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May 2025 is now posted.

We will be posting the Glorious Gospel articles individually below. A PDF file (large print) can be downloaded under the Archives tab and printed if desired, as well as past editions.

 Crucified in Weakness – Raised in Power

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

“For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.” 2 Corinthians 13:4

This verse captures both sides of the redemption story; Jesus’ death and resurrection. There is much we can learn from breaking down this verse to understand the accomplishment of our salvation and what it means for us.

“Crucified through weakness”. This refers to the fact that Jesus was able to be killed because He was fully human. His human body had the same human weakness as any of us and subject to death. We should not, however, equate that weakness with lack of power. Jesus made it very clear that He could have called twelve legions of angels to set Him free. It was His choice to allow them to put Him to death.

But first, it was His choice to live a life of weakness. He was born to a poor family who could not even find a room at the inn. He lived the life of a son of a carpenter. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9. 

He had to rely on others for a place sleep. “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20. He relied on others to provide for His food. “There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.” Mark 15:40-41. 

So God chose weakness to accomplish His plan of salvation. It confounds the wisdom and strength of men. “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;” 1 Corinthians 1:27. Even in the Old Testament, God was showing this. He chose a lamb to be the sacrifice. One of the weaker and more docile of animals. God almost never does things the way man would think appropriate.

It may have seemed like He was weak and unable to help Himself. Even the one thieves that were crucified with Him saying, “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.” And the chief priests and scribes mocked Him also. From the viewpoint of those watching the crucifixion, it certainly might seem like He had no power.

From the physical standpoint, the crucifixion is terrible beyond comprehension. The suffering it causes is indescribable. There is a prophecy in the Psalms that attempts to express it as best possible. “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.” Psalms 22:14-17

What Jesus suffered on the cross was far more than just the physical pain and humiliation. “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Mark 15:34. The great anguish, before the cross, and on the cross, was the separation from His Father that was a result of Jesus taking on Him the sins of the world. My sins and your sins.

So, why does it matter that He was crucified through weakness? It matters because it tells us that God came down (Emmanuel) leaving His glory to take on the form of a man (human body). “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” Philippians 2:7. 

It matters because He is our High Priest and we know that he understands our condition. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities (weaknesses); but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15. “For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” Hebrews 2:16-18

It matters because it makes very clear that this is God’s work. This is God’s way. It does not serve the desires of man to show strength in their own way. It requires man’s strength to be laid aside to come to the “weak” Savior for redemption. It matters because even to lowest of men can find in Him a Savior that understands them.

Next time: He is raised in power.

 Accessible Grace

Thora Evans

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” – Romans 5:1-2.

Our subject for discussion is found in the first part of Verse two, concerning the accessible grace of God. Verse one tells us that justification is an established fact. It begins with “therefore,” or because of things taught in the previous chapters. Then He begins to unfold to us the benefits of justification.

The first benefit of justification is peace. Once we were enemies of God; but now, through our Lord Jesus Christ, we are at peace with God. We are no longer separated because of sin. We no longer see God only  as a God of wrath and vengeance. He is now our loving heavenly Father.

Happy are those saints who have come to the revelation of eternal life in Christ. Oh, the joy of knowing that “eternal redemption” is a finished work that needs no effort on our part. We cannot improve upon nor make any more secure, what Jesus has done for us. I am safe in Christ forevermore – John. 10:28-30. “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe.” All spiritual blessings come through  Him.

Moving on then to verse two, we have two aspects of grace laid out before us; that is, “this grace wherein we stand,” and the grace into which “we have access.” Grace is usually defined as “unmerited favor.” While that may be true in part, that is not “this grace.” “This is the true grace of God wherein ye stand” – I Peter 5:12. This grace is Divine power extended to us and able to work in us. This standing is ours because of salvation; it is unalterable as is justification.

Then we also  have “access” into grace. This has to do with our state, or the degree in which we grow in grace. Let us picture what would happen if we took a little boy and stood him in a candy store surrounded by all kings of treats and goodies. If we told him he could have everything he wanted, wouldn’t his eyes light up as he would reach out and take to himself all the delicious sweets he could possible eat? It would be truly strange, if he refused to take advantage of such an opportunity. He could stand in the store all day, but would miss out of all the benefits offered to him. This simple little illustration may help us to see what God is trying to teach us here.

Our standing in grace is secure. God has brought us into the banquet room of His grace. Spread out before us is grace for every need, and for an abundant life of joy, peace, and victory. Is it not sad to see saints bogged down by some great sorrow in their life? God’s grace is sufficient, as He told Paul, to turn that sorrow to joy and victory instead of that sorrow ruining a life. Perhaps there are those who have been hurt or wronged or greatly disappointed. In stead of letting God’s grace set them free, they have nursed that hurt until bitterness has defiled the heart and soul. In such a life there can be no growth, no joy, no victory, and no crown.

They tell us that, if a little boy eats too much candy, he may become ill. But oh! God’s grace is sweet, indescribably sweet, and we can never eat too much. It will never made is ill, not “true grace,” no indeed. Instead, it has a healing, energizing quality. Abundant grace causes us to reign in this life over every trial, every temptation, and every problem. Grace also teaches us and empowers us to live a sober, godly, righteous life in the present; and prepares us for a place of full glory in the ages to come. Titus 2:11-13.

We would apply  Ezekiel 47:2-5 as another illustration of God’s grace. The picture here is a wide river spread out before the prophet. First the waters were ankle deep. This is just the beginning of our Christian life, when we first learn what it means to be justified by faith and begin to enjoy  the blessings of our new life in Christ.

Then the prophet came to waters that were up to the loins. This pictures a deeper experience of God’s grace, and realizes that God has more for him yet. His confidence in the all-sufficiency of God’s grace has grown to the point where he is ready to cut loose from the shore and enjoy waters to swim in.

How wonderful to sink down into the warm soothing waters of Divine grace, and let it flow over and around us till nothing but our Head – Christ – is seen. Is it not a beautiful sight to see an experienced swimmer glide through the water? It looks so effortless; he seems to be one with the water, as if he belongs there. There is no splashing about, no struggling, when the art of swimming has been perfected. Even so, to see God’s people established in grace, till grace rules their life, is a lovely sight to see; not only to others but especially to God. Such a life brings glory to Jesus Christ, and proves the worth of what He accomplished at Calvary.

When our little boy took swimming lessons, I watched the way different children reacted to the water. It was interesting and also instructive as an example of spiritual things. There were some who would jump right in without hesitation. Others would slowly lower themselves down while hanging securely on to the side of the pool. Still others had to be coaxed, or lifted down by the instructor and carried in his arms, to help them conquer their fear.

Our reaction to water or our success or lack of it at swimming are certainly no indication of our spiritual growth; but what a picture.  Sometimes those who just seem to jump into the things of God are the first to draw back when troubles came. We saw one little girl at swimming lessons who one day was right in the eater apparently enjoying herself, but the next day she would have nothing to do with the water. The instructor tried to encourage her, but nothing he said or did made any difference to her.

Thank God He has given us good instructors, the Word, the Holy Spirit, pastors, teachers, and so forth; but for some folks all of that is of no avail. How sad. Then some children, who were slow to get in the water, soon learned there was nothing to fear. They put their confidence in their instructor, and let him or her teach them the art of swimming.

Oh, the joy of teachable saints. The way of grace seems so strange, so new, and even rather frightening to the flesh. It sounds too good to be true. But, if the old man is truly reckoned dead, the new man will soon learn to let the wonderful grace of God take control. It will buoy him up and carry him along, until he is swimming effortlessly along, enjoying to the fullest the unsearchable riches of God’s grace.

Oh, saints, let us all be of that number. We can never, never exhaust the grace of God, no matter how far out we swim. We will never reach the limit, we will never tire of it. Out there in the deep water, we are totally dependent upon the Lord and upon His grace, which will never fail to hold us up and keep us from sinking. Thank God for His immeasurable grace, a river that cannot be passed over. 

 No Condemnation

Vicky Moots, Pastor

Kingman, Kansas

Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus...” This verse in the original Greek actually ends here with “Christ Jesus.” The rest of it, which states, “... who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” was placed in this verse by the translators. That last statement belongs down in v. 4 where it has been rightfully placed. 

So, to whom is there “no condemnation”? Only to those who are “in Christ Jesus.” But, how do we get “in Christ Jesus”? The moment that we are born again, we are “in Christ Jesus.” That becomes our new abode. We are no longer a part of the old creation, as Paul proclaims in II Cor. 5:17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”

Can there ever be any condemnation to a true believer, a born again child of God? No! Because the condemnation for our sins fell upon Christ Jesus on the cross, as we read in Isa. 53:5: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him...”

Paul stated emphatically at the beginning of Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation...” This is not something that we have to work for or hope for in the future. It is present tense because the penalty has already been paid. Jesus pronounced the work of redemption to be complete when He cried out on the cross, “It is finished.” We do not have to earn our deliverance or wait for it to happen. Our freedom from condemnation is now and forever.

God no longer sees us in the old creation, but “in Christ,” a new creation. In Christ there is no condemnation: none, zero, zilch! We are safely hid in Him, and God will not pour out our condemnation on His Son again. 

Jesus spoke these words regarding condemnation in John 3:17: “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” The law condemned any and all who were unable to keep it, and no one was able to keep it. The law showed up sin and brought death to the sinner, but Jesus fulfilled the law being made a curse for us. He bore the condemnation for all those who believe in His name. Jesus affirmed this in v. 18 by stating, “He that believeth on him [the Son] is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Paul then continues on in Romans 8:2 to explain further about our freedom from condemnation: “For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” Sin and death ruled when we were still in the old creation. But, now, in Christ Jesus, as a new creation, sin has no more power over us, and we are free from condemnation. If we sin, we are instructed in I John 1:9 to confess our sins: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Our Father loves us enough to forgive us, and to cleanse us, and also to chasten us.

Paul informs us in Heb. 11:6-7 of the reason for God’s chastening: “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as sons; For what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not.”

As children of God, if we are disobedient, we can, and will, be chastened by our Heavenly Father, but never condemned.

BETTER THAN WINE

Jack Davis

“…Thy love is better than wine…we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee” Song of Solomon 1:2,4.

Oh, what can compare with the love God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord? Through the Eternal Spirit, the anointed One offered Himself without spot to God, producing divine wine of everlasting joys. But take the most thrilling, exhilarating, intoxicating, exciting time in the Lord, the most blessed refreshing you could imagine and having known His love and you will find no comparison.

LOVE COMMENDED

“…THE LOVE OF God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost…For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet preadventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” Rom. 5:5-11.

Divine love extended toward us in Christ’s death is stronger than our weakness is weak, more godly than all our ungodliness, more righteous than all our unrighteousness is unrighteous, good beyond the full measure of our lack of goodness; providing sinlessness incomparable to the depth of our sinfulness. Oh then love showed a friendliness far beyond our enmity. He hath not only saved us from the wrath and eternal death, but brought us into the enjoyment of eternal life in Him. Hallelujah! The greatness of Christ’s love extends immeasurably beyond the immensity of human hatred. It is hard for us to comprehend humanity’s inhumanity to man in our day. How marvelous that God has remove from us that which was against us as far as east from the west and farther; to a land uninhabited.

We, bless God, are not restored to an unfallen state when we accept His redemption, but we are taken in the opposite direction and far beyond. Thank God “in Christ” we are not on probation, as to our salvation. There is no comparison in what God’s love has made available to us in Christ Jesus, and what humanity had been offered before the fall.

LOVE COMPREHENDED

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” Eph. 3:17-19.

In Paul’s prayer for the Saints he speaks of a love that passes knowledge. He thinks of how it may be revealed and seized hold of. This is quite beyond theory, or reason. He craves that this become reality. The love that Jesus expressed, extended unto us in full measure is easier “felt than telt” even better experienced than explained. Such love will fill our lives with that which pertains to God.

OUR COURSE

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor” Eph. 5:1-2.

“Walk in love” – I am glad God has provided for our life’s mode of travel. Oh, what shoes! This is far more than going the extra mile, more than turning the other cheek. What a realm to move in, of the highest calling! “As Christ” - what a standard! It seems to demand far more than loving ones neighbor as ourself; It is very difficult for us to grasp where and how far Jesus walked in love. Our Father must reveal what all it covered to our hearts. It took Him to the cross, the tomb, resurrection, ascension, and now interceding before the throne.

OUR COMFORT

If there be therefore any…comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit…” Phil. 2:1.

As we walk in love, we are tenderly, pleasantly, blessedly comforted. Herein Our Father has provided comforting companionship. Oh how sweet to submit to the Spirit’s balm in Christ life consolations. God delights to answer in our lives, Paul’s prayer that our hearts be comforted being knit together in love. Col. 2:2.

OUR CONSTRAINT

“For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” II Cor. 5:13-15.

Love’s constraint to live unto Him, is the most powerful motivation possible. What hold, what sweeter control, then to make us true love slaves, gladly occupied in labors of love. Whether we be beside ourselves or sober?

LOVE’S CONQUERORS

Nay, in all the things marshaled against us: “we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” Rom. 8:37. We who have been conquered by His love have been wonderfully provided for, to make us decisively victorious.

LOVE’S CONSUMMATION

What a consummation to be realized at the coronation, and the royal wedding. We read with delight God’s love story from beginning to end. Jesus has amazingly made way for our cleansing unto the glorious crowning.

“Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him to glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” Rev. 1:5-6. 

 CONCERNING SPIRITUALS

Part 2

W. J. Franklin

(“Discerning of spirits”

&

“The Gifts of healing”)

(III) Discerning of spirits

Discerning of spirits gives supernatural insight into the secret realm of spirits. It supernaturally conveys information that could not be had apart from this gift. By its operation, we may know the true source and nature of any supernatural manifestation whether Divine or satanic. Note: It is not discernment, but discerning of spirits. 

There are three kinds of spirits: the Divine, the satanic, and the human. This gift is given to distinguish the Divine from the satanic.

The use of the gift today is the same as it was in the Scriptures:

(1) To help in delivering the afflicted, the oppressed, and the tormented. More infirmities, cruelties, and suicides are attributable to evil spirits today than doctors conceive. Minds are still wrecked and driven by cruel, tormenting spirits. Mark 5:1-15, Luke 9:38-43, Acts 5:16. Matt. 12:22. Luke 13:11-16. Obviously not all impediments are the work of evil spirits. Matt. 4:24.

(2) To discover a servant of the devil. (Acts 13:6-10) This was a case of simple discovery, not deliverance.

(3) To aid in checking the plans of the adversary. Acts 16:16 After many days, Paul discerned the evil spirit and cast it out. Thus, a wicked master was deprived of his gains and a woman was delivered.

(4) To expose error. I Tim. 4:1 & 2, II Peter 2:1, I John 4:1. 

Let us earnestly seek this gift that we may recognize when we come against spirits of the enemy.

(IV) The Gifts of Healing

We now come to the second group of Spiritual gifts. These are the three Gifts of power, of which healing is the most widely distributed. 

The gifts of healing are for the supernatural healing of diseases and infirmities without natural means of any sort. We must emphasize the entirely supernatural character of the Gift, and must not confuse or mix it with medical science in any fashion. Healings through these Gifts are wrought by the power of Christ through the Spirit by believers. 

The Lord still has compassion on the sick; He still has a way of deliverance from the power of the enemy. It is still the way revealed in His Word. It is a safe way, a painless way, a free way, and a Holy way, because it is His way.

It will help us to understand the workings and purpose of these Gifts of Healing if we consider their uses  in the Scriptures:

(1) To prove the Sonship of Jesus or to convince man, (John 10:36)

(2) To authorize the Gospel message as preached by God’s servants. (Acts 4:29-30) (Acts 5:12) Acts 8:6-17)

(3) To establish the Resurrection of Jesus. (Acts 3:15-16)

(4) To draw people within the sound of the Gospel (John 6:2)

(5) To turn people to God. (Acts 9:32-35)

(6) To bring glory to  God. (Mark 2:12) (Luke 13:17)

(7) To deliver the sick and to destroy the works of the devil in the human body. (Acts 10:38)

We must emphasize the plural title of the Gifts of Healing. They are many, not one. Some will be  used in certain cases of sickness but not necessarily in others.

The Gifts may operate by a touch or a word (Psa. 107:20) or by the very presence of the one possessed of them. (Acts 5:15); or from garments which have been in contact with those possessed of the Gifts. (Acts 19:12)

We must understand that these Gifts do not work at the will of the possessor. Not every sick man can be healed at will by the Gifts: note in John 5 that only one was healed. It is not possible to state dogmatically why among those who are prayed for today, some are healed and some are not,  Take note of II Kings 5:27, II Chronicles 16:12, and Matt. 13:58.

Continued next issue

 LIFE IN A SHELL

By Richard Swank

As Christians, we sometimes find ourselves inside a shell – a hard shell which we put up, or allow ourselves to be put into. This shell has two functions: Sometimes the shell hides us from the world, and sometimes it hides us from other Christians. If the shell becomes too hard, the Lord will have to crack it in some way.

It is true, we are in the world but we are not of the world; yet, we should be alert or sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit, to know when to speak or witness to a needy person.

In Acts ten, Peter was shown in a vision that – “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” God spoke to a Gentile by the name of Cornelius to send for Peter. Upon arriving Peter said, “Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” Cornelius says in the thirty-third verse, “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” Then, we read, “Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.” Later in the chapter, Cornelius and his household are filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues; and then they are baptized with water in the Name of the Lord.

Peter was not hiding in a shell when those messengers came for him to go to visit Cornelius. He was alert and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. What if Peter had not heeded the Holy Spirit?

I Thessalonians 5:19 says, “Quench not the Spirit.” This is a good admonition for all, but not always practiced. John 16:33 says, “In the world ye shall  have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Let not this verse in John 16:33 scare us into building a shell, because the tribulation in life will only enhance and glorify the victory that is ours through Christ. Does not Paul tell us in Romans 8:37, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us?” John 4:4, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Also, in I John 5:4-5, we read, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” Power is in these words – power we have yet to learn the full meaning of. But let us not build shells. Let us learn more of God’s power through Christ and His Word.

When Christians build shells to hide from other Christians, they are trying to hide from Christ. Mark 4:22 says, “For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.”

In Act five, Ananias and Sapphira tried to hide something from God, and in doing so they died. We, Too, die a portion when we do not open up to the Lord and the Holy Spirit. The Lord has died for us, paid the penalty and price, plus, much more. Why then die or lose out on the victory the Lord has for us?

If a Christian’s shell becomes too hard then the Lord will crack it some way. With Ananias and Sapphira the Lord allowed death. With Jonah, God allowed a large fish to swallow him and take him where he was suppose to go. The Lord will use the way He deems best to crack the shell, so that His will is done.

Let us yield to the Holy Spirit to crack our shell. Call upon the Lord to give strength for this. Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Let us, allow the Lord to rid us of that burdensome shell that prevents the Holy Spirit from working in us. Let us be sensitive to God’s will in our lives. If there is to be any hiding, let us be “hid with Christ in God” – Colossians 3:3.

 OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST

Abigail Sumeracki

Michigan 

One thing that we are looking at when we look at our identity in Christ - is we are looking at WHO GOD SAYS WE ARE…. II Cor. 3:18 says, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed in the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

We are looking at the mirror of God’s Word to ourselves and looking in it to see WHAT GOD SEES IN US and as we do that the result is we will begin to see ourselves as God sees us. There are natural examples as to why this is important for us to see ourselves as God says we are, for there is the crime of identity theft. 

Some of the problems associated with identity theft for victims include:

Financial…

Emotional…

Physical…

Social… 

OUR SPIRITUAL CREDIT REPORT

Just like there are things that we can do in the natural to protect ourselves against identity theft, we also have to protect ourselves against spiritual identity theft as well because Satan wants to:

1. Steal our heavenly rewards which corresponds to financial problems

2. Steal our rest and peace in Christ – emotional problems

3. Keep us bound to sin - this is the physical problems

4. Keep us from having fellowship with God and His people – the social problems.

To protect ourselves against natural identity theft we also need to be valiant and recognize what should be on our spiritual credit report as well…

1. We are made in God’s image – Gen. 1:17

2. We are children of God – Rom. 8:17

3. We are loved – John 3:16

4. We are a New Creation – II Cor. 5:17

5. We are righteous – II Cor. 5:21

6. We are God’s workmanship – Eph. 2:10

7. We are redeemed – I Cor. 6:20

8. We are chosen – I Peter 2:9-10

9. We are citizens of heaven – Phil. 3:20

10. We are light – Matthew 5:14

11. We are dead to sin – Rom. 6:1-4

12. We are part of the body of  Christ – I Cor. 12:12

13. We are saints – Eph. 1:1

14. We are free – Gal. 5:1

These are some of the things that God says are – on our spiritual credit report…

Keep in mind with spiritual identity theft, just like with  natural identity theft, the victim is still themselves. The identity thief…did not change the correct information on the credit report. They only added false information to it – that false information to it – that false info causes a lot of problems, but IT DOES NOT CHANGE THE CORRECT INFORMATION–-SATAN CANNOT REMOVE OR CHANGE ALL OF THE CORRECT INFORMATION… ALL HE CAN DO IS TRY TO WEIGH US DOWN WITH LIES AND FALSEHOODS ABOUT US.

When we know what God says about us, we will begin the process of removing the lies and falsehoods and spiritual fraud that Satan wants us to see on our spiritual credit report. In order to have a clean and correct spiritual credit report we need to see ourselves as God sees us…”

   – continued in next issue