MAKING SURE

Jack Davis

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure” II Peter 1:10. Are you sure? How can you be sure? Of what are you certain? Peter says in essence, “Let us be sure.” It seems he is inspired to encourage us to go after and be sure of an “abundant entrance” (V. 11) into that eternal state. God’s Word promises sure reward on wise investment. The most experienced businessman and financial experts cannot be one hundred percent certain that a new venture will succeed. Most will tell you that there is no sure thing. In any new investment opportunity, you just take a chance. Some will tell you that real estate property is the only REAL ESTATE. But my Bible tells me that the elements will melt with a fervent heat, and the earth and the things therein shall be burned up. It is sad to see someone in the natural investing everything they have and lose it.

“Your calling and election:” In the gospel message all have been invited – “Whosoever will may come.” All that come unto Him by faith have the choice to gain God’s best, and reign with Jesus Christ. Yet, even though we have been called to supernatural heights to be endowed with glorious rights, not all are entering into the full meaning and blessing of this calling and election. We are urged to confirm our call. The Spirit by the scripture challenges us to be partakers of that which is stable, firm, of force or steadfast.

We are called in one hope of our calling, Eph. 4:1.4. This hope is founded and grounded in Jesus Christ our only hope, I Tim. 1:1. He is also our secure anchor even in stormy times, Heb. 6:18-19. Thank God our Holy calling is entirely according to His own purpose and grace, II Tim. 1:9. If it were according to our works, how uncertain it would be. The believer’s calling is Heavenly, and as we partake of this calling, we consider Him, focus our attention upon Him, direct our energies toward Him, diligently seek Him as the Prize of the high calling, Phil. 3. Paul had the right focus when He said, “This one thing I do.”

We are called by the sure Word of God, which is incorruptible, lives and abides forever, I Pet. 1:23. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take need, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day down, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” II Pet. 1:19-21.

If the word came by the will of man (human impulse), we would be foolish to anchor our trust therein. Bless God, we are assured that it is inspired of God, II Tim. 3:16. God used many individuals to record the thoughts of His heart toward mankind. If we search the Scripture, we know it’s spiritual harmony. I don’t believe any one line, verse, chapter or book says it all on any given subject. Human “wisdom” will at times take a verse, or a statement from a verse, and try to make it stand alone. Then people will try to build a doctrine around it, wresting the scriptures to their own destruction. Human reasoning would keep us from building on a firm foundation. Thank God for giving us the wisdom to let the Word comment on and interpret itself. When Peter says, “a more sure word,” he is not saying that whatever was said before this was less sure, but rather that the Word had been confirmed in the coming and work of the One of whom it prophesied. Jesus has fulfilled much of prophecy, therefore are we safe in expecting fuller future fulfillment?

“Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people,” Isa. 55:3-4. We notice that prophecies of God’s eternal covenant, even the “”sure mercies of David” which point us to His loving kindness toward mankind, find their fulfillment in God’s beloved Son. The cross of our Lord Jesus confirmed its fulfillment.

“And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father’s house. And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father’s house,” Isa. 22:22-24. God promises for Israel and for us hang upon our dear Lord Jesus Christ, our “nail” in a sure place. In Him we find our only firm support. God will soon say to all fickle rebellion, “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste,” Isa. 28:16.

We find in Him secure trust, and are safe from shame, as we rest in Him as the “Rock of our salvation.” He is indeed the rock on which His church is built, and even though it is under fierce attack by Satanic forces, yet the “gates of hell” shall never prevail against it. Mt. 16:18. Praise God, the foundation of God standeth sure.” II Tim. 2:19. “He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty,” Isa. 33:16-17. What comfort to consider Jesus as our sure supply, even in symbolic terms. “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst,” Jn. 6:35. Paul said, “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” Phil. 4:19.

“Called to glory and virtue:” “GRACE and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue; Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust,” II Pet. 1:2-4. By the glory (radiance, splendor) and virtues (excellence) of Jesus Christ we are not only attracted and drawn, but these are also expressions pointing us to the end product: “We shall be like Him.”

“Give diligence:” Let us realize from this portion that our surety and security is in the “promises” of God’s Word, the “Provision” of the Son’s work performed for us, and the “power” of the Holy Spirit’s work performed in us. Yet we are urged (twice repeated) “give diligence” in making sure. In other words, make it your business: eagerly, earnestly give it your major concern. Seek seriously the realization and fulfillment of God’s exceedingly great and precious promises. His Word encourages holy enthusiasm and clearly rejects indifference.

“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God,” Prov. 2:1-5. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute,” Prov. 12:24. This fact holds true throughout the ages. Our attitude toward the things of God here and now will determine whether we will govern or serve there and then.

“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul; of the diligent shall be made fat,” Prov. 13:4. This being made “fat” here is speaking of being amply supplied, abundantly gratified, prosperous. Our heavenly Father greatly desires our spiritual prosperity. He would have us prosper and be in health, even as our soul prospers. His Word often urges us to give forethought and diligence to that which is sure profit, Prov. 21:5. “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which He possesseth. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” Lk. 12:15,31,34. These facts hold true in every age.

“But beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation…For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love…And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises,” Heb. 6:9-12. Thank God for the testimony of Abraham and those like him, who after he had patiently endured, obtained the promise. This pleases our faithful Father. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him,” Heb. 11:6.

Paul admonished, “Follow me,” Praise God for such a worthy example of “giving diligence.” He was indeed a crown winner by faithfully fighting the good fight, finishing his course, and keeping the faith. Let us be admonished by his expressions of “giving diligence.” He said, “I follow after,” “reaching forth” and pressing toward.” What holy zeal!

What does the Bible say?

Are some people predestined
to be saved and some to be loss?

Only one man was ever predestined and that was Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:18-20 says, we were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ who was foreordained before the foundation of the world. Acts 2:22-24 tells us, He was delivered by the foreknowledge of God which men have crucified and slain and whom God hath raised up from the dead. The Lamb of God was predestined to suffer and die for our sins; and to be raised again, thus becoming the Head of a new creation. It was the new creation that was predestined (Rom. 8:28-30; Eph. 1:4-6). No one can say that they were predestined to be lost. For God has predestined all who will believe in the Son of God to have eternal life. Those who reject Christ, are predestined to eternal damnation (Mark 16:16). Salvation is God’s gift of love for all mankind who will receive it by faith; “whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16; Acts 2:21; 6:31; Rom. 10:13; I Tim. 2:4; Titus 2:11). II Peter 3:9, “the Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
E. J. Davis

THE LAST DAYS

Anita Clark – Pastor

Carbondale, Kansas

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light” Matthew 11:28-30.

In this world of corruption and confusion which we face everyday in these last times, we must learn to rest in the Lord to have the peace of God in our hearts. Life is so full of disrupting things which constantly seek to rob us of our rest in the Lord. The first requirement to obtain this rest is to “Come” unto Jesus. He is the only One Who can give us peace, and rest.

In Luke 10:38-42 we find the story of Jesus visiting in the home of Martha. In verse 40 it says she was “cumbered about with much serving.” The word “cumbered” in the Gk. means “to drag all around, to disturb with care.” Often times in our lives we find ourselves in this situation. In verse 41, Jesus told this troubled woman, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.”

The word “careful” in the Greek language means, “full of care or anxiety, while the word, “troubled” means “to crowd, disturb or (turbid).” Mary chose the good part which Jesus said would not be taken away from her. That was resting at Jesus’ feet hearing His words. Apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:6 “Be careful (anxious) for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Peace and rest are joined together. When you have peace, you will have rest.

In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn of me.” The word “yoke” means “a coupling,” speaking of a yoke of oxen. Christ Jesus on one side and us on the other, joined together. It’s the only way of victory over restlessness and anxiety. We are joined unto the Lord. We are in Christ, and Christ is in us. The Scripture declares it. Notice that in Vs. 30 Jesus says, “For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” He is our burden bearer! He is the strength of our life! Our burden can be many things - whatever it is that is our lot in life. He is able and willing to bear it. In Vs. 29, Jesus says, “...and ye shall find rest for your souls.” This is a positive statement, and we find it really works. Psalms 55:22 says, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

“Learn of Me” Vs. 29. How? By listening to the voice of the Person who is close by in the other side of the yoke - our dear Lord Jesus. Guiding us, leading us, turning us into the path we should go. He will never lead us into a wrong path, and He always gives us strength to go where ever He leads us. How precious this is - to rest on Him and let Him control our lives.

Satan, our enemy, is always the perpetrator of an unrestful, unpeaceful spirit in a Christian’s heart. Psalms 37:7 says, “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; fret not thyself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.” Here in this place the Hebrew word for the word “rest” means, “to stop, cease, quiet self, be still, stand still, wait,.” Psalms 55:1-6 is a precious passage - speaking of how sometimes we feel oppressed in our trials and we may cry out, “...Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest.” This word “rest” means permanently stay, or reside or lodge, dwell or have habitation.”

We may at those times wonder where is the REST of the Lord. But then we cry out to God, and He gives peace that passes understanding and we learn that wonderful place of His rest. We may think, “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I be in this place all the time?” Psalms 116:3-9 states, “The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then I called upon the LORD, and I beseech Thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and He helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.”

All of us have gone through times of sorrow and trial. Yet, many of you have learned to rest on our sweet Jesus. Remember, “Underneath is His everlasting arms.” As we look around us we see so much evil and crime and drug addiction. Many of us have relatives whom we love very much, who are addicted to drugs. We are often grieved at all the evil manifest in the world and in our country and our state and even town. Satan is rampaging because he knows that his time is short.

We will be victorious over these trials, and disappointments as we rely and rest upon the Lord.
He is coming very soon. Will He find us faithful and resting upon Him?

Safety In Reminders

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.  Philippians 3:1

The truth is that everyone of us needs reminders constantly. This is especially true spiritually. We are so prone to forget what we have seen, heard and learned. Often in scriptures, we find things repeated, whether directly or in other words. Paul reminds us that this is safe for us, or for our safety.

The children of Israel we privileged to see and experience the great power and miracle working of their God. However, just a short period after they were miraculously liberated from Egypt, they began to complain and doubt as they were caught between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army. God had to remind them of His power to save them.

Just a few days later, after seeing the mighty hand of God divide the Red Sea, Israel again began to complain about dying of hunger in the desert. How quickly we forget. We constantly need reminded of God’s faithfulness, and also of the dangers that we face in this world.

Paul tells us that This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come (2 Tim 3:1). He is not speaking of the violence and other physical dangers we face today, but rather the spiritual perils.

We are so bombarded by the world today in so  many ways, that we sometimes do not even consider or realize the dangers that might lie in our way. We quickly forget the things that we hear and learn from God’s Word.

The increased availability of information from the internet and other sources means that we have to filter more. There is so much that claims to be spiritual or “Christian,” but is not. We must be able to discern these things, and the only way is to know what God’s Word says. Let us not be taken in by things just because they sound good on the surface.

Another important reminder in God’s Word is this: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25). This one seems to need continual reminding. So many of God’s people have forgotten this.

We need to be reminded continually, and those reminders come from God’s Word. I encourage you to continually study your Bible, and gather with God’s people to study and encourage and remind one another.
Gordon Crook

Holy  Spirit  Blessings

W. J. Franklin

There are many reasons for which I am deeply thankful for the anointing with the Holy Spirit.

?    Joy, lasting joy, fulness of joy. When the Spirit filled my being I was also filled with an ecstasy with which nothing of earth can compare. This joy made me forget all my surroundings and those about me, and caused me to be entirely occupied with the Lord. I just wanted to praise the Lord and not stop, and so I did and have not stopped.

?    Personal benefits of the Spirit. He has given me a satisfied feeling and quietness inside which nothing else can possibly give. The Scripture speaks of this as the “peace of God that passeth understanding.” Nothing can disturb the inward restfulness of the one who is controlled by the mighty Spirit of God. The Spirit took away much of my timidity. Timidity can hinder one as much as many other things, but God makes the righteous to be bold as lions.

?    Love for the Word of God. It is my sword, counsel and adviser. These two wonderful promises concerning understanding of the Word were made real to me: “Howbeit, when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: – John 16:13. And, “Now we have received…the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God” – I Cor. 2:12. The Spirit enabled me to take hold by faith of these promises, as well as the statement from Moses, “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever…” – Deut. 29:29.

?    The enabling for deeper service. He enlarges our service and ministry, and causes them to mean something to God. Jesus promised, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…” – Acts 1:8. He gives us power to testify, to pray, to serve, to endure all things for the Gospel’s sake. The Spirit has helped me to be a “workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth: – II Tim. 2:15.

?    Preparation for the final consummation of our salvation, and God’s plan for us at the end of this age. The hope of the coming of Christ actually burns in our hearts after we are empowered experimentally with the Spirit. This inspired hope moves us on, keeps us looking up, prevents us from getting discouraged. My heart sings and rejoices in this glorious expectation. Everywhere, the Spirit has witnessed to this truth of the coming of the Lord in positive terms, both by preaching and by tongues and interpretations. I use to know this truth as a doctrine only, but now it is my living present constant hope.

?    Control of the unruly member. He takes our tongues and makes us speak in other languages “the wonderful works of God” – Acts 2:11. Paul said, “He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself” – I Cor. 14:4. It is a great joy to have God use our tongue and it is edifying to us as individuals. Many people grow ashamed of the speaking in tongues. Why should we be ashamed of what God does? Maybe we ought to be ashamed of people who are ashamed, but never ashamed of God’s work or activity. Surely it is a privilege to speak in another tongue “as the Spirit gives utterance.”

Think on These Things

Martha Wainright

Gladstone, Missouri

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whiter shall I flee from thy presence?” Psalm 139:7.

It is impossible to go away from God. As Christians we know, by faith, and often with emotions conviction, that God will not leave us. But it is another matter to realize that we cannot leave Him. We may even have times of being out of complete harmony with Him, but we cannot leave His Spirit or His presence once the Spirit of Christ has been given to us by the new birth. Let’s think About times in our lives when we may have tried to escape the presence of God. Now we don’t usually verbalize it this way nor do we even form those words in our subconsciousness, but if we are to be purely honest, there are times when the humanity in us wants God to leave us alone. Not leave us, just leave us alone. There’s a difference.

Davis said, “If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be slight about me” – Ps. 139:11. In practical experience, when we surrender ourselves and our will to Jesus Christ as the Head of our life, there is no escaping His handiwork. There are parts of the Lord’s natural handiwork in creation that are breathtakingly beautiful, but that is temporary and the beauty of nature pales in comparison to the working of God in our own individual life.

“For it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” – Phil. 2:13. We need a vision of this truth. When the Lord, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, corrects us and chastens us as Sons of God, it is because He loves us – Heb. 12:6. And through these times of testing and training we are glorifying God, We are a delight unto Him (Prov. 29:17). But we need a vision of this truth, a divine vision, because “where there is no vision, the people perish.” This is not speaking of losing our eternal life in Christ, that’s impossible. But we can perish in the sense of losing the spiritual sight of our calling and perish in hope. Instead we need “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know 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” – Eph. 1:18-19.

Jonah could not escape from God. We don’t know exactly why Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh to cry against it. But Nineveh speaks to us of this whole wicked world, and we, especially who now have a vision of the truth of an overcoming walk, rebel against being in the world. We are not citizens of this world; we are pilgrims and strangers and we feel out of place. There are times we want to escape. But we learn over and over again that our only refuge and hiding place is God Himself.

“But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord” – Jonah 1:3. Verse 4 begins, “But the Lord…”. There He is. He is there – through our ups and downs and even knows what our reaction will be to these times before we experience them (Ps. 139:2). He may not “prepare a fish” for us, but He will do what it takes to keep us in His will. The message of the grace of God is that we do God’s will by His enabling. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” – I Cor. 6:20.

We are not of the world, but we are in it and as Jonah was called by God to cry out against the wickedness of Nineveh so our very presence and witness in the world cries out against the wickedness of this present evil age. This testimony is expelled in many ways – verbal, yes, but also in a tactile (touching) way. Those we rub shoulders with daily are touched by the presence of God through us.

In summary of these thoughts, as comfort, assurance, and instruction, Jesus said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” Heb. 13:5. And he meant it. Selah.

RUTH

Pastor Debra Isenbletter

Springfield, Missouri

Ruth 3:16 – “And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.”

After Ruth left the presence of Boaz, who did she go to? “And when she came to her mother in law” – we find that Ruth went home to Naomi. She came to the one who had sent her. She came to the one who had instructed her. She came with a happy heart! She came with Good News!

Though I see in Ruth a wonderful picture of the Bride of Christ, I can also see something else. In her returning home we can glimpse also the joy of the return of the remnant. Having heard the call of the Lord, they will return as a sign, with speed and with strength renewed. (Isa 5:26-27): “And he will lift up an ensign (banner, signal) to the nations from far…behold, they shall come with speed swiftly: None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken.” They will return with singing, with gladness and joy: (Isa 51:11): “Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.”

This is about returning home after receiving the Promises of God. We can see the joy of the Bride laying hold of the promises of Christ. We can see the joy of the Remnant laying hold of the promises of God. Whether Jew or Gentile, whether Church or Kingdom, the joy is the same! The Bride of Christ will return with joy and the Bride of Jehovah will return with joy.

What question did Naomi ask Ruth? Naomi said: “Who art thou my daughter?” Naomi still calls her “my daughter,” she knows this is Ruth, but she is asking her something else. This question can be translated two ways: The CJB (Complete Jewish Bible) translates this as two questions: “Who are you? My daughter? It is as though Naomi is asking Ruth: Are you still my daughter, or do you belong to someone else now? The NVSV, Amplified, NIV and NAS translate this as asking Ruth how things went: “How did things go with you, my daughter?”

How it went reveals who she is, so both translations teach us something. Naomi wants to know how Boaz responded to her request. It is as if Naomi is asking: Are you still Ruth the Moabitess or something more? She asks: “How did it go?” and “Who are you?” How it went will tell Naomi who she is! Ruth will answer both of these questions! Naomi knows that if Boaz had become Ruth’s “kinsman-redeemer” that this was an important question. I believe she knows who Ruth really is and this question is a test for Ruth. Does she know? Does she realize who she is? Naomi knows if Boaz has accepted his responsibility as her “kinsman-redeemer” that this question needs to be asked. Ruth must know who she is and Ruth’s answer shows she does, and she will tell Naomi!

Ruth had left Naomi earlier in the evening as her daughter, but she has come back something more. Ruth had come to Boaz as his handmaid for she said to him, “I am Ruth thy handmaid” (3:9) but she left as something more, as his “espoused” or “betrothed” (2 Cor 11:2), as belonging to him in a personal way. She left carrying with her all the promises of Boaz. She left having laid hold of the full potential of her redemption. Boaz had given to her the desires of her heart (Ps 37:4) and by faith she had committed her way to him. (Ps 37:5). What a wonderful picture of those who come and lay at the feet of Jesus and wait for Him to pour out upon them all His blessings; of those willing to lay hold of Jesus is that deeper way, who truly commit to Him every aspect of their life and lay hold of Him as their Bridegroom! If someone was to ask us, “Who are you?” do we know who we are and what we are to Christ?

What did Ruth tell Naomi? She told her everything! “And she told her all that the man had done to (for) her.” The word “told” comes from “announce (by word of mouth to one present).” It means “certify,” “to declare;” “to explain” or “reveal.” Boaz had revealed to Ruth what he would do and now Ruth will reveal the same to Naomi. The word “done” means to “accomplish, appoint, bestow.” She will tell everything that Boaz has done and in her telling she holds nothing back, she tells “all” and she knows “all” that he will do for her. She knows how she “ought to answer” (Col 4:6) and gives an answer and her speech is filled with grace (about every word and act of Boaz) and her speech reveals her comprehension of and appreciation of that grace. Ruth’s answer points to all those that know “what is the hope of his calling.” She has heard and accepted that call. She knows the “greatness of his power” (Eph 1:19) and the depths of his “love” (Eph 3:18-19). She knows “him,” his “power” and his “fellowship” (Phil 3:10). She knows this because she has spent time in his presence, in communion and fellowship with him.

Ruth in her answer to Naomi uses the phrase “had done,” she sees it by faith as already done! The meaning of the word “done” shows this. It means “to accomplish;” “bring forth” – He has done this! It means to “appoint;” “bestow” – He has done this! It means to “perform;” “prepare” and “provide” – He has done this. No one else can, only Boaz can, and for us, only Jesus can do all these things! All of these meanings are different manifestations of grace in our lives! The good work that began (Phil 1:6) in her (and in us) has been accomplished. Now he will finish the work that has begun by claiming her. When his is done he will “bring forth” this woman as his wife. All that she receives from him are gifts that he “bestows” – they are gifts – they are manifestations of grace. He has “prepared” her and will “provide” for her. He will “perform” and keep his promise to her. Like Ruth, we can know what “the man has done” – that man is Christ and what He has done will take eternity to tell! But oh, the wonderful voices of those who proclaim it, of those who are able to tell what Christ has done for them!

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

Verta Giddings

Sand Lake, Michigan

Acts chapter 3 – Healing at The  Beautiful Gate

This healing is the first recorded miracle after Pentecost. Remember that Jesus had told the disciples that the ones who believed on Him would do greater works than He had done – John. 14:12. Jesus had promised they would receive power after that the Holy Ghost had come upon them – Acts 1:8.

One day when Peter and John were going up to the temple to pray, they saw this lame man lying at the gate of the temple which is call Beautiful. He was begging for money, since he could not make a living because of his lameness. Peter fastened his eyes on the man and said, “look on us” (V. 4). Of course the man expected to receive money from them. Imagine his surprise when Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none.” His hopes must have dashed to the ground. It was true that they had no money, but they had something far better. They had the wonderful name of Jesus.

Peter said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” There was no way this man could have done this in his own strength. He had never walked. You know that when a baby starts to walk, they aren’t very steady for awhile. Not this man! Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up.     IMMEDIATELY his feet and ankle bones received strength. He leaped up, he stood, he walked, he leaped, and he praised God!

People saw what had happened (Vs. 9-11). They knew it was that same man they saw in that condition every day. Now look! The folks were filled with wonder and amazement.

This gave Peter the opportunity to preach about Jesus. Right away he said it was not because of Peter’s and John’s power or holiness. He said this healing glorified Jesus. He came right out and told these Jewish people that they had killed the Prince of Life, but God had raised Him from the dead and Peter and John were witnesses (Vs. 12-15).

Peter told them that it was through faith in Jesus’ name that the man was healed (V. 16). He did say they had killed Jesus through ignorance (V. 17). He said the Prophets had told that the Messiah (Jesus) would suffer, and so Jesus did (V. 18). The trouble was, the people did not believe that Jesus was alive again. This healing should have convinced them, for after all, a dead Christ could not give power to heal. Then he offered them repentance (V. 19). They must change their minds about Jesus. Then Jesus would change their hearts.

In order to be saved and go to heaven, we must believe that Jesus is the Son of the Living God, Believe in our hearts, confess with our mouths, that He died for us and rose again. and we will be saved.

Chapter 4 – next issue