tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32240254852585380552024-03-02T11:30:03.085-06:00The Glorious GospelMonthly Gospel Magazine - Editor - Earlene DavisGlorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comBlogger818125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-26667896887875170632024-03-01T19:01:00.000-06:002024-03-01T19:01:21.212-06:00Welcome<div dir="ltr">March 2024 is now posted. </div>
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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.<br />
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Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comTowanda, United States37.7675328 -97.0629283tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-6421007814844523912024-03-01T19:00:00.009-06:002024-03-01T19:00:52.901-06:00<h1 style="text-align: left;"> “My Grace Is Sufficient For Thee”</h1><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>When, sin-stricken, burdened, and weary,</p><p> From bondage I longed to be free,</p><p>There came to my heart the sweet message:</p><p> “My grace is sufficient for thee.”</p><p><br /></p><p>Though tempted and sadly discouraged,</p><p> My soul to this refuge will flee,</p><p>And rest in the blessed assurance:</p><p> “My grace is sufficient for thee.”</p><p><br /></p><p>My bark may be tossed by the tempest</p><p> That sweeps o’er the turbulent sea–</p><p>A rainbow illumines the darkness:</p><p> “My grace is sufficient for thee.”</p><p><br /></p><p>O Lord, I would press on with courage,</p><p> Though rugged the pathway may be,</p><p>Sustained and upheld by the promise:</p><p> “My grace is sufficient for thee.”</p><p><br /></p><p>Soon, soon will the warfare be over, </p><p> My Lord face to face I shall see,</p><p>And prove, as I dwell in His presence:</p><p> “His grace was sufficient for me.”</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>–Anonymous</span></p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-39318666642833947942024-03-01T19:00:00.005-06:002024-03-01T19:00:27.761-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> Wise Resolve</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Jack Davis</h3><p><br /></p><p>“Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” Acts 11:23.</p><p><br /></p><p>When the saints at Jerusalem heard that Gentiles were being saved in other places. They sent brother Barnabas to Antioch. He was wise enough to realize that what he observed was indeed the hand of God. His heart was made glad to behold this working of grace.</p><p><br /></p><p>It seems that God gave Barnabas special foresight during this special time of gladness and grace, to sense that even more perilous times were on the horizon. He gave them such wise advice that is good for all times, with which we may each face the future. The character of the man seemed to add weight to his words, or indeed the word that the Holy Spirit inspired him to speak.</p><p><br /></p><p>Acts 11:24, tells that he was a “good” man, in other words, God used him to be beneficial to others. “Much people were added unto the Lord.” He was said to be full of faith and also full of the Holy Spirit. He was influenced, enabled, and controlled by Him who stirs, stills, and strengthens us today.</p><p><br /></p><p>His excellent persuasion is so worthy of note. He exhorted, urged, or encouraged a fixed resolve, even a hearty purpose. It seems that he made clear, the need to be determined to remain dependant, as love’s clinging vine. As we purpose likewise, we will come up out of the most trying experiences having learned to lean on the everlasting arms.</p><p><br /></p><p>To “cleave” in the sense given here is to adhere, join, glue, accompany, yoke together. When He is our Lord we enjoy being one with Him in entire dependance. The days are passing swiftly and we will be leaving this place shortly. Let us draw near with a true heart, unto the Lord in full assurance of faith. Glory to God, we will soon see Him face to face. Let us still cleave to our dear Lord with purpose of heart.</p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-68611872963496036392024-03-01T18:59:00.009-06:002024-03-01T18:59:50.143-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> All That Is Within Me</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Gordon Crook, Pastor</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas</div></h3><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalms 103:1</p><p><br /></p><p>This is an interesting comment on worship. “All that is within me” implies more than just a superficial form of worship that is very prevalent today among God’s people. Is worship something we do on Sunday morning? Is it a response to someone leading the worship service? Is it just a superficial act of praise?</p><p><br /></p><p>The psalmist seems to tell us about something deeper than that. It can be easy and convenient to just give an hour or two on Sunday morning or meet with friends to go to that Christian concert and call that worship. Those things can certainly be a part of our worship. </p><p><br /></p><p>Assembling with God’s people is important and encouraged in His Word. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” Psalms 122:1. However, worship should not stop at the exit of the building. It should be an integral part of our life.</p><p><br /></p><p>Good deserves our all; “all that is within me.” We tend to be willing to give our “all” for ourselves or for something we really enjoy. Some people seem to be able to give all for their favorite sports team. No matter where they go, you know for sure who their favorite team is. Do people know wherever you go who your Lord is?</p><p><br /></p><p>“Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.” Psalms 111:1</p><p>“I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.” Psalms 138:1</p><p>“I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.” Psalms 9:1</p><p>“I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Psalms 18:3</p><p><br /></p><p>Our God is worthy to receive our praise. He is worthy of all of our praise. No one and no thing is ever worthy of our praise like He is. Not just some words or some singing, but true worship. Our whole heart. Everything within us. Every action of our life. Every attitude of our heart. “I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” Psalms 86:12</p><p><br /></p><p>True worship comes from deep within us and is drawn out by a true understanding of who God is. It is not reserved for only when He does something for us. When we begin to have a true revelation of who God is, we will be unable to do anything other than worship Him. God is always calling us to know Him better and have a very personal and close relationship with Him. You cannot truly know God in this way and not be compelled to worship Him with all your being.</p><p><br /></p><p>That “all that is within you” means that every aspect of your life becomes part of that worship. The way you speak, the way you treat others, the way you deal with business, every aspect. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14. “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:31.</p><p><br /></p><p>Worship in this life is just the beginning. When we get on the other side, our worship will only increase as we will know even more. I feel strongly that “knowing as we are known” will draw from us an even greater worship. This is what we find in Revelation. “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, . . .” Revelation 4:10. </p><p><br /></p><p>Our worship of our amazing Lord will continue throughout eternity. Let’s get started now.</p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-72425183983150388132024-03-01T18:59:00.003-06:002024-03-01T18:59:13.440-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> DOING THE FATHER’S WILL</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Anita Clark – Pastor</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grace Chapel, Carbondale, Kansas</div></h3><p><br /></p><p>“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant [slave] and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” </p><p>Philippians 2:5-8.</p><p><br /></p><p>Because this was the will of God the Father, Jesus subjected Himself to obey exactly what His Father had designed for His life on earth. It meant He would give up His glory and equality with God for all time. He will always be a glorified human being. In the plan of God He was “...the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” Revelation 13:8. In Hebrews 2:9-18 we learn that He willingly was made lower than the angels (V.9). Through this humbling, becoming a human, He brought “many sons to glory” (Vs. 10). Through this process He destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the devil (V.14). He did all this so that He might become our “merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation (for the sins of the people) V. 17.</p><p><br /></p><p>In Luke 22:41-42 & 46, we see Jesus choosing to follow the will of His Father God. While praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, He cried out, “Saying Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but Thine be done.” He willingly chose to follow His Father’s plan to become the sacrifice for our sin, and not for ours only, but for all the world’s also. In Hebrews 10:5,7, the Lord speaks, “Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared for me.” He willingly came to do His Father’s will. How precious this is! </p><p><br /></p><p>In Galatians 1:3-4 Apostle Paul says, “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 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.” In John 4:34, Jesus said “My meat (my nourishment) is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.” Also, in John 5:30, Jesus said, “...I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” In John 6:38-67, He repeatedly speaks of doing His Father’s will, “For I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him that sent me.”</p><p><br /></p><p>One of the phrases in what is called “The Lord’s Prayer,” which we prefer to call “The Pattern Prayer,” reads, “Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.” Do we ask the Lord for His will to be done in our lives? The word “will” in the Greek means “determination, choice, purpose, decree, desire, or pleasure.” This is exactly what the Lord wants in our lives - a person who seeks His will, not their own.</p><p><br /></p><p>Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:14-17. “Wherefore He saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” The word “circumspectly” in the Greek means “ exactly, diligently, or accurately.” We need to be doing the will of God! We need to be careful to follow His leading every day. The word “redeeming” means buying up the opportunity or making the most of our time.” Not wasting our time. Why? “Because the days are evil.” This world is growing more evil every day. Can you see it and feel it?</p><p><br /></p><p>Paul says “Be ye not unwise.” The word “unwise” means “stupid, ignorant or unbelieving.” He continues, “...understanding what the will of the Lord is.” God wants us to seek His will in our lives. We can understand what it is that God wants for us. The Scripture is plain as to what His will is for us as a believer.</p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-89690798813041423802024-03-01T18:58:00.006-06:002024-03-01T18:58:29.081-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> The Two Creations</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Part 3</h2><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Pastor Vicky Moots</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kingman, Kansas</div></h3><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Yes, Jesus delivered Paul, but how do we claim the same victory that Paul experienced and make it a reality in our own lives? Paul explains this to us in Romans 6. In v.6 he declares the facts concerning what Jesus accomplished for us through His death on the cross: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him [Jesus], …” This first fact is something that Paul wants to make sure that we know without a doubt because it is the basis of our victory over the flesh. We must accept this and believe it by faith to be true.</p><p>He then continues on in this verse to give us the purpose of knowing this fact: “…that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” The Amplified Version clarifies this portion of Scripture for us this way: “…that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin, might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin.” This means that instead of having to serve sin, we are free to serve Christ with our body.</p><p>Next, in v.7, Paul makes an obvious statement of fact: “For he that is dead is freed from sin.” When a person dies, his sinful nature no longer has power over him to cause him to sin. Therefore, death frees us from continuing to live a life of sin.</p><p>But it doesn’t end there, because Christ rose from the dead, and so must we, as Paul states in v.8: “Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.”</p><p>If we believe these facts to be true, then we are admonished in v.11 to apply them to our own lives so that we may personally experience the victory over the old creation (our old man): “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”</p><p>In this verse, Paul tells us that there are two things which we must “reckon.” The word “reckon” means “to count it to be so.” This word is actually an old bookkeeping term which referred to counting up both sides of the ledger and balancing, or reckoning, the books at the end of the day. You had to be very careful to add up all of the numbers correctly or your books would be off. You wanted your count to be true. Both sides of the ledger had to agree. Spiritually, this means that we must be willing to count things the way God counts them and to agree with what He says in His Word.</p><p>The first thing which we must reckon is to agree with God that our “old man” was indeed crucified with Christ, and therefore, we are dead to sin and free from its power over us.</p><p>The second thing that we are to reckon is that we, as a new creation, have been resurrected with Christ and are alive unto God.</p><p>When we reckon these two things to be true, and allow them to become a reality in our daily lives, then we can shout the victory along with Paul, who declared in Gal. 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”</p><p>It is the resurrected life of Christ in us who gives us the victory over sin. Our “new man” is Christ Himself living His life through us as we yield to the Holy Spirit. So, we can now say, “It is no longer I (the “old man”), but Christ (the “new man”) that lives in me.” The “old man”, who was crucified with Christ, no longer has any authority over our bodies, because we reckoned him to be dead.</p><p>As a result of this reckoning, our bodies are free to serve God instead of serving sin, as Paul tells us in Rom. 6:12-13: “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members [of your body] as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”</p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-24270460610131949512024-03-01T18:57:00.007-06:002024-03-01T18:57:50.866-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> Wise Counsel</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Greg Gilliam </h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Pastor, Grace Christian Assembly, Kansas City, Missouri</h3><p><br /></p><p>“Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:33, </p><p>“And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” Pharaoh was in need of wise counsel. He first turned to the magicians of Egypt first. Not one of them could interpret the dreams of Pharaoh. Then we are brought back to the chief butler, one that Joseph had interpreted a dream for before and told him to remember him. He tells Pharaoh all about the account and introduces Pharaoh to Joseph. Joseph is immediately called for and he prepares himself.</p><p><br /></p><p>As we study Joseph’s life we have glimpses of the Lord Jesus. We have one here in our text. Can we find such a one as this is? Who will help us know what God is about to do? The answer is yes. The Lord Jesus Christ is our counselor. The Prophet Isaiah gives us an introduction. Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Price of Peace.”</p><p><br /></p><p>He has been with God the Father since before the world was in existence. John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus holds all the characteristics of His Father. John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” </p><p><br /></p><p>John gives us a record that the Spirit came upon Jesus. John 1:32-34, “And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.”</p><p><br /></p><p>The wisdom of God was on display in His earthly life. Luke 2:40, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” Others marveled at the wisdom He had - remember, we behold God’s characteristics in Him. Mat. 13:54, “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?”</p><p><br /></p><p>The Apostle Paul makes several statements about the wisdom and knowledge of God. These statements can be said of Jesus too. Rom. 11:33, “O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” 1 Cor. 1:24, “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” Col. 2:3, “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”</p><p><br /></p><p>He will give us wisdom if we but ask Him. James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” 1 Cor. 1:30, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” Eph. 1:8, “Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.” Eph. 1:17, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto the you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:” Eph. 3:10, “To the intent that now the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” Col. 1:9, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”</p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-63834522695889702582024-03-01T18:56:00.009-06:002024-03-01T18:56:52.234-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Jack Davis</h3><p><br /></p><p>“Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification” – Romans 4:25. Our hearts rejoice and we stand amazed as we consider all that Jesus was delivered unto, and as the result all that we’ve been delivered from and shall be delivered unto.</p><p><br /></p><p>“For Our Offenses:” before the foundation of the world, our dear Lord had a date with the cross. Several were involved on His path there. Humanity is so prone to pass the blame, but be it ever remembered that our offenses (misdeeds) put Him there. We read of Judas Iscariot, after seeing Jesus body anointed for burial with very precious ointment, going to the chief priests, and saying “What Will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?” And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus said shortly thereafter, “The Son of man goeth as it is written of Him, but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It had been good for that man if he had not been born” – Mt. 26:15,24. After Judas had betrayed Jesus with a kiss, and saw Him condemned to die, he tried to undo his dastardly deed by giving back the silver, but instead it was used to buy the field of blood.</p><p><br /></p><p>Then there were the Jewish religious leaders, “the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor? – Mt. 27:1-2. This counsel of puny, fumbling, bungling men seem to have laid their plans, and carried them out without any problems. We read that Pilate “knew that for envy they had delivered him” – Mt. 27:18. Thank God, there was a higher counsel which far pre-dated this one. “Jesus…a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that he should be holden of it” – Acts 2:22-24.</p><p><br /></p><p>Pilate also played a part. Jesus, allowing Himself into Pilate’s judgment hall, spoke not a word in self-defense. Pilate marveled, and asked Him if he knew that he had power to crucify or release him. Thank God that Jesus’ destiny was in the hand of a higher authority. Shortly thereafter Pilate sought to release Him, then “delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified” – John 19:16. We read in Acts 3:13-15, “God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus, whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead.” In Acts 4, we read about the kings and rulers, Herod, Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel being gathered against Jesus, “For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.”</p><p><br /></p><p>It is stated most clearly in Romans 8:32, who really delivered our dear Lord to the cross, and why He did it. God didn’t spare Jesus any measure of the wrath of divine judgment against sin, that He might be able to spare, deliver, and enrich us. But delivering Jesus up to the cross on account of our sins, He is just, and the justifier of the ungodly who believe in Jesus Christ.</p><p><br /></p><p>“Raised Again:” Our right standing with God is also related to Jesus’ deliverance from death and the tomb. The Apostle wrote, that if Christ be not raised, we are yet in our sins. Praise God, we need to longer live under the guilt, condemnation, or control of sin. “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” “…sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace” – I Cor. 15:56-67 and Rom. 6:14. Glory to God for deliverance, body, soul and spirit, provided for us in the redemption and resurrection of our dear Lord.</p><p><br /></p><p>“So Great a Death:” “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who deliver us from so great a death, and doth deliver,: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us” – II Cor. 1:9-10.</p><p><br /></p><p>“Hath Delivered Us:” This is a result from the past. We, being justified by faith, have a new standing, a secure position, knowing deliverance in our spirit from the penalty of sin.</p><p><br /></p><p>“Doth Deliver:” As we presently experience sanctification of the Spirit, our soul also, progressively enjoys deliverance from the power of sin. As our affections are being set on things above we enjoy an ascending state, a transforming condition. As we let Him work in us, we are not conforming to this world, but being transformed inwardly from glory to glory. When the Apostle Paul cried out, “Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” he was dealing with the sin principle in the fallen human nature. We are now being delivered from selfishness, shamefulness, suffering and even shallowness and sickness. As we walk by faith and not by sight, in love, and in the light, we are also presently experiencing deliverance in our bodies because of the resurrection life of Christ and the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord Jesus Christ “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 for ever and ever, Amen” – Gal. 1:4-5.</p><p><br /></p><p>The present day conditions are evil because they are somewhat controlled by the god of this world, Satan. The course of this age seems to be going according to the prince and power of the air. But thank God, our deliverance is according to the will of God, and unto His eternal glory. Jesus, doing God’s will, came and gave Himself to ransom and rescue us from the present evil influence and tendencies which characterize this age. I believe that sanctification is the process by which he is now developing kings and priests unto God.</p><p><br /></p><p>“Will Yet Deliver:” Our future deliverance is glorification, when creation “shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” What a deliverance eternally from the presence of sin! We read of that eternal state, and rejoice that “There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” – Rev. 21:27. So now we await God’s “Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come: – I Thess. 1:10. God, that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all – that he might bring many sons unto Glory. We now, and shall forever give thinks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers, of the inheritance of the saints in light. Who hath believed us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son - Col. 1:12-13. He was able to do that because He that descended first into the lower parts of the earth, hath also ascended up on high and led captivity captive.</p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-51591568516567588772024-03-01T18:56:00.003-06:002024-03-01T18:56:14.516-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> Another Message on Occupying</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">E. J. Davis</h3><p><br /></p><p>We considered Jesus’ words in the February issue – Lk. 19:13, “Occupy till I come.” In other words, our occupying should be in view of our Lord’s return, in awareness and in anticipation. I am reminded of our Apostle Paul’s admonition to his son in the faith, Timothy found in I Tim. 4:13-16. We may take these words personally to our selves. For in one sense, our salvation came to us through the message of God’s grace given to Paul. We find seven sayings in these verses that should be our chief occupation.</p><p><br /></p><p>I Tim. 4:13-16, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”</p><p><br /></p><p>“Give attendance to reading” (of the Scriptures of course) to the exhortation or encouragement, and to the doctrine or teaching; because of their great importance. The word Exhortation literally means to call to one’s side for instruction and comfort. Jesus said, “Search the scriptures…for they are they which testify of me” – Jn. 5:39. May we not neglect reading the Word of God. It is so valuable for our growth in Christ. II Tim. 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished (or perfected) unto all good works.”</p><p><br /></p><p>II Tim. 3:15, says, “the holy scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” It is not enough to know the letter of the word. “For the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life” – II Cor. 3:6. It is the Holy Spirit who enlightens us as we receive and believe God’s Word. The Holy Spirit makes the truth of God’s Word alive to us. I Cor. 2:9-12, God has revealed unto us the deep things of God by His Holy Spirit and it is Spirit that makes us to understand them. The Spirit only can make known the things of God, for He only knows the things of God. The purposes, execution and operations are wholly Divine. Read I Cor. 2:13-16, with spiritual discernment, we compare scripture with scripture. As Christ is our life, so also is He our mind, our reliable strength.</p><p><br /></p><p>“Neglect not the gift that is in thee.” Timothy no doubt received a special gift when he was set apart to the ministry (II Tim. 1:6-8). Paul says stir into flame your gift, for Timothy had been tempted with fear since his spiritual father was in prison. Each of us need to fully exercise ourselves in the particular gift given unto us, that God may be glorified to the utmost.</p><p><br /></p><p>“Meditate upon these things.” To Ponder with solemn reflection, thinking deeply, as a devotional act of thoughts, chew the cud like the cows. Then the Word will become a vital part of us.</p><p><br /></p><p>“Give thyself wholly to them,” With entire consecration. Why? That thy profiting may appear to all.” Not only will we profit, but we will glorify God and others will see it.</p><p><br /></p><p>“Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine.” Walk in the spirit according to the Word of the Lord – Gal. 5:16,25. Doctrine means teaching, the teaching of God is what is means here. II Peter 1:19, “ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn…” Walking as an example.</p><p><br /></p><p>“Continue in them” Be faithful, Don’t hide your faith or forsake it, stay true to your conviction, to your calling, and in doing so, the Lord rewards faithfulness- Col. 1:23. Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men, knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.</p><p><br /></p><p>“For in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.” Jesus spoke of service and rewards in Mt. 16:24, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Others also can be saved by our faithful service, not only to enjoy eternal life, but share in the honors and glories with Christ. A feting reward for faithful service and self denial. </p><p><br /></p><p>Let us press on until our Lord comes.</p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-70060401085255195562024-03-01T18:55:00.004-06:002024-03-01T18:55:30.334-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> He Is Coming For Me</h1><p><br /></p><p>Do you know why I’m longing for the coming of the Lord, And watching His glory to see?</p><p>‘Tis because He’s my Bridegroom, beloved, and adored,</p><p>And I know He is coming for me.</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you know why no longer I can call the world my home, My heart from its fetters is free? </p><p>‘Tis because I am waiting my Bridegroom to come, </p><p>And I know He is coming for me.</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you know why He’s robed me in garments of white,</p><p>And bidden me ready to be….</p><p>With oil in my vessel, and my lamp trimmed and bright?</p><p>‘Tis because He is coming for me.</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you know why I’m sending the tidings to all,</p><p>And warning from judgment to flee?….</p><p>He has sent me His guests to the wedding to call,</p><p>For He’s coming, and coming for me.</p><p><br /></p><p>OH! He’s coming after me, Like Him I shall ever be.</p><p>I’m so glad that He is coming after me.</p><p>He is coming after me, And His glory I shall see,</p><p>I’m so gad He is coming for me.</p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>– A. B. Simpson</span></p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-18343761512643319752024-03-01T18:54:00.004-06:002024-03-01T18:54:56.659-06:00<h1 style="text-align: left;"> The Encouraging Word</h1><p><br /></p><p>“Lord, turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16</p><p><br /></p><p>“Hear, O Lord, have mercy and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper! Psalm 30:10</p><p><br /></p><p>“Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8</p><p><br /></p><p>“Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (Amp)</p><p><br /></p><p>“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.” Psalm 28:7 (NIV)</p><p><br /></p><p>“Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him, and patiently stay yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.” Psalm 37:7</p><p><br /></p><p>“The Lord God is my strength, my personal bravery and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (Spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering or responsibility). Habakkuk 3:19</p><p><br /></p><p>Martha Wainright</p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-28362960076891786882024-02-02T18:48:00.005-06:002024-02-02T18:48:59.853-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> “Thy Word”</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Jack Davis</h3><p><br /></p><p>Priceless Publication</p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee,” Psa. 119:11. There is no measuring its far reaching value, for it is beyond all comparison of anything else ever written. There is nothing else quite like it. Its special value is in its expressing and revealing the very heart of God. God’s Word is indeed an unquestionable, undeniable proclamation of His great love. </span></p><p>God Has Spoken</p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He is still speaking, consider I Peter 1:16-21. “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable…(unto)…perfection, II Tim. 3:16-17. What other publication has the right to such claims? God’s Word is its own best commentary and illustrator. Read I Cor. 10:1-11. It was written for our admonition even at this end of the Age. Nothing else ever written stays so up-to-date. It was written for our learning, to renew and rekindle our hope, Rom. 15:4. God’s Word is the recording of His true and faithful sayings (expressions), Rev. 22:6-7. These are worthy of all acceptation, I Tim. 1:15. Believing humanity is so highly favored to have, and richly blessed in keeping God’s faithful sayings.</span></p><p>To Be Heard</p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus said, “Let these sayings sink down into your ears,” Lk. 9:43-44. “He that hath an ear, let him hear,” Rev. 2 & 3. Faith cometh by hearing the word, Rom. 10:17.</span></p><p>We Are To Heed It</p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Wherewith all shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word,” Psa. 119:9. We are wise to pay close attention to all our Father has spoken. In Psalm 45:10 we read, “Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear…” Peter wrote that we do well to take heed. Paul said, “We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” The good seed of God’s Word should be given ample lodging in pliable soil. His Word will check us with spiritual reminders, correct our course, cleanse our way, and affect our walk and talk.</span></p><p>To Be Hid</p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is so important to hear and heed, and good to search and read, but especially let us hide it in our hearts. Let it be laid up, valued, treasured. One translation says, “I have treasured what thou hast said.”</span></p><p>Permanent Placement</p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Have I hid, in my heart,” we count it wise to take God’s Word in our hand, to hold fast and hold forth the “Word of Life.” When we reach out and draw it to ourselves, embrace it to our bosom, it becomes a rod and staff to comfort us. It also becomes a sword with which we may by the Spirit’s power and guidance advance upon our enemy. Hallelujah! “It is written” as a lamp held before us we focus our vision, following His wise guidance. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” “Order my steps in thy word: and let not iniquity have dominion over me,” Psa. 119:133.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is fine to get the Word by repetition, meditation, and consideration into our head, but don’t stop there. It is important as we search the scripture to seek God’s wisdom as for hidden treasure. “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. The entrance of thy words giveth light, it giveth understanding to the simple,” Psa. 119:15-16,130.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Word in the hand and in the head are but precious preparation for divine placement. Only God in reality is able to put it into our hearts. When He does, by Holy Spirit revelation, that Word becomes engrafted, and we begin to realize its depth of meaning, blessed benefits, heights possible, and riches unfathomable.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> “In my heart,” a sacred place, the center of ones’ being, out of which are the issues of life. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” It is a secret place, “only God looketh upon the heart.” His Word discerns the thoughts and intents thereof.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God’s Word becomes hidden in our hearts when it is invited, invested, and ingested. When we begin to recognize its importance, we will give it the honored place, we make room by being open and receptive. It is indeed a great privilege to acknowledge its authority, submit to its precepts, and give full attention to what He has said. The Word was not sent for wearing it on the surface, holding for show, or displayed by quotation. But rather by being assimilated into the depths of our being, becoming an important part of us.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Knowing God’s will by digesting His thoughts, we become fully aware of that which pleases Him. Col. 1:9-11. By letting God’s Word dwell in us richly (in all its wealth), His will and pleasure is made ours. Col. 3:16-17.</span></p><p>Preserving Purpose</p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“That I might not sin against thee.” Only by His Word hidden in our hearts are we able to stay in complete harmony with God’s will. This is food for the inner man. The ingesting of spiritual nourishment is indeed a bitter-sweet experience. “How sweet are thy words to my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding therefore I hate every false way,” Psa. 119:103-104.</span></p><p>Enjoyed and Employed</p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“And I went to the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, “Take it, and eat it up, and it shall make thy betty bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey,” Rev. 10:9. </span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We enjoy some of the sweetest times when feeding on God’s Word, but when it is fulfilled or made practical, it is hard on the flesh in its bitterness. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of Host,” Jer. 15:16. “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food,” Job. 23:12. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received rhe word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe,” I Thess. 2:13. Also read Heb. 4:12.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We, like Paul delight in the law (will) of God after the inward man as He writes His Word and will in our hearts. Thank God He does this by the precious Holy Spirit, for Jew and Gentile alike, II Cor. 3:3; Heb. 8:10 and 10:16.</span></p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-89093580323702651712024-02-02T18:47:00.006-06:002024-02-02T18:47:41.185-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> Trust Only</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Gordon Crook, Pastor</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas</div></h3><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7. </p><p><br /></p><p>I want to tease out several things from this verse. We get some very clear instructions from reading and understanding what is being said here.</p><p><br /></p><p>First I see a contrast between trusting in the Lord and leaning on our own understanding. It seems that we are given two options. We will invariably choose one of them. Our old nature prefers to lean on our own understanding. That involves the things that we see and know around us. It might even involve other people that we know and trust. God reminds us that choice is not going to be the best for us. “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26. “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.” Psalms 146:3.</p><p><br /></p><p>Why attempt to trust our own ability when we can place our trust in God who is Almighty and All Knowing. We are His children, and He encourages us to trust in Him alone. “That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,” Proverbs 22:19-20. </p><p><br /></p><p>We have been given God’s Word to build our trust in Him. As we study God’s Word and allow His Holy Spirit to speak to us, then our faith to trust in Him will grow. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17.</p><p><br /></p><p>Learning to trust in God will make us steadfast, unmovable in the face of adversity. “They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.” Psalms 125:1. I have no use for these “prosperity” preachers that try to lead God’s people astray into desiring the wealth of this world. However, there is spiritual prosperity to be had by putting our trust in God. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8.</p><p><br /></p><p>Second, I see the thought about acknowledging Him in ALL our ways. It seems that we don’t mind acknowledging God in the times and circumstances that we are unsure of. However, we tend to be hesitant to acknowledge Him when we are confident in our own ability to handle the situation.</p><p><br /></p><p>Paul encourages us to make sure everything in our lives is to God’s glory. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17. If we are leaving God out of certain portions of our life, then He is not getting the glory for those.</p><p><br /></p><p>Let’s be careful to acknowledge God in every part of our life, and in every decision and every circumstance so the He will be glorified for the work that He is doing. We will then be as Paul recommends in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”</p><p><br /></p><p>What God’s people need more than anything else right now, is peace. So many are troubled by the state of this world and by the state of our country and maybe by what they see as the future. Many are concerned that they will lose their religious freedom. They are concerned that war is breaking out all over the world and threatens to expand more and more. Peace, confidence, tranquility is what we need to receive from God right now. </p><p><br /></p><p>“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3. “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.” John 14:27. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.</p><p><br /></p><p>So, what is the secret? How do I get this peace and tranquility in my life? Back to Philippians 4:6-7. We must spend time in prayer with our Lord. We must spend time in God’s Word. The Word will grow our faith, and our time spent in prayer will assure us that God is listening and is there for us every step of the way. Speak to the guide. If He isn’t your guide, move side and let Him. </p><p><br /></p><p>There is a song that says “if you have time to worry, you have time to pray”. Worry is a waste of time since it has never solved anything in the history of mankind. When we worry about things and try to take care of them in our own understanding and strength, we will invariably fail, so why not just give them to the Lord? Take time from your own attempts and give them over to your Lord. He will be your strength. He will be glorified in your life.</p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-73779291774994225522024-02-02T18:46:00.009-06:002024-02-02T18:46:55.584-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> “I AM”</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Anita Clark, Pastor</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grace Chapel, Carbondale</div></h3><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>“I am the Root and Offspring of David, the bright and morning star.”Revelation 22:16. “I AM” is the title of the Lord Jesus Christ.</p><p><br /></p><p>God send Moses to speak to Pharaoh concerning the Children of Israel, who were slaves in Egypt, and needed a deliverance. The words “I am” literally means “The Self existent One.” In Exodus 3:10-14 God spoke to Moses, out in the desert where he was guarding sheep. Vs. 13 says, “And Moses said unto God, Behold when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? What shall I say to them? And God said to Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”</p><p><br /></p><p>In Exodus 6:2-3, God spoke to Moses and said, “I am the LORD. And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.” God told Moses to go and tell the Israelites these words, but when Moses gave the full message to them about how God was going to rescue them, verse 9 says “And Moses spake unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses, for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.” Later, Moses was able to take them out of Egypt.</p><p><br /></p><p>In the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) Jesus spoke many times “with many titles.” He said, “I am the Bread of life,” “I am the Light of the world,” “I am the door,” “I am the good Shepherd,” I am the Son of God,” I am the Resurrection and the Life,” “I am the True Vine.” Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:5-7 declares the “Seven fold humbling of Christ Jesus.” “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal God; But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” In Luke 24:44 Jesus spoke to the disciples after his resurrection, “And He said unto them, these are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me.”</p><p>In the book of Revelation Jesus is spoken of as the “I Am.” The first time is recorded in Revelation 1:8. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord, which is, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Apostle Paul states in Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame; and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”</p><p><br /></p><p>In Revelation 1:18 Jesus says, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” In Revelation 2:23, Jesus says, “I am He that searcheth the hearts. I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” The book of Hebrews 4:12-13 says, For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”</p><p><br /></p><p>In Revelation 21:4-6 speaks to us about the time to come after the Millennial Reign of Christ, of 1,000 years, “And God shall wipe away all the tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat on the throne said, Behold I make all things new... It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, I will give unto him that is athrist of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” What precious promises!</p><p><br /></p><p>Revelation 22:16 gives us Jesus’ last words in the book of Revelation. “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things to the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star.” The word “bright” means “radiant, clear, and gorgeous” and the words “Morning Star” speaks of the brightness and brilliance of Jesus as He comes and takes His dear people home to heaven to dwell for eternity with Him.</p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-77782318771176098272024-02-02T18:46:00.002-06:002024-02-02T18:46:09.147-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> The Two Creations</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Part 2</h2><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Pastor Vicky Moots</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kingman, Kansas</div></h3><p><br /></p><p>Before Paul’s conversion, he had been a very religious person. He was a strict Law-keeper of the Mosaic Law, a Pharisee, and considered himself to be blameless before God. In fact, he thought he was doing a good service for God by persecuting the church and those who called themselves Christians. He thought he had much to be proud of and to boast in until one day he came face to face with Jesus in a vision on the road to Damascus. The light of that vision was so bright that he fell to the ground and was blinded. That encounter changed his heart, for he became a new creation in Christ. Three days later God opened his blinded physical and spiritual eyes and called him to preach the gospel. Yes, he was a new man.</p><p>But then a struggle began. In his heart he wanted to serve and follow Christ, but his flesh, his old nature, was rebelling. A war was now waging within him between the “old man” and the “new man.” He soon discovered that in his own strength, in his flesh, he was not able to do the good that he wanted to do.</p><p>That spiritual battle is recorded for us by Paul in Rom. 7:18-24. He stated in vs.18-19, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” Does that problem sound familiar to anyone? It certainly does to me, for it mirrors my own experience.</p><p>Paul had not yet learned to lay hold of the power of the Holy Spirit in order to have victory over the flesh. He continues on in v.20 to say, “Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I [as a new creation] that do it, but sin [the old creation] that dwelleth in me.” And in v.21, “I find then a law, [principle] that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”</p><p>He further describes this war in vs.22-23: “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”</p><p>This constant warfare was very distressing to Paul, and he cried out in despair in v.24. “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” But, praise God, the conflict did not end in defeat! He claimed the victory in v.25: “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord…” And also in Rom. 8:2 when he stated, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”</p><p>To be continued – Part 3 next issue</p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-39221049482574811772024-02-02T18:45:00.003-06:002024-02-02T18:45:20.206-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> Overcoming</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Greg Gilliam Pastor of Grace Christian Assembly</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kansas City, Missouri</div></h3><p><br /></p><p>Webster defines overcoming as ‘to surmount or to overcome difficulties.’ What do we have to overcome? Sinful life. Rom. 5:20, “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” The law is holy and just and good – Rom. 7:12. It had a purpose, to bring us to Christ. How? By bringing the offence to the forefront. Rom. 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” </p><p><br /></p><p>How do we overcome a life of sin? Through Christ. Only one thing could appease the Father, a perfect sacrifice. I Peter 1:18-20, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold…But with the precious blood of Christ…foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” II Cor. 5:21, “for he (God the Father) hath made him (Jesus Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Gal. 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”</p><p><br /></p><p>Death to life: Rom. 6:2-11 shows the believer in Christ to be dead indeed unto sin but alive unto God, how shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by the baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man in crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”</p><p><br /></p><p>We also overcome/surmount the fear of death by knowing that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ - Rom. 6:23. This eternal dwelling will be defined by the glory and splendor laid hold of here by each individual believer. We live today in this truth and await the final fulfillment to come, I Cor.15:54-57.</p><p><br /></p><p>We have an enemy to overcome. Eph. 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Not just Satan but a host. Now that we are in Christ Jesus (believers) no one can remove/pluck us out of our secure dwelling (in Christ, in God) – John 10:28-29. God does not allow us to be tested to see what we have laid hold of, in Christ. We overcome, by allowing Christ to live within us. He is the victor who has overcome all the obstacles of this world, John 16:33. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” </p><p><br /></p><p>We are given the armour of God to help us in this battle - Eph. 6:10-18. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand…having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”</p><p><br /></p><p>In the Revelation of Jesus Christ given to John we read in chapter 12 of a war that will take place in heaven. Although this is a future event there are valuable truths to be grasped, that will help us to understand overcoming. The dragon referred to in V. 7 is Satan. His occupation is to deceive the whole world and to accuse the brethren before our God day and night. V. 12, There is rejoicing that takes place. Notice the rejoicing is a loud voice saying, “Now is salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” </p><p><br /></p><p>How did they overcome him? “By the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” - V. 11. Satan is ruthless (showing no pity or compassion) in accusing the brethren. He works in the mind of the believers to make them think they are unworthy, unable, incapable, etc. and we are, apart from Christ. Sometimes he works in the minds of other believers (typically babes in Christ or those walking carnally/fleshly) to bring accusations against the believers. So how do we (as believers) overcome? Laying hold of the victor, Christ Jesus. He has triumphed over all. He shed His blood that we might live and He desires for us to walk in an overcoming life. Not constantly defeated but reigning in life by One, Christ Jesus.</p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-91435803329377476372024-02-02T18:44:00.002-06:002024-02-02T18:44:24.899-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> “Occupy Till I Come”</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Earlene Davis</h3><p><br /></p><p>In Luke 19:11-15, Jesus spoke a parable to His people, the Jews speaking of Himself foretelling His departure and that He would return. He gave this instruction, “Occupy till I come.” This is also true concerning us, His people of this Church Age to occupy till He comes again for us. He promised “to prepare a place for us and said, “I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” We are to occupy until then. </p><p><br /></p><p>Our occupation is not to be willy-nilly in a disordered way, but faithful stewards of the Gospel. He gives His people the opportunity for service. In the parable everyone is given the same - 10 pounds. In Bible numerology, ten speaks of ‘Responsibility according to ability.’ The R. V. gives for the word pound - ‘silver,’ which speaks of redemption. So every one has a stewardship of what they do with the silver, our redemption. </p><p><br /></p><p>There will be an accounting – I Cor. 4:1-2, “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. Rom. 14:12, “every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” What are we doing with the silver? Are we investing spiritually that our Lord might be enriched by the increase?</p><p><br /></p><p>One servant in the parable gained 10 pounds, another gained 5 pounds, they were rewarded accordingly. But another servant hid his and received no reward. I Cor. 3:13, “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” The fire is God’s Word, if a man’s work abides, he shall receive a reward – I Cor. 3:14-15. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss (of reward): but he himself shall be saved.”</p><p><br /></p><p>We are responsible for our life span to occupy till our Lord comes again. Here are some scriptures the Holy Spirit brought to my mind on our occupation until then.</p><p>Mk. 13:32-37, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man…but the Father. Take heed, watch and pray…for ye know not when the master of the house cometh…Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” </p><p>Lk. 12:37, “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching.” </p><p>Rom. 13:11, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” </p><p>I Thess. 5:6, “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.”</p><p>I Cor. 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” </p><p>Rev. 22:12, “behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” </p><p><br /></p><p>Another thought on occupying, it takes patience. James 5:7, “Be patient brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it…Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” Heb. 10:36-37, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” It is only a little while compared to eternity. Now we know how patience is worked in us. Rom. 5:3, “We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience and experience hope.” James 1:4, “Let patience have her perfect work,” to the end, “that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”</p><p><br /></p><p>This word “perfect” refers to each particular part. “Entire” refers to the whole, complete in every part. It is not enough to be perfect in just one thing. The Father would have us perfect in love and obedience, which yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness. So these trials that God allows to come to us is a means to His perfecting work in you and I.</p><p><br /></p><p>So we can count or esteem them all joy when we fall into divers or different trials that come upon us unawares – James 1:2-3. When they happen, we feel disturbed. But God has allowed them for our good. There is a lesson to be learned, and a victory to be won. No temptation for the present seems joyous, but grievous. So how can we count it joy? Because we know something, that the trying of our faith works patience or endurance. </p><p><br /></p><p>For the believer, patience is indispensable on our journey. We see the value of our trials. We learn patience with ourselves and with others and even with God. We learn to cling to Him and to give Him time to work for us. He doth all things well. May we not take things into our own hands. Pray and let God act. Move with Him. Patience will have a perfect work in us if we remain in the trial till He delivers. </p><p><br /></p><p>So may we be stewards in the things God has called us to. May we watch and pray fully aware of the times and seasons in which we live. “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” – Phil. 1:6.</p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-15164419321623796222024-02-02T18:42:00.008-06:002024-02-02T18:42:55.074-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Kathryn Devers</h3><p><br /></p><p>“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.” Heb. 4:14. The adjective “great” describes Him “most eminent or prominent i.e. distinguished as above others.” A comparison is made with Melchizedek and contrast with Aaron in chapter 7. In this office, He ministers as “the good and great Shepherd.”</p><p><br /></p><p>John 10:11, Jesus said, “I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” Psa. 22 describes Him as the suffering Savior, who fulfills this office. “Wherefore in all things it behooved 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” – Heb. 2:17. </p><p><br /></p><p>Through His condescension, “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” – Tit. 2:11. He was the offering and offerer, which made Him distinct. “Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.” “But now once, in the end of the ages, hath he appeared to put away (completely destroy) sin by the sacrifice of himself” – Heb. 7:27 & 9:26. “Mercy there was great and grace was free, at Calvary.” Who but He could have shown such great compassion toward helpless, hopeless, miserable sinners and deliver from the guilt, power and one day the presence of sin. The price of redemption was far beyond any human figure, for it was “with the precious (valuable) blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”</p><p><br /></p><p>His work fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, and fully satisfied the righteous demands of a holy God for judgment on sin at the cross. Praise God, death could not hold Him! He arose a mighty conqueror, the “great Shepherd.” “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant…We have such an high priest, who is seated on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens – Heb. 13:20 & 8:1.</p><p><br /></p><p>Psa. 23 is a personal aspect of Him, as “great Shepherd.” He shows His concern for each sheep of His pasture. To claim Him personally, there is no lack for spirit, soul or body. He gives rest, for “He hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus.” This is resurrection ground. “There is a rest unto the people of God.” Two-fold, “beside still waters,” a place of meditation upon His word, essential for spiritual growth, and “in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”</p><p><br /></p><p>We are His representatives, and our conduct should reflect His righteousness in purity of life, right attitudes, actions, feeling, and thoughts which will glorify Him. In V. 4 of Psa. 23, an unquestionable confidence is expressed. He’s a wonderful Shepherd! He draws us close to His bosom, comforts and direct during times of trial. Such wondrous love!</p><p><br /></p><p>“He’s touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” As was said of Israel, “In all their afflictions he was afflicted,” He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, thus our cares, problems and all that pertains to life is His concern. We are bid to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” – Heb. 4:16.</p><p><br /></p><p>It affords great peace and rest to know ONE, who cares and understands every detail of our lives, and is able to help. “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Truly He is a “Great High Priest” and is worthy of our trust. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Praise Him!</p>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-60319867961076344152023-12-30T19:59:00.002-06:002023-12-30T19:59:14.712-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> FIRST THINGS FIRST</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Jack Davis</h3><p><br /></p><p>“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.</p><p><br /></p><p>“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. </p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>“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.</p><div><br /></div>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-52857009314223169332023-12-30T19:58:00.004-06:002023-12-30T19:58:32.331-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> Open Eyes</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Gordon Crook, Pastor</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas</div></h3><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” Psalms 119:18</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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. </p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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. </p><p><br /></p><p>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. </p><p><br /></p><p>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?</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><div><br /></div>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-62460391375667568712023-12-30T19:57:00.004-06:002023-12-30T19:57:53.530-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> NOAH - OVERCOMER OF HIS DAY</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Anita Clark – Pastor</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grace Chapel, Carbondale, Kansas</div></h3><p><br /></p><p>“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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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). </p><p><br /></p><p>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.”</p><p><br /></p><p>“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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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!</p><p> </p><p>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!</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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?</p><p><br /></p><p>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!</p><div><br /></div>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-3163337137791185242023-12-30T19:56:00.010-06:002023-12-30T19:56:49.277-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> The Two Creations</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Part 1</h2><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Pastor Vicky Moots</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kingman, Kansas</div></h3><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p>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.”</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.”</p><p>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.</p><p>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?</p><p>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.</p><p>To be continued – part 2 next issue</p><div><br /></div>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-43344500748568704172023-12-30T19:56:00.002-06:002023-12-30T19:56:06.782-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> Grace to You and Peace </h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Greg Gilliam Pastor</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grace Christian Assembly</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kansas City, Missouri</div></h3><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>“...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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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). </p><p><br /></p><p>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. </p><p><br /></p><p>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. </p><p><br /></p><p>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).</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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. </p><p><br /></p><p>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). </p><p><br /></p><p>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.” </p><p><br /></p><p>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. </p><p><br /></p><p>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. </p><p>Peace, peace, wonderful peace</p><p>Coming down from the Father above</p><p>Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray</p><p>In fathomless billows of love.</p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>“...Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”</p><div><br /></div>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-90454020529885092742023-12-30T19:55:00.001-06:002023-12-30T19:55:20.077-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> The Last Days</h1><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Earlene Davis</h3><p><br /></p><p>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. </p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.”</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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. ‘</p><p> </p><p>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.”</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.”</p><div><br /></div>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224025485258538055.post-11849136316625425462023-12-30T19:54:00.001-06:002023-12-30T19:54:05.910-06:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> Lessons of the Year</h1><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For I learn as the years roll onward</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> And leave the past behind,</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That much I have counted sorrow</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> But proves that our God is kind;</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That many a flower I longed for</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Had a hidden thorn of pain,</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And many a rugged by-path</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Led to fields of golden grain.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We must live through the dreary winter</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> To value the bright warm spring;</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The woods must be cold and silent</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Before the robins sing;</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The flowers must be buried in darkness</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Before they can bud and bloom,</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And the purest and warmest sunshine</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Comes after the storm and gloom.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So the heart from the hardest trial</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Gain the purest joy of all,</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And the lips that have tasted sadness</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> The sweetest songs that fall.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Then as joy comes after sorrow,</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> And love’s the reward of pain,</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So after earth is heaven,</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> And out of our loss is gain.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>– Anonymous</span></p><div><br /></div>Glorious Gospelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574158717917575756noreply@blogger.com