The Bible

Earlene Davis

How important is the Bible to the Christian’s daily life? 

II Timothy 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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” God speaks to us by His Word, that we might know His purposes, His will for us and His plans for the whole world. He tell us in Proverbs 8, “my voice is to the sons of man, I will speak of excellent things. My mouth shall speak truth. All my words are in righteousness. Receive my instruction… rather than choice gold. I love them that love me.” As children of God we have a responsibility to read what He has to say to us. “Till I come, give attendance to reading the holy Writings” – I Tim. 4:13.

John 5:39, Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” In doing so, we learn about our Lord Jesus Christ and the more we learn of Him, our love for Him deepens. To know Him is to love Him. I always liked reading Lk. 24:32, those disciples hearts burned within them by the words Jesus spoke to them from the written Word. Thank God for the written Word. By it the Holy Spirit convicts hearts of sin, revealing our need of the Savior. When we receive Jesus, we have someone who is real to us and more so, for He dwells within us. Jesus is not visible to our natural eyes, but by feeding on God’s Word our spiritual life is nourished and we are growing in the Lord. 

The Apostle Paul preached the gospel in many cities and he gave special commendation to the Bible students at Berea. Acts 17:11, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” They were “more noble” meaning of superior excellent quality. They were receptive, receiving the Word of God with eagerness, “With all readiness of mind.” Searching the scriptures daily to know if what they were hearing was the truth.

Today, there is so much error preached in Christendom. How do we test their words? By checking them out, do they ring true with the Word of God. We don’t want to be fooled with cleaver words that entertain us intellectually, we want the truth. As we read in I Thess. 3:13, that “he may establish our hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus  Christ with all His saints.” As we follow the Berean example and search the scriptures daily, it may also be said of us that we are “more noble.” That is not a bad testimony. I remember a dear brother, Bill McDaniel, and his wife telling us when we visited her in the hospital, “Old Bill reads his Bible everyday.” It impressed her, but she didn’t follow his example.

As we explore God’s Word, something happens, we grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – II Peter 3:18. We wont remain a baby spiritually, ignorant of God’s Word. As newborn babes in Christ, we desire the pure milk of God’s Word that we may grow up, a spiritual man in Christ (Eph. 4:11-16). God would have us to grow up into Christ. He has given godly teachers to give forth His edifying Word that it may be worked in our lives by the Holy Spirit unto perfection. So we wont be deceived by false teachers.

It is a sad thing in the natural if a baby never grows, God wants to bring us to spiritual maturity. Even in the natural, we need food to grow. Spiritually we need spiritual food, to grow, God’s Word. Heb. 5:12-14, We need the milk of the Word as babes, but then we need to go on to solid nourishment, the strong meat of God’s Word. I Jn. 2:12-14 speaks of the different stages of growth in Christ: little children, young men and fathers. God has spread a great feast before us, His Word, in which thousands never venture. Not desiring to know the Word or else wanting it sugar coated. 

The Bible is the most fascinating book in all the world if you take it in and let the Holy Spirit reveal Christ to you on every page. The Word of God covers every experience of life. Let us consider a few citations from Psalm 119, the longest psalm or chapter in the  Bible, 176 verses using different descriptions for His Word in every verse: such as His law, His judgments, His commandments, His statutes, His testimonies, His precepts, His words, His ordinances, His ways. V. 11 – may we hide His Word in our hearts. V. 89 – thy word is settled in heaven, founded for ever. V. 103 – we find his Word sweeter than honey to our taste (taste and see). V. 105 – His Word is a light unto our path, guiding us. V. 130 – The Word of God gives us understanding, enlightenment. V. 140 – we love the pure words of our God.

Isa. 40:8 – “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” It endures, as we read in Mt. 24:35, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” God sanctifies us through His truth – Jn. 17:17. We are admonished in Col. 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” It is profitable for you and for me, for God’s word is powerful, living and active. Heb. 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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.”

We are comforted by God’s Word that gives us hope in Him, when we receive it by faith (Rom. 15:4). If we have His Word in our hearts, the Holy Spirit will bring it to our remembrance to sustain us at different times (Jn. 14:26). It also cleanses us (Eph: 5:26), being washed in the laver of His Word, that we may be wholly separated from every defiling thing that would mar our fellowship with Christ. We desire that our lives be a sweet smell to the Father of His Son.

 

Let us see ourselves in Christ, that He is walking in us and that others will see Jesus and be drawn to Him. The Spirit will actually work in us God’s prefect will, as we are separated wholly unto Him. I am so glad I know Him, but even more important, I am so glad He knows me. He speaks to me by His Word and sets my heart aflame. The presence of His Holy Spirit is so powerful, that sometimes I feel like I hear an audible voice.

 My Precious Bible

My Bible ‘tis a book divine,

  Where heavenly truth and mercy shine;

  And wisdom speaks in every line,

It speaks to thee and speaks to me.

My Bible here with joy I trace

  The records of redeeming grace -

  Glad tidings for a sinful race, 

Good news for thee, good news for me.

My Bible in this book alone,

  I find God’s holy will made known;

  And here His love to man is shown,

His love to thee, His love to me.

My Bible source of comfort pure

  To those who trials here endure;

  The hope of heaven it renders sure,

Best hope for thee, best hope for me.

I love my Bible; may I ne’er 

  Consult it but with faith and prayer,

That I may find my Savior there;

  Who died for thee, who died for me.

Christ my hope, an anchor sure,

  With-in the vale I am secure;

  Not I, but Christ who doth endure,

‘Tis Christ with-in, ’tis Christ with-in.

– Isaac Baldwin (1851)

 A Wonderful Day

Glorious Day when we stand in His presence.

   All of our heartaches and sorrows are past,

No more burdens too heavy to carry -

   We shall see Jesus at last!

Wonderful day when we shall be like Him,

   Features were marred by sin here below,

Now they are radiant, beautiful, glorious!

   Cleansed by His blood, made whiter than snow.

Marvelous day, all suffering ended,

   Glorious bodies now, like to His own;

We will be kings and priests in God’s kingdom,

   With glory and honor around Christ’s throne.

Radiant day – the day of His crowning –

   The thought of this day is immeasurably sweet;

Then we will stand transformed in His likeness,

   Casting our trophies and crowns at His feet.

Victorious day – the day of the Rapture,

   The Lamb who was slain is now become King!

The Bride of the Lamb in garments all glorious

   I singing sweet songs the Bride only can sing.

Triumphant day – great day  of His power!

   All the kingdoms of earth put under His feet!

The saints of all ages in garments of splendor

   Are crowning Him King to rule over all!

– Unknown 

 The Encouraging Word

 “I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His Word do I hope.” Psalm 130:5

“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving kindness endure forever.” Psalm 118:29

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life – his (blessed) life in the kingdom of God? Or what would a man give as an exchange for his (blessed) life – in the kingdom of God?” Matt. 16:26 [Amp]

“Keep and protect me, O God, for in You I have found refuge, in You do I put my trust and hide myself.” Psalm 16:1

“Love one another with brotherly affection – as members of one family – giving precedence and showing honor to one another.” Romans 12:10 Amp

“Lean on, trust and be confidant in the Lord with all your heart and mind, and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

“When I cannot understand my Father’s leading, And it seems to be but hard and cruel fate, still I hear that gentle whisper even pleading, God is working, God is faithful, Only Wait” 

Martha Wainright

 HOPE

Jack Davis

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Romans. 15:4 & 13

Who in the world, who on earth has anything good to look forward to? I like to think of hope as happy expectation, or pleasant anticipation of good. The word deals mostly with the unseen future. Believers beloved of the Lord, should never be hopeless. The God of hope has written marvelous messages to our hearts that comforts, teaching us patience, producing and promoting an experimental hope. Ignorance and unbelief stand in the way of this reality.

God our Father is indeed the author and Jesus Christ is the object upon whom our hope is to be fixed. I Tim. 1:1. His redemptive cross and His resurrection is the ground upon which our hope is based. I Pet. 1:3, I Cor. 15:12-20, Rom. 4:25.

Through the comfort of the Scriptures we have Hope, for God’s Word tells us what to expect. The scriptural promises define Christian hope. By faith we may enter therein, and stay by the “Hope of the Gospel,” Col. 1:5,23. And be stirred by the “Hope of Glory” – Col. 1:27, Rom. 5:2, Titus 2:13. Paul prayed that the saints would know the hope of God’s calling, not only what God expects but also the wonderful prospects in store for those responding to the gospel call. Eph. 1:18. He also urged that the hope of our calling unite us. Eph. 4:4.

The believer’s hope is described in Scripture as “good” – II Thess. 2:16, “better” – Heb. 7:19, “Blessed” – Titus 2:13, and “living” – I Pet. 1:3. In the Old Testament, that which was written aforetime for our learning, teaches us to depend upon God, and His promises. “Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word. Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” Ps. 119:49,81,114.

A well rounded hope is the resultant outcome of growth under daily pleasures such as expressed in Rom. 5:2-5, tribulation, patience, and experience. It greatly stimulates and strengthens our hope when we can see in the Scripture how these elements worked in those who truly trusted while being sorely tested. I think of the example of Abraham and Sarah. (“As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations) before him whom he believed, even God who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope that he might become the father of many nations according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God: And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able to perform.” Rom. 4:17-21.

Therefore Abraham learned by experience to count on Him that was able to call into existence that which didn’t exist. While facing great difficulty, impossibility, and knowing of both he and Sarah’s physical incapability, contrary to all human expectation, they counted on God to fulfill His promise. Heb. 11:11.

We read in Hebrews 6:15, “And so after he (Abraham) had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.” Hope finds its greatest expression in endurance under trial. Paul commends that “patience of hope,” wherein we await the coming of Christ. We are urged to be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises, and show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end. God’s word strongly encourages us who have fled to Him for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us, in fact is laid up for us in heaven. As we lay hold of that which is laid up, it stays and stabilizes us during the many storms of this earthly sojourn, anchoring our soul.

Hope in Christ, generally characterizes what sort of person we become, as well as the actions it produces. See I Pet. 3:15-16, II Pet. 3:11, such contains great purifying propensity and powers activated with faith and promoted by love. I John 3:1-3. Expecting Jesus’ return and our complete ultimate deliverance is indeed great protection for our minds in the most stressful times. I Thess. 5:8, I Pet. 3:13.

By being currently aware of the good of glory and grace that awaits us, serves to overcome depression and is the opposite of despair, or hopelessness. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” Psa. 42:11.

“For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” Gal. 5:5. The hope of the righteous is not to become righteous, but describes what the righteous are to expect. That which pertains or belongs to the righteous is especially the believers complete conformity to God’s will at the coming of Christ.

At the beginning of this article we quoted Rom. 15:13, God the source, giver, fountain of hope has for us His wonderful qualities of joy and peace and he purposes to fill His children with these. The power of the Spirit has made us alive unto God. He makes these characteristics alive in us, filling us with abundant life. Therefore it is our privilege by the yieldedness of faith to make ourselves available, accessible for such wonderful infilling.

This provision has multiplied purposes, not the least of which is the imparting hope. Verse 4. Yet, it is important that we more than “have hope,” but rather abound therein! Our Father would have us looking ahead with contagious Holy Spirit inspired infused enthusiasm!! In the same way He floods our being with joy and peace, and saturates our hearts with love, He makes His trusting people abundantly expectant. He gives an overflowing supply making our whole life and outlook radiant with glorious, joyous expectation.

 GRACE

                

Gordon Crook

                                           

Grace could be considered the most essential of all the teachings for the Church today. Paul’s epistles are centered around Grace. In some respect, however, Grace is one of the most controversial teachings in the epistles of Paul. Many believe that to teach grace is to teach licentiousness. There are others who believe that God is all loving and so gracious that He would never allow anyone to go the hell. Neither of these is scriptural. It is my opinion (based on scripture) that a personal revelation of the  Grace of God is of utmost importance to the growth of the child of God.

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” Titus 2:11-15.

The grace of God has appeared to all men. Paul tells us in Romans that all men are without excuse. God has revealed Himself in many ways to humanity, the greatest of these being in the gift of His Son on Calvary. “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” “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” John 1:14. The psalmist tells us that all of creation reveals God unto us. Those who were alive in the time of Jesus had the privilege of seeing God’s grace in person, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. So, was God’s grace revealed unto them only? No, His grace is revealed through the Word unto us today. We must by faith accept and appropriate the grace of God personally. Rom. 5:2.

Grace is not merely favor, but rather mercy, loving kindness, a free gift. Favor may be deserved or gained, but grace is totally undeserved and unmerited. There was none that deserved the grace of God, and yet He offered it freely in His Son. In Rom. 4:4, grace is contrasted with debt. If it is owed, it is not by grace. In Romans 11:6, grace is contrasted with works. If we can work for God’s favor, it is no longer grace. In John 3:16 we see the grace of God. God so loved the world, but in His righteousness could not (not that He would not) accept sinful man. He had to atone for our sins before He could accept us into His presence. Do you see the grace shown here? Man believes that God is so all loving that He could never send anyone to hell. Well, God is so all loving that He provided a way to escape, but it is our responsibility to accept His grace.

Eph. 1:13-14, 2:4-10 and 2 Cor. 8:9 teach us about the wonderful grace of God, and how He intends to show, through us, His grace throughout eternity. Our finite little minds cannot comprehend the fulness of this plan, but we can take hold by faith of all that He has for us, and He still get glory for that. 

Psalms 103:10 is possibly the best description of the grace of God. The psalmist knew about God’s mercy and lovingkindness. He had experienced the grace of God in his life. Have you experienced the grace of God? So you have a good understanding of the grace of God? Ask God to give you a revelation of His grace. I repeat again, it is of utmost importance in our lives to have a full revelation of the grace of God. It will cause us to live godly lives in this world. Those who think that teaching grace invites licentious living, do not have a revelation of the grace of God. Paul tells us that grace teaches us to live godly, not ungodly, lives.

I have never considered myself a very good writer, and trying to explain what the Lord has shown me concerning His grace is proving this to be true. I cannot put together the words to teach you adequately about the grace of God. You must take time to study this for yourself and ask God to give you a greater revelation of His grace. There is so much in the Word about grace. The Bible is a book about Him and in it we find His grace revealed, but until His grace becomes real to us on a very personal basis, we cannot truly live godly lives for Him. It is grace that teaches us.

Godliness is an outward manifestation of the inward life. In Ephesians we are told that we are created unto good works. The new creation in us is only capable of godly living, and as we yield to the new creation, we will live godly here and now. Christ always accompanied His forgiveness with the statement “go and sin in more.” He was compassionate, but He wanted righteous living. We can live righteous lives, because of His grace. The outward manifestation of the inward life is essential to shine the light of the gospel to those around us. In I Thess. 1:5-10 shows what a godly life can do. Paul says that he did not even have to Say anything because these saints had lived a exemplary lifestyle.

Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric of the world today.  Christ is coming soon and we must be ready. We must be prepared to be showed off for all eternity as examples of the grace of God, but He will not show off ungodly lives. This is  not a matter of being better than someone else. Again, the grace of God leaves no room for that kind of thinking. This is a matter of bringing glory and honor to our Father. Please consider carefully the things concerning the grace of God, and may God grant you a deeper fuller revelation.

 CALLED CHOSEN AND SEPARATED UNTO GOD

Anita Clark – Pastor

Grace Chapel, Carbondale, Kansas

Throughout the Old Testament we read that God chose men and women to serve him in special ways. We see Abraham, Jacob, Moses, the Prophets and King David and many more. As we read the New Testament we see many more individuals i.e. the Disciples, and the Church Apostles, including especially Apostle Paul.

Apostle Paul wrote to the people of God in Romans 1:1, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called as apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. The word used here “Apostle” means “a delegate, ambassador, he that is sent.” Many characters in the Bible were chosen by God before they were born. We see this in Galatians 1:15-16, where Apostle Paul says, “But when it pleased the Father, who separated me from my mother’s womb; and called me by His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen, immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood.”

 In Romans 8:28, Paul says, He was “called according to His purpose.” In verse 29, Paul says, “Whom He did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son.” The word “conformed” in the Greek means “fashioned like unto.” The word “image” means “likeness or resemblance.” Verse 30 states, “Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called, them He also justified, them He also glorified.” The word “justified” means “just, innocent, or righteous.” Those who are “righteous” are declared “glorified.” (“rendered glorious”). In this portion of the Scripture, Apostle Paul speaks of 6 steps of the work of God in our lives: 1. “Whom He foreknew” (Vs.29). 2. He did “predestinate” (Vs.29). 3.”He conformed (fashioned like His Son) (Vs.29). 4. “He Called” (Vs.30). 5. “He justified” (declared innocent and righteous). (Vs.30). 6. “He glorified” (Vs.30) (“to render glorious, honored, and to magnify”). Also in Ephesians 1:4, “According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of sons...” The word “predestinated” means “to determine before, or ordain.” The words “adoption of sons,” means “son placing.”

The second part of this message is “We Belong To Christ.” Jesus said this in Mark 9:41. We need to be separated unto the Lord. In II Corinthians 6:14-18, Apostle Paul emphasizes this theme, speaking of the separation of believers in Christ. Verse 14 states the separation of the believers with unbelievers, and how we are not to marry unbelievers. Verses 14-16 stress the fact that spiritually light and darkness do not mix. Verse 16 states, “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Paul was dealing with real worship of literal idols in his day. Today, many various religions worship idols. Our God is real and living not made with stone or gold or some other precious stone. 

Verse 17 “Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you. And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty.” “Idols” are anything in the world that we love more than God the Father and Jesus Christ. In John 15:19 Jesus said, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

Do you feel this? Jesus said, we belong to Him. We are separated unto Him. John 17:16, Jesus said in his prayer to His Father, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” Romans 12:2, states, “Be not conformed to the world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The word “conformed” means “to be fashioned like.” The word “transformed” is the word “metamorphose.” This speaks of the change that happens in our lives as we yield to the Lord, and His Word. I Corinthians 7:31 says, “They that use this world, as not abusing it, for the fashion of this world passeth away.” This verse in The Amplified Version reads like this, “And those who deal with this world, over using the enjoyments of this life, let them live as though they were not absorbed by it, and as if they had no dealings with it. For the outward form of this world - the present world order is passing away.” Philippians 3:20 says, “For our citizenship is in heaven from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME, I’M JUST A PASSING THROUGH, MY TREASURES ARE LAID UP SOMEWHERE BEYOND THE BLUE.