Word of Grace Studies

and do not forget to do good and fellowship. For these sacrifices are well pleasing to God - Hebrews 13:16  Fellowshipping is sharing something in common. We, share in common within the body of the Christ and therefore need that time together to grow, encourage, and share together in our salvation. 

and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. 1 Peter 5:4 

For what is our hope, our joy, our crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?  Our boasting before our Lord at His coming will be the ones we shared the message of the Gospel with. This is not just talking about salvation, but at the very least the basics of the Christian life.  

Wherefore, my beloved and longed for brethren, my joy and victors crown, thus all of you stand firm in the Lord, beloved. Philippians 4:1

When we speak the truth and spread the message of reconciliation it is showing that we are victorious in Christ. Standing up and speaking the truth is not always easy, especially among those who claim to be Christians but base their salvation n on a different gospel, which is not a gospel at all. The message we bring is clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 15:3,4 believe that Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead for salvation. Not accepting Him into your heart, being remorseful for sins, asking for forgiveness of sins, making Him the Lord of your life, praying the sinners pray. No, all we need to do is believe.  

Those loving His appearance will live a life that guards His commandments, which is to love other saints (John 13:34). Living a life of love towards other saints will result in a life that rejects the shameful things, denies ungodliness, rejects the desires of the world, focus on the way things really are, has a conduct showing we are taking God at His word and living a life that is godly and righteous by manifesting who we are in Christ.  

Happy is the man who endures a temptation, because having come to be tested for approval, he will receive the victor's crown of the life, which He promised to all the ones loving Him – James 1:12

Self-control is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23) that He produces in our lives when we walk by the Spirit. That is, we govern our lives by the desire from the Spirit of God rather than by the flesh. Self-control comes from applying what we have learned so that we have experiential knowledge in living out the life and godliness that God gave us.

Evolution is just a theory. A theory is an unproven assumption, not fact. The theory of Evolution has actually discredited itself more than from any other source. It focuses on similarities rather than distinctions. When we look at the differences it is obvious humans did not evolve from animals because those differences are irreconcilable. Scripture, on the other hand, is proven fact that continues to accurately show us the truth.  

who will transform the body of our humiliation resulting in it to become together conformed with the body of His glory according to the working of His natural ability even to subject all things to Himself. Philippians 3:21

These things I wrote to you, to the ones believing on the name of the Son of God, in order that you should discern that you have eternal life, 1 John 5:13 

For our citizenship exists in heavens, out from which also a Savior we eagerly await, Lord Jesus Christ, Philippians 3:20

For thus says Jehovah, Who created the heavens, Who is the God who formed the earth and made it, Who established. Not in emptiness He created it. He formed it to be inhabited, “I am Jehovah and there is no other” – Isaiah 45:18 

This is an assembly that is wealthy but does not have doctrine. It has exchanged the truth of God for the lie and thinks its financial wealth is of more value than Spiritual wealth. Those of this assembly have put Christ outside the Church, because even though they say they follow God they want nothing to do with Him other than what will bring them financial wealth. This is the state of the assemblies today. However, there are still good churches of the Philadelphia period around. Find them and join them. No, they will not offer all the perks of the big churches, they will just offer us truth, Spiritual growth, and edification so that we are living out a proper life before God in the face of a corrupt and perverted generation.  

This is a time period in the history of the Church where the truth of God's Word began to take hold again. Coming out of the reformation, the assemblies began to study and understand God's Word. Although these assemblies are typically small, they have a big impact because they teach the Word of God accurately. It was through these assemblies that dispensations and rightly dividing the Word of truth was again focused on in the Church and applied correctly so that the Church took her proper place as one who is in Christ, rather than seeking to usurp Israel's promises.

As the Word of God began to be translated into different languages the people started to understand it and cast off the false teachings that had ruled for nearly 900 years. Still during this time, the predominant characteristic of the church was a dead church, but it still had those among it that were true believers. Many suffered persecution and even death as a result of defending the faith. Let us of the church remember this time and cast of its false teachings. Not permitting the separation of the clergy, worshiping of false idols and symbols, pagan religious beliefs, or any other aspect of this assembly to again infiltrate the Church, by knowing and rightfully dividing the Scripture.  

Therefore as many as are mature, we should frame the mind this way, and if anyone of you frames the mind differently, also this the God will reveal to you. Philippians 3:15 

This is the one coming through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not in water only, but in the water and in the blood and the Spirit is the witness because the Spirit is the Truth. 1 John 5:6 

The desires of the world are the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of biological life. None of these have any aspect of the Love of God in them.  We are of the Church, we belong to God. Stop letting the world manipulate us into dishonoring ourselves like they do. Abstain from fornication, possessing out bodies with sanctification and honor.   Each one of you should intuitively know to possess your own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in the desirous passions, just as which also the Gentiles, the ones not intuitively knowing God – 1 Thessalonians 4:4,5 

When Jesus instructed the Jews that if they looked upon a woman with the intent to lust after her they had already committed adultery in their heart; however, He did not say they sinned because adultery, which is an action, is not the same as trespass, which happens in the heart.  

“I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and your works, the last more than the first. Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to fornicate and to eat offerings to idols. 

The beast, which I saw, was and was not, and is about to ascend out from the abyss and go into destruction. and the dwellers upon the earth will wonder, whose names was not written upon the book of the life from the foundation of a world, when they see because the beast was and is not and will be present. – Revelation 17:8 

and I pursue according to a mark on the basis of the prize of the above calling from God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 

But not as the trespass, thus also is the gracious gift. For since by the trespass of the one [man] the many died, how much more the grace from God and the gift1 by grace by the one man Jesus Christ abounds unto the many. - Romans 5:15  Since it has already been states that physical death is from sin, and a sin and a trespass are two different things (Ephesians 2:1), this cannot be referring to physical death. The only other type of life we humans possess is spiritual life. This is a life that is connected to God. Adam's trespass separated him from God, resulting in his rational, logical part no longer being able to understand the things of God. He then passed this down to his offspring, so we are all born separated from God.  

All humans die because of one man's actions; however, we cannot blame him for staying in that condition. Through Christ, God deals with this sin and death by reckoning Christ's death and resurrection to us through faith. The end result will be that all who take God at His word will be raised from the dead and never face death again, just as Christ was raised from the dead. Because God puts His resurrection to our account now, we as Christians do not need to wait until we are resurrected to live out our resurrected life. We have access to it now. Now we can live a life that manifests the character of Christ.  Love other saints, be content with what you have, have an unruffled mind, hold your anger against unreasonable people, make others feel at ease, do that which is beneficial, be true to your word, keep the objectivity of your mind on Christ, and know how to properly possess your body. For against such actions there is now law 

What do we do when we have sinned? As Christian sin cannot separate us from the love of God, because it is clear nothing can, but what it does do is take us out of fellowship with Him. This means we are no longer sharing with Him and He has not part in our actions. In addition, if we continue in our sin, child-training, and even discipline will come because God will not allow us to be condemned with the world.  

But therefore also I consider all things to be loss because of the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord through whom all things I have suffered loss, and I consider to be refuse, in order that I should gain Christ, Philippians 3:8

Because everyone born out from God has overcome the world and this is the victory, the overcoming the world - our faith. 1 John 5:4

This was a period in the history of the Church were a division between the clergy and the people is solidified by false teachers – the Nicolaitas doctrine. Even though this is contrary to Scripture, the predominate characteristic of the church at this time was a separation of clergy from the people leading to very ignorant people when it comes to the Word of God and the clergy going the way of Balaam. 

As part of Who God is, He is by nature free. That is, no one or anything can compel Him to do something in a containing manner that governs His activities. This includes prayer. God has promised us to give what we ask, but it is only when we are asking according to His will, not to consume it of our own pleasures. So, when we are asking, we should have the right frame of mind, showing respect to our Creator for who He is, always starting off with worship – giving Him credit for what He has done – and only after expressing appreciating to Him for what we have making our request known, not to fulfill our desires, but to express a proper opinion of Him in our lives. Whether in sickness or in health, in poverty or wealth, or any other condition we can glorify Him and our requests to Him should be solely focused on this. 

If you are grieving, suffering, or sorrowful there is true relief that can be found in our Creator. He wants us to be happy, but not momentary happiness that this world offers, which is only based on lies and leads to deeper grief and suffering; rather, it is a true happiness that comes from knowing God. Come to where you belong. Stop seeking the things that cause harm and reject the truth. God has His arms wide open waiting for you. Just simply take Him at His Word and believe that Christ died for our sin and was raised out from the dead on the third day according to the Scripture. This starts the journey with Him. A journey that gives our life purpose and hope. A journey that brings fulfillment in knowing the truth and living it out so that we truly are happy people. 

God is loving, but God is also righteous and will not tolerate sin around Him; therefore, He will judge those who are unrighteous. This does not take anything away any aspect of Who He is; rather, it supports His other attributes - He does not lie so He is not going to agree with anything that is dishonest or untrue. He always sees things as they really are, so He is not going to turn a blind eye. How can a loving God send people to hell? He does not. If they reject His offer of salvation, they cannot blame Him for the result of their actions. Those who reject God's offer of salvation will be judged and when they are judged it will be in righteousness. They will receive what they deserve for their actions.

All of you look out for dogs. All of you look out for bad workers. All of you look out for self-mutilators. Philippians 3:2 

These faithful men and women suffered, yet stayed faithful and continued spreading the message and living out the life they have in Christ. Although today we do not face this type of persecution, we can learn from it that in whatever we do face that is contrary to our faith we should be faithful, even unto death, because God will bring an end to it and ultimately we will be victorious over those who seek to overcome us.  

Since God always sees things as they truly are and never lies, we should take Him at His Word. Even though sometimes the things He is telling us may be difficult to understand they are truthful. He says if we believe that Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead we will be saved. He says we have become part of a new creation (the Church) in which we are no longer condemned before Him. He says we have all things pertaining to life and godliness.   Truth is a very powerful thing. It will free you from the lie if you allow it. God is truth and wants us to also know the truth.   

God's holiness is a manifestation of the separation of the three persons of the Godhead. One God, three persons. Our holiness is being separated unto God. Living a life of holiness is not separating ourselves from the things that are against God; rather, it is separation ourselves to God, by which we will naturally be separated from those things that are not according to God.  

Even though we are not in this time period now, it should serve as a strong reminder to us to love the brethren. Anyone saying they love God and are indifferent to fellow saints is not loving God, for how can you love God and not love those who are born out from Him?  

The world would have never known love unless God showed it to us (John 3:16). We love Him because He first loved us. The commandment for the Church is to love other saints, John 13:34. It is through this expression of love towards other saints that those who are outside the Church will see that we are Christians, John 13:35. This love is a result of living out the life we now have in Christ.  

in order that you, yourself, should become blameless and innocent, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as luminaries in [the] world, while holding fast a word of life, unto my boasting unto a day of Christ, that I have not run unto emptiness, nor toiled unto emptiness. Philippians 2:15,16

We loved Him because He first loved us 1 John 4:19

God's ability to do whatever He determines to work out has always been a part of who He is, and this will never change. He brought about the heir of Israel apart from man's ability. He spoke and light reappeared on the face of the deep of the earth, He stretched out the heavens, He is the beginning and the end. There is none like Him.  

Yet knowing all things God did not predestinate anyone to hell. It is His desire that all are saved (who desires all men to be saved and to come to a full experiential knowledge of the truth - 1 Timothy 2:4). Nor did He preselect those who would be saved, for our election (His choosing us) is when we are called. Wherefore, rather, brethren, you be diligent to do your firm calling even election, for the one doing these things will never at any time stumble - 2 Peter 1:10. It is still our choice to accept God's calling.

Since God does not change, His promises also do not change. Looking at Israel, God has always been faithful, even through Israel has not been. And although Israel has not yet received the promise from God that He gave Abraham, it is not because of God, but Israel's refusal; however, through God's actions with Israel we see that He keeps His Word and therefore will fulfill His promise. To us as Christians, we have another promise, built upon better promises and no one can take that from us. What should our response be to what God has promised? Living in a manner that shows we believe Him.

Since God is Spirit, it is with our spirit, our rational part, that we are able to commune with, fellowship with, and learn from God. We need to stop and give time to think about what God has done, what He provides for us in salvation and start to properly use it in our lives, because these things are only understood in the spirit. And through understanding we start to train our senses to know what is proper and what lacks in character so that in all things we express a proper opinion of God and who we are in Christ.  

so then, my beloved, just as always you have obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, with fear and trembling, you, for yourself, work out your salvation. Philippians 2:12 

Since God cannot lie, deny who He is, and is not a man, what He stays He will do, He does. Therefore, in salvation, even when things around us do not appear in the way God states them, we can rely on His word. Why? because He is the One who calls things that are not as though they are and in doing so is true in what He says. He says you are a saint. He says you are no longer condemned, He says abiding in Christ results in living out righteousness and reaping the benefits of eternal life. Man says we have to earn it, God says we just have to use what He has provided for us. Being a Christian is not about doing, it is about being. I am, therefore I do. 

All of you do all things apart from grumbling and disputing, in order that you, yourself, should become blameless and pure, children of God without blame in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as luminaries in [the] world, while holding fast a word of life, - Philippians 2:14-16a 

Let us use the salvation God has given us. Know our enemies and how to defeat them. Grow in our understanding of who we are in Christ and how to properly walk in the light, casting off the works of darkness and living out the life that God gave us in Christ.  

For let this frame of mind be in you that also was in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:5

n this the love is in a state of maturity among us, in order that we should have boldness in the day of the judgment because just as that One is, also we are in this world. 1 John 4:17

We live in a time where our purpose is to show the lost that God is reconciling. A time where we are to show a proper opinion of God through our actions, not words, by living out the salvation He gives us in Christ so that all around us can see we belong to Him. In the future, when sin is completely abolished and righteousness settles down and feels at ease in the world, then our purpose will be different. But for now, it is doing God’s will and being ones who are blameless and innocent, being blameless children of God in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom we shine as luminaries in the world (Philippians 2:15).