let us never forget that. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us” (Eph.2:4).

 Eternal Life 

Part 1 of 2

Vicky Moots

There are many Scriptures in the New Testament concerning the phrase “eternal life” or “everlasting life.” The most well known one is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

In the Greek, the words which have been translated “eternal” and “everlasting,” relating to life, are the same word.  That word is “aionios.”  What does this word really mean, and what is its significance to us spiritually? According to the Greek lexicon compiled by Zodhiates, “eternal life” means “the life which is God’s and hence not affected by the limitations of time; not belonging to what is transitory; not only during the time of one’s natural life, but through endless ages.”

Eternal life, therefore, is divine life and is not affected by our physical life or by our physical or spiritual limitations or actions.  It is the life of God which has been given to us through His Son, Jesus, as John 5:26 declares: “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.” The life of the Father and the Son are both eternal.

John describes eternal life for us further in I John 1:1-2: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us).”

John is declaring that “eternal life” was manifested in the person of Jesus Christ, Himself, and that they were eye witnesses of that life.  He further clarifies this thought in I John 5:11: “And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” In v.12 he makes it clear that there is no other way to have eternal life: “He that hath the Son hath life [eternal]; and he that hath not the Son hath not life.”

Then, in v.13, he sums up the matter in order to remove all doubt: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life…” This is intended to give present tense, not simply future, assurance for all Christians that the gift of eternal life is ours the moment we believe. It is not something that we must strive to achieve.  All we have to do is to believe and receive. And because it is eternal, it will never end.

John also stated previously, in chapter 2:25, that the gift was promised to us by Jesus: “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” This promise refers back to the words of Jesus in John 10:27-29: “My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  My Father which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”  In these verses, Jesus promises His sheep (all believers) the gift of eternal life, and states emphatically, “They shall never perish.” He then declares that the reason for this security is not based on the merits of the sheep, but on His power as a Shepherd to protect them.  As His sheep, we are not only kept safe in His strong hand, but also in the hand of His Almighty, Omnipotent Father.

Paul reiterates this fact in Col. 3:3 when he states, “…and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

(to be continued)