Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.2, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Grace Notebook A Bible study article library sponsored by Grace Fellowship International ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://gracenotebook.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Resource For Righteousness](https://gracenotebook.com/resource-for-righteousness/) - In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told His disciples that they were the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Then Jesus said of Himself: "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say - [Trying to Live Independently](https://gracenotebook.com/trying-to-live-independently/) - Have you ever attempted to do a job on your own, only to discover that it was more than you could handle? The following accident report describes in excruciating detail one fellow's traumatic experience working solo: "I am writing in response to your request that I explain in more detail what I meant by the - [Grace for the Believer's Walk (Part 2 of 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/grace-for-the-believers-walk-part-2-of-2/) - Grace Teaching by Example (John 13:1-17) There is another lesson in grace in this passage. After Jesus had washed the disciples' feet He said, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do - [Grace for the Believer's Walk (Part 2 of 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/grace-for-the-believers-walk-part-2-of-2/) - Grace Teaching by Example (John 13:1-17) There is another lesson in grace in this passage. After Jesus had washed the disciples' feet He said, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do - [Grace for the Believer's Walk (Part 1 of 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/grace-for-the-believers-walk-part-1-of-2/) - The Cleansing of the Believer (John 13:1-10) The story of the washing of the disciples' feet is introduced by the words: "... having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end" (v. 1). Twice before in this Gospel mention has been made of divine love for man. The - [Closer to Perfection](https://gracenotebook.com/closer-to-perfection/) - Preface - John Woodward Sometimes "perfection" (Greek, "telieos") is used to indicate the goal of maturity and completeness that is the grace-based goal for the Spirit-filled Christian. "[Jesus Christ] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus" (Col. 1:28). "Let - [Living as a Saint](https://gracenotebook.com/living-as-a-saint/) - What comes to mind when you hear the word "saint"? If you're a New Orleans football fan it may be their NFL team - The Saints. Or you may think of a place like St. Augustine, Florida (which is named after the theologian and church leader from 400 A.D, Augustine of North Africa). Another well - [Breaking Free From the Past](https://gracenotebook.com/breaking-free-from-the-past/) - I recall one of my keen disappointments. I was to drive my parents' big, fancy sedan to chauffeur my best friend and his bride from their wedding to their reception. One of the car's drawbacks was its incredible thirst for gasoline. When the big day came, I busied myself with washing the car. Time slipped - [Victorious Christian Living: A Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/victorious-christian-living-a-testimony/) - By Bertha Smith (An edited Transcript of her audio message) That old woman [the flesh] hasn't even paled a little. Let's cover her up quickly. Just as black as she ever was. And if I could be as old as Methuselah, I wouldn't be one bit better. Well, if a person’s nature's will never be - [Corporate Identity](https://gracenotebook.com/corporate-identity/) - In this series we have been discussing the topic of the believer's identity in Christ. Much of this theme focuses on the multifaceted wonder of the disciple's individual identification with Christ. Here, let's consider the implications of the believer's corporate identity--the identification with the countless others who are united with Christ through saving faith. . - [How to Get Free From Stubborn Guilt](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-get-free-from-stubborn-guilt/) - When I was about eight years old, I got intrigued with cartridge pens. Regular ballpoint pens weren't cool anymore; cartridge pens were classy! The soft plastic cartridges that held the ink were replaceable. After getting used to handling one of them, I graduated to a fountain pen. These pens were similar, but instead of - [Why God's Glory is in All Creation](https://gracenotebook.com/why-gods-glory-is-in-all-creation/) - No one can ignore the intelligent design in God's natural realm, for His fingerprints are manifest everywhere. God's intervention is so evident in each level of creation as we shall see in this lesson. What the animal world does by instinct, mankind does by choice. Those of us who have a heart to appreciate and - [A Startling Message](https://gracenotebook.com/a-startling-message/) - I vividly remember attending a seminar in 1990 at Ontario Bible College in Toronto. Luis Palau was in town to speak on vital Christian living and evangelism. I had appreciated his world-wide evangelistic ministry and sensed a spiritual integrity about him. I jumped at the opportunity to learn from him in person. Since it was - [Victory in Christ's Person and His Vocation](https://gracenotebook.com/victory-in-christs-person-and-his-vocation/) - A summary/paraphrase of chapter 12, The Saving Life of Christ Jesus is all we need to know about God and man. We look to Him to understand what it means to live in the Promised Land as God intended. For though Christ was fully God in the beginning of the creation of the world, He - [The Church: A View From Above, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/the-church-a-view-from-above-part-2/) - In part one, we surveyed some foundational principles about the validity and purpose of Christ's church. Now let's look at the issue of our personal involvement in the local church. Although true believers in Christ have become part of the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13), some might still ask, is it really necessary - [The Church: A View From Above, Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/the-church-a-view-from-above-part-1/) - When I was a member of a Christian musical group, we visited York, England. What I remember most about that city is the cathedral. I was awed by the grandeur, size, and architecture of that centuries-old church. What impressed the writer of Psalm 84 was the significance of the Old Testament temple. He testified of - [The Life Side of the Cross](https://gracenotebook.com/the-life-side-of-the-cross/) - "Raised with Him." (Colossians 2: 12) .…In the experience of the believer, it is exactly in proportion to the experimental [experiential] apprehension, and co-working of the Spirit of God in applying the 'negative' side of 'death with Christ', that he/she gets the actual, experimental, and 'positive' impartation of the power of the resurrection. The two - [The Bridegroom](https://gracenotebook.com/the-bridegroom/) - In 2002 ABC began producing the dating and relationship "reality" TV program known as The Bachelor. In that first season a newspaper article reported, "The show ... premiered last month with 25 women vying for the affections of a 31-year-old San Francisco management consultant ... For fans of the series, the show plays like a - [Overcoming Spiritual Depression](https://gracenotebook.com/overcoming-spiritual-depression/) - Deliverance from spiritual depression begins with an understanding of "justification," not sanctification, as one might suspect. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23). "This is life eternal, to know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou has sent" (John 17:3). As a believer, are you truly - [Relating Theology to Life](https://gracenotebook.com/relating-theology-to-life/) - How should theology relate to life? The epistles of Paul address this question by their very structure. Notice this pattern: Romans 1-11 are primarily doctrinal; chapters 12-16 are practical. Ephesians 1-3 are doctrinal; chapters 4-6 are practical. Colossians 1-2 are doctrinal; chapters 3-4 are practical. Theology is foundational Why did the Holy Spirit inspire this - [A Valid Mysticism](https://gracenotebook.com/a-valid-mysticism/) - [Christ declared, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:23,24. And Paul counseled, "And do not grieve the - [Saints in the Hands of a Loving God](https://gracenotebook.com/saints-in-the-hands-of-a-loving-god/) - A Testimony of Sarah Edwards [This short excerpt from a testimony of Sarah, the wife of Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) demonstrates how the themes of God's love, grace, and our union with Christ were precious to her as someone associated with the Great Awakening in New England.] I felt a strong desire to be alone with - [The "Old Man" Was Crucified With Christ: Ephesians 4:22 Reconsidered](https://gracenotebook.com/the-old-man-was-crucified-with-christ-ephesians-422-reconsidered/) - The interpretation of man's essential nature as referenced in this exhortation in Ephesians 4:22-24 is pivotal to one's view of sanctification. And this doctrine is essential to the biblical counseling model employed to guide a defeated Christian to victorious life in Christ. "22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which - [Biblical Ethics? Absolutely](https://gracenotebook.com/biblical-ethics-absolutely/) - Who has the right to resolve the ethical controversies of our day, such as abortion, gay marriage, transgender hormones and sports competition, pornography, gambling, stealing, lying, etc? Are ethics just a matter of cultural trends and personal opinion, or are there moral absolutes? Because our generation has answered this question foolishly, our culture is descending - [The Resurrection Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-resurrection-life/) - At a Resurrection Day service a pastor declared, "More has been gained in the resurrection of Jesus than was lost in the fall." David McCasland observed, "Each day we experience the damage caused by sin entering our world. Greed, injustice, and cruelty all trace their origins back to Adam and Eve's decision to follow their - [The Power of Christ's Resurrection](https://gracenotebook.com/the-power-of-christs-resurrection/) - Our family used to live a short drive north of Niagara Falls. This awesome sight is one of the major tourist attractions of North America. The Niagara River flows over the American Falls and, on the Canadian side, the Horseshoe Falls. They rate as the third greatest in the world in the power and volume - [Forfeited Discipleship: The Rich Young Ruler (Part 4)](https://gracenotebook.com/forfeited-discipleship-the-rich-young-ruler-part-4/) - 3. The rich young ruler forfeited special DISCIPLESHIP (Matt. 19:16-22). As noted above, when the young man excitedly approached Christ, his interest was in achieving eternal life. He was implicitly warned of his self righteousness and idolatry of materialism that stood in the way of his salvation. The young man was a ruler; his values were - [Forfeited Discipleship: The Rich Young Ruler (Part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/forfeited-discipleship-the-rich-young-ruler-part-3/) - B. The rich young ruler also forfeited ideal Discipleship (Matt. 19:16-22). Although salvation is offered to sinners as a free gift, knowing Christ as Savior and Lord also includes His role as Teacher (included in initial discipleship). In this relationship believers are called to come to grips with the full implications of Christ's wisdom and - [Forfeited Discipleship: The Rich Young Ruler (part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/forfeited-discipleship-the-rich-young-ruler-part-2/) - In part one we noted the distinctions of initial, ideal, and special discipleship. Now we turn to the account of the rich young ruler to discern how and why he forfeited this great opportunity to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. A. The rich young ruler forfeited salvation (Matt. 19:16-22). Note the beginning of this encounter: - [Forfeited Discipleship: The Rich Young Ruler (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/forfeited-discipleship-the-rich-young-ruler-part-1/) - The case of the Rich Young Ruler stands as a tragic example of misplaced faith and wrong values. This zealous candidate for new life forfeited a wonderful opportunity for first-hand discipleship with the King of kings. While this passage is usually used to exhort people to complete commitment, it requires careful interpretation to clarify the - [Exchanging Shame for Dignity: A Testimony of Overcoming Severe Childhood Sexual Abuse](https://gracenotebook.com/exchanging-shame-for-dignity-a-testimony-of-overcoming-severe-childhood-sexual-abuse/) - By Cindy Waddell This is my true-life story; recounting my struggles with daily life and how God brought me through them and provided healing. It is my hope that my testimony will minister to you and bring hope and healing to your spirit, soul and body. [The names have been changed to protect privacy.] “Now - [The Parable of The Sailboat](https://gracenotebook.com/the-parable-of-the-sailboat/) - An Analogy of the Phases of Biblical Discipling and Counseling Imagine at the beginning, a boat being created and christened to sail the seven seas to do the will of its owner. For a short time all was well, but then a stowaway triggered a mutiny. When the two crew members rebelled, the ensuing conflict - [The Dimensions of the Cross, Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/the-dimensions-of-the-cross-part-1/) - The town where we live has a distinctive Christian symbol adorning the ridge above it.[1] Looking over the city is a cross. Lined with lights, its presence is very noticeable at night. To many, it is just a religious monument or community landmark; to those who know Jesus Christ, it symbolizes God's redemptive love. Since - [Getting Out of the Doldrums](https://gracenotebook.com/getting-out-of-the-doldrums/) - Upon giving the Great Commission to make disciples worldwide, the Lord Jesus instructed the apostles: "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). Let's consider the importance of the Spirit filled life in being a - [From Faith to Faith, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/from-faith-to-faith-part-2/) - The writer of Hebrews declares, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us ... But without faith it is impossible to please - [From Faith to Faith, Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/from-faith-to-faith-part-1/) - "For in it [the gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'" When I was a teenager I rode in some motorcycle enduro events. An enduro is a rally covering about 90 miles of wood trails, dirt roads, creek-crossings and "you-name-it." The - [Four Spheres of Discipleship](https://gracenotebook.com/four-spheres-of-discipleship/) - When our Lord commissioned His church to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, He left a blueprint and an adequate source of power. The enablement comes, not by our own good intentions, but by the ministry of the Holy Spirit in and through our lives: "But you shall receive power - [A Portrait of Discipleship, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/a-portrait-of-discipleship-part-2/) - We have been comparing the process of discipling another person to a disciple's framed portrait. The countenance of the portrait's subject symbolizes the Spirit of Christ--the One who empowers and directs the spiritual life. And the sides of the "frame" represent four a basic elements involved in making disciples. Side 1. "Discipleship requires TEACHING." Side - [A Portrait of Discipleship, Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/a-portrait-of-discipleship-part-1/) - What brings you joy? A rise in the stock market? A lower golf score? An A on your exam? Fine dining at restaurant? While they may bring some temporary happiness, spiritual ministry provides abiding joy. The Apostle John declared: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" (3 John - [Good News for Sir Ahmed](https://gracenotebook.com/good-news-for-sir-ahmed/) - When Abdul Hamid was deposed, Sir Ahmed, being in the inner councils of the "Young Turk" party, was appointed Vali [governor] of the Province of Van [in Turkey]. At this time the success of our [missionary] schools and hospital was attracting attention. Our treaties with Turkey gave us the right to own property and to - [Made Right to Live Right: A Study of Justification (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/made-right-to-live-right-a-study-of-justification-part-2/) - Spiritual Justification: A New Spiritual Nature I part one we examined legal justification: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1) As amazing as legal justification is, however, there is still more. Being placed into God's family at conversion is so miraculous, that no single - [Tearing Down Strongholds](https://gracenotebook.com/tearing-down-strongholds/) - Ministry trips to Great Britain gave me the wonderful opportunity to see historic castles there. These fortresses have stood for centuries as bastions of defense in their area. The castle in Edinburgh, Scotland, for example, overlooks the city and tops the "royal mile" that leads to the Queen's residence. Although castles today serve more - [The Cross and the Spirit-Filled Life (part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-cross-and-the-spirit-filled-life-part-2/) - ["And [the angel] said to me, "What do you see?" So I said, "I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of - [The Two Aspects of Christ's Death (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-two-aspects-of-christs_death-part-2/) - [Jesus Christ's Finished Work on the Cross: Substitution and Identification] ["But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit - [The Cross and the Spirit-Filled Life (part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-cross-and-the-spirit-filled-life-part-1/) - "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth)... And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit." Ephesians 5:8,9,18 . The Twofold Aspect of - [Epic Exhortations: Excerpts of a Sermon Preached in Moby-Dick](https://gracenotebook.com/epic-exhortations-excerpts-of-a-sermon-preached-in-moby-dick/) - Epic exhortations from Whaleman’s Chapel: Excerpts of a sermon preached in the novel, Moby-Dick Moby-Dick is the famous novel published in 1851 by Herman Melville. The main character and narrator, Ishmael, enlists with a whaling ship, the Pequot, under captain Ahab in pursuit of a huge and vicious sperm whale known as Moby Dick. Before - [A Survival Guide For the New Year](https://gracenotebook.com/a-survival-guide-for-the-new-year/) - Discoveries from Robinson Crusoe's Journal The movie, Cast Away (2000), told a personal survival story. Tom Hanks portrayed the story of Chuck Nolan, a FedEx engineer who became the sole survivor of a plane crash in the middle of the Pacific. After washing ashore on an uninhabited island, he somehow found enough food and shelter - [An Invitation to Biblical Faith](https://gracenotebook.com/an-invitation-to-biblical-faith/) - When your eternal destiny is at stake, you can't afford to base your acceptance or rejection of the Bible's message on secondhand opinions. Maybe you were raised in church and are familiar with the more popular Bible stories. Or maybe you have sat under skeptical scholarship in a religious education class or the Discovery - [God of The Impossible](https://gracenotebook.com/god-of-the-impossible/) - THE WORD “For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Your word.” Luke 1:37-38 THE POINT At this Christmas season our thoughts turn to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, and rightly so. Jesus is the reason for the season! No - [The Testimonies of Bethlehem](https://gracenotebook.com/the-testimonies-of-bethlehem/) - When my father was doing some work for a business in Atlanta, Georgia, he was invited to join the employees in some Christmas festivities. They were singing "Happy Birthday" so he assumed it was for Christmas, however he discovered that a lady there was born on December 25th. Dad was surprised to learn other distinctives - [The True Meaning of Christmas](https://gracenotebook.com/the-true-meaning-of-christmas/) - Christmas! There is a lot of talk about what it means, or at least what it should mean. Various cultures have developed different traditions surrounding this momentous event. It has certainly become significant to the retailers, since as much as 75% of their annual sales occur at this time. No problem there, as even our - [A New Creature](https://gracenotebook.com/a-new-creature/) - "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV. "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation" (Galatians 6:15 NKJV).* [In Matthew 5:3-10, the Beatitudes] remind us of certain primary, central - [The Book of Esther: Pictures of the Spiritual Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-book-of-esther-pictures-of-the-spiritual-life/) - As Canadians and American's observe a Thanksgiving holiday each fall, the Jewish people also have days of special thanksgiving and celebration; these are based on events recorded in the Tanakh (Old Testament). One of these holidays is the feast of Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people in the Persian empire from the - [Thanksgiving from Our "In Christ" Position](https://gracenotebook.com/thanksgiving-from-our-in-christ-position/) - Those who experience their crucifixion, burial and resurrection by living out of their "in Christ" position observe Thanksgiving in a more expansive way than we did before. When Jesus instituted the Lords Supper, Matthew 26:27 quotes Him saying: "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of - [Let the Real You Stand Up](https://gracenotebook.com/let-the-real-you-stand-up/) - From the archives of my memory comes a TV game show from the late 1950's. It was called, "To Tell the Truth." I tracked down a description of the British version of this vintage program. Four celebrities come to play by asking questions of three protagonists. One of the protagonists has a secret which they - [Cultivating Concern for Others](https://gracenotebook.com/cultivating-concern-for-others/) - "The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, the wicked does not understand such concern" (Proverbs 29:7). After the first murder, God went to Cain and inquired about Abel. "Where is your brother?" He asked the guilty man. With his reply, Cain displayed a total self-centeredness and disregard for others. "Am I my - [The Perfected and Progressive Aspects of the Believer's Sanctification](https://gracenotebook.com/the-perfected-and-progressive-aspects-of-the-believers-sanctification/) - Is it possible to be so excited about God's grace and our new identity in Christ that we miss part of God's provision for victorious living? Imagine a mechanic who sets out to fix his car, since the engine won't run. He finds and replaces the broken part and puts it all back together. The - [Identifying the Unpardonable Sin](https://gracenotebook.com/identifying-the-unpardonable-sin/) - One of the most important incentives for your spiritual growth and fellowship with God is the assurance of salvation (1 John 5:13). If you are not confident that your name is written in the Book of Life, how can you be secure in depending on Christ moment by moment here and now? However, one of - [Radical Trust](https://gracenotebook.com/radical-trust/) - A cancer battle testimony A year ago life was good, full and rich. I couldn't have asked for more. My marriage was great. My sons were doing well and had wonderful wives. The first grandchildren were on the way. My ophthalmology practice was at its peak. Life couldn't be better. With life going on so - [The Cure For Apostasy Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/the-cure-for-apostasy-part-2/) - In a previous study we looked at Hebrews 6:1-6 under the theme, "a cure for apostasy." The parallel passage that gives a similar, strong warning is Hebrews 10:26-31. Verse 26 has caused many believers to question their salvation: "For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer - [The Cure For Apostasy](https://gracenotebook.com/the-cure-for-apostasy/) - A Study of Hebrews 6:1-9 To be assured of Christ as your source of living, you need to be assured of His salvation. However, the warning passages in Hebrews 6:1-9 and 10:26-39 are sometimes used to question the security of the believer. Let's consider a brief explanation of these passages in their context. This article - [God's Salvation in a Person](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-salvation-in-a-person/) - We read in Acts 5:42 concerning the apostles: "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." They had only one text and one sermon — God's salvation in a Person. Paul, in Acts 9:20, preached his first Christian message: "Immediately he preached the - [How Did Jesus Do What He Did?](https://gracenotebook.com/how-did-jesus-do-what-he-did/) - In North America, the letters W.W.J.D.? have become recognized as a popular Christian slogan. These initials appear on things such as jewelry and clothing to prompt the question, "What would Jesus do?" This question stems from the classic novel by Charles Sheldon, In His Steps. Written a century ago, the book used this question to - [Watchman Nee's Discovery](https://gracenotebook.com/watchman-nees-discovery/) - "I want nothing for myself; I want everything for the Lord." These words of Watchman Nee can be regarded as the motto of his life and ministry. The Local Church movement which he founded also spread overseas, especially after the establishment of the Communist regime in 1949. Through his itinerant preaching and voluminous literature work, - [The Dimensions of the Cross, Part 4](https://gracenotebook.com/the-dimensions-of-the-cross-part-4/) - In The Cross as our means of identification (dimension 2) we examined the truths of Romans 6:6-14. Believers are to know that our old man was crucified with Christ, and that we are set free from the authority of sin. Reckoning this spiritual fact as personally true, we have the moral freedom to walk "in - [The Dimensions of the Cross, Part 3](https://gracenotebook.com/the-dimensions-of-the-cross-part-3/) - Oswald Chambers has observed that, "All heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, all hell is terribly afraid of it, while men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning." Instead of ignoring its meaning, let's continue to explore the profound implications of the Cross. When the Lord Jesus resolutely set - [The Dimensions of the Cross, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/the-dimensions-of-the-cross-part-2/) - Dimension 2: THE CROSS IS OUR MEANS OF IDENTIFICATION Not only has Christ died for us, but believers have died with Christ! This is like the width of the Cross—it reaches every aspect of our nature. When I first learned about this I wondered, How could I have died with Christ 2,000 years ago, when - [The Dimensions of the Cross, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/the-dimensions-of-the-cross-part-2/) - Dimension 2: THE CROSS IS OUR MEANS OF IDENTIFICATION Not only has Christ died for us, but believers have died with Christ! This is like the width of the Cross—it reaches every aspect of our nature. When I first learned about this I wondered, How could I have died with Christ 2,000 years ago, when - [Descending the Staircase of Humility](https://gracenotebook.com/descending-the-staircase-of-humility/) - Many consider pride to be the root sin (Isaiah 14:12-15). If so, then humility is the primary condition for us to qualify for God's spiritual blessings. Christ's wonderful invitation to abundant life includes this core value of humility: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. - [The Doctor is IN](https://gracenotebook.com/the-doctor-is-in/) - When I was doing some research at the library I came across this comic strip from the "Peanuts" series by Charles Shulz. It features Lucy in her make-shift stand with its posted sign: "Psychiatric help 5 cents. The doctor is IN." Charlie Brown has once again visited Lucy's booth for some counseling: Lucy : "I've - [Light on the Promised Land Journey](https://gracenotebook.com/light-on-the-promised-land-journey/) - A spiritual warfare testimony: My dark night of the soul In the darkest period of my life, caused by internal struggles, the Holy Spirit gave a promise, Psalm 37:5: "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass." This was not to be fulfilled until 19 long - [Jekyll or Hyde?](https://gracenotebook.com/jekyll-or-hyde/) - Years ago when I read my daughter's English paper, I was intrigued by her quote from Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Dr Jekyll had surmised, "If each [good force and evil force]. . . could be housed in separate identities, life would be relieved of all that was unbearable; the unjust - [Daily Displacement of Self](https://gracenotebook.com/daily-displacement-of-self/) - "Then He said to them all, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me'" (Luke 9:23). "For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those - [Employed By Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/employed-by-grace/) - A friend of mine--who knows I enjoy puns--sent me this testimony about a fellow who tried to find work: "My first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned because I couldn't concentrate. Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it, so they gave - [Christ is All](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-is-all-1/) - [In August of 1869, J. Hudson Taylor of the China Inland Mission read the book Christ is All: The Gospel of the Pentateuch by Henry Law, and left it in Hang-chow. There God was illumining Taylor's friend and coworker, John McCarthy about the reality and implications of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. - [Discoveries From Robinson Crusoe's Journal](https://gracenotebook.com/discoveries-from-robinson-crusoes-journal/) - The movie Cast Away [produced in 2000] told a personal survival story. Tom Hanks portrayed the story of Chuck Nolan, a FedEx engineer who became the sole survivor of a plane crash in the middle of the Pacific. After washing ashore on an uninhabited island, he somehow found enough food and shelter to survive. The - [Transformational Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/transformational-grace/) - "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Cor. - [Fourfold Discipleship: Jesus is Lord](https://gracenotebook.com/fourfold-discipleship-jesus-is-lord/) - Perhaps the earliest Christian confession of faith is the statement "Jesus is Lord." Missionary statesman and author, E. Stanley Jones, used three raised fingers (the peace sign plus ring finger) to represent these three profound words. This theme is woven throughout the New Testament. "...preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord - [Hidden with Christ in God](https://gracenotebook.com/hidden-with-christ-in-god/) - "Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are - [Walk in Newness of Life](https://gracenotebook.com/walk-in-newness-of-life/) - "As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy'” (1 Peter 1:15,16). "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so - [Walk in Newness of Life](https://gracenotebook.com/walk-in-newness-of-life/) - "As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy'” (1 Peter 1:15,16). "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so - [So God Created Woman](https://gracenotebook.com/so-god-created-woman/) - Adam was created and placed in a beautiful garden, having fellowship with His creator, and all His needs met—well, most of his needs. He had all he could want— plenty of food, no disease, no battles to fight, no crime, no one angling to get his job, no sin. Things were good! Just not yet - [So God Created Woman](https://gracenotebook.com/so-god-created-woman/) - Adam was created and placed in a beautiful garden, having fellowship with His creator, and all His needs met—well, most of his needs. He had all he could want— plenty of food, no disease, no battles to fight, no crime, no one angling to get his job, no sin. Things were good! Just not yet - [So God Created Woman](https://gracenotebook.com/so-god-created-woman/) - Adam was created and placed in a beautiful garden, having fellowship with His creator, and all His needs met—well, most of his needs. He had all he could want— plenty of food, no disease, no battles to fight, no crime, no one angling to get his job, no sin. Things were good! Just not yet - [The Gift of Victorious Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-gift-of-victorious-life/) - What is the greatest gift you have ever received? I'm not thinking of the kind presented in wrapping paper. Christians joyously declare, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Cor 9:15). This gift is Christ Himself, who purchased for us the priceless blessings of salvation—past, present, and future. Three aspects of salvation As - [The Gift of Victorious Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-gift-of-victorious-life/) - What is the greatest gift you have ever received? I'm not thinking of the kind presented in wrapping paper. Christians joyously declare, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Cor 9:15). This gift is Christ Himself, who purchased for us the priceless blessings of salvation—past, present, and future. Three aspects of salvation As - [Our Identity in Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/our-identity-in-christ/) - Identity theft is a problem most of us didn't think about years ago. Today it is common to hear the stories of victims who are trying to salvage their name and credit rating after learning that someone has stolen and misused a password, social security number, or charge card. Knowing the danger of identity fraud - [Living in Providence](https://gracenotebook.com/living-in-providence/) - A city on the northeastern coast of the U.S.A. bears the name "Providence." Wondering how this capitol city of Rhode Island got such a good name, I looked up a bit of history concerning its founder: "Roger Williams (1603- 1683) was a radical Puritan thinker and founder of the colony of Rhode Island ... His - [Under the Shadow of the Cross (Part 2 - Conclusion)](https://gracenotebook.com/under-the-shadow-of-the-cross-part-2-conclusion/) - Let us continue to contemplate the cross in its practical relation to our actual Christian life... 5. Fellowship with His Cross Much of our life contains suffering and trial and the shadow of the cross is also here. Looking upon our trials as unmeaning accidents, the blow of fate, the luck of evil fortune, or - [Under the Shadow of the Cross (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/under-the-shadow-of-the-cross-part-1/) - "This do in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). This inscription placed by the hands of the Master over the Feast of Love might well be made the watchword of our whole Christian life. The Lord's Supper is a sort of microcosm, or miniature, of the believer's life, and over every moment, every word and every - [Overcoming the Fear of Death: Turning Off the Fictional Movie of the Old Self](https://gracenotebook.com/fear-of-death-turning-off-the-fictional-movie-of-the-old-self/) - Turn off the fictional narrative—the real you in Christ is fearless and free. Introduction: A Relatable Struggle with Fear Recently, I was guiding a dear brother in Christ through some intrusive and recurring thoughts about death. Although he deeply believes in Christ and knows intellectually that he will go to heaven, the fear of death - [Overcoming the Fear of Death, Part 2: The Worship That Turns the Mind](https://gracenotebook.com/overcoming-the-fear-of-death-part-2-the-worship-that-turns-the-mind/) - Fear fades when the heart is captivated by Christ. Worship turns the mind toward the One who holds the keys of life. Introduction: When Setting the Mind Isn’t Enough In Part 1 of this series, we explored how the fear of death can be compared to watching a fictional movie of the old self—a false - [Displacing the Old Ways](https://gracenotebook.com/displacing-the-old-ways/) - As a child of fallen Adam you could not be restored to innocence, or brought back in righteousness to God [Rom. 5:12]. Divine justice could only pass upon you the sentence of utter condemnation. If that condemnation had fallen upon you in your own person, you would have been lost forever, but, thank God! it - [Spiritual Navigation: How to Discern God's Will](https://gracenotebook.com/spiritual-navigation-how-to-discern-gods-will/) - One of the challenges of longer roads trips is navigation. These days paper maps have been replaced by our reliance on a GPS. But even with that fascinating technology, we sometimes end up on less than ideal routes. Spell that L O S T ! :-) The task of navigating airplanes is a much greater - [Jesus Christ: My Full Salvation](https://gracenotebook.com/jesus-christ-my-full-salvation/) - Most Christians know Christ died for their sins and they know that they have peace with God [Rom. 5:12]. The load of sin is gone and a home in Heaven is sure. What happens now is perhaps the biggest tragedy in the Christian life. Having received a past and a future salvation they now set - [Our Enemy--The Flesh, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/our-enemy-the-flesh-part-2/) - In part one we noted the spiritual enemies of the world, the flesh and the devil. Here we continue to consider a primary obstacle to abundant living in Christ—the "flesh." The simple prescription of Galatians 5:16 is: "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." But how do we - [Our Enemy--The Flesh (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/our-enemy-the-flesh-part-1/) - A plaque still hangs in a room at our church listing those from the congregation who died in World War II. When our children were asked by their school teacher to list any relatives who died in a military conflict, we had only one name to mention—my cousin, David. When there are minimal military - [Dealing with Depression](https://gracenotebook.com/dealing-with-depression-1/) - "I am trapped in my own thoughts. I am a prisoner of my own brain. Today has been very emotional for me. Very bittersweet today. I can't seem to breathe. I have been sighing all day to get a little relief. My chest feels like its gonna explode. My feelings are holding me hostage - [Splashes of Grace: Living in the Overflow of God's Goodness](https://gracenotebook.com/splashes-of-grace-living-in-the-overflow-of-his-goodness/) - Have you ever witnessed an artist transcend their craft? A musician, for example, who consistently delivers excellence but occasionally reaches a level so extraordinary that it leaves you speechless. Listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s rendition of Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix reminds me of this. His usual brilliance as a guitarist is undeniable, but there - [Grace Teaches--Love Compels](https://gracenotebook.com/grace-teaches-love-compels/) - The Grace of God Teaches Us [Does the belief in the assuranced security of the born-again believer lead to carelessness and lack of spiritual power? Some believe so, but...] ...The fact is, the charge that teaching eternal security leads to carelessness in Christian living is a direct contradiction of God's Word. Many of the strongest - [Scripture Memory Project](https://gracenotebook.com/scripture-memory-project/) - Scripture Memory Project God promises special blessings to us when we memorize His Word. As Joshua was counseled by Moses, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For - [A Love Letter from the Heavenly Bridegroom](https://gracenotebook.com/a-love-letter-from-the-heavenly-bridegroom/) - “For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” - the apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 11:2) “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. - John the Baptist (John 3:29) [At the - [Freedom From Addiction, Part 4](https://gracenotebook.com/freedom-from-addiction-part-4/) - In the journey to freedom from addiction, we have looked at the adequacy of knowing Christ as our Life. Since He is the true Vine, and we are the branches (John 15:5), we can look to Him for the strength and virtue that is necessary for all of life's demands, including freedom from addictions. We - [Freedom From Addiction, Part 3](https://gracenotebook.com/freedom-from-addiction-part-3/) - When we lived in Pennsylvania, USA, our first apartment was on a rural road. One winter's day we needed to drive to another state, but it had snowed the night before. A blanket of snow more than a foot deep covered the ground everywhere. Our car then was a Ford sedan that didn't have much - [Freedom From Addiction, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/freedom-from-addiction-part-2/) - We have been looking into the subject of compulsive behaviors, stubborn habits, and besetting sins. A more contemporary term for such problems is "addiction." When a believer in Christ remains shackled in this way, he/she is missing out on a major benefit of his/her spiritual birthright. Our Lord Jesus stated, "Most assuredly, I say to - [Freedom From Addiction (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/freedom-from-addiction-part-1/) - Once, when our family was stranded along the side of the highway, I learned more about the art of towing. The first tow truck that arrived could not pull our van, since our rear wheel was broken. As we waited for the next one—a flat bed truck which literally carried the whole van to the - [Keep the Faith](https://gracenotebook.com/keep-the-faith/) - "As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him" (Col 2:6). We sometimes use the expression "keep the faith!" to encourage steadfast endurance. How should we "keep the faith"? 1. Faith in salvation includes belief and trust. Belief denotes the idea of confidence in the truth, and trust denotes reliance upon - [Privileged Like Mary](https://gracenotebook.com/privileged-like-mary/) - As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke11:27,28, NIV). .It is fondly imagined by some that it must have involved very special privileges - [Christmas Angels and the Intrigue of Redemption](https://gracenotebook.com/christmas-angels-and-the-intrigue-of-redemption/) - Angels played a vital role in the nativity story. We sing of them in our familiar Christmas carols: Angels We Have Heard on High, Hark the Herald Angels Sing... And contemporary interpretations of "angels" show up in many Christmas decorations. In Scripture we discover that angels are actually powerful, personal, spirit messengers created and deployed - [Why Christians Get Sick, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/why-christians-get-sick-part-2/) - . We've been considering the complex question, Why do Christians get sick? Having discussed the cases of sickness unto death and sickness unto chastisement, we now focus another possibility. 3. Sickness unto the glory of God The concept of God being glorified through our sickness may sound strange. How can something as negative as - [Why Christians Get Sick](https://gracenotebook.com/why-christians-get-sick/) - Do you ever wonder why people get sick? And in particular, Why do Christians get sick? Although spiritually healed by Christ's stripes of crucifixion, believers get sick in ways that almost parallel nonbelievers (1 Pet. 2:24). I say the ways almost parallel non believers. In his book, None of These Diseases, Dr. S.I. McMillen gives - [The Mystery of Godliness](https://gracenotebook.com/the-mystery-of-godliness/) - "...great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory" (1 Timothy 3:16 NKJV). [In this article, Ian Thomas explains that New Testament living is not essentially an imitation of Christ, but a - [The Priority of My Life and Ministry](https://gracenotebook.com/the-priority-of-my-life-and-ministry/) - I have been asked by my students, Why do you always end your letters and devotionals with the phrase: "Yours in the Message of the Cross"? The question is most valid. Allow me to give you the background to this, my priority of life and ministry. 1. First of all, it is a biblical term - [How to Have True Assurance, Part 3](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-have-true-assurance-part-3/) - We have considered objective assurance (the promises of God) and subjective assurance (vital signs in the believer's heart and actions). Now we will conclude this study by comparing the believer's position and condition. What is our position in Christ? The Bible declares "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" - [Jonathan Edwards' Personal Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/jonathan-edwards-personal-testimony/) - Excerpts from an Autobiography, A PERSONAL NARRATIVE, by Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) The first instance that I remember of that sort of inward, sweet delight in God and divine things, that I have lived much in since, was on reading those words, 1 Timothy 1:17, “Now unto the King, eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, - [How to Have True Assurance, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-have-true-assurance-part-2/) - In each issue of Readers' Digest magazine, there is a feature article identified as "Drama in Real Life." The stories are exciting adventures of near-death mishaps and heroic rescues. What a relief to follow the narrative to the point where those in danger are delivered. It reminds me of an illustration used by one of - [How to Have True Assurance, Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-have-true-assurance-part-1/) - When I embarked as a high school graduate from Atlanta, Georgia to Florida Bible College, one of my main concerns was to gain the assurance of my salvation. On my parent's recommendation and sponsorship I planned to get a year of biblical training as a foundation for my future career--whatever that might be. Although I - [Abundant Life Testimony of John Bunyan](https://gracenotebook.com/abundant-life-testimony-of-john-bunyan/) - From Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by the author of Pilgrims Progress (1678) . Now did my chains fall off my legs indeed, I was loosed from my affliction and irons, my temptations had fled away; so that, from that time, those dreadful scriptures of God [about judgment to come] left off to - [A Higher View](https://gracenotebook.com/a-higher-view/) - When I consider a higher view, I'm reminded of my visit to the C.N. Tower in Toronto. Overlooking Lake Ontario stands this tower which is the world's tallest building and free-standing structure (1,815' or 555.3 meters high). We took the glass elevator up to the 360 degree observation deck. Not only is the panorama of - [The Cross and the Overcoming Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-cross-and-the-overcoming-life/) - "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world,but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:4,5). . There is only one Overcomer in the universe, and that is the Lord Jesus - [The Cross and the Overcoming Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-cross-and-the-overcoming-life/) - "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world,but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:4,5). . There is only one Overcomer in the universe, and that is the Lord Jesus - [Inspiration and Illumination](https://gracenotebook.com/inspiration-and-illumination/) - The Revelation of God - Part 2 A father was approached by his young son who proudly said, "I know what the Bible means!" His father replied, "So son, you know what the Bible means?" "Sure," the young fellow confidently answered. "It means Basic Information Before Leaving Earth" (B.I.B.L.E.)." That's a pretty good way to - [The Revelation of God](https://gracenotebook.com/the-revelation-of-god/) - The meaning of revelation "What does 'revelation' mean? What is the meaning of 'inspiration'? And how would you define 'illumination'? Can you have revelation without inspiration? Or inspiration without illumination?" These were questions raised in a Bible class in Philadelphia School of Bible years ago. I was visiting the college for a day and found - [We Can’t, But He Can](https://gracenotebook.com/we-cant-but-he-can/) - In Romans 8:1 Paul tells us, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Our salvation is not based on us but on what Christ has done for us, in us, and through us. Paul says, “There is no condemnation for Christians.” If you’ve given your life to Him, everything - [The Lord Is My Shepherd ( Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-lord-is-my-shepherd-part-2/) - We have been considering the profound blessings we have in Christ as our Good Shepherd (Psalm 23; John 10). When our 98 year old church member went to be with the Lord, her funeral service bulletin contained Psalm 23. Then verse six was fulfilled in her experience: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All - [The Lord Is My Shepherd (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-lord-is-my-shepherd-part-1/) - Friends who live in Jerusalem testified of the renewed cycle of violence taking place around them. I was intrigued by their description of a local shepherd and how he calmed his little flock: "On Saturday morning, for the first time in three years, we had a major conflict on our street... Six Israeli jeeps of - [Open Your Mouth Wide](https://gracenotebook.com/open-your-mouth-wide/) - "I am the LORD your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it" (Psalm 81:10). When I think of this invitation to "open your mouth wide," I picture a young bird eagerly responding to its mother's feeding in the nest. That imagery was impressed - [Job: A Case Study On Suffering, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/job-a-case-study-on-suffering-part-2/) - This brief survey of the book of Job is intended to provide a godly perspective on this problem of suffering. Rick Rood has observed: "It is unquestionably true that there is no greater obstacle to faith than that of the reality of evil and suffering in the world. Indeed, even for the believing Christian, there - [What is Christian Counseling?](https://gracenotebook.com/what-is-christian-counseling/) - Someone wrote to me, "...I heard you refer to obsessive/compulsive disorders on your radio program. That's a problem I have. I feel that I must spin around precisely three times and flip the light switch once before leaving the house, especially when I'm nervous about something. Do you think you can help me?" Would you - [Job: A Case Study On Suffering, Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/job-a-case-study-on-suffering-part-1/) - I recall attending a one man theatrical production of the book of Job. For over an hour the Christian actor quoted from this biblical book of wisdom, dramatizing Job's sufferings, the related speeches, and his eventual restoration. When you see a man writhing in pain and calling out to God for answers and justice, it - [My Journey to Discover Christ as Life](https://gracenotebook.com/my-journey-to-discover-christ-as-life/) - What is the Christian life? That definitely was a question I had ten years ago—one that desperately needed an answer. Working for General Motors on the assembly line, with my Bible open before me and tears streaming down my face, my constant cries before God were: "What went wrong? Why am I so defeated? What - [Drum Beats for Wholehearted Disciples](https://gracenotebook.com/drum-beats-for-wholehearted-disciples/) - [In her book, Ascent to the Tribes, veteran missionary Isobel Kuhn describes five "drumbeats" that symbolize essential principles for spiritual growth and and navigating interpersonal conflicts.] . "Living in such unhandy primitive quarters, don't your earthen vessels ever jar each other?" "What about personality rubs?" There is no easy cure-all answer. We would say with - [Measuring Things Differently](https://gracenotebook.com/measuring-ministry/) - When we moved from the U.S. to Canada in 1982, one of our challenges was adjusting to the metric system. We were raised with cars going "miles per hour"; up north it's "kilometers per hour." I never could switch from fuel economy as "miles per gallon." In the grocery store there is a whole assortment - [A Testimony: My Father's Shirt](https://gracenotebook.com/a-testimony-my-fathers-shirt/) - A Painful childhood memory becomes a door to faith and the knowledge of the healing love of God.[1] . The Holy Spirit really dealt with my husband and me at the Sonship Week conference in answer to many prayers. I'm seeing that as good as theology and teaching technique are, it is the Holy Spirit - [Resolving Interpersonal Conflicts, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/resolving-interpersonal-conflicts-part-2/) - The Hatfield-McCoy Feud is a part of American folklore that has come to symbolize a long-standing cycle of conflict. This feud was a decades-long, violent conflict between two extended Appalachian families in the late 19th century. An episode of this sad story from 1882 involved Johnse Hatfield and Rosanna McCoy attempting to elope. Ellison Hatfield - [Resolving Interpersonal Conflicts, Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/resolving-interpersonal-conflicts-part-1/) - Our family once visited Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This town marks the location of a devastating battle in the American Civil War. During July 1-3, 1863, the Confederate armies fought the Union armies resulting in at least 5,787 dead, 27,334 injured, and 10,612 missing or captured. [1] The various monuments to the military regiments involved in the - [Your Palette of Emotions](https://gracenotebook.com/your-palette-of-emotions/) - A young boy once wrote this note to a psychotherapist: "Dear Dr. Gardener, What is bothering me is that long ago some big person it is a boy about 13 years old. He called me turtle and I knew he said that because of my plastic surgery. And I think God hates me because of - [Raised and Ascended with Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/raised-and-ascended-with-christ/) - "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, - [The Resurrection of Jesus Christ—A New Beginning](https://gracenotebook.com/the-resurrection-of-jesus-christ-a-new-beginning/) - “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1: 18) Through the last Adam God has provided another way of union with the human race and in Him He has made a new beginning. - [The Believer and God's Moral Law](https://gracenotebook.com/the-believer-and-gods-moral-law/) - How should those "under grace" relate to God's Moral Law? Students of grace truths do well to prayerfully think through this issue. The question is: Was the Moral Law (as revealed in the Old Testament and pre-Calvary Scripture) canceled by the New Covenant? No Moral Law for the Christian today? A popular grace author criticized - [The Christian's Confession of Sins](https://gracenotebook.com/the-christians-confession-of-sins/) - How wonderful it is that God judicially pardons believers in Christ of all their sins--past, present, and future--when they are saved: "And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses"( Col. 2:13). Some grace teachers, therefore, believe that confession - [Selective Memory](https://gracenotebook.com/selective-memory/) - Thanks for the memories Memory is a remarkable capacity that we've been given. It certainly has its good side. Our family's photo albums and digital folders are enjoyable collections of memories. And when our children were growing up, at bedtime they'd often ask for a story. It amazed me how often I could stroll down - [Our Great Teachers](https://gracenotebook.com/our-great-teachers/) - When we remember the variety of teachers we have had over the years, some stand out as especially helpful, and others rate somewhat lower. Good teachers inspire willing students to learn the required lessons and grow toward their potential. I recall my fourth grade teacher kept a tight reign on the class but helped me - [Your Daily Walk](https://gracenotebook.com/your-daily-walk/) - Walking has becoming a popular form of exercise these days. What was once a necessity is now a creative fitness adventure! Most enjoy teaming up with a friend for the benefits of conversation, encouragement and safety. It is no coincidence that the Bible frequently describes the Christian life in terms of walking. For example - [Consider God's Love](https://gracenotebook.com/consider-gods-love/) - Over three centuries ago this pastor/scholar admonished Christians to experience wholehearted devotion to God. Following a discussion of spiritual disciplines, he turns here to a consideration of God's gracious love—the wonderful inspiration for our spiritual growth and ministry. . ... A deep and serious consideration of the truths of our religion, and that, both as - [Consider God's Love](https://gracenotebook.com/consider-gods-love/) - Over three centuries ago this pastor/scholar admonished Christians to experience wholehearted devotion to God. Following a discussion of spiritual disciplines, he turns here to a consideration of God's gracious love—the wonderful inspiration for our spiritual growth and ministry. . ... A deep and serious consideration of the truths of our religion, and that, both as - [Dimensions of Forgiving](https://gracenotebook.com/dimensions-of-forgiving/) - The year after graduating from seminary I worked for a moving and storage company in Pennsylvania (a very MOVING experience...). During that time I noticed that a move is a good opportunity to do some dejunking. It is amazing how much "stuff" a family accumulates over time—ours included! Black garbage bags are often used for - [Wisdom and Gender Identity](https://gracenotebook.com/wisdom-and-gender-identity/) - Identity is an essential aspect of our self image. In our post Christian society the belief in no absolute truth has allowed our culture to drift into extreme confusion and subjectivity. An example of the escalation in gender identity controversy is an Internet article posted this year that is titled “81 Types of Genders & - [How to Age Gracefully](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-age-gracefully/) - Aging has my attention theses days. Perhaps because my grey hairs keep increasing. Receiving my my Medicare card last year made my "senior citizen" status somewhat undeniable! All who are past their prime in life are increasingly aware of the discouraging symptoms of physical decline. As Bill Gillham would say, our "earth suit" is wearing - [The Antivirus Program](https://gracenotebook.com/the-anti-virus-program/) - Computer users have a nemesis which has earned a bad reputation—computer viruses. If only some vitamin C and plenty of liquids could prevent these destructive, unpredictable codes from destroying computer files and crashing hard drives! The first line of defense is to run antivirus software on your computer; it recognizes and neutralizes these software saboteurs - [Psychiatry and Inner Conflicts](https://gracenotebook.com/psychiatry-and-inner-conflicts/) - "God has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end" (Ecclesiasted 3:11).[1] If we are quiet before God and allow his Spirit to shine upon our inward state, we shall probably discover more - [More Than Conquerors](https://gracenotebook.com/more-than-conquerors-1/) - Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin - [The Stinkin' Visitor](https://gracenotebook.com/the-stinkin-visitor/) - It was 5 AM on a Friday morning when, out of a sound sleep, I got punched in the nose—not from a fist, but from a powerful odor. It was the unmistakable smell of a skunk, and it was coming from inside the house! I got up to investigate and found our dog, Honey, sitting - [Not I, But Christ: The Challenge of Galatians 2:20](https://gracenotebook.com/not-i-but-christ/) - "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). In this matchless statement Paul the apostle encapsulates - [Who Caused the Death of Christ? (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/who-caused-the-death-of-christ-part-1/) - The motion picture, The Passion of the Christ, presented an extremely vivid portrayal of Jesus Christ's scourging and crucifixion. When the film was released, it was much discussed in the news and raised concerns about anti-Semitism. Sadly, Christendom's history has been marred by the sinful persecution of Jewish people. For example, Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum recalls - [Who Caused the Death of Christ? (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/who-caused-the-death-of-christ-part-2/) - A careful search of Scripture yields a nine-fold answer to this question. In part Part 1 we considered: 1. The physical cause: the Roman soldiers 2. The executive legal cause: the Roman governor, Pilate 3. The passive legal cause: King Herod Antipas 4. The primary legal cause: the Sanhedrin But these are not the only - [The Faithful God](https://gracenotebook.com/the-faithful-god/) - DEDICATION To the beloved people of God, who, at this present time, have forgotten prosperity and whose souls are removed afar off from peace. To those whose hearts cry out even now, "My strength and my hope is perished from the Lord." Whose remembrance is of their affliction, misery, wormwood and gall of present circumstances, - [The Transforming Power of God's Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/the-transforming-power-of-gods-grace/) - Testimonies of Transformation Back in the fall of 1976 I enrolled as a student at Northeastern Bible College in New Jersey. I remember driving in that area and sometimes catching a glimpse of the Twin Towers of World Trade Center; their absence is now a haunting memory. During that summer New York City was haunted - [The Chariots of God](https://gracenotebook.com/the-chariots-of-god/) - I wonder how the people in Bible times would have reacted if they got a glimpse our modern means of transportation. Back then people would walk, and those that could afford it might benefit from riding a donkey, horse, or camel. Today, cars whisk us along at high speeds for hours at a time, and - [Falling in Love? (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/falling-in-love-part-2/) - How often we have heard the confession of some confused heart: "I just don't love the Lord as I know I should." Because the world's sentimental notion of love has been imposed upon the church, many seem unable to manufacture that kind of religious emotion which they so often hear about in songs, sermons and - [Falling in Love? (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/falling-in-love-part-1/) - A comparison and evaluation of the three kinds of love as they relate to courtship and marriage Has God intended that a Christian should fall in love?... …It seems there are two false notions that dominate the world's thought about love. First of all there is the fatalistic notion as expressed in the phrase "fall - [Spiritual Growth](https://gracenotebook.com/spiritual-growth/) - "Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. " 2 Peter 3:18 Two realms of growth To grow in grace and to grow in knowledge, Peter suggests, are not precisely the same thing. It is quite possible to do one without doing the other: to acquire knowledge without that - [The Cross Day by Day](https://gracenotebook.com/the-cross-day-by-day-1/) - "If any man will come after Me [Christ Jesus], let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me" (Luke 9. 23). I think often we accept the cross in theory, but when it comes to practice, we either do not recognize it for what it is, or we recognize it and - [Finding Soul Rest](https://gracenotebook.com/finding-soul-rest/) - Friends who went camping described their enjoyable get-away. When I asked if they slept in a tent or trailer, they told me that they used hammocks. They tied the fabric between trees, suspended above the ground—a comfortable way to relax and get a good night's sleep. What a picture of rest. We need times of - [Christ in Heaven and Christ Within (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-in-heaven-and-christ-within-part-2/) - The Perils Of The Objective Apprehension But there are perils associated even with that blessed truth, because it is only one side of the truth. It is the first side; it is the thing which must come first, but it is only one side, and therefore it is just possible to make salvation one-sided by - [Christ in Heaven and Christ Within (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-in-heaven-and-christ-within-part-1/) - "Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places" (Eph. 1:20). "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. - [What Child Is This?](https://gracenotebook.com/what-child-is-this/) - The Christmas carol by William Dix asks, "What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?" Since the Christmas season should celebrate the birth of Jesus, the question of His identity and mission deserves our informed consideration. Biblical prophecies give - [The Perfect Humanity of Jesus Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/the-perfect-humanity-of-jesus-christ/) - "God our Savior...desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: - [The Theology of Christmas](https://gracenotebook.com/the-theology-of-christmas/) - ["In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines - [A Hymn for Christmas](https://gracenotebook.com/a-hymn-for-christmas/) - "And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory" (I Timothy 3:16). According to the third-century historian Eusebius, it was customary among early Christians to express their faith in - [The Witness of Angels](https://gracenotebook.com/the-witness-of-angels/) - "Angels we have heard on high," "Hark, the herald angels sing"—the familiar Christmas carols contain many references to angels. Angels have become quite popular in modern culture as well. Many TV programs, movies, books, magazines, and collectibles involve angels. According to polls, most people believe in them, but what are angels? Are they only metaphors - [Freedom Through Abiding in Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/freedom-through-abiding-in-christ/) - An Exposition Three great truths Paul had put before his readers [in Romans 5-8]: substitution, identification, and union. The thought of substitution he unfolds in chapter 5: "Christ died for the ungodly," "Christ died for us," verses 6 and 8. Here, too, we have the headship of the first and second representatives, Adam and Christ, - [Exchange Rate](https://gracenotebook.com/exchange-rate/) - In our travels to other nations we usually get some currency to use while in their country. My most recent trip required an exchange of US funds to Euros. Depending on the country and its economy, there are various exchange rates that banks offer. This concept of "exchanging" echoes missionary Hudson Taylor's reference to abundant - [The Liberty of Sonship](https://gracenotebook.com/the-liberty-of-sonship/) - ["But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, - [The Good News of God's Love for Everyone—Including You](https://gracenotebook.com/the-good-news-of-gods-love-for-everyone-including-you/) - A Simple Gospel Outline “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16 Amplified Bible). 1. God really loves everyone. "Say to them: ‘As - [Foreknowledge, Predestination and Election (Part 1 of 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/foreknowledge-predestination-and-election-part-1-of-2/) - There are so many theories today concerning foreknowledge, predestination and election, until the mind of the normal and average Christian is so mixed up that he doesn't know what to believe. If we do not get these three doctrines straight, our whole Christian life will be warped, and soul winning will become a lost grace. - [The Sovereignty of God and the Responsibility of Man: A Quest For Balance](https://gracenotebook.com/the-sovereignty-of-god-and-the-responsibility-of-man-a-quest-for-balance/) - The apparent contradiction in the doctrines of God's sovereignty have occupied the hearts and minds of believers throughout history. Augustine's refutation of Pelagius, the teaching of John Calvin and the eventual response of Jacob Arminius, the letters of doctrinal debate between the great evangelists John Whitefield and John Wesley--all show that this paradox resists simple - [God's Way of Rest, Power and Consecration](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-way-of-rest-power-and-consecration/) - It is a mournful fact that the majority of Christians are not happy, and that they, if they would frankly confess it, have been sadly disappointed in their Christian life. When they were converted, the prospect was full of promise: it seemed to them like the dawn of a cloudless day of peace and joy. - [From Doctrine to Experience](https://gracenotebook.com/from-doctrine-to-experience/) - Our home base in east Tennessee has the vista of the Great Smoky Mountains. I never tire of seeing their seasonal colors and grandeur. Similarly, the Jewish pilgrims viewed the mountains in Israel, especially Mt. Zion where Jerusalem sits. The psalmist testified, "I will lift up my eyes to the hills--From whence comes my help? - [Christian Living](https://gracenotebook.com/christian-living/) - "I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Gal 2:20. The heart of true religion is to believe that Christ is literally within us. We must not simply look to Him as our Mediator, Advocate, and Example, but as being possessed by Him. He is our Life, the - [The Great Advocate](https://gracenotebook.com/the-great-advocate/) - When a man I had begun to counsel was accused of a crime, he turned himself in to the local police station. "Bill" anticipated signing a document and being released, but instead was arrested and held in the Detention Centre. Having no surety for bail, he remained in custody for two months until his trial. - [The Happiness of Man with God](https://gracenotebook.com/the-happiness-of-man-with-god/) - “He [The Lord Jesus Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He - [The New Birth](https://gracenotebook.com/the-new-birth/) - I recall the day our neighbors became parents for the second time; they joyfully announced the news of their newborn son's arrival. To make it even more memorable, the baby came on his dad's birthday. What a joy to celebrate new life! The theme of new birth takes us back to a famous conversation of - [Claiming God's Promises](https://gracenotebook.com/claiming-gods-promises/) - David's Prayer "Then King David went in and sat before the Lord; and he said: 'Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord God; and You have also spoken of Your servant's house - [Christ for Us (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-for-us-part-1/) - 'So will I also be for You.' (Hosea 3:3) [in this context, the prophet Hosea's acceptance and forgiveness of his unfaithful wife is a providential picture of God's redemptive love for His wayward people.] The typical promise, 'You shalt abide for Me many days,' is indeed a marvel of love. For it is given to - [The Nature of Saving Faith](https://gracenotebook.com/the-nature-of-saving-faith/) - The National Registry informs us that many employers have abandoned or forgotten employee retirement account balances. These unclaimed funds belong to former employees, but they aren't aware of it. Even if they are entitled to such unpaid retirement account money, it won't benefit them if thy are not aware of it and if they don't - [Motivations For Choosing God's Best](https://gracenotebook.com/motivations-for-choosing-gods-best/) - When our twin sons played soccer for a season in their childhood, they were introduced to team sports. During their stint in junior soccer league, they learned about the game and got a good workout. A first place finish for their team capped an exciting play off. I appreciated how their two coaches accepted the - [The Secret of A Relaxed Grasp](https://gracenotebook.com/the-secret-of-a-relaxed-grasp/) - A relaxed grasp Oswald Chambers has written about "the sanctity of a relaxed grasp." By this he meant that a Christian should not hold anything back from God. But rather, he should put everything he has in the palm of an open hand so that the Lord can take from it anything He wishes to - [The Christ Centered Life: Desire and Destiny](https://gracenotebook.com/the-christ-centered-life-desire-and-destiny/) - "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21 To Me to Live Is Christ The mind of the Spirit for you and me today is that we should be channels for the flowing forth of the eternal life that is in Christ, in the midst of the world. He - [Soaring on Eagles' Wings](https://gracenotebook.com/eagles-wings/) - When we lived in southern Ontario, we enjoyed an inspiring treat each spring. We lived on the Niagara peninsula, between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The hawks that migrate north for the summer pass right over that area. These majestic birds travel up the peninsula because there is a ridge that causes an upward wave - [Living in Beulah Land](https://gracenotebook.com/living-in-beulah-land/) - Have you been to a worship service lately that featured older hymns? In addition to contemporary praise songs and Scripture choruses, don't neglect the time-tested hymns of the faith. Some folks use a hymnal for personal reading to enhance their devotional life. One of the lesser known hymns is titled Beulah Land. "Far away the - [May The Word of God Dwell in You](https://gracenotebook.com/may-the-word-of-god-dwell-in-you/) - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another..." Colossians 3:16 An example from the pen of Isaac Pennington 14th, 12th Month, 1678 To S. W. Dear S. W. I have ever had a love to you, and have many times been filled with earnest desires for - [From Carnal to Spiritual: Maladjusted Flesh](https://gracenotebook.com/maladjusted-flesh/) - "And I, brothers, was not able to speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to fleshly men, as to infants in Christ..." But he who is spiritual examines all things,..." (1 Cor. 3:1; 2:15a LSB) When I stroll down memory lane I am very blessed by my heritage of loving and supportive parents, - [The Two Covenants - Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/the-two-covenants-part-2/) - The Better Covenant "... 'Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah ... For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My - [The Two Covenants](https://gracenotebook.com/the-two-covenants/) - "I will be to them a God, and they [believers in Jesus, the Messiah] shall be to Me a people" (Hebrews 8:10). The Old Covenant …There were two great defects in that old covenant, which arose out of the weakness of poor human nature; in the first place, it gave no power, no moral dynamics, - [Encourage Yourself in God](https://gracenotebook.com/encourage-yourself-in-god/) - How can you handle devastating circumstances? What can you do to move from doubt and despair to peace and confidence? Consider an example from the life of King David — a leader who experienced both tragedy and triumph. In 1 Samuel chapter 30 we find David in southwestern Israel still on the run from King - [Steps in the Victorious Walk](https://gracenotebook.com/steps-in-the-victorious-walk/) - Do you believe there is something in the Christian life that you have not found, or that you do not possess? And do you want that experience? If you can say yes to these questions, then give thanks to God that He has led you by his Grace to take the first step toward Victory. - [Invasion: Sinner Made Saint](https://gracenotebook.com/invasion-sinner-made-saint/) - "I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live; and yet no longer I, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself up for me" (Galatians 2:20 RV). Through - [Future Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/future-grace/) - Over the years I've had the opportunity to take many airplane flights. One of the lingering impressions is the sight of eager faces circling the airport's doorway, waiting for those who are deplaning. As passengers come into view they are greeted with delighted shouts and joyful hugs. If parting is "such sweet sorrow," then reunion - [Christ Dwelling in the Heart (Part 2 of 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-dwelling-in-the-heart-part-2-of-2/) - "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in - [Christ Dwelling in the Heart (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-dwelling-in-the-heart-part-1/) - “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in - [The Rainbow of Redemption](https://gracenotebook.com/the-rainbow-of-redemption/) - One of nature's most beautiful scenes is the rainbow. Recently I was in a thunder storm that was followed by a brilliant rainbow. It should remind us of God judgment that sent the Flood on a totally corrupted world, and His promise to never again destroy the world by water. As God promised Noah, "The - [The Holy Spirit and the Cross](https://gracenotebook.com/the-holy-spirit-and-the-cross/) - There is a wonderful interrelationship between the Holy Spirit and Christ's work on Calvary's cross. Jesus Christ's example This connection of the Spirit and Calvary is seen in Christ's example. When the Lord Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, identifying Himself with fallen man, then the Holy Spirit descended upon Him (Matt. 3:13-17). Jesus was - [Christlike Graces of Character](https://gracenotebook.com/christlike-graces-of-character/) - There is a singular charm, a charm that one can scarcely explain, in the words of Paul in Galatians 5: 22,23, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance." What a catalogue we have here of lovely moral characteristics. Paul tells us that they are the fruit of - [The Believer's Secure Refuge](https://gracenotebook.com/the-believers-secure-refuge/) - One of my favorite memories of a ministry trip to Scotland is of the majestic Edinburgh castle. I have a tea towel with a print of the castle featuring a bag piper and the lyrics of "Amazing Grace." Such a castle is an emblem of the refuge that God's grace provides to the believing sinner! - [The Mission of Salvation and Sanctification](https://gracenotebook.com/the-mission-of-salvation-and-sanctification/) - The Holy Spirit came to perform a twofold work — a work of salvation and a work of sanctification. A work of salvation with reference to those who are in the world; a work of sanctification with reference to those who are in the Church. And both of these aspects of the Spirit’s work are - [My Search for a Grace-Led Life](https://gracenotebook.com/my-search-for-a-grace-led-life/) - My salvation As a newly reborn young NASA physicist, at age 22, my life changed dramatically. I moved from the party apartments where I lived, and made friends with very different values and priorities. Within a few months my focus had so changed that I decided to leave my job at NASA in Houston and - [A Matter of Death and Life](https://gracenotebook.com/a-matter-of-death-and-life/) - In a Christian music video, "Watch the Lamb", there are some dramatic scenes accompanying this song that portray the story of Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21).[1] He was walking into Jerusalem on Friday morning and found himself on the Via Dolorosa (the route to the place of crucifixion). As the Gospels record, Jesus--weakened from the - [Union with Christ: Count on it](https://gracenotebook.com/union-with-christ-count-on-it/) - "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life .... For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, - [The Grammar of Galatians 2:20](https://gracenotebook.com/grammar-of-galatians-220/) - Question: ...I need you to help with the interpretation of the last phrase in Galatians 2:20: "I live by faith in the Son of God," or is it " I live by the faith of the Son of God " Our discipleship group is looking for an answer to this as the meaning is very - [What the World Needs Now Is Love](https://gracenotebook.com/what-the-world-needs-now-is-love/) - One of the traditional themes of February is love. When Valentines Day rolls around, school kids exchange hearts created from colored paper and glue; couples hope to fan the flames of romance; singles may feel marginalized, widows and widowers may revisit their grief. Although love is the most popular theme in popular music, it is - [Saved From Public Opinion](https://gracenotebook.com/saved-from-public-opinion/) - During the time we served with Peoples Church of Montreal, I had the opportunity to speak at some chapel services for some National League baseball teams. I enjoyed getting to meet some of the popular players during the mid-eighties. One of the lasting impressions from my fellowship with those Christian athletes was the stress of - [Grace-Based Communion with God](https://gracenotebook.com/grace-based-communion-with-god/) - "By that will [God's will] we [believers] have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all ... Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering [required to pay] for sin ... Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for - [Unblocking the Springs](https://gracenotebook.com/unblocking-the-springs/) - One of the vivid metaphors the Lord Jesus used to describe the abundant life is that of "rivers of living waters." As Jesus declared, "'If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' But - [Unblocking the Springs](https://gracenotebook.com/unblocking-the-springs/) - One of the vivid metaphors the Lord Jesus used to describe the abundant life is that of "rivers of living waters." As Jesus declared, "'If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' But - [The Indwelling Presence](https://gracenotebook.com/the-indwelling-presence/) - The Indwelling Presence is the Risen Christ. In Galatians 2 : 20 it is “Christ lives in me.” In Colossians 1: 27 it is "Christ in you, the Hope of Glory." In Galatians we have the great fact. In Colossians we have the glorious hope which this great fact brings. Let us consider, 1. The - [Grow Your Garden of Virtues](https://gracenotebook.com/your-garden-of-virtues/) - Have you seen the computer software that enables the user to design a garden in 3-D? For you who thrive on gardening, imagine designing your potential garden's location, the contour of its beds, the types of plants to include, and their arrangement. How cool is that?! But it's even better when the garden is actually - [Facing the Future with Courage](https://gracenotebook.com/facing-the-future-with-courage/) - "The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? ...For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high - [A Testimony of Identification](https://gracenotebook.com/a-testimony-of-identification/) - For the past year I have been experiencing the closing in and diminishing of every possible means of survival. I once considered myself pretty competent and industrious enough to be "self-sufficient." After everything of the temporal was taken away and a sense of desolation began to ease up, something new began. The "drying-up" process By - [Immanuel: God With Us (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/god-with-us-part-2/) - We continue to consider the profound significance of Jesus Christ's title, Immanuel. "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). As we ponder the miracle of Christ's birth, we behold His divine nature and human nature coming - [Immanuel: God With Us (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/god-with-us-part-1/) - Immanuel is a profoundly significant title of Jesus Christ. The prediction of Immanuel "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). This prophecy was given through the prophet about seven centuries before its fulfillment in Bethlehem. The - [Fear Not! Behold a Savior](https://gracenotebook.com/fear-not-behold-a-savior/) - Even in this advanced space age, fear is still the number one problem of nations, leaders and individuals. The message of Christmas is that God has the answer to fear. Learn how you can be free from the fears that torment you. . Four times in the Gospel record of the great event of Christmas - [Come Up Higher](https://gracenotebook.com/come-up-higher/) - "Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them...and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!'” (Matthew 17:1,2a,5b). "Therefore, brethren, having - [Praise Points: An Invitation to Intimacy with God](https://gracenotebook.com/praise-points/) - Let's turn our hearts to our Lord and worship Him together. John 17:3 says "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." And in 1 John 5:20 we read, "And we know that the Son of God has come and has given - [The Law of the Spirit of Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-law-of-the-spirit-of-life/) - "For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2). The Law of Gravitation The simplest child knows something of the law of gravitation. The word is from the Latin gravitas, which is the attraction of weight by weight. What gravitation - [The Balanced Diet Reading Plan](https://gracenotebook.com/the-balanced-diet-reading-plan/) - Since we are beginning a new year, you may have made a "new year's resolution" to read through the Scriptures this year. That's a good goal, yet it's not uncommon to start reading in Genesis, but lose momentum in... Leviticus. Someone wrote to me: "This week, you talked about being hungry for the Word... However, - [Walking By Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/walking-by-grace/) - "Amazing grace, shall always be my song of praise, For it was grace that bought my liberty; I do not know just why He came to love me so, He looked beyond my fault and saw my need."[1] The words of that song gratefully acknowledge the wonderful blessing of God's grace in the lives of - [Transplanted for Spiritual Growth](https://gracenotebook.com/transplanted-for-spiritual-growth/) - I stood looking at a shallow dish of water in which some kernels of corn were breaking and sending forth green shoots. In that moment something I had been trying to express came into mind so vividly. It was just as though the Lord were saying: "It is not nature's design for kernels to remain - [Balancing Our Walk](https://gracenotebook.com/balancing-our-walk/) - Our daughters enjoyed some gymnastics when they were growing up. The balance beam looked pretty easy from a distance, but when you try to walk, turn and tumble on that narrow beam, balance is a real challenge! No wonder there are mats are around it. Our perspective on the abundant Christian living requires balance too. - [Keep My Life: A Prayer of Full Devotion](https://gracenotebook.com/keep-my-life-a-prayer-of-full-devotion/) - "Take my life!" ["and let it be consecrated, Lord, for Thee"]. We have said it or sung it before the Lord, it may be many times; but if it were only once whispered in His ear with full purpose of heart, should we not believe that He heard it?... An offered gift must be either - [The Great I AM](https://gracenotebook.com/the-great-i-am/) - When I was growing up, our family would sometimes recite in unison a prayer to thank God for the meal. A prayer I recall is "God is great; God is good; let us thank Him for our food..." One day while I was at home the phone rang and I answered it. I recall that - [Bouquets and Brickbats](https://gracenotebook.com/bouquets-and-brickbats/) - Some newspapers have a column that gives readers a chance to anonymously comment on local events and people. Sometimes the notes are positive commendations and other times they are negative criticisms. One such column was titled "Bouquets and Brickbats." We would all appreciate getting a bouquet of compliments (or you might be glad for a - [Brother Andrew's Jar of Honey](https://gracenotebook.com/brother-andrews-jar-of-honey/) - "How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Psalm 119:103 Brother Andrew went to be with the Lord on September 27, 2022, at age 94. He founded Open Doors ministry for world-wide distribution of free Bibles, and was known as “God’s Smuggler,” a name borrowed from the title of - [Transforming Irritations](https://gracenotebook.com/transforming-irritations/) - When I went off to Florida Bible College after high school, I roomed with two older fellows. They were both very old (25 and 31). :-) Also, both were veterans of the military. The younger one was a Marine, no less. When I forgot to make my bed, I got a note taped to my - [The Seeds of Forbidden Fruit, Part 4 (Conclusion)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-seeds-of-forbidden-fruit-part-4-conclusion/) - Now we consider the question, If the "seeds of forbidden fruit" (pride, independence, unbelief and self-will) comprised the original sin of Adam, could their opposites point the way for Christians to experience life more abundantly? In other words, are humility, dependence, faith, and submission essential to the Abiding Life? The answer is yes indeed! 1. - [Seeds of Forbidden Fruit, Part 3](https://gracenotebook.com/seeds-of-forbidden-fruit-part-3/) - We have been studying how pride, independence, unbelief, and self-will were the "seeds of forbidden fruit" that comprised Adam and Eve's fall from innocence in Eden. By way of contrast, humility, dependence, belief, and submission to God are essential in Christian discipleship.[1] The Victory of The Last Adam Christ's mission of redemption required His virgin - [Fresh Grace Is Desired for Every Step](https://gracenotebook.com/fresh-grace-is-desired-for-every-step/) - The leaves of a tree this year are not the same as they were last year; new foliage comes with each succeeding year; the climate, the circumstances are never the same as in the former year. So it is with us as Christians. The Lord's purpose is not to teach us habits, which a continued - [Seeds of Forbidden Fruit, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/seeds-of-forbidden-fruit-part-2/) - How can we be reconciled to God? Pride, independence, unbelief, and self-will — the "seeds of forbidden fruit" — find their counterpart in the conditions for salvation. 1. From pride to humility God designed the gospel to require humility on the part of the sinner. To the natural mind, the idea of redemption through the - [Seeds of Forbidden Fruit, Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/seeds-of-forbidden-fruit-part-1/) - Genesis is the book of beginnings. In it we discover the beginning of the universe and life on earth — plant life, animal life, and human life. Chapter two records the creation of man and the beauty of his environment: "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into - [Supernatural Satisfaction](https://gracenotebook.com/supernatural-satisfaction/) - The Search "So I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward - [Were You There?](https://gracenotebook.com/were-you-there/) - One of the hymns that depicts Christ's passion and resurrection is the traditional song, Were You There? The hymn's author is unknown, but the words are based on the New Testament narratives of Matthew 27:31-56; 28;1-15 and parallels. The first stanza asks: "Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they - [Spiritual Warfare Prayer](https://gracenotebook.com/spiritual-warfare-prayer/) - Heavenly Father, I bow in worship and praise before you. I cover myself with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ as my protection. I surrender myself completely and unreservedly in every area of my life to You. I take a stand against all the workings of Satan that would hinder me in my prayer - [The Christ-Centered Life (Part 2 of 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-christ-centered-life-part-2-of-2/) - 1. Be ontologically Christ-centered. The Spirit of Christ can be in you (John 1:12; Col. 1:27) - part 1 Now consider another dimension of being "Christ-centered." 2. Be experientially Christ-centered. The Spirit of Christ can be expressed in and through you. Being Christ-centered in experience goes beyond one's state of being regenerated and justified (Rom. 5:1; - [The Christ-Centered Life (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-christ-centered-life-part-1/) - What would you say is the center of your life? How do you define your ultimate meaning and purpose? Some might confess: "For me, to live is ... money,...or pleasure, ...learning,...or family, ...or food, ...or sex, ...or sports, ... or success." There is only one source of life that will bring fulfillment in time and - [In Christ Jesus (Jones)](https://gracenotebook.com/in-christ-jesus/) - Fifty-two years ago I knelt before a chair with a letter spread out before me — a letter from a mission board secretary, asking me to go to India. I knew that the answering of that letter might determine my life work. So I prayed: "Dear Lord, I'm willing to go anywhere, do anything, and - [The Light of the World](https://gracenotebook.com/the-light-of-the-world/) - A young boy practiced his lines for the Sunday school program, but when the time came for the performance in front of the congregation, he drew a blank. Moments passed as he tried to remember his part. His mother was perched on the front row and tried gesturing to him to prod his memory. She - [Search for Identity](https://gracenotebook.com/search-for-identity/) - This book [Search for Identity] contains some of the lessons learned through the day-to-day experiences in the mental hospital at which I am a chaplain. Rich treasures of wisdom and knowledge have been given to us through the lives of people with emotional illness, through the body of psychiatric knowledge, and above all, through the - [God's Guarantees (part 3 of 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-guarantees-part-3-of-3/) - [ Consider how God-- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit--has given believers special guarantees to encourage us to fully trust in Him.] My friend, Troy, has exciting plans for a Christian film he hopes to produce. Informed by his experience as an actor, and inspired by his own faith journey, he dove into - [God's Guarantees (part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-guarantees-part-1/) - My dread of paying a big repair bill caused me some unneeded anxiety. I remember putting off a water heater replacement in our home. What started out as a slight leak in the unit, eventually required several full size towels per day to catch the leaking water! When I gave up and admitted that my - [God's Guarantees (part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-guarantees-part-2/) - [Let's see how God-- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit--has given believers special guarantees to encourage us to fully trust in Him.] 2. God the Son has provided guarantees. When a friend and I were seated at a local restaurant, we greeted the waitress as we looked over the menu. She then surprised - [Crucified With Christ: the Key to Victorious Living](https://gracenotebook.com/crucified-with-christ-the-key-to-victorious-living/) - "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). Is Jesus Lord of your life? Do you - [Greater Works](https://gracenotebook.com/greater-works/) - Christ promised His disciples, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father" (John 14:12 emphasis added). Since the Lord Jesus Christ has unlimited power and sinless character, it is - [Broken Cisterns](https://gracenotebook.com/broken-cisterns/) - "They have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water" (Jeremiah 2:13). "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink" (John 7:37). . WHAT AN infinite mistake to miss the fountain freely flowing to quench our thirst, and to hew out - [At Home With the Lord-Here and Now](https://gracenotebook.com/at-home/) - [In Charles Dickens' novel Nicholas Nickleby, Nicholas is sent to teach at Dotheboys Hall. It is a boarding school where there are no holidays, no trips home for the abused and neglected pupils of Mr. Wackford Squeers. Eventually Nicholas intervenes during one of Squeers’s beatings of Smike—a perpetually ill and dim-witted boy who befriends Nicholas—and - [Three Tenses of Salvation (part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/three-tenses-of-salvation-part-2/) - An Outline to Study and Share Salvation: past, present and future 2. Present tense salvation: believers in Jesus are being saved! "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation [in your spiritual growth] with fear and - [Three Tenses of Salvation (part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/three-tenses-of-salvation-part-3/) - An Outline to Study and Share Salvation: past, present and future 3. The future tense: Believers in Jesus will be saved! "And do this [love one another], knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now our salvation [from the presence of sin] is nearer than when - [Three Tenses of Salvation (part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/three-tenses-of-salvation/) - An Outline to Study and Share Salvation: past, present and future 1. Past Tense: Believers in Jesus have been saved! The Lord Jesus Christ promised: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed - [The Resurrection and Justification](https://gracenotebook.com/the-resurrection-and-justification/) - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."1 Peter 1:3 We have a myriad of reasons to bless our great God, to speak of Him with grateful praises. "Blessed - [Forgive and Forget](https://gracenotebook.com/forgive-and-forget/) - I appreciate Jerry Dunn's book, God is for the Alcoholic. This text gives helpful insights about the danger of drunkenness and principles to help the alcoholic spiritually and practically. Dunn asserts that the family of the one struggling with addiction need to forgive him and extend fellowship and support. "The first place the alcoholic should - [The Grace Conductor Pattern](https://gracenotebook.com/the-grace-conductor-pattern/) - Orchestra members recognize the importance of following the conductor. As a trumpet and French Horn player, I have fond memories of many concert experiences. Our high school band marched in halftime shows (at football games), parades and gave concerts. At Florida Bible College I was a member of the orchestra, and then began a two - [Christ, Who Is Our Life!](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-who-is-our-life/) - What is the Christian life? It is likely that some of the more common answers from born again Christians would contain the following concepts. "The Christian Life is living my life for Christ. In return for what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for me, I will devote my life to live for Him as - [Someone is Praying for You](https://gracenotebook.com/someone-is-praying-for-you/) - One of the special benefits my wife and I have received over the years is the prayer support of many church and ministry friends. When you go through tough times, it's such a consolation to know someone is praying for you. Someone alongside you We need to have fellowship that is real enough to share - [Intimacy With Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/intimacy-with-christ/) - “I have called you friends” (John 15:15). “You are My friends, if you do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14). If you meditate upon these words, you will never reach their profound depths, nor shall we even in eternity. For who shall tell what friendship with Christ involves? No one can or ever will gauge - [God's Gracious Work](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-gracious-work/) - The Apostle Paul is very clear in writing to the church at Corinth: "And such [ungodly people] were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, ye are Justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Cor. 6:11). Consider the different aspects of God's - [The Snare of Pride](https://gracenotebook.com/the-snare-of-pride/) - A tribute to basketball star David Robinson highlighted his humble reliance upon Christ. "Robinson has been named one of the fifty greatest players of all time. He's won both an NBA scoring title and Most Valuable Player award ... In the final game of the series (in which the Spurs won four out of five - [The Snare of Pride](https://gracenotebook.com/the-snare-of-pride/) - A tribute to basketball star David Robinson highlighted his humble reliance upon Christ. "Robinson has been named one of the fifty greatest players of all time. He's won both an NBA scoring title and Most Valuable Player award ... In the final game of the series (in which the Spurs won four out of five - [Avoidance Tactics](https://gracenotebook.com/avoidance-tactics/) - When parents want to emphasize to their child the need for obedience, they may say, "no 'if', 'ands', or 'buts'! ISometimes I needed such direction as I was growing up. Although children can develop skill in giving excuses, the determined mom or dad sees through these tactics. We will notice that God's children can also - [The Great Problem-Solver](https://gracenotebook.com/the-great-problem-solver/) - Do you struggle with problems? "Who doesn't?!" Then, if there were Someone capable and willing to manage your problems, would you be interested? Imagine being a salesman for a large company. Something goes wrong with an important account. The other company is breaking their agreements, threatening legal action, and blaming you for the trouble! You - [God's Grace: Always All Sufficient](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-grace-always-all-sufficient/) - "And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. - [Fallen into Legalism](https://gracenotebook.com/fallen-into-legalism/) - Some major airports have installed a system that helps passengers who must walk long distances in the concourses. The moving walkway (or moving sidewalk) functions like an escalator, but transports people horizontally, instead of at an incline. Passengers can stand or walk as this conveyor belt walkway carries them forward. I've enjoyed using them in - [The Love Chapter](https://gracenotebook.com/the-love-chapter/) - When the calendar reminds us of Valentine's Day, it makes me wonder how real love can grow instead of fade. In our fickle society, "love" is misused and motives are mixed...as in this love letter lament: "Dearest Jimmy, No words could ever express the great unhappiness I've felt since breaking our engagement. Please say you'll - [God's Love: From Desiring to Enjoying](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-love-from-desiring-to-enjoying/) - "Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down in his shade with great delight, And his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, And his banner over me was love" (Song of Solomon 2:3,4) [Should the believer - [Christ in You, the Hope of Glory (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-in-you-the-hope-of-glory-part-1/) - "To whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). Three times in rapid succession, Paul uses the word "mystery." First, the church, the mystery hid from the ages (v. 25); secondly, this - [Your Family Tree](https://gracenotebook.com/your-family-tree/) - These days there is a growing fascination with tracing out one's family tree. The Learning Chanel has produced the TV show about celebrities exploring their family tree--"Who Do You Think You Are? And web sites, like ancestry.com, provide historical databases for research. The challenge of discovering the family's genealogy has become a mission for millions - [To Me to Live is Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/to-me-to-live-is-christ/) - "For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by - [Praying with Thanksgiving](https://gracenotebook.com/praying-with-thanksgiving/) - "…Let us take notice of a great and substantial aid to prayer, namely, thanksgiving: "In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God" (Phil. 4:6). "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2). Probably the advantage of thanksgiving as an aid to the - [To All the Saints](https://gracenotebook.com/to-all-the-saints/) - A film was produced a while back about Joan of Arc, the second patron of France. My daughter became interested in her and did some research. Living from 1412-1431, Joan of Arc became famous for her faith, visions, national loyalty, military heroism, and execution. In 1920 she was canonized--declared a "saint".[1] The papal act of - [To All the Saints](https://gracenotebook.com/to-all-the-saints/) - A film was produced a while back about Joan of Arc, the second patron of France. My daughter became interested in her and did some research. Living from 1412-1431, Joan of Arc became famous for her faith, visions, national loyalty, military heroism, and execution. In 1920 she was canonized--declared a "saint".[1] The papal act of - [Life's Ultimate Purpose](https://gracenotebook.com/lifes-ultimate-purpose/) - "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth." In order to have the right worldview--the true perspective on life--we need to grasp the ultimate purpose of our Creator. You don't want to spend your whole life trying to climb the ladder - [From Glory to Glory](https://gracenotebook.com/from-glory-to-glory/) - I recall that, when I was a boy, I had a picture of a sailor in a ship on a stormy sea. An artist's conception of Jesus was next to the sailor, encouraging him on the voyage. What intrigued me about the small card was the luminous cross in the scene. I would put the - [From Bitterness to Blessing](https://gracenotebook.com/from-bitterness-to-blessing/) - Has life given you some sour mouthfuls of bitterness? This shocks the system. We usually assume that since God is a loving God, and we are His children by faith in Christ, that surely life will be a sweet experience right? But not on this side of Eden! About 3,200 years ago Naomi had a - [Delights of the Christ-Centered Life](https://gracenotebook.com/delights-of-the-christ-centered-life/) - Now let us consider some very special delights [of the Christ-centered Life]. Quietly confess your confidence in the power of the cross. Quote the apostle Paul's superlative statement of faith, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the - [Walking in the Spirit](https://gracenotebook.com/walking-in-the-spirit/) - Now learn to walk in the Spirit. WALKING involves movement, action and purposeful direction. All doctrinal teaching in the Word of God is intensely practical, and like normal walking, at all times you have at least one foot firmly on the ground - you don't float! Many and varied are the weird concepts and crazy - [The Law, Our Tutor](https://gracenotebook.com/the-law-our-tutor/) - The preacher said "We all start out life naked and hungry, and it goes downhill from there!" Thankfully, the way we were born again in Christ has more of a basis for optimism! Colossians 2:6 draws an important comparison between the way the Christian life begins and how it should express itself in discipleship. "As - [The Case of the Displaced Person](https://gracenotebook.com/the-case-of-the-displaced-person/) - "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8 Eighty percent of all mission work today is being done without the Holy Spirit. This shocking charge - [One Day At A Time](https://gracenotebook.com/one-day-at-a-time/) - Have you had one of those days when nothing seems to go right? You're late for work, stuck in traffic, lock your keys in the car, have a headache, get into an argument with your spouse ... You wish you could go back and get out of the other side of the bed, if that - [Paradigm Shift](https://gracenotebook.com/paradigm-shift/) - A radical change of personal perspective has been coined "a paradigm shift." Leadership consultant, Steven Covey, explains this concept:"The term paradigm shift was introduced by Thomas Kuhn in his highly influential landmark book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Kuhn shows how almost every significant break-through in the field of scientific endeavor is first a break - [Looking Unto Jesus](https://gracenotebook.com/looking-unto-jesus/) - ["Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, LOOKING UNTO JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy - [Set Apart for God](https://gracenotebook.com/set-apart-for-god/) - "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; now how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor" (1 These. 4:3,4). 1. Sanctified discernment "Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have - [Sorting Your Self Out](https://gracenotebook.com/sorting-your-self-out/) - Have you ever wondered: Should I deny myself? Or should I accept and love mySELF? It depends on which "self" is being referred to! If we don't define and clarify the meanings of this term, we're bound to end up confused. As a fellow once jokingly said to me, "B.I.K.!" I asked, "B.I.K.?" He replied, - [Special Places, Special People](https://gracenotebook.com/special-places-special-people/) - Memory Lane Some places have been locations for special, meaningful events in my life. I recall: *Orange Memorial Hospital--where I was born [1] *First Baptist Church, Bloomfield, NJ--where I first understood the Gospel and received Christ as my savior *The little house in McCaysville, Georgia where my mother's parents and grandmother welcomed our extended family - [Faith and Faithfulness](https://gracenotebook.com/faith-and-faithfulness/) - "And now abide faith, hope, love... " (1 Cor. 13:13). "[The Lord's mercies] are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness" (Lam. 3:23). One of the lessons we can learn from the life of Moses is the importance of faith and God's faithfulness. As this man of God was sent back to Egypt to lead - [The Vine and the Branches](https://gracenotebook.com/the-vine-and-the-branches/) - The Vine and the Branches (Parts 1 and 2) by David Tryon There are many Christians, struggling to live the Christian life, who have never discovered where the strength to live that life is to be found. There are many earnest believers, young and old, who are continually being disappointed and cast down because they - [Finding Answers in Times of Perplexity](https://gracenotebook.com/finding-answers-in-times-of-perplexity/) - “I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected. Then the Lord answered me and said: ‘Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the - [The Ministry of Intercession](https://gracenotebook.com/the-ministry-of-intercession/) - My wife and I have been challenged by the life story of Rees Howells. He was raised in a Welsh mining village a century ago and grew to be a man of great spiritual zeal and witness. This founder of the Bible College of Wales demonstrated the amazing potential of intercessory prayer. His biography recounts - [The Receptivity of Faith](https://gracenotebook.com/the-receptivity-of-faith/) - "Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith."-- Heb 10:22. "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith."-- Eph 3:17. FAITH IS our power of appropriation. The pity is that we are so slow to make use of our Lord's resources! He does not force Himself upon us. Though - [The True Dispositions of the Christian life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-true-dispositions-of-the-christian-life/) - Reflections on Consecration "But who am I, and who are my people, That we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, And of Your own we have given You” (1 Chronicles 29:14) [David's prayer when he dedicated his treasures for the building of God's Temple ] What - [From Carnal to Spiritual: Well-Adjusted Flesh](https://gracenotebook.com/well-adjusted-flesh/) - Not all believers who become convicted of their "self- life" are disillusioned from "maladjusted flesh"; some must deal with "well-adjusted flesh." In other words, some disciples surrender to Christ as their Life (Gal. 2:20) following years of being "down and out"; others surrender after being "up and out." But whether it is "negative" or "positive" - [Home Depot Discipleship?](https://gracenotebook.com/home-depot-discipleship/) - "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness - [Testimony: My Journey to the Cross](https://gracenotebook.com/testimony-my-journey-to-the-cross/) - Recognition and Celebration of My "Death" ... "yet I live" (Galatians 2:20) This is my testimony of being delivered from my Self and coming to the full realization and understanding that God had been preparing me, not punishing me. He used crisis situations in my life to complete the plan I had given Him permission - [New Imprinting](https://gracenotebook.com/new-imprinting/) - In Wisconsin, the International Crane Foundation leads the world in saving Cranes from extinction. In addition to the zoo-like displays of the various species, there is a special compound called Crane City. Here the birds are protected from all contact from undisguised humans. Orphaned birds in this compound are fed by people in crane outfits! - [The Treadmill Christian](https://gracenotebook.com/the-treadmill-christian/) - Treadmill Living? Did you ever notice the number of old used treadmills for sale? If you ever had one of those things, you might have used it very regularly for quite a while. It sure made you feel better, more muscle tone, better heart beat and more energy. Then after a while, you used it - [A Fruitful Prayer Pattern](https://gracenotebook.com/a-fruitful-prayer-pattern/) - "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" (Phil. 1:11). One of the joys of summer is fresh fruit. Memory lane brings back to me a bunch of examples. When we lived in southern Ontario's "fruit belt" we would look forward to the fresh - [Christ, Our Righteousness](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-our-righteousness/) - We continue our meditation on 1 Corinthians 1:30: "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God --and righteousness and sanctification and redemption." Jesus is our righteousness! I recall that growing up we celebrated Easter by getting some chocolate and new clothes. As a youngster, the candy was the - [Christ, Our Wisdom](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-our-wisdom/) - I once heard a silly story of two prison inmates who were trying to devise an escape plan. One got a brilliant idea and exclaimed to his friend, "I know, I'll turn on this flashlight and point the beam over the wall, and you escape by climbing up the beam!" "How stupid," his friend replied, - [Changing for the Better through Resurrection Life](https://gracenotebook.com/changing-for-the-better-through-resurrection-life/) - ["But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Eph. 2:4-6 - [The Price and Power of Redemption](https://gracenotebook.com/the-price-and-power-of-redemption/) - [A classic commentary on Revelation gives this exposition of 5:9-14--the concluding praise choruses of an apocalyptic vision of the exalted Son of God in heaven. May we sincerely echo this worship of our glorious Redeemer.] "Worthy are You To take the Book, And to open the seals thereof, Because You were slain And did purchase - [Life-Changing Forgiveness](https://gracenotebook.com/life-changing-forgiveness/) - In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the main character had a life-changing experience of forgiveness. After finally being released following 19 years in a chain gang, Jean Valjean stole some silver from a kind bishop who took the risk of offering him hospitality for the night. Valjean was caught and arrested. Instead of condemning the thief, - [Why the Coach Saw A Cross](https://gracenotebook.com/why-the-coach-saw-a-cross/) - Seeing a shadow by the light of the moon changed his life. Was it mere coincidence or was it God's special intervention? BECAUSE HE WAS THE SWIMMING COACH in a large college for men, they were puzzled by his unusual behavior. Each Thursday night as he arrived at the large indoor swimming pool he would - [Secure in Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/secure-in-christ/) - "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.' " (Psalm 91:1,2). These days there are so many threats to our security. Globally, there is - [The Secret of Victory](https://gracenotebook.com/the-secret-of-victory/) - "And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. - [The Secret of Christlikeness](https://gracenotebook.com/the-secret-of-christlikeness/) - My last attempt to grow some vegetables was not a successful one. I planted some tomato plants and did some weeding and watering when I "got around to it." When harvest time came, I had nothing to show for my healf-hearted gesture at veggie-growing. I heard about another fellow who is tomato-challenged. He confessed, "I'm - [The Journey into Canaan](https://gracenotebook.com/the-journey-into-canaan/) - [Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, l et us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it..." - Hebrews 4:1] The children of Israel braved the Red Sea, and passed it in triumph but the Canaanites in the land, in their armor of brass, and cities walled up - [A Valentine From Your Heavenly Father](https://gracenotebook.com/a-valentine-from-your-father/) - A while back a valentine was discovered in a British library. What's remarkable about this valentine is its date--1477. The lady who wrote it testified to her sweetheart of her love and hopes of marriage. The valentine evidently helped; the couple later married and had a family. Valentine's Day is a popular holiday for those - [A Valentine From Your Heavenly Father](https://gracenotebook.com/a-valentine-from-your-father/) - A while back a valentine was discovered in a British library. What's remarkable about this valentine is its date--1477. The lady who wrote it testified to her sweetheart of her love and hopes of marriage. The valentine evidently helped; the couple later married and had a family. Valentine's Day is a popular holiday for those - [Rebounding](https://gracenotebook.com/rebounding/) - Although our family has not been too caught up in the fitness craze, we did acquire some exercise equipment. But one contraption I have use is a "rebounder". The would-be athlete can jog in place on this miniature trampoline, rebounding up and down. Evidently this motion has some additional health benefits--stimulating the body's lymph system.[1] - [Grace for Hurt Feelings](https://gracenotebook.com/grace-for-hurt-feelings/) - "...I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which - [Life's Greatest Purpose](https://gracenotebook.com/lifes-greatest-purpose/) - Churches worship teams and choirs usually meet weekly to practice the music for Sunday. Since heaven is filled with the glorious praise of God, how about doing some practice right now? Psalm 29:1 gives us the vocal warm up: "Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, Give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give - [Sin Ruled My Life](https://gracenotebook.com/sin-ruled-my-life/) - A Testimony by David H. Sin has ruled my life. Early in my Christian walk I made deliberate choices to sin and go against God. Sin became a habit and a way of life. Some people call this an addiction, which it was, but more importantly, it is the result of repeated choices to go - [Sin Ruled My Life](https://gracenotebook.com/sin-ruled-my-life/) - A Testimony by David H. Sin has ruled my life. Early in my Christian walk I made deliberate choices to sin and go against God. Sin became a habit and a way of life. Some people call this an addiction, which it was, but more importantly, it is the result of repeated choices to go - [Counseling Phone Numbers](https://gracenotebook.com/counseling-phone-numbers/) - EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS: When in sorrow, ................................................. When people fail you, ......................................... If you want to be fruitful, ...................................... When you have sinned, ...................................... When you worry, ............................................... When you are in danger, .................................. When God seems far away, ............................. When your faith needs stirring, ......................... When you are lonely and fearful, ...................... When you - [Facing the New Year with Faith, Hope and Love](https://gracenotebook.com/facing-the-new-year-with-faith-hope-and-love/) - "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13). As I look forward to the New Year, I have mixed emotions. On the one hand I am ready for an exiting year of growth despite the challenges we may face, but on the other hand I - [Be Filled with the Spirit](https://gracenotebook.com/be-filled-with-the-spirit/) - "Be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) Sealed by Him "In Him [Jesus Christ] you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the - [The Signs of Christ's Birth](https://gracenotebook.com/the-signs-of-christs-birth/) - Years ago Linda and I befriended a young man whose company makes olive wood Christmas ornaments. Fadi is a Palestinian Orthodox Christian who is from Bethlehem. His display at our local theme park is identified with this sign; Il Bambino: Made in Bethlehem - Israel. One of these ornaments was given to us with his - [The Signs of Christ's Birth](https://gracenotebook.com/the-signs-of-christs-birth/) - Years ago Linda and I befriended a young man whose company makes olive wood Christmas ornaments. Fadi is a Palestinian Orthodox Christian who is from Bethlehem. His display at our local theme park is identified with this sign; Il Bambino: Made in Bethlehem - Israel. One of these ornaments was given to us with his - [Keeping On Track](https://gracenotebook.com/keeping-on-track/) - A friend wrote to me: "Regarding the Exchanged Life, have you thought about how easy it might be to sort of slip over the line into performance again? I'm struggling there again. I know Christ does the living through me as I yield to Him, but the times that it is flesh and not Christ - [God's Dwelling Place](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-dwelling-place/) - The nativity account features this prophetic birth announcement. An angel announced to Joseph, "'...you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.' So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, - [Living or Just Existing?](https://gracenotebook.com/living-or-just-existing/) - Many people today go through life only existing. Why is that? What have they lost or what did they never have, that would put them in such a state? We experience this lack of life when we haven't truly given Christ our all. You say, "I know He's in control. He created everything, and since - [Giving Thanks by Faith](https://gracenotebook.com/giving-thanks-by-faith/) - When I was 19, my friend Andy and I couldn't resist climbing a hill. We were in California on tour with our Christian music group. The family who put us up for a day lived next to a hill that beckoned us to explore it. After climbing to the top, we we were awed by - [The Right But Difficult Choice (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-right-but-difficult-choice-part-2/) - When the deacon humbly took a place beside Bill [see part 1], he was embracing an often-missed aspect of the cross: (1) Jesus died on the cross as the substitute for our sins... and we [as believers] are freely forgiven. (2) But equally as important, we died with Him on the cross... and we can - [Broken to Be Fixed](https://gracenotebook.com/broken-to-be-fixed/) - Dr. Jack R. Taylor recorded a message entitled "The Strength of Weakness." It is an honest, insightful exposition of the passage that was instrumental in launching Grace Notes 1998. God relplied to Paul's earnest prayer to remove his "thorn in the flesh": "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My - [God's Assurance of Daily Strength](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-assurance-of-daily-strength/) - "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'" Isaiah 41:10 [Paul declared, "...for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, - [God's Assurance of Daily Strength](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-assurance-of-daily-strength/) - "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'" Isaiah 41:10 [Paul declared, "...for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, - [The Main Person](https://gracenotebook.com/the-main-person/) - An athletic coach advised his team, "the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing!" In sports the main thing is sticking to the game plan to win. In the Christian life we need also to continually refocus on the basics. In discipleship we discover that the main thing is not a - [The Messiah has Come](https://gracenotebook.com/the-messiah-has-come/) - For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end... Isaiah 9:6,7a [1] Perhaps none of - [Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High](https://gracenotebook.com/dwelling-in-the-secret-place-of-the-most-high/) - God deals with each believer in very personal way. Judy's testimony shows the extraordinary way God revealed her identification with Christ and His faithfulness as her Guardian. I would like to tell you about my cross experience. When I was 34, in 1978, my life was at bottom. I had an abusive husband who broke - [Jesus Christ, Our Great High Priest](https://gracenotebook.com/jesus-christ-our-great-high-priest/) - "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore - [Beyond Self Improvement](https://gracenotebook.com/beyond-self-improvement/) - Before God could use these [great devotional writers of the past], He had to bring them to the end of themselves. He had to teach them that self-confidence--no matter what it's form--could only result in defeat. Many of these servants had to spend years of struggling in the "self-life" before they learned to depend on - [Work Out Your Own Salvation](https://gracenotebook.com/work-out-your-own-salvation/) - I remember seeing a couple walking to the shore of Lake Ontario with ice skates, eager to enjoy some skating. I was surprised at the sight because I didn't think there had been enough freezing weather for the ice to be thick enough to skate on. Confidence in the strength of the ice is vital - [The Imparted Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-imparted-life/) - "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10 KJV) ...Two things are said by Christ in this tenth chapter of John: He gives his life for the sheep (John 10:11,15,17), and - [Renewing Your Affections](https://gracenotebook.com/renewing-your-affections/) - "Martin Lindstrom, an author and speaker, thinks that cellphones have become akin to a best friend for many owners. Lindstrom's experiment using an MRI helped him discover why. When the subjects saw or heard their phone ringing, their brains fired off neurons in the area associated with feelings of love and compassion. Lindstrom said, 'It - [In Christ Jesus (Grant)](https://gracenotebook.com/in-christ-jesus-2/) - Identity "In Christ Jesus" is the definition of all Christians, and it defines them as a people identified with the One who as a man has entered into the presence of God; "for in that He died, He died unto sin once; but in that he lives, he lives unto God" (Rom. 6:10). "In Christ" - [An "In Christ" Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/an-in-christ-testimony/) - "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving ... For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is - [Salt and Light](https://gracenotebook.com/salt-and-light/) - I like eggs sprinkled with sodium chloride, do you? It sounds much more tasty to ask "Would you like salt on your eggs?" I'd say, "Yes, and some pepper too!" David Johnson comments on the chemistry of salt: Sodium is an extremely active element found naturally only in combined form; it always links itself to - [God Reveals to Individuals](https://gracenotebook.com/god-reveals-to-individuals/) - "And the word of the Lord came to me, saying,'Son of man, say to her [Israel]: "...The conspiracy of her prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured people; they have taken treasure and precious things... Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they - [Cooperating With Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/cooperating-with-grace/) - "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Col 3:1-3). "Ignace Jan Paderewski, the famous Polish - [Christ Our Pattern](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-our-pattern/) - A frustrated gardener quipped, I'm not much of a gardener. Once I took a seed catalog and started out the door. 'Where are you going with that?' my wife asked. 'I'm going to show it to my tomatoes,' I explained." This reminds me that we need more than an ideal; we need an activated life. - [The Sphere of New Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-sphere-of-new-life/) - We seek to show, by a few examples, the boundless range and scope of one brief phrase of two or three short words: in Christ, or, in Christ Jesus. A very small key may open a very complex lock and a very large door, and that door may itself lead into a vast building with - [Dealing With Loss](https://gracenotebook.com/dealing-with-loss/) - How does abiding in Christ equip the believer to deal with loss? When we suffer personal bereavement, it reveals not only the value we place on who (or what) was taken away, but also the adequacy of the resources we are depending upon during our time of grief. We all face various kinds of loss - [Dealing With Loss](https://gracenotebook.com/dealing-with-loss/) - How does abiding in Christ equip the believer to deal with loss? When we suffer personal bereavement, it reveals not only the value we place on who (or what) was taken away, but also the adequacy of the resources we are depending upon during our time of grief. We all face various kinds of loss - [Three D Sanctification](https://gracenotebook.com/three-d-sanctification/) - "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it" (1 Thess. 5:23,24). Paul's prayer for personal holiness for believers in 1 Thessalonians 5:23,24 focuses - [Three D Sanctification](https://gracenotebook.com/three-d-sanctification/) - "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it" (1 Thess. 5:23,24). Paul's prayer for personal holiness for believers in 1 Thessalonians 5:23,24 focuses - [On Pure Love](https://gracenotebook.com/on-pure-love/) - ["Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when - [The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life, Chapter 10: Filled With the Holy Spirit](https://gracenotebook.com/the-law-of-liberty-in-the-spiritual-life-chapter-10-filled-with-the-holy-spirit/) - "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you" - Acts 1:8. "They were all filled with the Holy Spirit." - Acts 2:4. "Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see - [A Prayer of Devotion](https://gracenotebook.com/a-prayer-of-devotion/) - Creation [You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” Rev. 4:11 NKJV] O my God! before You made the Heavens and the earth, there was none other but You. You were, because of Your years there was - [The Rest of Faith](https://gracenotebook.com/the-rest-of-faith/) - [There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest... " Heb. 4:10-12a] Often the stress today is upon our putting things right, our efforts to live - [The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life, Chapter 9: Conflict](https://gracenotebook.com/the-law-of-liberty-in-the-spiritual-life-chapter-9-conflict/) - "Fight the good fight of faith." - 1 Tim. 6:12. "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ (or, who at all times is leading us in triumph in Christ)." - 2 Cor. 2:14. "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." - - [Jars of Clay](https://gracenotebook.com/jars-of-clay/) - I remember that years ago our daughter went to a concert by the Christian musical group, Jars of Clay. The name "Jars of Clay" is based on the phrase Paul used to describe our frail, mortal bodies. "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels. ..." (2 Cor. 4:7). The "treasure" refers to the precious, - [The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life, Chapter 8: Watchfullness](https://gracenotebook.com/the-law-of-liberty-in-the-spiritual-life-chapter-8-watchfullness/) - "Take heed unto yourselves." - Deut. 4:23. "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." - 1 Cor. 16:13. "Be watchful in all things" - 2 Tim. 4:5. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." - - [The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life, Chapter 8: Watchfullness](https://gracenotebook.com/the-law-of-liberty-in-the-spiritual-life-chapter-8-watchfullness/) - "Take heed unto yourselves." - Deut. 4:23. "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." - 1 Cor. 16:13. "Be watchful in all things" - 2 Tim. 4:5. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." - - [Enlargement through Life's Challenges](https://gracenotebook.com/enlargement-through-lifes-challenges/) - If we would be [spiritually] enlarged we must accept all that God sends us as His own divinely appointed means of developing and expanding our spiritual life. We are so content to abide on the old plane that God has often to compel us to rise to a higher level by bringing us face to - [The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life, Chapter 7: Conditions of Power](https://gracenotebook.com/the-law-of-liberty-in-the-spiritual-life-chapter-7-conditions-of-power/) - "That power belongs to God." - Ps. 62:11 "Christ the power of God." - 1 Cor. 1:24. "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him." - 2 Chron. 16:9 "And He said to me, "My - [Searching For Significance](https://gracenotebook.com/searching-for-significance/) - The Age Old Search Back in 323 B.C. Alexander the Great ruled an empire that stretched from Greece and Egypt in the west to upper India in the east. This man seems to have epitomized the search for significance. Alexander was told by his mother that he was a descendant of Achilles, so he learned - [The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life, Chapter 6: Conformity to the Death of Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/the-law-of-liberty-in-the-spiritual-life-chapter-6-conformity-to-the-death-of-christ/) - "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit." - John 15: 8. "Being fruitful in every good work." - Col. 1:10. "Your fruit is found in Me." - Hos. 14:8. "Always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in - [No Worry, No Fears](https://gracenotebook.com/no-worry-no-fears/) - The Question It is possible for Christians to live a happy, worry-free life, with peace even in the presence of problems, one similar to the life Jesus lived here on earth? The first step into this kind of life is to know when Jesus Christ died He paid the penalty for our sins. When we - [The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life, Chapter 5: Sanctification](https://gracenotebook.com/the-law-of-liberty-in-the-spiritual-life-chapter-5-sanctification/) - "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 2 Cor. 3: 18 "Both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one." - - [The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life, Chapter 4: Liberty](https://gracenotebook.com/the-law-of-liberty-in-the-spiritual-life-chapter-4-liberty/) - "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of - [Keys to the Deeper Life (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/keys-to-the-deeper-life-part-1/) - A New Yearning Among Evangelicals Within the hearts of a growing number of evangelicals in recent days has arisen a new yearning after an above-average spiritual experience. Yet the greater number still shy away from it and raise objections that evidence misunderstanding or fear or plain unbelief. They point to the neurotic, the psychotic, the - [The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life, Chapter 3: Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-law-of-liberty-in-the-spiritual-life-chapter-3-life/) - "That which is born of the Spirit is spirit." - John 3:6. "And everything will live wherever the river goes." - Ezek. 47:9 "To be spiritually minded is life and peace." - Rom. 8:6 "Christ lives in me." - Gal. 2:20 "But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain - [The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life, Chapter 2: No Condemnation](https://gracenotebook.com/the-law-of-liberty-in-the-spiritual-life-chapter-2-no-condemnation/) - [Annotated edition; bold, colors and bracketed content added. Pages numbers from the CLC edition] "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free - [The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life, Chapter 1: Sin](https://gracenotebook.com/the-law-of-liberty-in-the-spiritual-life-chapter-1-sin/) - [See Table of Contents and Appendix] "Sin is lawlessness." - I John 3:4 "All unrighteousness is sin." - I John 5:17 "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts." - Rom. 6:12. "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." - - [The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life, a Table of Contents](https://gracenotebook.com/the-law-of-liberty-contents/) - The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life by Evan H. Hopkins ContentsAppendix Notes A-E Contents: Links to the chapters on GraceNotebook.com Ch. 1. SIN Ch. 2. NO CONDEMNATION Ch. 3. LIFE Ch. 4. LIBERTY Ch. 5. SANCTIFICATION Ch. 6. CONFORMITY TO THE DEATH OF CHRIST Ch. 7. CONDITIONS OF POWER Ch. 8. WATCHFULLNESS Ch. - [Evan Hopkins - A Unique Gift to Keswick and the Church](https://gracenotebook.com/evan-hopkins-a-unique-gift-to-keswick-and-the-church/) - EVAN HOPKINS - A UNIQUE GIFT TO KESWICK AND THE CHURCHEvan Henry Hopkins was born on 16 September, 1837, in the town of Santa Ana, in New Grenada, South America, where his parents were then living, for his father's duties as a civil engineer had taken him to survey and supervise the silver mine near - [Diagrams](https://gracenotebook.com/diagrams/) - Here are some additional diagrams that John uses in personal ministry: Self Life to Christ Life Commitment Selfers Prayer ______________________________________ - [Diagrams](https://gracenotebook.com/diagrams/) - Here are some additional diagrams that John uses in personal ministry: Self Life to Christ Life Commitment Selfers Prayer ______________________________________ - [Steps to and in Victorious Living](https://gracenotebook.com/steps-to-and-in-victorious-living/) - An Outline of Biblical Teachings after the Keswick Plan THE POSSIBILITIES OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE AS EXHIBITED IN THE SCRIPTURES ARE: 1. A maintained communion with the Lord (John 14:23), and 2. A complete and constant victory over all known [intentional] sin (Rom. 6:6). The Keswick plan is definite, complete, and progressive. It has a - [Who Is Sufficient?](https://gracenotebook.com/who-is-sufficient/) - A while back my wife, Linda, and I were in our living room when we heard a "bang"! The electricity in the neighborhood went out, so we lit some candles. A while later the electric company fixed the problem and the lights went back on. When we lose power it reminds us of how important - [Protecting Your Thought Life](https://gracenotebook.com/protecting-your-thought-life/) - An employee at a video rental store recalled the following incident: "I mentioned to a customer that her son already had a film out. 'What film'? she asked. Realizing that it came from the adult section, and too embarrassed to tell her the title, I mumbled, 'Uh ... I'm not sure.' 'That's all right,' she - [The Gift of God's Rest](https://gracenotebook.com/the-gift-of-gods-rest/) - "... and to whom did God swear that they would never enter His rest, if not to them who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief....There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased - [Living Above Your Circumstances](https://gracenotebook.com/living-above-your-circumstances/) - One of the most common factors in emotional depression is the feeling that our circumstances box us in, keeping joy, hope and peace beyond our reach. I heard about an incident at a theological seminary when a professor noticed that one of his students seemed to be dejected. He asked him, "How are you doing?" - [The Messiah's Words for the Weary](https://gracenotebook.com/the-messiahs-words-for-the-weary/) - [Isaiah 50:4-11 is the third of four “Servant Songs” that prophesy the coming of the Jesus, Messiah.] “The Lord God has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To - [The Divine Secret of Mutuality](https://gracenotebook.com/the-divine-secret-of-mutuality/) - [Jesus said to His disciples] "Before long, the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize I am in my Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you" (John 14:19,20 NIV). Great men know how to - [The Robes of Christ's Righteousness](https://gracenotebook.com/the-robes-of-christs-righteousness/) - "The Robes of Christ's Righteousness" by A. B. Simpson "I will clothe thee with change of raiment." Zechariah 3:4 For Paul, every exercise of the Christian life was simply the grace of Jesus Christ imparted to him and lived out by him. To be holy meant to put on the Lord Jesus and all the - [But How? (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/but-how-part-1/) - "To will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not" (Romans 7:18). This is the cry from the heart of many a disappointment, defeated, disheartened, and troubled Christian. The beginning of the Christian pathway was so bright. He [or she] looks back to the time when he received - [How Christ Lived](https://gracenotebook.com/how-christ-lived/) - We continue our theme of Jesus Christ as our perfect example. Jesus not only exemplified the ideal standards of motive, words and deeds, He also exemplified the dynamic of HOW God intends for His people to live. As Ian Thomas has written, "Now if it is true that he Lord Jesus Christ will live His - [Christ Our Life](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-our-life-1/) - Christ desires to be not only our Saviour and our Lord, but to be the very Life of our life. God has made ample provision for this through Christ's resurrection and ascension Creation of the New Man--Co-Resurrection with Christ Death is the gate to life. Co-crucifixion opens the door to co-resurrection. Identification with Christ in - [Look and Live](https://gracenotebook.com/look-and-live/) - When I was a boy I remember having a close call with a snake. My friends and I were running along the shore of a pond and I was stopping from time to time to hurl sticks into the water. As I was frolicking along, I reached down to pick up a sizable one that - [The Fullness of Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-fullness-of-life/) - "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another."—Rom. 15: - [The Virgin Birth of Christ (Part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-virgin-birth-of-christ-part-3/) - We have seen the historical and supernatural qualities of the Nativity. Now let's consider its significance for the Christian's salvation and abundant living. 3. The virgin birth of Christ is doctrinal. There are many theological and doctrinal implications of Christ's conception and birth. a. The Virgin Birth confirms Christ's nature as fully divine and fully - [The Virgin Birth of Christ (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-virgin-birth-of-christ-part-2/) - "On a plaque marking Abraham Lincoln's birthplace near Hodgenville, Kentucky, is recorded this scrap of conversation: 'Any news down at the village, Ezry?' 'Well, Squire McLain's gone to Washington to see Madison swore in, and old Spellman tells me this Bonaparte fella has captured most of Spain. What's new out here, neighbor?' 'Nothing, nothing at - [The Virgin Birth of Christ (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-virgin-birth-of-christ-part-1/) - When the movie, The Nativity Story, was released in theaters years ago, Anne Graham Lotz of AnGeL Ministries also commented about it: "From what I have observed, THE NATIVITY STORY is Biblically accurate, historically authentic and visually stunning. Written with heart, directed with sensitivity, produced with excellence and performed with artistic grace, it is destined - [More Than Conquerors](https://gracenotebook.com/more-than-conquerors-2/) - "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). We go to Christ for forgiveness, and then too often look to the law for power to fight our sins. Paul thus rebukes us, "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, - [From Jihad to Discovering the Prince of Peace](https://gracenotebook.com/from-jihad-to-discovering-the-prince-of-peace/) - [The testimony of a Muslim man who discovered Jesus to be more than a prophet] My love for the words of Allah motivated me to memorize all of the words of the Quran. But my cousin told me that I still did not know true Islam. So, I studied more and concluded that my father - [Optimistic Gratitude](https://gracenotebook.com/optimistic-gratitude/) - "See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit" (1 Thess.5:15-19 NKJV, emphasis added). The life - [God is Faithful (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/god-is-faithful-part-2/) - It is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny himself" (2 Tim. 2:11-13). Continuing with our main text: "If - [God is Faithful (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/god-is-faithful-part-1/) - It is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny himself" (2 Tim. 2:11-13). When I was on a mission - [Twelve Stones of Remembrance](https://gracenotebook.com/twelve-stones-of-remembrance/) - Recently, another counselee 'crossed the Jordan River'. It was evident that identification with Christ had gone from head to heart. Hallelujah! I prepared this 12 Stones list for him as a reminder of the rest of the Gospel. In the book of Joshua, the Lord miraculously parted the Jordan River (as He had parted the - [Only a Sinner?](https://gracenotebook.com/only-a-sinner/) - Are you "only a sinner" saved by grace? As an evangelical Christian, this is probably a statement you're familiar with. It sounds right, but is it? I regularly hear that this sentiment is all to common in conservative church circles. Why is that? 1. The good old hymn declares, "I'm only a sinner saved by - [The Trustworthiness of God's Word](https://gracenotebook.com/the-trustworthiness-of-gods-word/) - When I was back in Atlanta for a summer during my college years, I saw an advertisement promising a $5000 income for summer work. When I went to the recruiting seminar I didn't realize that their lead salesman was selling us on selling cutlery! So, in addition to taking a couple of summer courses I - [Blue Christmas](https://gracenotebook.com/blue-christmas/) - My wife and I were invited to speak at a "Blue Christmas" service for those who are grieving the passing of loved ones. The time for reflection, sharing and worship was just as much for us as for the other who attended. Four brief devotions were given as symbolized by the lighting of candles. This - [Say 'No' to the Scarecrow](https://gracenotebook.com/say-no-to-the-scarecrow/) - "If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts." (Eph 4:21,22). The issue This text in Ephesians has caused many believers to think that they are simultaneously - [The Apostle Paul: Chief Sinner or Saint?](https://gracenotebook.com/the-apostle-paul-chief-sinner-or-saint/) - "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief" (1 Tim. 1:15). Have you ever wondered what Paul meant by this instance where he refers to himself as the chief of sinners? We would have expected him to use - [The Larger Christian Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-larger-christian-life/) - “He brought me forth also into a large place” (Psalm 18:19). YOU observe that we have here a testimony, not a promise. God actually had done this thing for David. He was a shepherd lad; obscure, conscious but dimly if at all of his own capacities; shut up to the small things and small thoughts - [Exchanged Life Counseling in Biblical Context](https://gracenotebook.com/exchanged-life-counseling-in-biblical-context/) - (Outline by John Woodward ) The ministry of Exchanged Life counseling needs to be understood in the context of God's total plan for the believer (Rom 8:28-30). A. The Christian life begins at conversion and continues with discipleship. 1. The New birth. (Matt 16:26; John 3:3-16) 2. Spiritual growth. (1 Pet 2:4; 2 Pet 3:18) - [Proposal For Local Church Counseling Ministry](https://gracenotebook.com/proposal-for-local-church-counseling-ministry/) - Proposal for Establishing a Biblical Counseling Ministry in the Local Churchby John Woodward Grace Fellowship Int'l. Outline The process can be divided in four phases: Pre-planning, Planning, Training, and Ministry 1. Pre-planning phase Identify and clarify the leader's understanding of the counseling model. The doctrine of sanctification The role of psychology The biblical model - [Imitating Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/imitating-christ/) - The story is told that President Calvin Coolidge invited some people from his hometown to dinner at the White House. Since they did not know how to behave at such an occasion, they thought the best policy would be just to do what the President did. The time came for serving coffee. The President poured - [Dynamics of Transformation](https://gracenotebook.com/dynamics-of-transformation/) - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and - [Reckoning On Our Union With Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/reckoning-on-our-union-with-christ/) - I once threw away a personal check made out to me for the sum of $10,000. However, I knew immediately that this "check" was not credible ... nor creditable. A few weeks after it arrived in the mail, the sender wrote, confessing this impulsive gesture. But I kept the check for a while as a - [God's Will for Your Life](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-will-for-your-life/) - When we consider the matter of God's will for our life, we usually think of major issues of guidance. For example, Which school should I attend? What job/career should I pursue? How can I use my talents/spiritual gift(s)? Whom should I marry? Where should I live? Although these kind of decisions do need divine guidance, - [Manifold Temptations and Manifold Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/manifold-temptations-and-manifold-grace/) - "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations" (1 Peter 1:6, KJV). "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10) The word "manifold" can be translated "many-coloured."[1] For - [Defusing Anger](https://gracenotebook.com/defusing-anger/) - Flying home from a ministry trip I once sat next to a woman on the plane who gave me a vivid illustration of the damage anger can do. Her brother and his wife had an argument a few weeks previous and when he turned to walk away, his wife angrily hit him with a metal - [Defusing Anger](https://gracenotebook.com/defusing-anger/) - Flying home from a ministry trip I once sat next to a woman on the plane who gave me a vivid illustration of the damage anger can do. Her brother and his wife had an argument a few weeks previous and when he turned to walk away, his wife angrily hit him with a metal - [A Psychologist Discovers Joy](https://gracenotebook.com/a-psychologist-discovers-joy/) - My Testimony I was born in South Africa, educated in England, and worked as a professional psychologist, lecturer, and management consultant in several European countries. On June 15, 1995, I testified to a large audience how, at the age of fifty-five, I found victory in the Lord Jesus Christ from a life-long struggle with depression. - [You Who are Spiritual](https://gracenotebook.com/you-who-are-spiritual/) - There are many varieties of spirituality in our culture yet often these metaphysical paths are dead end streets. True spirituality needs to be properly related to God--the ultimate Spiritual Being. Jesus instructed us, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the - [A Helping Hand For Parents of Teens (Pts. 1 & 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/a-helping-hand-for-parents-of-teens-pts-1-2/) - When Linda and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary years ago, four of our five children were in the category of "teenagers." When the kids are small parents think, "if only we get past this diapers stage," or "the terrible two's stage," or "the shuttling kids to sports and clubs stage"... Although not inevitable, most - [The Cross Versus the Self-Life (Part 2 of 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-cross-versus-the-self-life-part-2-of-2/) - Now comes the third point. What are we to do to get rid of it (self)? Jesus answers us in the words of our text: "If any man will come after me, let him take up his cross and follow me." Note it well.--I must deny myself and take Jesus himself as my life,--I must - [The Cross Versus the Self-Life (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-cross-versus-the-self-life-part-1/) - "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). Let us dwell upon this one word, "self." It is only as we learn to know what self is that we really know what is at the root of all our failure, and are - [Christ Revealed in Paul](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-revealed-in-paul/) - "[God] who ... called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me." Galatians 1:15,16 All our study and worship of Christ are focused on five points: Christ incarnate, the crucified Christ, the enthroned Christ, the indwelling Christ, and Christ coming in glory. If the first is the seed, the second is - [Because He Lives](https://gracenotebook.com/because-he-lives-1/) - ["Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." (John 14:12) "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I - [Because He Lives](https://gracenotebook.com/because-he-lives-1/) - ["Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." (John 14:12) "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I - [Just Because You're Mine](https://gracenotebook.com/just-because-youre-mine/) - "The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: 'Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you'" (Jer. 31:3). Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,... to the praise - [Bypassing the Detour of Legalism (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/bypassing-the-detour-of-legalism-part-2/) - B. Legalism is a problem for the unsaved. One of the distinctives of biblical faith is that salvation is not based on man's attempts to reach God (religion), but on God's provision to reach man (redemption). Legalism is a roadblock to the unsaved when they try to earn God's salvation by works of merit, no - [Bypassing the Detour of Legalism (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/bypassing-the-detour-of-legalism-part-1/) - In our journey to receive and live out God's righteousness in a fallen world, we encounter well-intentioned detours. A young man once asked, "What is it I must forsake?" He was instructed, "Colored clothes, for one thing. Get rid of everything in your wardrobe that is not white. Stop sleeping on a soft pillow. Sell - [Are You Good Enough to Go to Heaven?](https://gracenotebook.com/are-you-good-enough/) - By Ray Comfort Of all the questions you will ask yourself in life, probably the most important is, "Am I good enough to go to Heaven?" The way to find this out is to ask yourself if you have obeyed the Ten Commandments. Most would answer the question, "Well, I've broken one or two, but - [God's Good News for You!](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-good-news-for-you/) - Let's begin with a look inside. Most of us love to look at ourselves and reference things to ourselves. That's not always a good idea, but it will serve us as a starting point. If there is one characteristic of people in general it is that we are consumed with getting our needs met. Our - [Taking Up Your Cross Daily](https://gracenotebook.com/taking-up-your-cross-daily/) - An Outline Teaching Since the believer's SPIRIT is already saved (Ephesians 2:8-9), and his BODY will be saved (redeemed) at the resurrection (Romans 8:22-24), the major focus for taking up the Cross for victorious living is the SOUL. "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted Word, which - [The Balance of Obedience (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-balance-of-obedience-part-2/) - The issue of authority played out one night in the following way: The captain of the ship looked into the dark night and saw faint lights in the distance. Immediately he told his signalman to send a message" "Alter your course 10 degrees south." Promptly a return message was received: "Alter your course 10 degrees - [The Balance of Obedience](https://gracenotebook.com/the-balance-of-obedience/) - "Obedience" is the key word in the current Missions emphasis in our local church ... and denomination. It's not surprising since this theme is central to the Great Commission: "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of - [Being in Order to Do](https://gracenotebook.com/being-in-order-to-do-1/) - Life seems to get busier and busier these days. There's always more to do ... tasks that demand our attention. Technology is bringing us more automated helpers. Smart vacuum cleaners roam through rooms, hopefully gobbling up unwanted dust; robots are becoming sophisticated assistants. iPhone's Siri, Android's Google Now, and GPS devices are to help us - [Reformation or Transformation?](https://gracenotebook.com/reformation-or-transformation/) - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and - [How Can a Little Clay Pot Express God's Glory? (Part 5/conclusion)](https://gracenotebook.com/how-can-a-little-clay-pot-express-gods-glory-part-5-conclusion/) - ["Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:17,18, - [Running to Win the Prize](https://gracenotebook.com/running-to-win-the-prize/) - In July of 2008, golf fans were almost as shocked as eighteen year old Michelle Wie. She was one stroke off the lead in the State Farm Classic tournament and was playing her best golf of the year. If she had finished in second place, the $155,252.00 purse would be hers. It would also have - [The Indwelling of Christ (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-indwelling-of-christ-part-1/) - [Warning: This series is not seeker friendly; it is believer costly!]THE ABIDING indwelling of Jesus Christ in the heart of the believer is an experience more to be coveted than any other. It constitutes the crown and climax of the Christian life. God not only pardons our guilt and saves us from its consequences; He - [How to Discern God's Guidance (Part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-discern-gods-guidance-part-3/) - [Review: 1. Our first test, therefore, of the Divine authority of any voice which may seem to speak to us, must be its harmony in moral character with the mind and will of God, as revealed to us in the Gospel of Christ.2. The second test, therefore, to which our impressions must be brought, is - [Enter In](https://gracenotebook.com/enter-in/) - ..."For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds - [The Great Restoration Project](https://gracenotebook.com/the-great-restoration-project/) - One of the unusual perks of living in a tourist town is a special event known as "Shades of the Past." If you like old, restored cars you'd love this. Each September hundreds of antique and classic car owners gather in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for several days of this car show. Some buy, sell, or - [The Great Exchange](https://gracenotebook.com/the-great-exchange/) - "For He [God the Father] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV) This may be the most important verse in the Bible. At least for me it seems to be. God made Jesus, the One who - [A Balanced Gospel](https://gracenotebook.com/a-balanced-gospel/) - "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of - [Self-Denial and the Daily Cross (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/self-denial-and-the-daily-cross-part-1/) - This teaching--written over 120 years ago by a respected, Godly scholar--adresses a central, yet radical, aspect of the way to abundant life in Christ. - JBW"I can do all things," I have resources for all circumstances, " in Him that strengtheneth me" (Phil 4:13).But already the earnest soul, athirst for a personal experience of what - [Dating with Spiritual Contentment](https://gracenotebook.com/dating-with-spiritual-contentment/) - "For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him?In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."1 Corinthians 2:11I am tired of dating. Actually, it has worn me out. Not because I do it very often, but because it is all - [Praise is Faith at Work](https://gracenotebook.com/praise-is-faith-at-work/) - Praise lifts your eyes from the battle to the victory, for Christ is already Victor,and you have the Victor in your heart that you might have His victory in your life.Have you ever noticed the way God multiplies your faith when you begin praising Him? There are times when it is more important to praise - [Why God Sent His Window](https://gracenotebook.com/why-god-sent-his-window/) - IT WAS THE DIVINE IMPERATIVE.From the beginning, all mankind has desired a look at the God of the Universe. In recognizing this, historians have written about "the desire of all nations." So in the "fullness of time" God sent His Son (Haggai 2:7; Gal. 4:4).When Jordan finished his evening prayer, he looked up at his - [Why God Sent His Window](https://gracenotebook.com/why-god-sent-his-window/) - IT WAS THE DIVINE IMPERATIVE.From the beginning, all mankind has desired a look at the God of the Universe. In recognizing this, historians have written about "the desire of all nations." So in the "fullness of time" God sent His Son (Haggai 2:7; Gal. 4:4).When Jordan finished his evening prayer, he looked up at his - [The Healing Touch of God's Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/the-healing-touch-of-gods-grace/) - A Personal Testimony.Over the last two thousand years, countless stories have been written about the grace of God. They are always the same, yet always different, for while the problems grace solves are as varied as the people who have them, the victories which grace produces always have the same majestic imprint. To that book - [How to Positively Influence Your Spouse](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-positively-influence-your-spouse/) - An insurance salesman said to his customer: "You've filled in this application all right except for one thing, Mr. Perkins — where it asks the relationship of Mrs. Perkins to yourself, you should have put down 'wife', not 'strained'".The expectations and responsibilities of married life can certainly cause a strain at times! That's why we - [The Bell](https://gracenotebook.com/the-bell/) - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17.THE BELL I KNOW WHO I AM I am God's child (John 1:12) I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 ) I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17) I am - [The Roots of Insecurity (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-roots-of-insecurity-part-2/) - 2. Legalism "Legalism" involves legislating ideal behaviors, trying to gain practical righteousness by self-effort, and focusing on externals more than the heart motives. The Galatian church fell into this trap due to false teachers: "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly - [A Response to "A Critique of the 'Exchanged Life"](https://gracenotebook.com/a-response-to-a-critique-of-the-exchanged-life/) - A Response to "A Critique of the 'Exchanged Life.'"1 A. Introduction When it comes to critiques and responses, one is reminded of the saying, "truth can always stand scrutiny." Therefore, if we care about being workers who do "not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15), this kind of - [The Meaning of 'Curare'](https://gracenotebook.com/the-meaning-of-curare/) - [This article is from Hendrik and Nehlsie DeBruto. They serve as Grace Fellowship International staff in South Africa. The name of the South African ministry is Curare. Nehlsie testified of how God led them to this name. - JBW] In 2002, God instructed me: "I want you to call the place Curare." I inquired what - [The Daily Affirmation of Faith](https://gracenotebook.com/the-daily-affirmation-of-faith/) - The Daily Affirmation of Faith by Victor M. Matthews Today I deliberately choose to submit myself fully to God as He has made Himself known to me through the Holy Scriptures which I honestly accept as the only inspired, infallible, authoritative standard for all of life and practice. In this day I will not judge - [All-Sufficient Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/all-sufficient-grace/) - "All-Sufficient Grace" by John Gill (1697-1771) "My grace is sufficient for thee" (2 Cor. 12:9); the Lord always hears and answers His people sooner or later, in one form or another, though not always in the way and manner they desire; but yet in such a way as is most for His glory and their - [Complete in Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/complete-in-christ/) - "Complete in Christ" by Cindy Galdal "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the - [Holiness By Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/holiness-by-grace/) - Holiness by Grace Dr. Bryan Chappell ["The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: 'Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you'" Jer. 31:3. "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world - [A Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/a-testimony/) - A Testimony by Sara Throughout my life my parents went to church. I was enrolled in Sunday School and mid-week clubs. I really enjoyed memorizing Scripture because I was good at it. I enjoyed the prizes and the attention that came along with it. I came under conviction through the Scripture I had memorized. Romans - [Happiness is the LORD](https://gracenotebook.com/happiness-is-the-lord/) - In our clinical discipleship ministry at Grace Fellowship International we usually have counselees read Handbook to Happiness. This book (by my mentor and colleague, Dr. Charles Solomon) presents a unique Christ-centered process of appropriating one's identification with Christ. While many devotional writers have expounded upon the wonders of being "in Christ," this message is especially - [Where Has All the Power Gone?](https://gracenotebook.com/where-has-all-the-power-gone/) - As I have worked with the Church over the past four decades, it is apparent that the ministry of the Spirit is on the wane. The vast majority of those to whom we have ministered could have, and should have, been ministered to in their churches. As the cultural and economic wars heat up, it - [The Line](https://gracenotebook.com/the-line/) - Your Deliverance These (conflicted) psychological and physiological symptoms begin to disappear when one sees how God can deal with the root problem by dethroning the self-life. The Line Diagram shows the "life out of death" principle--God's way of disposing of internal conflict. The horizontal line represents eternal life, the life of Christ. By definition, eternal - [How Can I Exchange Emptiness for Fullness? pt. 4 (Conclusion)](https://gracenotebook.com/how-can-i-exchange-emptiness-for-fullness-pt-4-conclusion/) - Devotional insights on John 4:1-26 . [Jesus said to her] "Woman, you've been waiting for such and such a thing to happen. You've been waiting till you can get to the mountain so you can draw water. You've been waiting till you can get to the well to draw water. I'm telling you something that - [How Can I Exchange Emptiness for Fullness? pt. 1](https://gracenotebook.com/how-can-i-exchange-emptiness-for-fullness-pt-1/) - Devotional insights on John 4:1-26 Who can fathom God's deepest desire to have a vast family of children conformed to His own image? Was it fellowship that He sought? No doubt that was involved, but there is something else we should consider. It would seem the unique design of our spirit, soul, and body is - [Heavenly Unity (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/heavenly-unity-part-2/) - ...The spheres of family life, social life, church life, and national life are all visible, and they impress us with a vivid sense of our unity, as brothers, neighbors, fellow church members, fellow citizens. But, to a true child of God, the invisible bond that unites all believers to Christ is far more tender, and - [Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret](https://gracenotebook.com/hudson-taylors-spiritual-secret/) - [This historic letter to his sister contains a personal testimony from the great missionary to China. Hudson Taylor described his spiritual breakthrough as "The Exchanged Life."] So many thanks for your dear, long letter.... I do not think you have written me such a letter since our return to China. I know it is with - [An Exchanged Life Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/an-exchanged-life-testimony/) - On 26th February 1963 I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal saviour. I did this in the full knowledge of what I was doing and never had any doubts that by doing so, I had become a child of my Heavenly Father (John 1:12,13). Then came my teenage years with their accompaniment of - [No Condemnation (part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/no-condemnation-part-2/) - Fellowship ["There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus..." Romans 8:1] To be "in Christ" in this sense is to have the consciousness of His favour. This is a matter, not of standing, but of experience — and yet not of feeling, but of faith. We are commanded to "abide" - [Does the Believer Have Two Natures?](https://gracenotebook.com/does-the-believer-have-two-natures/) - Question: Do you have something within your website dealing with the two natures of a Christian? I will mention two authors: Joel T. Andrus, his booklet "The Believer's Two Natures," and E.C. Hadley, his booklet, "The Believer's Two Natures"...I would like to know where you stand on this subject. Thank you very much for your - [Passive Righteousness Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/passive-righteousness-part-2/) - "Passive Righteousness" (part 2 of 2) by Martin Luther ["Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage ... For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love ... For you, brethren, have been - [Passive Righteousness Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/passive-righteousness-part-2/) - "Passive Righteousness" (part 2 of 2) by Martin Luther ["Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage ... For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love ... For you, brethren, have been - [The Battleground of the Soul (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-battleground-of-the-soul-part-1/) - "Blessed are you, Simon ... My Father (has revealed it unto you)" (Matt. 16:17; See vs. 13-25). "He [Jesus] ... said unto Peter, Get behind Me, Satan" (Matt. 16:23). "Simon ... Satan asked to have you ... but I made supplication for you" (Luke 22:31-32). We have before us the spiritual history in the making - [Finally, I Met Jesus!](https://gracenotebook.com/finally-i-met-jesus/) - The Testimony of Christy "Finally, I Met Jesus!" "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy." (Psalm 130:1,2). I was raised as a pastor's daughter, so I was constantly at church and in God's Word. My parents did - [Love: Rest in God](https://gracenotebook.com/love-rest-in-god/) - My dear Lord, I depend wholly upon Thee, wean me from all other dependences. Thou art my all, thou dost overrule all and delight in me. Thou art the foundation of goodness, how can I distrust Thee? how be anxious about what happens to me? In the light of Thy preciousness the world and all - [A Response](https://gracenotebook.com/a-response/) - A Response to an article circulated that criticizes the counseling model of Dr. Charles Solomon This response is not required to vindicate Grace Fellowship International. Our aspiration is to have such a God-centered calling that we can echo Paul's attitude: "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by - [But How? (Part 3 of 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/but-how-part-3-of-3/) - Review: 1) YOU, WITH YOUR SINFUL NATURE [flesh], ARE INCAPABLE OF PRODUCING ANY GOOD THING... 2) GOD HAS GIVEN HIS HOLY SPIRIT TO DWELL WITHIN YOU, FOR THE PURPOSE OF WORKING IN YOU BOTH TO WILL AND TO DO ALL THAT HE REQUIRES OF YOU... (Part 3) 3). WHEN CHRIST WAS CRUCIFIED, HE TOOK WITH - [What's Your Sign? The Alternative to Astrology](https://gracenotebook.com/whats-your-sign-the-alternative-to-astrology/) - When my family had lunch at a Chinese restaurant a while back, we were given a placemat that featured the Chinese Zodiac. (This system differs from the western version of astrology that designates the month of a person's birth as their "sign," with a corresponding symbol, e.g., July 23 - August 22 - "Leo," = - [The Gospel of Rest](https://gracenotebook.com/the-gospel-of-rest/) - "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God." HEBREWS 4:9 THE keynote of this chapter is Rest. In the second verse it is spoken of as a gospel, or good news. And is there any gospel that more needs preaching in these busy, weary days, through which our age is rushing to its - [Passive Righteousness Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/passive-righteousness-part-1/) - "Passive Righteousness" part 1 by Martin Luther ["Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of - [In Christ Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/in-christ-testimony/) - "In Christ" Testimony of Dan Barry, Dallas Texas Fay, my wife, and I became Christians in 1980 at a point of crisis in our marriage of 5 years. As is common with new Christians, we were very enthusiastic after being saved. I had a strong desire to do all I could for Jesus. We spoke - [Freedom From A Guilty Conscience](https://gracenotebook.com/freedom-from-a-guilty-conscience/) - Freedom from a Guilty Conscience A guilty conscience is one of the "weights" that the runner must "lay aside" in the Christian race (Hebrews 12:1). The apostle Paul wrote to his son in the faith, "Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith" - [Lifetime Guarantee](https://gracenotebook.com/lifetime-guarantee/) - In the quest to get their Christian life to function sucessfully, many despair of ever finding an effective answer. Counselors listen to "presenting problems" such as depression, anxiety, and moral failures. Interpersonal conflicts continue even after self-help solutions have been attempted. It seems ironic that one of the keys to discovering deliverance from such symptoms - [The Christians Choice: Self-Life or Christ-Life. Which?](https://gracenotebook.com/the-christians-choice-self-life-or-christ-life-which/) - The Christians Choice: Self-Life or Christ-Life. Which? By Philip Mauro (1859-1952) "For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose - [Anticipating the Second Coming of Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/anticipating-the-second-coming-of-christ/) - According to a Gallup pole taken about 20 years ago, 62 percent of all Americans believed that Jesus Christ will return to earth someday. [1] However, judging by the increasing apostasy in Christendom and the skepticism of the western media, now the percentage is probably lower. But even of those who assent to this future - [Learn to Discern - Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/learn-to-discern-part-1/) - [In Christ-centered discipleship and counseling, we sometimes hear people minimize the importance of doctrine: "We don't need doctrine; we just need Jesus." However, doctrine (teaching) is essential to the Gospel of salvation and abundant living. For example, identifying the true Jesus is a matter of biblical doctrine and apologetics. When I heard a recent radio - [Crime and Peace in South Africa](https://gracenotebook.com/crime-and-peace-in-south-africa/) - News reports indicate the political and social unrest in troubled South Africa. Our Grace Fellowship mission members there have a strategic message in Christ-centered counseling and training. A report that didn't make the news involved our leaders in South Africa. On August 10th, Hendrik and Nehlsie DeBruto were attacked. God spared their lives, but this - [The Indwelling of Christ (Part 4)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-indwelling-of-christ-part-4/) - IV. DEVOTION (John 14:21, 24) The question which Judas (not Iscariot) asked the Master proves that he held a low place among the Apostles. It seems pretty certain that the groups of fours, into which the Apostles were divided, were arranged according to their spiritual nearness to the Saviour. In all the lists Judas is - [The Indwelling of Christ (Part 4)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-indwelling-of-christ-part-4/) - IV. DEVOTION (John 14:21, 24) The question which Judas (not Iscariot) asked the Master proves that he held a low place among the Apostles. It seems pretty certain that the groups of fours, into which the Apostles were divided, were arranged according to their spiritual nearness to the Saviour. In all the lists Judas is - [The Indwelling of Christ (Part 5/conclusion)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-indwelling-of-christ-part-5-conclusion/) - V. DISCIPLINE (1 Cor. 9:25-27) "Every competitor in an athletic contest practices abstemiousness [self-discipline] in all directions. [1] They indeed do this for the sake of securing a perishable wreath, but we for the sake of securing one that will not perish. That is how I run, not being in any doubt as to my - [How to Discern God's Guidance (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-discern-gods-guidance-part-1/) - If... your soul only needs to know the will of God in order to consent to it, then you surely cannot doubt His willingness to make His will known, and to guide you in the right paths. There are many very clear promises in reference to this. Take, for instance, John 10:3, 4: "He calleth - [Marriage Myths and Wedded Wisdom (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/marriage-myths-and-wedded-wisdom-part-2/) - Wedded Wisdom An overview of these ... myths reveals that [some] beliefs qualify as misbeliefs for a variety of reasons: Many are overly idealistic or romantic; some, too simplistic; others, too extreme. In some instances, conventional wisdom has been challenged. Other entries have affirmed what great-grandmothers throughout the ages have known to be true. Most - [Grace Teaching Us - Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/grace-teaching-us-part-1/) - "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" (Titus 2:11-13 KJV). These three - [Free at Last](https://gracenotebook.com/free-at-last/) - If you have a heart that desperately desires to know and serve God, the place to begin is by understanding and believing the biblical truth of your identity in Christ. This is a watershed issue, one that determines whether you will live free in Christ or live as a slave of the world, the flesh, - [Mountain Moving Faith](https://gracenotebook.com/mountain-moving-faith/) - On October 25 2009 a huge rock slide closed all four lanes of an expressway that links eastern Tennessee with western North Carolina. Our family has used this road many times, noticing the jagged rock cliffs on the northern side of the highway. In December, friends visiting Asheville, N.C. from Alaska were hindered from traveling - [Victory Out of Ashes](https://gracenotebook.com/victory-out-of-ashes/) - A Testimony by Bob and Joy Burney ["And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry ... And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus... Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to - [The Right But Difficult Choice (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-right-but-difficult-choice-part-1/) - After many years of serving the Lord there was fruit evident on his tree--patience, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control were obvious. But there was another character quality yet to be demonstrated when the deacon made... THE RIGHT BUT DIFFICULT CHOICE It is Sunday morning ... Main Street ... USA. Bill has made a choice to attend - [God is Able (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/god-is-able-part-2/) - Yes, clasp this [divine] side, the not-self side, of the Scripture promises. Fear not lest the legitimate action of self, of you, should be unduly eliminated. With the heart that asks the questions we have supposed, that is the last risk, and the least. What you need is to look away to this eternal Person - [Handling Answers to Prayer](https://gracenotebook.com/handling-answers-to-prayer/) - "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened" (Matt. 7:7,8). Does God always answer prayer? Your personal experience may prompt you to reply, - [Passing the Tests of Temptation, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/passing-the-tests-of-temptation-part-2/) - The Test in Temptation It has been puzzling to me that there is only one Greek word for "temptation." Greek is a precise language and often there are a few synonyms for each important term, yet peirazo means both temptation (enticement to sin) and testing (trial). Why is this? Essentially, whether we face a temptation - [The Bias of Degeneration](https://gracenotebook.com/the-bias-of-degeneration/) - The Bias of Degeneration [The bent of fallen humanity in need of a Savior] "Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Romans 5:12 The Bible does not say that God punished the human race for one - [Shaun's Story](https://gracenotebook.com/shauns-story/) - Bob and Joan Galasso are friends who serve in a ministry of pastoral care and counseling based in Florida. They minister primarily to pastors and missionaries in the U.S. and several foreign countries. This testimony is from someone they ministered to.] God brought a wonderful young man named Shaun into our lives. This is his - [Grace All Sufficient](https://gracenotebook.com/grace-all-sufficient/) - "For this thing [his thorn in the flesh] I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, '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 - [The Art of Understanding Your Mate](https://gracenotebook.com/the-art-of-understanding-your-mate/) - A counseling outline TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR HUSBANDS [1] 1. Treat Your Wife With Strength and Gentleness. 2. Give Ample Praise and Reassurance. 3. Define the Areas of Responsibility. 4. Avoid Criticism. 5. Remember the Importance of "Little Things." 6. Recognize Her Need for Togetherness. 7. Give Her a Sense of Security. 8. Recognize the Validity - [The Secret of the Indwelling Christ (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-secret-of-the-indwelling-christ-part-2/) - ["To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which[a] is Christ in you, the hope of glory" Col. 1:27 NKJV] It is very wonderful. Yes; the heavens, even the heavens of heavens, with all their light and glory, alone seem worthy of Jesus - [Why God Intervened](https://gracenotebook.com/why-god-intervened/) - In his autobiography, a well-known TV personality describes the time when he asked, "If God the Father is so all-loving, why didn't He come down and go to Calvary?" His comment reveals that he really did not understand much about our Father. WHY GOD INTERVENED JOHN STOTT DESCRIBES ... At the end of time, millions - [The Abundant Life Testimony of Luis Palau](https://gracenotebook.com/the-abundant-life-testimony-of-luis-palau/) - Since 1966 God has given me the privilege of traveling the world and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with hundreds of thousands of people. I have been thrilled to see people of all nationalities come into relationship with Jesus Christ and experience new life in Him. But all this almost didn't happen. As - [The Cross Day By Day](https://gracenotebook.com/the-cross-day-by-day/) - The facts of Christian experience indicate that most believers wander for some time in the wilderness of Romans 7, in the land of a mixed and divided affection, before they enter into the life of victory in Christ. The great apostle himself reveals the tragic breakdown of his own inner life subsequent to his conversion, - [Bypassing the Detour of Legalism (Part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/bypassing-the-detour-of-legalism-part-3/) - C. Legalism is also a problem for Christians. Man-made rules, apart from divine relationship, turn God's values upside down! "The story was told some years ago of a pastor who found the roads blocked one Sunday morning and was forced to skate on the river to get to church, which he did. When he arrived, - [Continual Confidence](https://gracenotebook.com/continual-confidence/) - "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10). "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our - [Living By Faith](https://gracenotebook.com/living-by-faith/) - "...The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God..." Galatians 2:20 When the Lord in mercy passed by and saw us in our blood,[1] He first of all said, "Live"; and this He did first, because life is one of the absolutely essential things in - [From Rags to Riches](https://gracenotebook.com/from-rags-to-riches/) - As the calendar flips over to another year, remember this reality check: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It - [Proof of I.D.](https://gracenotebook.com/proof-of-id/) - When I went for early voting, I was required to show my proof of identification. The photo driver's license is standard for most governmental matters. When you conduct important business, apply for a passport, etc., proof of your ID is required. Being able to verify one's identity was also important in Bible times also. For - [The Believer's Fourfold Union With Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/the-believers-fourfold-union-with-christ/) - When our Lord Jesus was giving His farewell address to His disciples the night before His crucifixion, they desperately needed comfort. Having been with Christ for over three years, they faced the grim prospect of being separated from the Lord. How could they go on to an impossible mission without Him? This need for power - [The Believer's Fourfold Union With Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/the-believers-fourfold-union-with-christ/) - When our Lord Jesus was giving His farewell address to His disciples the night before His crucifixion, they desperately needed comfort. Having been with Christ for over three years, they faced the grim prospect of being separated from the Lord. How could they go on to an impossible mission without Him? This need for power - [My Journey: A Testimony of Restorative Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/my-journey-a-testimony-of-restorative-grace/) - I grew up in a non-Christian home in North Carolina. My father was an alcoholic and my mother, well, she did the best she could. To make a long story short I was sexually abused from about age 5-10 and then again around age 13. This left some deep scars. When I was 21 I - [Keys to the Deeper Life (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/keys-to-the-deeper-life-part-2/) - Hearing But Not Obeying It has been the unanimous testimony of the greatest Christian souls that the nearer they drew to God the more acute became their consciousness of sin and their sense of personal unworthiness. The purest souls never knew how pure they were and the greatest saints never guessed that they were great. - [The Life of Faith (part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-life-of-faith-part-1/) - …Trust in Christ is the abiding motive and principle of the person in Christ. It is the very opposite of mere worldly prudence. The children of this world walk by sight, not by faith. To them the visible possession of a smaller gain, is better than the possible acquisition of a larger. But the Christian's - [The Life of Faith - part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/the-life-of-faith-part-2/) - [The life of faith] is faith in the divine protection for the security of the present. The solemn promise has been given, that all things shall work together for good, to those who love God [Rom. 8:28]. In the assurance of the truth of this promise, the person in Christ rests, with simple and entire - [Forgiving](https://gracenotebook.com/forgiving/) - "And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 My cousin Floyd came to live with us when he was about nine years old, both his parents having died in the tuberculosis epidemic of the 1930s. When he was 75 he had a - [Bypass Everything and Go Directly to Jesus (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/bypass-everything-and-go-directly-to-jesus-part-1/) - One of the greatest lessons we learn in our Christian life is to bypass the entire realm of the flesh and go directly to Jesus and make contact with Him. When we go directly to Christ, we are free from the flesh. We are free from our self. We are free from self-preoccupation. We are - [Bypass Everything and Go Directly to Jesus (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/bypass-everything-and-go-directly-to-jesus-part-2/) - Bypass the "good" flesh One of the clearest statements in the Bible regarding bypassing the good flesh is Paul's utterance in Philippians 3:3-7: 3 "For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. - [Our Wealth in Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/our-wealth-in-christ/) - Chosen in Christ "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" (Eph. 1:4). Perhaps we can best get at the deep and precious meaning of this glorious truth by answering six simple questions: Who? What? Whom? How? - [Love's Intuitive Choice](https://gracenotebook.com/loves-intuitive-choice/) - [Christ declared] "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13). "...Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her" (Eph. 5:25). "We love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19). [The bride expressed her love for the Bridegroom] "Set me as a - [The Middle Miracle](https://gracenotebook.com/the-middle-miracle/) - Sanctification: Quit Trying and Start Trusting Sad scenarios The Christian life is a source of great perplexity to both sinner and saint. The unregenerate man in the pew hears the gospel and has the intelligence to realize that it is far better to be saved than lost but says to himself, "I can't live the - [The Easy Yoke](https://gracenotebook.com/the-easy-yoke/) - The Lord Jesus Christ declared, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My - [Managing Burdens](https://gracenotebook.com/managing-burdens/) - ''Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble" (Job 14:1). "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law - [Self Reflections](https://gracenotebook.com/self-reflections/) - What happens to the self under the Christian faith? It is an important question as the self is the only thing we own. It is the only thing we will take out with us when we go out of this world. It is the thing we have to live with while we are here. You - [Self Reflections](https://gracenotebook.com/self-reflections/) - What happens to the self under the Christian faith? It is an important question as the self is the only thing we own. It is the only thing we will take out with us when we go out of this world. It is the thing we have to live with while we are here. You - [Victory](https://gracenotebook.com/victory/) - "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. [The mortal body] is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, 'The first man Adam was made a living soul'; the - [Living by Grace through Faith](https://gracenotebook.com/living-by-grace-through-faith/) - "Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ's death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross ... How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now - [The Creation of a Christian](https://gracenotebook.com/the-creation-of-a-christian/) - An Exposition of Ephesians 2:1-10 We may go on into [Ephesians] 2:4-10, where we see the sinner becoming a saint through the mighty operation of God's mercy, love and grace. The process in the creation of a Christian is given here with a clarity and beauty found nowhere else in the Word. The passage falls - [Payday Someday - Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/payday-someday-part-1/) - The Future Judgments of God are much misunderstood. This is something most people don't understand, still less think about. And, if they do think about it, they are likely to think of hell--of fire and brimstone, of medieval torture and demons and many other horrible things. We will all stand before the Judgment Seat of - [Testimony of T. Austin-Sparks](https://gracenotebook.com/testimony-of-t-austin-sparks/) - "Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom - [My New Life (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/my-new-life-part-1/) - [John Stevens recounts his close brush with suicidal death. Instead, he was brought to salvation and new life in Christ! Here is an excerpt from his testimony...] When morning came, the new sun arose on the most beautiful sight that I had ever seen. Never before had I seen a world like the one that - [My New Life (Part 2 / Conclusion)](https://gracenotebook.com/my-new-life-part-2-conclusion/) - To know the Person is to know th the Power [of living this new life]; for Christ is one and the same, "For he that is dead is freed from sin (the old man). Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him: ... (for) I am crucified - [Assurance: The Office of the Holy Spirit](https://gracenotebook.com/assurance-the-office-of-the-holy-spirit/) - THERE CAN be no adequate understanding of the purpose of the Holy Spirit's presence in the world as long as one rejects the doctrine of eternal security ["perseverance of the saints"]. TO BE WITH YOU FOREVER Just before Jesus left this earth, He promised those that were His: "And I will pray the Father, and - [The Gift of a New Heart](https://gracenotebook.com/the-gift-of-a-new-heart/) - I'm thankful that my family tree doesn't have a history of heart disease. I was reminded of this recently when I found myself in the Emergency Room of our local hospital, hooked up to an EKG machine. It all started with a slight pain in my left chest and arm that became more noticeable in - [The Wheel](https://gracenotebook.com/the-wheel/) - As you read this, you may be in the midst of turmoil. Man may have failed you and God may seem too distant to help. You may have grown up not feeling loved in a way that met your needs. You may never have accepted or loved yourself. The sense of inadequacy a person can - [Jesus Knocking](https://gracenotebook.com/jesus-knocking/) - The story is told of a child's sincere faith: A nurse on the pediatric ward, before listening to the little ones' chests, would plug the stethoscope into their ears and let them listen to their own hearts. Their eyes would always light up with awe, but she never got a response equal to four-year-old David's - [Understanding Suffering (Part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/understanding-suffering-part-3/) - Suffering in Light of God's Sovereignty Paul's testimony in the thorn-in-the-flesh passage--along with other passages--introduces the truth that no suffering is able to reach us apart from it being the will of God. In some Christian circles the theme of God's sovereignty is much discussed. Controversies rage, for example, over the theme of our election - [Understanding Suffering (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/understanding-suffering-part-2/) - Suffering Enables Us to Experience the Life of Grace I had been experiencing the life of grace for several months when my Bible reading brought me again to the "thorn-in-the-flesh" passage of 2 Corinthians 12:1–10. [ "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' - [Understanding Suffering (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/understanding-suffering-part-1/) - Someone has said, "Life is a series of mortar attacks." That person is right--and Christians are not immune. The older we become, the more we realize God's purposes for our sufferings. Some have characterized Christianity as being a "fun" thing. Others have made Christianity a sure and certain route to financial prosperity and perfect health. - [Foreknowledge, Predestination and Election (Part 2 of 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/foreknowledge-predestination-and-election-part-2-of-2/) - C. "PREDESTINATED ACCORDING TO THE PURPOSE OF HIM." Here is the third blessing for the child of God--"being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ" (Eph. 1:11,12). You will - [Life in Christ: A Testimony (Part 2 of 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/life-in-christ-a-testimony-part-2-of-2/) - How God Spells Relief Some of the specific patterns of flesh that the Lord gave me victory over were the fear of rejection and the fear of man. Up until this time, I had not fully relied on God's love for me and had depended too much on human love. I tried to win this - [Life in Christ: A Testimony (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/life-in-christ-a-testimony-part-1/) - Groundwork for Brokenness I had been experiencing a lot of pressure and frustration in my life a number of years ago. I was angry because I thought my goals in my work were being blocked by other people. My schedule was getting busier and I was becoming increasingly tired. Although I was in Christian work - [An Exchanged Life](https://gracenotebook.com/an-exchanged-life/) - "I nave been crucified witn Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 (NIV) The Christian life is an exchanged life: Jesus' life for your life. - [The Whole-Hearted Christian - part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/the-whole-hearted-christian-part-2/) - Contrasting Love and Sin Through examining the contrasts between sin and love, we can gain more insight into the characteristics of both: Sin is the opposite of love. What sin is, love is not; and, what love is, sin is not. A sin nature is the opposite of a love nature. An act of sin - [The Whole-Hearted Christian - part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/the-whole-hearted-christian-part-1/) - "If I'm the righteousness of Christ, a partaker of His divine nature' and have died to sin, then why do I continue to sin?[1] It's a baffling question for many believers. Equally as baffling to many is how to deal with sin. The obvious remedy to many believers is to quit sinning. Some believers pray - [Appropriating Christ As Life](https://gracenotebook.com/appropriating-christ-as-life/) - Moving from Head to Heart: The need for a miraculous answer to chronic spiritual and psychological problems . Being made in God's image we have ultimate needs, including the need for love, acceptance, worth, and belonging. Women seem especially aware of the need for security, and men are typically on a search for significance. Going - [Passing the Tests of Temptation, Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/passing-the-tests-of-temptation-part-1/) - The Test of Temptations When students are taking a course, they usually have to study to pass their tests. Even so, in the "school" of Christian discipleship we need to do some studying to prepare for the temptations that face us in a fallen world. Evidently, this instruction has been essential in parental training among - [For This I Have Jesus](https://gracenotebook.com/for-this-i-have-jesus/) - One of the hard realities of this present life is that we all will face difficult times. Some try to tell us that Christians are exempt from the trials and tragedies of life. But God's Word tells us differently: "For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in - [The Secret of Victory, Part 3 (Conclusion)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-secret-of-victory-part-3-conclusion/) - God is Love, and so the third means of receiving His Resources is: Love and Faith John makes this clear in his epistle, I John 4:16: "God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." I John 3:24: "He that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him and He - [Bearing the Cross](https://gracenotebook.com/bearing-the-cross/) - The story is told of a child in a church service who was intrigued by the hymn, "Gladly, the Cross I'd Bear". Some time following church, the little one told his mother that he really liked the song they sang about the bear. "What song did we sing about a BEAR?" she asked. The child - [Christ Our Life: Victory!](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-our-life-victory/) - An outline based on Galatians 5:1-15 INTRODUCTION Our problems in life, as well as within the church, are basically twofold: FAILURE TO SEE THINGS FROM GOD'S POINT OF VIEW...(i.e. WISDOM). FAILURE TO RESPOND TO LIFE FROM HIS PERSPECTIVE...(i.e. UNDERSTANDING). * Knowing and Obeying the Will of God is the Key to All of Life. If - [Identified or Simply Interested?](https://gracenotebook.com/identified-or-simply-interested/) - "I have been crucified with Christ ..." (Galatians 2:20). The inescapable spiritual need each of us has is the need to sign the death certificate of our sin nature [the self-life]. I must take my emotional opinions and intellectual beliefs and be willing to turn them into a moral verdict against the nature of sin; - [Payday Someday - Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/payday-someday-part-2/) - What is the difference between the condemnation and damnation of the Great White Throne Judgment and the commendation and praise of the Believer's Judgment? THE BEMA OR AWARDS SEAT OF CHRIST The first future judgment derives its name from two passages where the term "Judgment or Bema Seat of Christ" appears: "For we Believers will - [Take Inventory (part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/take-inventory-part-2/) - "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are holding to your faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (2 Cor. 13:5-6 RSV) An Outer Change That is what Paul says he wants these Corinthians to ask themselves, "Does Christ live in - [Set Your Mind](https://gracenotebook.com/set-your-mind/) - This brief scriptural outline shows the benefits of staying "tuned in to the grace channel." 1. Setting your mind is vital to focusing your attention on grace and truth. a. This is essential for daily abiding in Christ. "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, - [Could You Use a New Past?](https://gracenotebook.com/could-you-use-a-new-past/) - "If anyone is in Christ he is Christ he is a new creation. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Cor. 5:11). What has passed way? What has become new for those in Christ? When a person receives the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior, God takes him/her out of - [Your Vocation (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/your-vocation-part-2/) - Vocation and Family "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him ... Wives, submit to your own husbands,as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love - [Your Vocation (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/your-vocation-part-1/) - Vocation and Society "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 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 - [How to Find Fulfillment When Married (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-find-fulfillment-when-married-part-1/) - As a pastoral counselor, I have noticed that not all married couples are fulfilled. "Really"? You reply. I guess that's kind of obvious considering the divorce rate, and percentage of husbands and wives your are having a tough time persevering. Someone wryly observed, "Marriage is kind of like a fly bumping against a window pane. - [Salt or Son?](https://gracenotebook.com/salt-or-son/) - A missionary lady had endured emotional problems on the field that had negatively impacted her ministry and that of her husband. They had left the field after almost 20 years, and she came for help. In eliciting her history, she said her father had told her as she was growing up that she was not - [Psycho-spiritual Dissonance](https://gracenotebook.com/psycho-spiritual-dissonance/) - "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:25, KJV. I have coined this term "psycho-spiritual dissonance" to point up a major issue in discipling believers. The word "psycho" comes from the Greek word for "soul"; "spiritual" refers to God's Spirit residing in the believer's new spirit (Rom. 8:16). - [Counteracting the Disease of Sin (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/counteracting-the-disease-of-sin-part-2/) - "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." - Ps. 51:2 "Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." - Titus 2:14 "Heal my soul, for I have sinned against you." - Ps. - [Counteracting the Disease of Sin (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/counteracting-the-disease-of-sin-part-1/) - "Sin is lawlessness." - I John 3: 4. "All unrighteousness is sin." - I John 5:17. "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts." - Rom. 6: 12. "I will heal their backsliding." - Hos. 14:4. It has often been shown that sin is to - [Interceding by Faith](https://gracenotebook.com/interceding-by-faith/) - On Mothers day our church choir sang an old hymn with this refrain: If I could hear my mother pray again, If I could hear her tender voice as then! So glad I'd be, 'twould mean so much to me, If I could hear my mother pray again.[1] I agree ... and so did devotional - [Moral Cleansing](https://gracenotebook.com/moral-cleansing/) - "But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out" (John 19: 34 NKJV). "Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is He who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not only by water, but - [Christ for Us (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-for-us-part-2/) - [We continue to ponder the ways God is for His people as portrayed in the book of Hosea.] Secondly, to be shared with us. He says, 'All that I have is thine.' He holds nothing back, reserves nothing from His dear children, and what we cannot receive now He is keeping for us. He gives - [How Can I Exchange Emptiness For Fullness? Pt. 2](https://gracenotebook.com/how-can-i-exchange-emptiness-for-fullness-pt-2/) - Devotional insights on John 4:1-26 . You know, it's interesting that the simple everyday things of life are all types and shadows of spiritual realities. There is nothing that is any more true of this than the well and the water. So Jesus is bringing her to the place where she can realize that as - [Continuous Contact](https://gracenotebook.com/continuous-contact/) - Far too many Christians live their spiritual life on the "battery system." Lest that sounds a strangely peculiar idea, let me explain at once what I mean. I can dimly remember how, when I was a very little boy, my dear mother sometimes took me to a town where, if I remember rightly, about that - [Take Inventory (part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/take-inventory-part-1/) - "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are holding to your faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Cor. 13:5-6 RSV) An Inner Change Is Jesus Christ in you? Paul exhorts every individual in the church to ask himself that - [How Can I Exchange Emptiness for Fullness? pt. 3](https://gracenotebook.com/how-can-i-exchange-emptiness-for-fullness-pt-3/) - Devotional insights on John 4:1-26 . Well, let us go back to the woman at the well. We see how Jesus provokes her to recognize that she needs this water, this well. So when He speaks about this water, she decides to throw away all of her difficulties about His being of a different race, - [Christ, Our Sanctification](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-our-sanctification/) - Greetings from saint John. No, I'm not referring to the apostle, just your friend who writes these devotional articles. " A saint?!" you say. Yes, that's correct. Now you may be thinking that I've gotten a big head and is claiming sinless perfection or something. No, I'm still "forgetting those things which are behind, and - [Christ, Our Redemption](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-our-redemption/) - We conclude our study of 1 Corinthians 1:30 by focusing on Christ as our Redeemer. "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God --and righteousness and sanctification and redemption." All these spiritual blessing are graciously bestowed on the believer in Christ! To "redeem" involves securing someone's release through - [The Quest for Identity: A Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/the-quest-for-identity-a-testimony/) - After I got saved in 1982, I was looking for my identity, especially my identity as a wife. I realized that to be a helper was much more than caring for my husband's needs and assisting him. I started looking for my identity with a walk through the lives of women in the Bible, not - [Two Deaths...Then Life](https://gracenotebook.com/two-deaths-then-life/) - "For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit - [What Happened to You?](https://gracenotebook.com/what-happened-to-you/) - If someone you know looked very different, you'd probably notice. For example, if a fellow was at a stadium and got trampled by the football team as they ran onto the field, the bumps and bruises would be unmistakeable! On the other hand, if a lady won a prize and got a total makeover--including hairstyling - [By Thy Cross and Passion](https://gracenotebook.com/by-thy-cross-and-passion/) - "He has given us rest by His sorrow, and life by His death."-John Bunyan. . What have You done for me, O mighty Friend, Who loves to the end! Reveal Yourself, that I may now behold Your love unknown, untold, Bearing the curse, and made a curse for me, That blessed and made a blessing - [The Supernatural Transfusion](https://gracenotebook.com/the-supernatural-transfusion/) - "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." Galatians 2:20 . The true Christian life, which begins with a - [Marriage Myths and Wedded Wisdom](https://gracenotebook.com/marriage-myths-and-wedded-wisdom/) - [This article summarizes 12 categories of false expectations that cause marital conflict. Part 2 addresses biblical wisdom and the need to renew our minds with truth. We need to say "farewell" to these marriage myths. Reject these fallacies!] I. ... ASSUMPTION MYTHS: The "Cupid" Fallacy Cupid's arrows will not sustain marriage. These myths of romantic - [A Prophecy of the Messiah's Coming](https://gracenotebook.com/a-prophecy-of-the-messiahs-coming/) - "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 Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). It seems best to take the two first titles as a compound name, - [A Prophecy of the Messiah's Coming](https://gracenotebook.com/a-prophecy-of-the-messiahs-coming/) - "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 Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). It seems best to take the two first titles as a compound name, - [Testimony: Relief from Stress (in South Africa)](https://gracenotebook.com/testimony-relief-from-stress-in-south-africa/) - In high school I realized that there was a calling on my life me to bring the gospel to people. I loved to talk about the Bible. Somehow God has opened the Word to me more than to most of my age group. As a family our community involvement revolved around the church and its - [Heavenly Unity (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/heavenly-unity-part-1/) - (A witness that true believers are to express to a skeptical world is our bond of spiritual unity. Although we have many differences and denominations, all who have saving faith in the true Jesus are spiritually one in Him.) . Let us first of all glance at the teachings (of Ephesians) here contained as to - [How to Find Fulfillment When Married (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-find-fulfillment-when-married-part-2/) - Now let us turn our attention to three biblical principles that point the way to fulfillment. 1. Realize that it is impossible for any person or human relationship to bring total fulfillment. God alone can fill that "God-shaped vacuum" in the heart. The first two of the Ten Commandments rule out any alternate "god" and - [Your Most Important Present](https://gracenotebook.com/your-most-important-present/) - After October 31st Halloween was over, and do you know what that means? The stores will be filled with Christmas decorations! That's right, nearly two full months before Christmas, there will be Christmas trees, nicely wrapped presents and pictures of elves and Santa Claus in stores everywhere. Stores put up these decorations for one reason - [The Secret Unveiled](https://gracenotebook.com/the-secret-unveiled/) - [Roll up your sleeves for some important theology...] If we need further unchallengeable evidence of the fact that God created us for inner union with Himself, we can look at another perfect man on earth. Only two men came perfect from God, and both were called Adam. Both were the first-born of a creation. One - [A Guide to Freedom Through the Cross](https://gracenotebook.com/a-guide-to-freedom-through-the-cross/) - As you read this, you may be in the midst of turmoil. Man may have failed you and God may seem too distant to help. You may have grown up not feeling loved in a way that met your needs. You may never have accepted or loved yourself. The sense of inadequacy a person can - [An Instrument of God's Peace](https://gracenotebook.com/an-instrument-of-gods-peace/) - One of the classic hymns contains the prayer, "Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace."[1] That petition expresses a loving concern for others. The outcome of love is abiding peace. The Lord Jesus promised His people, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I - [Much More in Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/much-more-in-christ/) - The Grand Consummation [of Romans, chapter 5] is twofold: Though the incoming of the Law caused the offence to abound, nevertheless Grace did much more abound, and In the death of Christ God found a righteous ground upon which Grace could reign. So we have Grace abounding and Grace reigning in righteousness and life. Let - [God in Us (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/god-in-us-part-1/) - Imagine that a hero was needed to save us from death, and that he had to come from the far edge of the Milky Way galaxy to do it. The trip of 70,000 light years would be hard to fathom. But if he arrived and then laid down his life to save us, what a - [O Little Town of Bethlehem](https://gracenotebook.com/o-little-town-of-bethlehem/) - Phillips Brooks was the minister of a church in Philadelphia when he wrote the lyrics of "O Little Town of Bethlehem." He desired to have a special carol for the children to sing in their Christmas program. As he contemplated the nativity, Brooks recalled visiting Bethlehem while on a trip to the Holy Land in - [The Secret of Victory, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/the-secret-of-victory-part-2/) - A very wonderful possibility opens up before us in a consideration of the nature of the Victorious Life... Practical Experience Will you permit me to bear a personal testimony? During the first World War, while serving with the Medical Corps, I became conscious of a great need in my life, for a more consistent testimony - [The Secret of Victory, Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/the-secret-of-victory-part-1/) - A very wonderful possibility opens up before us in a consideration of the nature of the Victorious Life. Surely our hearts are stirred with new longing and desire as we contemplate the plan of our Lord Jesus Christ for each of His followers to be a centre of radiating life and power — a witness - [Tearing Down Strongholds, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/tearing-down-strongholds-part-2/) - Imagine going to the doctor's office with severe pain. Instead of identifying the symptoms and making an accurate diagnosis, the physician only guesses at the problem and gives you a pain-killer. Would that resolve the health problem? No. (I recall a young man from our church going to the hospital with seriious abdominal pain; he - [Precise Directions](https://gracenotebook.com/precise-directions/) - A friend who came to visit our family was dropped off in Toronto by his father. He planned to take the subway to the bus station, then catch a bus to our town in southern Ontario. He knew approximately where the subway station was, but asked someone on the street for directions. "I'll bring you - [Made Right to Live Right: A Study of Justification (Part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/made-right-to-live-right-a-study-of-justification-part-3/) - Practical Justification: A New Quality of Living We have looked at legal justification (a new standing), and spiritual justification (a new nature). Both of these aspects of being made right with God occur at conversion. Now we will consider practical justification (a new quality of living). In terms of God's role, legal justification is what - [As a Bride Adorning Herself with Her Jewels](https://gracenotebook.com/as-a-bride-adorning-herself-with-her-jewels/) - A Spiritual Life Testimony by Lynn Alford It started at a picnic (our call is to feast abundantly on Jesus; see Isaiah 55:2), so I now can see that a picnic was a perfect place to begin this feast that was to be greater than I could ever imagine. I had been a Christian for - [As a Bride Adorning Herself with Her Jewels](https://gracenotebook.com/as-a-bride-adorning-herself-with-her-jewels/) - A Spiritual Life Testimony by Lynn Alford It started at a picnic (our call is to feast abundantly on Jesus; see Isaiah 55:2), so I now can see that a picnic was a perfect place to begin this feast that was to be greater than I could ever imagine. I had been a Christian for - [The Positive Characteristics of A Mind At Ease](https://gracenotebook.com/the-positive-characteristics-of-a-mind-at-ease/) - A biblical prescription for resolving stress, from a Christian medical doctor THERE are many verses and passages in the Bible which reveal to us some of the characteristics of a mind at ease; of these, perhaps the most helpful to consider is Matthew 11: 28,29. These well-known verses record for us the gracious invitation of - [Rescued and Fulfilled](https://gracenotebook.com/rescued-and-fulfilled/) - A poor youth came to the shores of America from Old England, a few years ago, bringing with him only the prayers of a devoted mother whom he left in the home of his birth. His faith stood then only in the teachings of his mother. The living faith which is the vital union between - [Christ Our Life (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-our-life-part-2/) - . The New Creation--Christ in the Believer When the Holy Spirit begat in the believer a new nature He opened the door to a living, organic union between the Christian and Christ [1 Cor. 6:17]. Christ and the Christian are then eternally one. So what is it to be a Christian? It is to have - [Emancipation from Sin's Tyranny (Rom. 6)](https://gracenotebook.com/emancipation-from-sins-tyranny-rom-6/) - "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the - [the Indwelling of Christ (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-indwelling-of-christ-part-2/) - II. DETHRONEMENT (2 Cor. 5:14, 15) "We thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died; and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again (R.V.). The question in every life is, Who is on the throne? - [But How? (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/but-how-part-2/) - ...This brings us to the second great truth of God's Word which you must lay hold of and act upon, and a glorious truth it is--truly "good news" to a troubled Christian such as you. 2) GOD HAS GIVEN HIS HOLY SPIRIT TO DWELL WITHIN YOU, FOR THE PURPOSE OF WORKING IN YOU BOTH TO - [But How? (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/but-how-part-2/) - ...This brings us to the second great truth of God's Word which you must lay hold of and act upon, and a glorious truth it is--truly "good news" to a troubled Christian such as you. 2) GOD HAS GIVEN HIS HOLY SPIRIT TO DWELL WITHIN YOU, FOR THE PURPOSE OF WORKING IN YOU BOTH TO - [Praying for Prodigals](https://gracenotebook.com/praying-for-prodigals/) - A Mother shares the following: For several years I was asking God for help in dealing with my wayward son. We were a leading family in our church and it was most embarrassing for us. In spite of all my praying he seemed to increase his rebellion and reckless escapades. Then I discovered where I - [The Power that Works in Us (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-power-that-works-in-us-part-1/) - "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ... that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith..." (Eph 3:14-17; see also vs 18-21; - [The Power that Works in Us (Part 2/Conclusion)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-power-that-works-in-us-part-2-conclusion/) - "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, … that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…" (Eph 3:14-17; see also vs 18-21; - [The Blessed Person](https://gracenotebook.com/the-blessed-person/) - Psalm 1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree - [Sanctification by Faith](https://gracenotebook.com/sanctification-by-faith/) - Where most people think that the goal of discipleship is to get people to become something that they are not, the Scriptures call believers to become more and more what they already are in Christ. When Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19), He's assuming that only disciples can disciple - [How to Enjoy Daily Fellowship With God](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-enjoy-daily-fellowship-with-god/) - 1. The first and chief need of our Christian life is, Fellowship with God.[1] The Divine life within us comes from God, and is entirely dependent upon Him. As I need every moment afresh the air to breathe, as the sun every moment afresh sends down its light, so it is only in direct living - [He Is My Peace](https://gracenotebook.com/he-is-my-peace/) - My Personal Testimony My Christian life began with a lot of preconceived ideas about God and what He expected of me. Thinking the Christian life consisted mainly of behavioral change and performance, I thought I could handle it. I tried to measure up to every standard set by those around me, most of which were - [He Is My Peace](https://gracenotebook.com/he-is-my-peace/) - My Personal Testimony My Christian life began with a lot of preconceived ideas about God and what He expected of me. Thinking the Christian life consisted mainly of behavioral change and performance, I thought I could handle it. I tried to measure up to every standard set by those around me, most of which were - [Difficulties and Dangers in the Christ-Centered Life](https://gracenotebook.com/difficulties-and-dangers-in-the-christ-centered-life/) - YES, there are difficulties to be faced and dangers to be on your guard against, but when once you have pressed through, THE DELIGHTS ARE TREMENDOUS! Living in the Spirit has been likened to energizing a huge heavy flywheel. Initially it hardly seems to move, but as you persist the momentum increases, generating power and - [Who Is Sufficient?](https://gracenotebook.com/who-is-sufficient-1/) - Biblical text: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 Today we begin what I think is one of the greatest passages in the New Testament. It is found in Second Corinthians, beginning in Chapter 2. Here is the clearest explanation in all the Word of God of the secret of the Apostle Paul's phenomenal ministry. It runs from Chapter - [The Blessing of Brokenness](https://gracenotebook.com/the-blessing-of-brokenness/) - "It is not until a beautiful kernel of corn is buried and broken in the earth by death that its inner heart sprouts, producing hundreds of other seeds or kernels. And so it has always been, down through the history of plants, people and all of spiritual life. God uses broken things. " —THOMAS TOKE - [Rest in a Restless Age](https://gracenotebook.com/rest-in-a-restless-age/) - This Hurried Age This is the age of zip. The word "zip" is not to be found in the dictionary but it is prominent in the spirit of the day. When the supply of dazzling superlatives is exhausted, new words are coined to keep speeding things up faster and faster. Horse races, automobile races, motorcycle - [Victory in Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/victory-in-christ/) - Is constant victory really possible for every believer? This is a vitally important question for you and me, my brother or sister in Christ. Should a Christian expect and experience constant triumph, every day and all day, over sin and self? Is the "victorious life" really practical..? …Is it some great ideal to which we - [Victory in Christ (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/victory-in-christ-part-2/) - An Experiential Possibility Here, therefore, we come to our first logical conclusion. Unceasing victory is possible for every believer because that blessed One who himself is unceasingly victorious, has entered the redeemed spirit, and that to stay. For this reason we find that the life of fullness in God is promised on the simplest conditions. - [Victory in Christ (Part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/victory-in-christ-part-3/) - The Threefold Enemy Now let us consider these great enemies which present their triple challenge and protest to the life of victory. They are threefold: the world (1 John 2:16), the flesh (Rom. 8:3), and the devil (1 Pet. 5:8). 1) The World What is "the world" in this sense? It means "this present evil - [The Secret of the Indwelling Christ (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-secret-of-the-indwelling-christ-part-1/) - [To the apostle Paul] we owe, under the Spirit of God, the unveiling of two great mysteries, which specially touch us as Gentiles. The first of these... that Gentile [believers now] stand on the same level as Jews with respect to the privileges of the gospel: fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and - [At the Master's Feet](https://gracenotebook.com/at-the-masters-feet/) - A Testimony of Faith in Christ from India ["And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13] First Vision Once on a dark night I went alone into the forest to pray, and seating myself upon a rock I laid before God my deep necessities, - [Christ in You, the Hope of Glory (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-in-you-the-hope-of-glory-part-2/) - "To whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). Part 2 The hope of glory Now let us turn to the experience resulting, "the hope of glory." "Glory" here refers to the - [Jesus Christ: The Last Adam and Live-Giver](https://gracenotebook.com/jesus-christ-the-last-adam-and-live-giver/) - "But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive ... And so it is written, - [The Nature of Our Ministry: Classic and Contemporary](https://gracenotebook.com/the-nature-of-our-ministry-classic-and-contemporary/) - ["...I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the - [Sincere, but Sincerely Wrong: A Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/sincere-but-sincerely-wrong-a-testimony/) - Being raised in the Roman Catholic Church by wonderful and loving parents, I came to realize that I had a strong desire to do the will of the Lord in what I considered to be a special way. The only way I felt I could serve the Lord to the fullest was by entering religious - [God's Purpose in His Son](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-purpose-in-his-son/) - God reveals in Romans 8:28,29 His plan to include us in His purpose. He is controlling all things in His universe to cause us to be conformed to the image of His Son! When we ultimately enter the physical presence of Christ, we, too, will be completely conformed spiritually and physically to His glorious image - [How to Honor the Lordship of Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-honor-the-lordship-of-christ/) - In the passage where Christ's condescension and exaltation are described in detail, we see the culmination of human history. "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and - [The Burden of Wandering](https://gracenotebook.com/the-burden-of-wandering/) - David, the Shepherd King, penned this famous testimony about walking in fellowship with God: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. - [Strength in Weakness](https://gracenotebook.com/strength-in-weakness/) - Weakness. Nobody enjoys feeling it. Society, at best, pities it; at worst, it condemns it. We often try and hide it, afraid what others will think about us if they ever found out about it. When asked about our weaknesses during a job interview we make up something silly like, "I work too hard, " - [The Spiritual Solution to Ethnic Strife](https://gracenotebook.com/the-spiritual-solution-to-ethnic-strife/) - As racial and ethnic tensions rise, those who belong to God's new community in Christ need to renounce prejudice. Instead, we are called to model love, forgiveness, and harmony. A biographical and doctrinal excerpt from the epistle to the Galatians shows us how.* "Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I [Paul] withstood him to - [Bypass Everything and Go Directly to Jesus (Part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/bypass-everything-and-go-directly-to-jesus-part-3/) - Areas to learn to bypass 1. Bypass your weaknesses "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted - [Taking God at His Word](https://gracenotebook.com/taking-god-at-his-word/) - "And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord." (Luke 1:45) "Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. (Acts 27:25) "yet, with respect to the promise of God, - [Lost and Found: The Personal Testimony of an Artist](https://gracenotebook.com/lost-and-found-the-personal-testimony-of-an-artist/) - I was born of good Christian parents. Father made considerable money in Australia where I was born, and my early recollections are of a comfortable, happy home in the country. Later we moved to one of the cities in the North of England. I became a Sunday school teacher, librarian of the school and a - [The Blessing of the Cross](https://gracenotebook.com/the-blessing-of-the-cross/) - [The concept of "the Cross" in this article involves, not only Christ's substitutionary death on Calvary for our redemption, but the Cross in the life of the believer. This dimension involves discovering and claiming as personally true, our co-death and co-resurrection with Christ by faith. This "not I, but Christ" level of discipleship is illustrated - [The Initial and Continual Exchange](https://gracenotebook.com/the-initial-and-continual-exchange/) - "For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me - [The Journey: A Personal Testimony - Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/the-journey-a-personal-testimony-part-2/) - Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew that the Kingdom is now.[1] So what does this Kingdom look like? A kingdom where God is God and we are not A place of total dependence on Him A place of total abandonment to His will and His will becomes ours A place where we don't have - [Hidden Resources of the Heart](https://gracenotebook.com/hidden-resources-of-the-heart/) - With a devotional commentary by John Woodward . This Grace Note is based on an allegory by John Bunyan. His Pilgrim's Progress (first published in 1678), is one of the most important and influential books ever written. The classic allegory of the Christian life contains a highly respected summary of biblical doctrine with timeless insights - [The Victory (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-victory-part-1/) - THE VICTORY - THREEFOLD AND THREE TENSE [A Study in 1 John] "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (I John 5:4) The experience of Light, Love and Life, as depicted by the Apostle, beautiful in its simplicity and wholly satisfying, is not altogether easy of attainment. It has its enemies. - [The Victory (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-victory-part-2/) - The Three Tense Victory The very soul of our Epistle [of 1 John] is the victory of the Christian life - the victory of a genuine Christian experience. - It is victory through our Lord JESUS CHRIST. - It is victory through the HOLY SPIRIT, in the reality of the Abiding Life. - It is - [Brokenness (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/brokenness-part-1/) - God wants to break you. Sounds pain­ful, doesn't it? Even frightening. But brokenness is not something to be avoided. Brokenness is God's provision for spiritual victory. Writing about brokenness is like writing about humility. The author who says he under­stands it only reveals his igno­rance when he attempts to explain it. I've discovered that bro­kenness - [Brokenness (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/brokenness-part-2/) - JACOB EXEMPLIFIES RESISTANCE TO GOD Jacob's experiences with brokenness confirm this truth. In Genesis 32 we find him prepar­ing to face his twin brother, Esau, for the first time in 20 years since usurping Esau right­ful blessing as the first-born son. Fearing Esau's wrath, Jacob had fled to the home of his uncle, Laban, who - [Obeying from the Heart](https://gracenotebook.com/obeying-from-the-heart/) - Obeying from the heart is... Prophesied in the New Covenant "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My - [The Two Aspects of Christ's Death (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-two-aspects-of-christs-death-part-1/) - "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone" (Heb. 2:9). A young Christian who had been meditating much upon the Redemptive work of Christ, found difficulty in perceiving - [Crucified With Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/crucified-with-christ-1/) - "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20 The thought of fellowship with Christ in His - [However: My Journey From Rejection and Sexual Brokenness to Acceptance and Fidelity](https://gracenotebook.com/however-my-journey-from-rejection-and-sexual-brokenness-to-acceptance-and-fidelity/) - Having come into this world in 1952, I entertained two ideas about myself from a very early age: the feeling of being "extra," unnecessary, unwanted, had over-ridden all other emotions since I can remember; the cry of my heart for a man to love me, care about me, accept me ... again, ever since I - [How to Have A Happy Valentine's Day](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-have-a-happy-valentines-day/) - "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding ]in it with thanksgiving" (Col. 2:6,7 NKJV). New creatures in Christ would agree that salvation is the key to a good marriage, yet even though - [The Battleground of the Soul (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-battleground-of-the-soul-part-2/) - "Blessed are you, Simon ... My Father (has revealed it unto you)" (Matt. 16:17; See vs. 13-25). "He [Jesus] ... said unto Peter, Get behind Me, Satan" (Matt. 16:23). "Simon ... Satan asked to have you ... but I made supplication for you" (Luke 22:31-32). The Ground Of Satan's Power (a) The World (b) Uncrucified - [The Journey: A Personal Testimony - Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/the-journey-a-personal-testimony-part-1/) - Who are we In Christ? We are purchased. We belong to Him. We are brand new. We are adopted into the King's family. We are children of the living God. We are royalty. We are forgiven. We are saints. We please Him. We are holy--set apart for sacred use. We are cared for. We are - [Renovated for Freedom](https://gracenotebook.com/renovated-for-freedom/) - A while back businessmen and architects faced the question of what to do with a crumbling, old jailhouse in Boston. At the cost of 150 million dollars, the building was thoroughly renovated to become the city's newest luxury hotel! The distinctive, eight-sided building was originally completed in 1851. It finally closed its operation as a - [On Asking "Why"?](https://gracenotebook.com/on-asking-why/) - ["For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8,9] Life's problems do not always have easy answers. Often there is no immediate and - [The Glory of this Mystery](https://gracenotebook.com/the-glory-of-this-mystery/) - ["I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the - [Clothed in Christ's Righteousness](https://gracenotebook.com/clothed-in-christs-righteousness/) - "For He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21 . . Mourning Christian! why do you weep? Are you mourning over your own corruptions? Look to your perfect Lord [Jesus], and remember, you are complete in - [Proof of Identity](https://gracenotebook.com/proof-of-identity/) - A while back my wife and I registered to vote in our regional election. In order to get on the voters' list we needed to bring with us two proofs of identity. After showing them our driver's license and health card, we were deemed eligible to exercise our right as citizens. Similarly, we need to - [The Basis of Your Identity](https://gracenotebook.com/the-basis-of-your-identity/) - You might be surprised to learn that for years a member of our household actually slept in a cage at night. He was very friendly, but never said a word. Before you report me to the authorities, I should clarify that this little fellow was our rabbit--Buggs Bunny. I remember taking Buggs to the vet - [The Value of Humility](https://gracenotebook.com/the-value-of-humility/) - As I waited for a friend in the bicycle repair shop, I noticed a couple of facetious signs. One said "Company Rules: #1. The president is always right. #2. If the president is ever wrong, refer to rule #1." And another quipped, "Those of you who think you know it all are particularly annoying to - [Diligent to Rest](https://gracenotebook.com/diligent-to-rest/) - Imagine a picture of resting. What would come to your mind? Perhaps a relaxing snooze in a hammock with a soft breeze wafting through the air,... or maybe sitting on a porch swing with a glass of iced tea... Rest is an important requirement for our physical, psychological, and spiritual well being. God designed the - [Motivated by Love: An Egyptian's Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/motivated-by-love-an-egyptians-testimony/) - [The testimony of a man who discovered Jesus to be more than a prophet] My love for the words of Allah motivated me to memorize all of the words of the Quran. But my cousin told me that I still did not know true Islam. So, I studied more and concluded that my father was - [Honey Bees](https://gracenotebook.com/honey-bees/) - Be Partakers of the Divine Nature. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto 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 - [Windows of Prayer](https://gracenotebook.com/windows-of-prayer/) - "Now when Daniel knew that the writing [the decree of King Darius prohibiting prayer to the LORD] was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom - [Testimony of Brent](https://gracenotebook.com/testimony-of-brent/) - [From a brother taking GFI counseling courses while in prison] I was born in Tennessee in 1965. As most kids in the area where I spent the first 15 years of my life, I played sports and did the activities of the typical boy who loves the outdoors. Around the age of 13 I had - [Then Came Amalek](https://gracenotebook.com/then-came-amalek/) - "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the - [Emancipation from Sin's Penalty (Rom. 5)](https://gracenotebook.com/emancipation-from-sins-penalty-rom-5/) - "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; - [The Indwelling of Christ (Part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-indwelling-of-christ-part-3/) - III. DEPENDENCE (John 5:30) [Christ declared] "I can of my own self do nothing." In other words, Jesus took the place of dependence which Adam refused to take. The words in Psalm 40:6 (R.V.margin) are applied to Him in the Hebrews letter. "thou hast no delight in; mine ears hast thou pierced for me." The - [Clarifications: A Review of Birthright](https://gracenotebook.com/clarifications-a-review-of-birthright/) - Comments on Frederic R. Howe's journal article: A Review of Birthright, by David C. Needham (Published in Bibliotheca Sacra, Jan-March, 1984) It is understandable that an associate professor of Dallas Theological Seminary would object to some of Needham's perspectives and terminology in Birthright. The book's author speaks in terms of the believer's new identity - [Being in Order to Do](https://gracenotebook.com/being-in-order-to-do/) - "But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22) This is one of the most critical verses in James chapter one for the believer to understand. It is often used by legalistic preachers in order to manipulate listeners to perform church busy work. Notice that James focuses on "being" rather - [Testimony of Living by Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/testimony-of-living-by-grace/) - Bill Barnett began his teaching career in Texas. He served as head of the high school Science Department and coached several sports. However, God wanted him in full-time Christian ministry. After finishing seminary, he was called to a church in Alabama. For the past eighteen years, he was a successful pastor... When I was nine - [Appropriating Christ Jesus (Part 1 of 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/appropriating-christ-jesus-part-1-of-2/) - Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.-- Romans 13:14. At the beginning of the Christian life, for the most part at least, we try to imitate Jesus Christ. There is Scriptural warrant for our doing so. And the time will never come when we may not look up to Him as our model and ideal, - [Appropriating Christ Jesus (Part 2 of 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/appropriating-christ-jesus-part-2-of-2/) - "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5 This thought [of appropriating Christ in sanctification] is also confirmed by experience. A little group of earnest men were gathered not long ago around a fire, - [His Indwelling Presence](https://gracenotebook.com/his-indwelling-presence/) - "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (I Corinthians 3:16). Summary The Apostle Paul; amazed at the inconsistencies existing among the Corinthian Christians, accounts for them in one of two ways: either th ey are ignorant of the fundamental facts of Christian - [His Indwelling Presence - Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/his-indwelling-presence-part-2/) - [In part one we considered "His Indwelling-Our Positional Sanctification"] "By that will [God's will] we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" [positional/spiritual] (Heb. 10:10). "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified" [experiential/practical] (Heb. 10:14). II. His Indwelling--Our Experimental Sanctification The - [His Indwelling Presence, Part 3](https://gracenotebook.com/his-indwelling-presence-part-3/) - [In part one we considered "His Indwelling--Our Positional Sanctification", and part two is about "His Indwelling--Our Experimental Sanctification." After considering that THE SPIRIT'S INDWELLING OVERCOMES SIN IN US, we conclude this chapter on the practical and progressive side of the believer's growth in Christlike character.] THE SPIRIT'S INDWELLING DEVELOPS HIS OWN CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER IN US. - [The Freedom of the Christian](https://gracenotebook.com/the-freedom-of-the-christian/) - "And having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." (Romans 6:18) "But now having been freed from sin....you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification...." (Romans 6:22) "But now we have been released from the Law...." (Romans 7:6) "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from - [The Blameless Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-blameless-life/) - "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and - [A Testimony of Restorative Love](https://gracenotebook.com/a-testimony-of-restorative-love/) - "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when - [A Spiritual Life Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/a-spiritual-life-testimony/) - The Testimony of Henry Allen (Harry) Ironside Being saved myself, the first great desire that sprang up in my heart was an intense longing to lead others to the One who had made my peace with God. At the time of which I write, the Salvation Army was in the zenith of its energy as - [A Spiritual Secret from a Senior Citizen](https://gracenotebook.com/a-spiritual-secret-from-a-senior-citizen/) - "The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing..." Psalm 92:12,14 NKJV His Evangelistic Witness [This unnamed senior citizen] visited every family, prayed in every house, and talked personally with every man, woman and - [A Spirit of Celebration](https://gracenotebook.com/a-spirit-of-celebration/) - "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for - [A Response to the Flag Issue](https://gracenotebook.com/a-response-to-the-flag-issue/) - (A Conspicuous Perspective) In the last week there has been a lot of attention given to recent political and Supreme Court decisions in the United States. Supporters and protestors conspicuously rally around flags that symbolize their values.[1] This is the Christian Flag and it symbolizes values that are central to me. The Christian Flag was - [A Picture of Spiritual Rest and Victory (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/a-picture-of-spiritual-rest-and-victory-part-2/) - "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." Galatians 2:20 "If any man will come after Me, let him - [A Picture of Spiritual Rest and Victory (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/a-picture-of-spiritual-rest-and-victory-part-1/) - "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." Ephesians 6:12 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." Ephesians 6:18 Now is - [A New Vessel](https://gracenotebook.com/a-new-vessel/) - "God has taken a vessel that was unclean and made it whole and clean." I was raised in a wonderful loving family. When I left home, I chose to go my own way and not follow the guidelines that had been established in my life. As a part of the "me" generation, I did what - [A Man in Heaven and Christ in You](https://gracenotebook.com/a-man-in-heaven-and-christ-in-you/) - "Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him [Stephen] with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the - [The Gift of God's Son](https://gracenotebook.com/the-gift-of-gods-son/) - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16) God held the world so dear that He gave His only begotten Son for everyone who will trust in Him. And how did He give Him? He gave - [A Prayer About Happiness](https://gracenotebook.com/a-prayer-about-happiness/) - Happiness 0 LORD, Help me never ro expect any happiness from the world, but only in Thee. Let me not think that I shall be more happy by living to myself, for I can only be happy if employed for Thee, and if I desire to live in this world only to do und suffer - [A Picture of Spiritual Rest and Victory (Part 3/ conclusion)](https://gracenotebook.com/a-picture-of-spiritual-rest-and-victory-part-3-conclusion/) - "We had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves. but in God which raiseth the dead." 2 Cor. 1:9 ...Follow the Presence of God, and keep your eyes on Him as you walk by faith. The wisdom of God is foolishness to the world. The point of the story - [A Bondservant of Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/a-bondservant-of-christ/) - "For the love of Christ controls and compels us, because we have concluded this, that One died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that all those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and was raised for their sake. So from now on we - [A Guest for Supper](https://gracenotebook.com/a-guest-for-supper/) - "Simon Peter said to them [the other Disciples], 'I am going fishing.' They said to him, 'We are going with you also.' They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know - [A Glimpse of Kingdom Glory](https://gracenotebook.com/a-glimpse-of-kingdom-glory/) - "Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter - [A Gallery of Christ's Glory](https://gracenotebook.com/a-gallery-of-christs-glory/) - "There is in a Russian palace, a famous 'Saloon of Beauty,' wherein are hung over eight hundred and fifty portraits of young maidens.[1] These pictures were painted by Count Rotari, for Catharine the Second, the Russian empress; and the artist made a journey, through the fifty provinces of that vast empire of the north, to - [A Fountain of Living Water](https://gracenotebook.com/a-fountain-of-living-water/) - "On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those - [A Fellowship of Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/a-fellowship-of-grace/) - Grace: the empowering presence of Jesus Christ, enabling me to be who He has called me to be, and to do what He has called me to do There it was again. First a puzzled look, then the dawning of hope-infused wonder gently overcoming the stubborn despair that had been etched into her countenance by - [A Defense of "The Second Blessing"](https://gracenotebook.com/a-defense-of-the-second-blessing/) - [The reader will observe that the term "Second Blessing" may or may not be used, but the pattern of entering into identification with Christ by faith is a much need blessing. Technically, the "life hid with Christ in God (Col. 3:1-4) is the personal appropriation of the blessings given spiritually at the new birth (Eph. - [A Defense of "The Second Blessing"](https://gracenotebook.com/a-defense-of-the-second-blessing/) - [The reader will observe that the term "Second Blessing" may or may not be used, but the pattern of entering into identification with Christ by faith is a much need blessing. Technically, the "life hid with Christ in God (Col. 3:1-4) is the personal appropriation of the blessings given spiritually at the new birth (Eph. - [Joyful, Joyful](https://gracenotebook.com/joyful-joyful/) - The hymn by Henry Van Dyke beautifully expresses the importance of having a merry heart: Joyful, Joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love, Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, Opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, Drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, Fill - [The Exchanged Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-exchanged-life/) - One phrase that is often used to describe the process of allowing Christ to live His life through us is "The Exchanged Life". It was a phrase used in chapter 14 of the devotional biography, Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret. The great missionary to China, who had been frustrated in his attempts to live the abundant - [Blessings in Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/blessings-in-christ/) - "But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption" (1 Cor. 1:30). The preceding verses in this context describe how God chooses the "weak and foolish things" to put to shame the values of this fallen world (1 Cor. 1:23-29). "Of Him you are - [Every Good Thing That Is Ours](https://gracenotebook.com/every-good-thing-that-is-ours/) - When the apostle Paul wrote to Philemon, he affirmed the good testimony of this pastor of a house-church in Colossae and prayed for his continued spiritual growth. As verse six reads in the Amplified Bible, "And I pray that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation - [Trusting Christ As Your Life](https://gracenotebook.com/trusting-christ-as-your-life/) - "As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him." (Col 2:6). In Dr. Charles Solomon's book Handbook to Happiness, we see the parallel between salvation by grace and abundant living by grace: "We entered into salvation by grace through faith; we enter into identification (with Christ) in precisely the same manner. - [Grace For Living](https://gracenotebook.com/grace-for-living/) - "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..."(2 Peter 3:18a). The grace of God is the wonderful agency whereby He expresses His life to and through the believer. Paul's amazing missionary work was accomplished because he was energized by God's grace: "But by the grace of God I am what - [Amazing Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/amazing-grace/) - The grace of God that saves us is amazing. The grace of God that enables Christian living is also amazing! Grace is the modus operandi of the Christian life. Grace has been defined as "the desire and power to do God's will with joy." And where does it come from? Grace comes from the Holy - [Crucified With Christ: Position and Power](https://gracenotebook.com/crucified-with-christ-position-and-power/) - "I am crucified with Christ." Galatians 2:20 Positionally Identified The Lord Jesus Christ acted in what he did as a great public representative person, and his dying upon the cross was the virtual dying of all his people. ["For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all - [Jesus Christ: The Last Adam](https://gracenotebook.com/jesus-christ-the-last-adam/) - "And so it is written, 'The first man Adam became a living being.' The last Adam [Christ] became a life-giving spirit'" (1 Corinthians 15:45). . Jesus is the federal head of his elect [His people]. As in Adam, every heir of flesh and blood has a personal interest, because he is the covenant head and - [The Freedom of Spiritual Habits](https://gracenotebook.com/the-freedom-of-spiritual-habits/) - "[Train yourself toward godliness (piety), [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come." (1 Tim. 4:7,8 - [Borrowing Credibility: An Audit of Evolutionist Arguments](https://gracenotebook.com/borrowing-credibility-an-audit-of-evolutionist-arguments/) - I recently went through a seminar called Redeeming Darwin: The Intelligent Design Controversy.[1] The four sessions give a clear analysis of the problems of the Neo-Darwinian model of explaining the universe, and summarize the case for Intelligent Design (ID). The latter is a research model on the obvious design and engineering that is evident in - [The Spiritual Nature of Identification with Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/the-spiritual-nature-of-identification-with-christ/) - "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory" (Col. 3:1-4)."For I through the law died to the law that I might live to - [Personal Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/personal-testimony/) - About 8 months ago, I was plunged into agonizing suffering involving insomnia, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, which I have never experienced before or knew existed in this world. In the span of three months, I did everything I could to get better. I read a self-help psychology book, I prayed to God for help, - [Deeper Experience and Greater Witness](https://gracenotebook.com/deeper-experience-and-greater-witness/) - The grand work of the Christian in the spread of the gospel, is to witness for Jesus, to tell the story of the cross. But mark ye! and mark ye well! not that alone. That would be the story of a dead Saviour. Ours, thanks be to God is a living Saviour, ever living to - [God in Us (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/god-in-us-part-2/) - At Christ's first Advent, we were blessed with "Immanuel"--"God with us" (Isa 7:14; Matt 1:23). Through the New Covenant, we have an even greater advantage--God in us! We are His tabernacle on planet earth today. As 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 says, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit - [Passing the Tests of Temptation, Part 4](https://gracenotebook.com/passing-the-tests-of-temptation-part-4/) - Additional Guidelines1. Recognize your essential nature in Christ.In Romans chapter 7, Paul observed that when the child of God chooses to sin, he does not act consistently with his essential nature; he acts contrary to it! "Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but - [Passing the Tests of Temptation, Part 3](https://gracenotebook.com/passing-the-tests-of-temptation-part-3/) - The Need for PowerThe Lord Jesus Himself stated that "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." This does not excuse sin; it warns us the be prepared. How can we find the moral power to say "no" to temptation? Good news--God's Holy Spirit is omnipotent (all powerful), and He lives in all believers! - [Notas De Gracia Introduccion](https://gracenotebook.com/notas-de-gracia-introduccion/) - The purpose of Grace Notes is to highlight the dynamics of abundant living as summarized in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, - [Lessons from The Titanic](https://gracenotebook.com/lessons-from-the-titanic/) - [One of the unusual features of living in a tourist town is its various attractions such as parks, rides, shows, and museums. Earlier this year a unique exhibit opened here in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee--The Titanic Museum. Here is a photo I took after we went through the ship/museum's tour:Near the end of the Titanic experience - [God is Able (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/god-is-able-part-1/) - "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance." Psalm 42:5[As you go deeper with God, you may be thinking...] But, am I not where I was before, only more aware of it? Are - [How to Discern God's Guidance (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-discern-gods-guidance-part-2/) - 1. Our first test, therefore, of the Divine authority of any voice which may seem to speak to us, must be its harmony in moral character with the mind and will of God, as revealed to us in the Gospel of Christ. Whatever is contrary to this, cannot be Divine, because God cannot contradict Himself.Until - [Intimate Love](https://gracenotebook.com/intimate-love/) - [The Song of Solomon is a poetic, ancient middle eastern expression of the God-given pleasures of physical love in marriage. Without ignoring this primary reference as a marriage enrichment guide, Christian devotional writers have gleaned rich insights into how the love of the groom and bride is a fitting symbol of the love relationship of - [A Letter from Prison](https://gracenotebook.com/a-letter-from-prison/) - Dear Grace Fellowship,I am writing you from inside the Walla Walla state prison here in the State of Washington. I am 46 years of age and a first time offender. I am innocent of the charge of second degree assault that got me sent to this prison, but I praise the Lord Jesus that I - [Christ, Our Life](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-our-life/) - "When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested..." Colossians 3:4One of the main objects of the Holy Spirit is to get believers really identified with Christ as the risen and exalted Lord, and to make His risen life real in their experience. As the age moves towards its consummation--the manifestation of Christ--two features will - [Serving God or Seeing God?](https://gracenotebook.com/serving-god-or-seeing-god/) - Have you ever, "put your foot in your mouth"? I remember years ago complimenting a gospel singer on my favorite song that she sang on a record album and she replied that the soloist of that song was not her, but another singer! I stammered and tried to divert attention from my blunder.It seems I - [Grace Teaching Us - Part 3 (conclusion)](https://gracenotebook.com/grace-teaching-us-part-3-conclusion/) - [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" (Titus 2:11-13 KJV).]Another statement definitely - [Grace Teaching Us - Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/grace-teaching-us-part-2/) - ["For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He - [How to Discern God's Guidance (Part 4)](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-discern-gods-guidance-part-4/) - The way in which the Holy Spirit, therefore, usually works in His direct guidance is to impress upon the mind a wish or desire to do or leave undone certain things.The soul when engaged, perhaps, in prayer, feels a sudden suggestion made to its inmost consciousness in reference to a certain point of duty. "I - [Christ Our Sanctifier (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-our-sanctifier-part-2/) - I want to continue our discussion on the next part of our core theology: Jesus our Sanctifier (Part II).You may recall in the previous article that, according to John 1:29-33, Jesus is:• the one who is taking away the sin of the world• the one who is baptizing with the Holy SpiritThese two realities offer - [The Testimony of Rosalind (Mrs. Jonathan) Goforth](https://gracenotebook.com/the-testimony-of-rosalind-mrs-jonathan-goforth/) - Rosalind Goforth (1864-1942) was born near London, England, and moved with her parents to Montreal, Canada, three years later. Her Dad was an artist, and Rosalind graduated from the Toronto School of Art in 1885. In 1887 she married Jonathan Goforth. They served together as missionaries in China and Manchuria. They were married for forty-nine - [Made Right to Live Right: A Study of Justification, (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/made-right-to-live-right-a-study-of-justification-part-1/) - Current events give indications that we are living in the last days. One of the signs of the times not usually mentioned is predicted in 2 Timothy 4:1-4:"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! - [Let Us Run](https://gracenotebook.com/let-us-run/) - "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:3)."Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run, that ye may attain" (1 Corinthians 9:24)."Ye were running well; who did - [Let Us Run](https://gracenotebook.com/let-us-run/) - "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:3)."Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run, that ye may attain" (1 Corinthians 9:24)."Ye were running well; who did - [Correcting Your Perception of God](https://gracenotebook.com/correcting-your-perception-of-god/) - Laura Raney tells the story of a couple of mischievous boys who had a misunderstanding about God:"Two young boys were forever getting into trouble ...disrupting classes in school, teasing neighborhood children, taking what didn't belong to them. One day their mother asked the pastor over to see if he could talk some sense into them. - [Growing Toward Spiritual Maturity](https://gracenotebook.com/growing-toward-spiritual-maturity/) - In many schools, all students get their pictures taken annually. After a few weeks, the school's photographer sends home a sample, and then the parents decide if they want to purchase some. Each year the photos remind us of the subtle but remarkable growth of our children toward adulthood. A catalog features a picture frame - [Saved by His Life](https://gracenotebook.com/saved-by-his-life/) - "For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." Romans 5:10 . "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. - [Brokenness (Part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/brokenness-part-3/) - Does brokenness still frighten you? I hope not. I pray that you will find the courage to stop resisting God in those unbroken areas of your heart and to invite the Lord to do whatever it takes to break your bondage to self. Start today by asking God to show you the ways in which - [An Exchanged Life Counselor's Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/an-exchanged-life-counselors-testimony/) - [Lee LeFebre has made important contributions to this branch of the Biblical Counseling family tree. Here is a testimony about his spiritual journey. Used with his permission. - JBW].Daily, I was asking God to be on the throne of my life. I didn't understand that God would take me through a breaking process, and that - [The Victory (Part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-victory-part-3/) - The Threefold Means of Victory It becomes evident that the secret of victory is simply the Abiding Life.As we abide we put ourselves in the way of appropriating every provision He has made for a life of victory. Were we able perfectly to abide in Him, our life would approximate His life. Could our life - [Acceptance](https://gracenotebook.com/acceptance/) - The Importance of AcceptanceThere are two questions that every believer must settle as soon as possible. The one is, Does God fully accept me? and, If so, upon what basis does He do so? This is crucial. What devastation often permeates the life of one, young or old, rich or poor, saved or unsaved, who - [Our Adequacy in Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/our-adequacy-in-christ/) - The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers:"You show and make obvious that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, not written with ink but with [the] Spirit of [the] living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such is the reliance and confidence that we have through - [Power and Weakness](https://gracenotebook.com/power-and-weakness/) - . ."And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.'.... Therefore I am well content with weaknesses....for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Corinthians 12:9-10)There is almost no word that is so imperfectly understood in the Christian life as the - [The Leading of the Lord: A Spiritual Autobiography](https://gracenotebook.com/the-leading-of-the-lord-a-spiritual-autobiography/) - This is a testimony from a servant of God who had a fruitful ministry through the Welsh revival and deeper Life devotional writings. She was born in 1861 in South Wales; even decades after her home-going, thousands of her books are sold yearly. In spite of her gender [in turn-of-the-century culture] and poor health, God - [Keswick: A Good Word or a Bad One?](https://gracenotebook.com/keswick-a-good-word-or-a-bad-one/) - Occasionally, I hear people use the label "Keswick" in a derogatory way. Yet others use the term quite positively. Someone who did not know the term would wonder if "Keswick" is a good word or a bad one. The issue, of course, is not the term, but what one means by the term.Historical Background and - [Receiving Jesus as Life: A Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/receiving-jesus-as-life-a-testimony/) - Testimony of John C. RuleNovember, 2010.The title of my testimony is 'Receiving Jesus as Life'. I grew up in cotton country in West Tennessee. My father was raised on a farm near Sevierville. It's a multi-generation homeplace and I live there now in retirement from a Soil Scientist position with the Federal Government in California.My - [the Overcomer's Covenant in Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/the-overcomers-covenant-in-christ/) - [Ministry that sets people free through a Christ-centered, grace-oriented process applies "the wisdom that is from above" (James 3:17,18). Instead of relying on self-help, this overcoming life is a fruit of surrender and identification with Christ by faith (Galatians 2:20). Experiencing the Cross brings a wonderful by-product--freedom from harmful addictions! JBW]THE OVERCOMER'S COVENANT IN CHRIST.1. - [Freedom from Addiction: A Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/freedom-from-addiction-a-testimony/) - The Strange Odyssey Of a Legalistic Preacher Who Became a Drunk, Discovered Grace And Was Set Free..When I became a Christian in 1970 at the age of 33, I was really excited. This was what I had been looking for all my life. At last I had peace and something to live for. I hit - [Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/testimony-1/) - The decision had been made. It was radical. It went against everything I had been taught and in turn had taught in my nineteen years as a Christian. The last five years with Mike as an alcoholic had been a type ofhell. It was like living on a roller coaster that was out of control. - [My "Exchanged Life" Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/my-exchanged-life-testimony/) - "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe ... For we ... worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If - [My Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/my-testimony/) - My Testimonyby "Russ," an African evangelistMy father was a Reverend in a Christian religious organization. We therefore grew up acquainted with church. However, as I grow older I discovered that religion was used to subjugate African people. The Reformed Church theologically was subscribing to the philosophy which saw Africans as inferior beings. Also, the way - [Full Pardon in the New Covenant](https://gracenotebook.com/full-pardon-in-the-new-covenant/) - [Let us consider how] to ... make application of this Christ [as the Mediator of the New Covenant] to the soul. And for this there are to be considered the following particulars:1. That when Jesus Christ did thus appear, being born of Mary, He was looked upon by the Father as if the sin of - [The Life of Faith (part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-life-of-faith-part-3/) - [The life of faith] is faith in the divine promises, for the comfort of the future. The person in Christ is an individual of strong and precious anticipations. Whatever may be his present condition of blessing and comfort, he looks constantly forward for far better things to come, than he now enjoys. But all his - [Drawing Out Your Potential](https://gracenotebook.com/drawing-out-your-potential/) - Over the Easter weekend TV networks showed films that dramatize great Biblical events. One of the classics is "The Ten Commandments." This epic film recounts the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. The younger generation has been reintroduced to this era of history through the animated film, "Moses, Prince of Egypt."Yet our knowledge of Moses - [Man As Spirit, Soul, and Body (Table of Contents)](https://gracenotebook.com/man-as-spirit-soul-and-body-table-of-contents/) - Several chapters are available here for preview. The current edition is available an an e-book or in print at Grace Fellowship. "Man as Spirit, Soul, and Body; Implications for Exchanged Life Counseling"TABLE OF CONTENTSCHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ... . ... . . 1Trends in Pastoral Counseling ... . ... . ... 1The Exchanged Life Counseling Model - [Prayer and Abiding](https://gracenotebook.com/prayer-and-abiding/) - The spiritual perspective that missionary Hudson Taylor referred to as "The Exchanged Life" reveals our personal inadequacy while also affirming our sufficiency in Christ (Gal. 2:20). Knowing that apart from Christ we can do nothing of God's will, we rely upon abiding in Christ moment by moment. As Christ said to His disciples, "I am - [Freedom from Sin's Authority](https://gracenotebook.com/freedom-from-sins-authority/) - In this sixth chapter to the Romans the Apostle sets forth the believer's present position in reference to sin. The Cross of Christ has completely changed his relation to sin.Christ's death, which has separated the believer from the consequences of sin as a transgression, has also separated him from the authority of sin as a - [The Comforter has Come](https://gracenotebook.com/the-comforter-has-come/) - "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:49)"When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a - [The Deeper Christian Life, Chapter 2: Privilege and Experience](https://gracenotebook.com/the-deeper-christian-life-chapter-2-privilege-and-experience/) - "And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine." --Luke 15:31.The words of the text are familiar to us all. The elder son had complained and said, that though his father had made a feast, and had killed the fatted calf for the prodigal son, he - [A Response to "What Mark?](https://gracenotebook.com/a-response-to-what-mark/) - A Response to What Mark?..I appreciated the author's description of God's grace in redemption and the believer's blessing of acceptance through being in Christ.A more complete answer to the title question would recognize that by definition "sin" (GK hamartano) means "to miss the mark." Since the English word is used over 100 times in the - [The Life of God in the Soul of Man](https://gracenotebook.com/the-life-of-god-in-the-soul-of-man/) - [Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" Philippians 1:11, NKJV.][For Paul] everything always ends in Christ and with Christ. He is the final point. He is the explanation of Paul's living and his whole outlook upon life... Christ is all-sufficient for every circumstance, - [Self-Denial and the Daily Cross (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/self-denial-and-the-daily-cross-part-2/) - "I can do all things," I have resources for all circumstances, " in Him that strengtheneth me" (Phil 4:13).we have more in view than the final "going out" to Calvary. In any case, let the disciple do all this always, wholly, with regard to Him, looking unto Him, "following Him."I leave upon the heart, with - [Happy Mothers Day](https://gracenotebook.com/happy-mothers-day/) - Growing up I had a great mother. That was wonderful when I was growing upbut it raised the bar pretty high for me to try to reach when I became a mother myself...And feel the pride and joy he (she) gives, But greater still the calm assurance, That child can face uncertain days because He lives." Happy Mother's - [The Roots of Insecurity Part 3](https://gracenotebook.com/the-roots-of-insecurity-part-3/) - 3. Carnal confusionWhen a born again believer is temporarily walking "according to the flesh," doubts may arise in his/her mind as to whether or not they have lost their salvation or if they are truly regenerate.[1]One reason for this is that when the Holy Spirit is grieved and quenched by intentional sin in a believer's - [The Roots of Insecurity Part 5](https://gracenotebook.com/the-roots-of-insecurity-part-5/) - 5. Uncertainty of Election One of the most incomprehensible aspects of redemption is the antinomy of the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. Although space does not allow us to delve into the arguments for/against Calvinism or Arminianism, the confusion about election and predestination may stir up insecurity regarding one's salvation.The Calvinist would - [The Roots of Insecurity Part 4](https://gracenotebook.com/the-roots-of-insecurity-part-4/) - 4. Faith in Faith Have you ever doubted your salvation because your conversion experience was less sensational than someone else's? I recall in my teenage years being awed by testimonies of some who had been notorious rascals for decades and then were gloriously saved. Although I rejoice in the way God redeems such lives, I - [The Roots of Insecurity (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-roots-of-insecurity-part-1/) - One of the important foundations for a healthy, vital Christian life is the assurance of your salvation. It is nearly impossible to have Christ as the center of your life if you're not sure He is in your life as personal Savior (John 1:12).Many believers who struggle with uncertainty regarding their standing with God could - [The Relevance of Mary's Faith](https://gracenotebook.com/the-relevance-of-marys-faith/) - "Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, 'Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord - [The Gospel For the Believer (Exposition of Romans 5-8), Chapter 1](https://gracenotebook.com/the-gospel-for-the-believer-exposition-of-romans-5-8-chapter-1/) - THE BELIEVER'S DELIVERANCE SHOWN IN ROMANS Chapters 5-8(originally published by Overcomer Literature Trust)CHAPTER 1: ON ROMANS chapter 5 From Death to LifeThe whole Epistle of Paul to the Romans is briefly announced in chapter 1, as " the Gospel of God ", and its structure is simple enough, for there are three sections --the first - [The Gospel For the Believer (Exposition of Romans 5-8), Chapter 3](https://gracenotebook.com/the-gospel-for-the-believer-exposition-of-romans-5-8-chapter-3/) - CHAPTER 3: On ROMANS 7 From Law to Grace OUR chapter this morning will be Romans 7. It is a specially difficult one. It is well know to have been the subject of age-long discussion and contention. We shall need the humble heart of a child as we study it. Let us pray that the - [The Gospel For the Believer (Exposition of Romans 5-8), Chapter 2](https://gracenotebook.com/the-gospel-for-the-believer-exposition-of-romans-5-8-chapter-2/) - Chapter 2: On Romans ch. 6 From Sin to Righteousness CHAPTER 5 ended with grace on the Throne in the place of law. In chapter 6 the question is asked and answered; "Shall we sin that grace may abound?" Grace is a difficult thing to preach. When doing so, Paul strained all the superlatives in - [The Gospel For the Believer (Exposition of Romans 5-8), Chapter 4](https://gracenotebook.com/the-gospel-for-the-believer-exposition-of-romans-5-8-chapter-4/) - CHAPTER 4: On ROMANS 8 From Flesh to Spirit We now come to the last of our chapters, Romans 8. It is the last chapter of what is called the Gospel of God for believers, and it is one of the grandest chapters in the Bible. It is a great finale, eloquent and moving. It - [A Fish Out of Water](https://gracenotebook.com/a-fish-out-of-water/) - During a fishing trip with my son Andrew, I observed something very interesting. He hooked a large bass, and attempted to land it after just a short while. I cautioned him to wait, because it looked like the fish had more "fight" in him. Sure enough, the fish gave one more surge, flipped himself free - [A Personal Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/a-personal-testimony/) - Like Timothy in the Bible, the Lord blessed me with a godly grandmother and mother--who were a great inspiration to me. They began reading Bible stories to me at an early age. It wasn't long before I became enamored by the amazing heroic feats of the Bible characters. This motivated me to desire that same - [Emancipation from Sin's Presence (Rom. 8)](https://gracenotebook.com/emancipation-from-sins-presence-rom-8/) - We now come to the last of our chapters, Romans 8. It is the last chapter of what is called the Gospel of God for believers, and it is one of the grandest chapters in the Bible.... As we compare it with the three chapters already considered, it gives us the positive side of experimental - [Emancipation from Sin's Strength (Rom. 7)](https://gracenotebook.com/emancipation-from-sins-strength-rom-7/) - "Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another--to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at - [The Believer's New Heart](https://gracenotebook.com/the-believers-new-heart/) - Dr. M.R.Dehaan tells of a conversation with a neighbor in which he really got to the heart of things: "It was the first time I met my neighbor, who had just moved in a few days before. He told me he had heart trouble and had sold his business on the advice of his doctor. - [The Vitality of Hope](https://gracenotebook.com/the-vitality-of-hope/) - While browsing a copy of Web MD magazine, I noticed an article on Hope Therapy. It was based on a clinical trial with 32 people who met two hours a week for eight weeks. The doctoral students who conducted the program measured some improvement in the participants self-esteem and sense of meaning, while anxiety and - [Total Surrender](https://gracenotebook.com/total-surrender/) - One of the essential conditions for experiencing "life more abundant" is total surrender to the lordship of Christ. The classic Scripture text that speaks directly to this need is Romans 12:1,2: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is - [Who Am I in Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/who-am-i-in-christ/) - "Christ in you the hope of Glory " (Col. 1:27)THE WORD OF GOD SAYS:In ChristI am:1. God's child, for I am born of the incorruptible seed of the WORD OF GOD which lives and abides FOREVER 1 Pet. 1:232. Forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:14; Col. 1:14; - [Ascended With Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/ascended-with-christ/) - "Even when we were dead in trespasses,(God) made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward - [A Place to Belong](https://gracenotebook.com/a-place-to-belong/) - "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as - [A Career in Modeling](https://gracenotebook.com/a-career-in-modeling/) - When I was growing up, my dad's stride was much longer then mine. If we were on a brisk walk, his 6' 2" frame would carry him swiftly as I scampered along by his side. I caught up to him in my teen years so our stride has been about equal since then ... Now - [A Banquet of Blessings](https://gracenotebook.com/a-banquet-of-blessings/) - As The United States observes the annual Thanksgiving holiday, many will take this opportunity to remember the pioneering faith and original Thanksgiving meal of the Pilgrims of Plymouth colony.A story from the pages of the Old Testament exemplifies the nature of God's grace and the incentives believers have to give thanks to God continually.About 1000 - [Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/testimony/) - I was born in Casablanca, Morocco in a very conservative Jewish family and at a young age was instructed in reading and writing Hebrew and the rudiments of the faith of my fathers. I was educated in a secular French language school. That education exposed me to rationalism and liberalism.Throughout my childhood, my father taught - [Self-Effort Must Go!](https://gracenotebook.com/self-effort-must-go/) - "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh" (Galatians 3:3).The Galatian Christians, like so many people today, trusted Christ for their initial salvation, but depended upon the flesh for spiritual maturity. When the word "flesh" occurs in the New Testament, most of the time it refers - [But How? (complete)](https://gracenotebook.com/but-how-complete/) - "To will is present with me;but how to perform that which is good I find not" (Romans 7:18).This is the cry from the heart of many a disappointment, defeated, disheartened, and troubled Christian. The beginning of the Christian pathway was so bright. He looks back to the time when he received the Lord Jesus Christ - [This Thing Is From Me](https://gracenotebook.com/this-thing-is-from-me/) - [written as if from the Lord Himself, based on biblical principles and promises]My Child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread.It is short--only five - [The Grace of the Cross](https://gracenotebook.com/the-grace-of-the-cross/) - 0 MY SAVIOUR,I thank You from the depths of my beingfor Your wondrous grace and lovein bearing my sin in Your own body on the tree.May Your cross be to meas the tree that sweetens my bitter Marahs,as the rod that blossoms with life and beauty,as the brazen serpent that calls forth the look of - [No Condemnation (part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/no-condemnation-part-1/) - HeadshipEach of us occupies one of two positions — Adam or Christ. God's dealings have reference to two men — the first and the last Adam. The whole human race was headed up in Adam. We must not regard humanity as so many separate individuals — like a heap of sand — but as an - [My Spiritual Pilgrimage](https://gracenotebook.com/my-spiritual-pilgrimage/) - My Spiritual Pilgrimage to the Christ-Life by Brad C. ShockleyFor nineteen years I struggled as a Christian with besetting sins and desperate feelings of inadequacy, unable to get off the roller coaster ride of spiritual up's and down's. From time to time the Lord revealed life-changing truths or principles in His Word that would lift - [Drawing the Right Conclusion](https://gracenotebook.com/drawing-the-right-conclusion/) - What kind of questions do you like on tests? Do you prefer true and false, multiple choice, matching, or essay? If you didn't have time to study, "none of the above"!Let's look at some matching questions. Yes, this is a pop quiz! Please match the words on the left with the most accurate corresponding actions. - [Choose to Surrender](https://gracenotebook.com/choose-to-surrender/) - Surrender is bad. It means you've given up. Maybe you just can't fight any more, or perhaps you could fight, but you don't want to. It's just not worth it. About the only time that surrender is applauded is when a military leader does so to save the lives of the remaining troops. Even that - [The Ultimate Gift](https://gracenotebook.com/the-ultimate-gift/) - "For your sakes He became poor." 2 Corinthians 8:9The Lord Jesus Christ was eternally rich, glorious, and exalted; but "though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor."[1] As the rich saint cannot be true in his communion with his poor brethren unless of his substance he ministers to their necessities [2], so - [God's Solution to the Economic Crisis](https://gracenotebook.com/gods-solution-to-the-economic-crisis/) - Everywhere we look today we see or hear about the world economic slowdown. It is all over the TV, the radio, the newspapers and most importantly on our minds. We continually see reports of the world's financial markets plunging and each day seems to set a new record for losses in a single day. We - [Christ Our Sanctifier (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-our-sanctifier-part-1/) - The heart of The Alliance is the Fourfold Gospel, which focuses on Jesus as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King. I want to continue our C&MA DNA discussion on the second part of our core theology: Jesus our Sanctifier."But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and - [How Can a Little Clay Pot Express God's Glory? (Part 4)](https://gracenotebook.com/how-can-a-little-clay-pot-express-gods-glory-part-4/) - ["Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:17,18, - [How Can a Little Clay Pot Express God's Glory? (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/how-can-a-little-clay-pot-express-gods-glory-part-2/) - ["Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:17,18, - [How Can a Little Clay Pot Express God's Glory? (Part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/how-can-a-little-clay-pot-express-gods-glory-part-3/) - Now any veneer—any front that I put up will hinder that reflection of the image of God. Professionalism will hinder it. Anything that I add to the reflection of God will hinder that reflection of God. Ministry must involve no clever tricks. As Paul says, "no hocus-pocus." There must be no dishonest manipulation of the - [How Can a Little Clay Pot Reflect God's Glory? (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/how-can-a-little-clay-pot-reflect-gods-glory-part-1/) - "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:17,18, - [How Can a Little Clay Pot Express His Glory?](https://gracenotebook.com/how-can-a-little-clay-pot-express-his-glory/) - "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3:17,18, - [The Faithful God (part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-faithful-god-part-3/) - GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IN OUR UNBELIEF"If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself." ( 2 Timothy 2:13)"When nothing whereon to lean remains,When strongholds crumble to dust,When nothing seems sure but that God still lives,This is the time to trust."But, what if the heart can't trust? What if the heart is filled with - [The Faithful God (part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-faithful-god-part-2/) - GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IN OUR SUFFERINGS"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians - [The Faithful God (part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-faithful-god-part-1/) - DEDICATIONTo the beloved people of God, who, at this present time, have forgotten prosperity and whose souls are removed afar off from peace. To those whose hearts cry out even now, "My strength and my hope is perished from the Lord." Whose remembrance is of their affliction, misery, wormwood and gall of present circumstances, and - [Signs of the Times](https://gracenotebook.com/signs-of-the-times/) - "And there shall be ... distress of nations, with perplexity ... . Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth ... . Look up, and life up your heads; for your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:25-26,28).THE POINT"Everything seems to be falling apart! Why can't - [You Say; God Says](https://gracenotebook.com/you-say-god-says/) - For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, Godhas a positive answer for it.You say: "It's impossible"God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)You say: "I'm too tired"God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)You say: "Nobody really loves me"God says: I love you (John 3:16; John 13:34)You say: "I can't - [More than Conquerors](https://gracenotebook.com/more-than-conquerors/) - Big Brown is a colt that has won five races by a combined 39 lengths. Jockey Kent Desormeaux rode him to impressive win at the Kentucky Derby and didn't even need to use his whip! If Big Brown wins at the Belmont Stakes on June 7, '08, he will become the first horse to win - [Learn to Discern - Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/learn-to-discern-part-2/) - Learn to Discern: How to Recognize and Respond to Error in the Culture (Part 2 of 2)by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and team @ Revive Our Hearts["Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith - [No Independent Self: An Attempt at Clarification](https://gracenotebook.com/no-independent-self-an-attempt-at-clarification/) - The phrase "no independent self" has been used in some Christian circles. This study attempts to consider legitimate and illegitimate usages of the phrase.©2005 by James A. Fowler. All rights reserved.You are free to download this article provided it remains intact without alteration.You are also free to transmit this article and quote this article provided - [My Pilgrimage From Body Builder to Body Edifier](https://gracenotebook.com/my-pilgrimage-from-body-builder-to-body-edifier/) - I was born in Knoxville Tennessee on October 14, 1958 to a newly married Christian couple. They raised me in a home where Christian values and principles were a way of life. My parents not only talked of the Christian life often, but lived it out on a daily basis. As I grew, I was - [He Loved Me with a Cross](https://gracenotebook.com/he-loved-me-with-a-cross/) - "And be found in Him [Christ Jesus], not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his - [Planning For Growth](https://gracenotebook.com/planning-for-growth/) - A news clipping carried this anecdote about planning for a new church building. "A certain congregation was about to erect a new church edifice. The building committee, in consecutive meetings, passed the following resolutions:(1) We shall build a new church.(2) The new building is to be located on the site of the old one.(3) The - [Testimony of Paul and Vicki Cardarella](https://gracenotebook.com/testimony-of-paul-and-vicki-cardarella/) - In Christ Interview With Paul and Vicki CardarellaINTERVIEWER: Has anything happened in your life which has served as the occasion for you to study the New Testament message of living by grace?PAUL: There was an incident. Without going into explicit detail there was a near tragedy in our lives. On the night it occurred Vicki - [The Body as an Offering](https://gracenotebook.com/the-body-as-an-offering/) - "Do not offer the parts of your body to sin ... but rather offer yourselves to God"(Romans 6:13).Not only are we to offer our spirit and soul as an offering to God, but we are to offer our body as well. Under the Old Covenant, the slain sacrifice was not presented as a whole; instead, - [Rebukes in Revelation](https://gracenotebook.com/rebukes-in-revelation/) - Messages from the Risen Christ: Revelation 2:1-3:21In Chapters 2 and 3 of the Revelation, the risen Christ sent messages through the apostle John to seven churches of the first century. These were representative congregations of professed believers. The destinations and sequence of these short letters follow a clockwise circuit in Asia Minor, beginning at Ephesus - [Beneath the Cross of Jesus](https://gracenotebook.com/beneath-the-cross-of-jesus/) - The magnetism of the cross still holds ... yet it repels. The cross of Jesus woos some to salvation, warns others of judgment. We do well to come to terms with this paradox of Calvary, both in our evangelism and in ourselves. For the explanation lies in the difference in people.For some, light-hearted, unconcerned, the - [Faith-filled Friendship](https://gracenotebook.com/faith-filled-friendship/) - 1. An unselfish relationship"And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God" (1 Sam. 23: 16).God make us all His Jonathans. There is a great hunter abroad in the world [the devil]. Like Saul who sought David every day, he seeks souls every day, never a - [Grafted Branches](https://gracenotebook.com/grafted-branches/) - One of the vivid metaphors of the believer's union with Christ is that of a grafted branch. The Lord Jesus uses this image extensively in John 15:1-8 where He is the true vine and believers are branches.The ones who temporarily are unfruitful are "lifted up" through cleansing, support, and positioning in the sun (v.2).[1] The - [Because He Lives](https://gracenotebook.com/because-he-lives/) - "When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." (Colossians 3:4)The promise of the Lord's second coming has comforted the church since it was born. Confidence in His return permeates the New Testament, but the particular emphasis in Colossians 3:4 is that the promise rests in the fact - [My Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/my-testimony-1/) - As a young child, I was brought up in church, and made a profession of faith at a young age, but always doubted my salvation. The church I attended did not believe in showing you out of Scripture how to be saved, they just expected you to walk down the aisle and know how to - [Canaan and the Cross: The Testimony of James Markey (Part 2 )](https://gracenotebook.com/canaan-and-the-cross-the-testimony-of-james-markey-part-2/) - Through prayer, meditation, and suffering I believe the Lord has led me back into Canaan. He is bringing healing and maturity to my mind, will, and emotions through the fellowship of His Spirit and His people. However, I know my stay here is not guaranteed. My flesh is always lurking and has an accomplice in - [Faith and Good Works](https://gracenotebook.com/faith-and-good-works/) - We have a special volunteer at Grace Fellowship International. She has been retired for years, but this has not diminished her commitment to help spread the ministry of Christ-centered counseling. Grace Wilens believes in the value of intercessory prayer. This conviction shows up in her faithful ministry of compiling and sending out the weekly GFI - [Canaan and the Cross: The Testimony of James Markey (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/canaan-and-the-cross-the-testimony-of-james-markey-part-1/) - I am from Fort Wayne originally. When I was 9 years old my parents divorced, my dad left the house, my mom went off to work, and my brother and sister went to college. I went from having a fairly normal family life to being all alone. I remember just feeling completely abandoned, ashamed, and - [Victory Over the Enemy](https://gracenotebook.com/victory-over-the-enemy/) - "And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not charge them with this sin.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time - [The Roots of Insecurity (Part 6)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-roots-of-insecurity-part-6/) - 6. Accusations from the EnemyIf a believer is unsettled in his/her faith and has given ground to the devil, hostile accusations can jeopardize his/her sense of security.Consider this episode from the Old Testament. After Israel returned from the exile of Babylon, the remnant in Canaan faced spiritual warfare from the enemy. Zechariah chapter 4 gives - [Schizophrenic Christians](https://gracenotebook.com/schizophrenic-christians/) - Have you ever wondered why the Church today looks so different from her beginnings? Well, I have! And, in my search for truth, I've come to see that the difference is many believers today have two heads. Yes, that's right--the modern Church is full of Schizophrenics!The Bible admonishes us to be single minded, and James - [VICTORY IN JESUS!](https://gracenotebook.com/victory-in-jesus/) - Under the ministry of Billy Graham in April, 1955, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Two years later I received my call to the ministry. During the months that followed my "born again" experience, the Lord nurtured me through Bible Studies, youth prayer meetings, Youth for Christ meetings, and other special events, - [The Ultimate Blessing](https://gracenotebook.com/the-ultimate-blessing/) - We've had some birthdays in our family in the last couple of weeks. Our older son turned 23, our twin sons turned 17 and my wife turned ... a year older. I recall the excitement of my birthdays growing up. I couldn't wait to unwrap my gifts--perhaps a model, a basketball, a game... My interest - [Core Values for the Christian Family](https://gracenotebook.com/core-values-for-the-christian-family/) - Core Values for the Christian FamilyA Study OutlineIn this generation, "family values" has become a popular term. May we clearly identify what values are eternally valuable and live accordingly.A. The Relevance of Values"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).B. Biblical Values Summarized1. The Glory of God Isaiah 43:7; Ephesians - [The Yielded Life (part 2 of 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-yielded-life-part-2-of-2/) - There is an initial act of yielding that is to be followed by a continuous attitude so that as we come to know God and His will better through daily communion we yield instantly to Him any un-yielded place or thing. Someone has tersely said, "Surrender is a crisis that develops into a process."May I - [The Yielded Life (part 1 of 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-yielded-life-part-1-of-2/) - THE LIFE YIELDED — HOW?Perhaps some reader has been brought to say, Lord, I will yield to Thee. I see why I should yield, and what but now tell me how. Because salvation from beginning to end is through God's pure grace, He always takes the initiative in bringing us into a fuller experience of - [Christ is All (part 4 of 4)](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-is-all-part-4-of-4/) - But as Christ is all in the comforts of a true Christian in time present, so Christ is all in his hopes for time to come.Few men and women, I suppose, are to be found who do not indulge in hopes of some kind about their souls. But the hopes of the vast majority are - [Christ is All (part 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-is-all-part-3/) - Christ is not only all in the sanctification of a true Christian, but all in his comfort in time present.A saved soul has many sorrows. He has a body like other men--weak and frail. He has a heart like other men--and often a more sensitive one, too. He has trials and losses to bear like - [Christ is All (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-is-all-part-2/) - B. Christ is not only all in the justification of a true Christian, but He is also all in his sanctification.I would not have anyone misunderstand me. I do not mean for a moment to undervalue the work of the Spirit. But this I say, that no man is ever holy till he comes to - [Christ is All](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-is-all/) - ~~~~~~~~Let us understand that "Christ is all" in the religion of all true Christians on earth ... "It pleased the Father that in Christ all fullness should dwell" (Col. 1:19). What the sun is in the firmament of heaven, that Christ is in true Christianity...I want my readers clearly to understand that in saying "Christ - [Christ in You: A Conversation](https://gracenotebook.com/christ-in-you-a-conversation/) - [A conversation between two Christians reading Scripture and discussing the high standards set by God. Discovering the solution of "abiding in the Vine."]Janet: "Oh, I see you are reading from the Bible."Karen: "Yes, these words are like food to my soul. They give me strength."Janet: "Read to me, friend. I also am a Christian."Karen: "'You - [The Cross and the Spirit](https://gracenotebook.com/the-cross-and-the-spirit/) - "How much more shall the blood of Christ, through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience. . .!"[Hebrews 9:14]The cross is Christ's highest glory. The glory which He received from the Father was entirely owing to his having humbled himself to the death ot the cross. "Therefore God also has - [Come and Dine](https://gracenotebook.com/come-and-dine/) - Imagine getting an invitation to dine with a celebrity, like your favorite recording artist, actor or author. What if your nation's leader invited you to the capitol to have lunch? What an honor to be invited by the queen (if you live in the U.K.), or the president (if you live in the U.S.A.), or - [Crucifixion With Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/crucifixion-with-christ/) - "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me--and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest mystery of - [Spiritual Answers to the International AIDS/Drug Problem](https://gracenotebook.com/spiritual-answers-to-the-international-aids-drug-problem/) - [June 5, 2006 marked 25 years since first report of AIDS. Cumulative U.S. deaths due to AIDS exceeds 530,000. Globally more than 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS...][1]We read in history of the Dark Ages which were caused by an extinction of the Light. The printing press had not been invented; and the church - [Running the Race](https://gracenotebook.com/running-the-race/) - [On July 4th my twin sons joined me, my dad and my nephew to participate in the annual Peachtree Road Race. We were joined by about 49, 995 others who ran/jogged/walked the 6.1 miles through the streets of Atlanta to get a congratulations and the race's unique T shirt. We were cheered along by countless - [Self-Esteem](https://gracenotebook.com/self-esteem/) - A Test Case on the Role of Psychology: Self-EsteemThe issue of self-esteem (overlapping with concepts of self image, self worth, and self acceptance) is a complex and controversial one. Biblical counselors may be pulled in two directions. It is obvious that pride and selfishness are sins to be repented of and renounced. However, other Biblical - [The Believer As God's Tabernacle (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-believer-as-gods-tabernacle-part-2/) - ["Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man ...The first covenant had - [The Believer As God's Tabernacle](https://gracenotebook.com/the-believer-as-gods-tabernacle/) - The Believer as God's Tabernacle["Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?" (1 Cor. 6:19, NKJV). In his commentary on the Gospel of Luke, Luther gave a detailed explanation of the parts of man - [So Long, Self](https://gracenotebook.com/so-long-self/) - In preparing a course for our GFI Counseling Institute on The Role of Psychology, a major issue to be evaluated was that of "self esteem." Dr. Chris Thurman's book, Self-Help or Self-Destruction, sites and refutes some major myths of Pop Psychology; one of these is the notion, "We need more self-esteem..."An example of what Dr. - [Peace in Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/peace-in-christ/) - [Christ declared] "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).Sometimes we feel courageous. We feel strong enough to say to some new thing we are asked to do,"Now bid me - [Prayer: From Duty to Delight](https://gracenotebook.com/prayer-from-duty-to-delight/) - How is your prayer life? If that question triggers a sense of guilt and failure, you're not alone. Perhaps no query about spiritual disciplines causes more concern than that of the quantity and quality of one's praying.Prayer is a vital aspect of Christian living that is usually viewed as a duty rather than a delight, - [Guidance For Meditation](https://gracenotebook.com/guidance-for-meditation/) - "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8Paul wrote in the previous verses that the peace of God would - [Guidance For Meditation](https://gracenotebook.com/guidance-for-meditation/) - "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8Paul wrote in the previous verses that the peace of God would - [The Divine Side of Sanctification](https://gracenotebook.com/the-divine-side-of-sanctification/) - [In his popular book on Bible doctrine, Evans traces out the divine and human aspects of how believers are set apart from sin, unto God. Here is a brief outline of God's initiative in this process.]The Divine Side of Sanctification: The Work of the Triune God1. God the Father sanctifies1 Thessalonians 5:23,24 declares, "And the - [The Litmus Test of Christian Counseling](https://gracenotebook.com/the-litmus-test-of-christian-counseling/) - If the counsel you receive can be followed without Jesus, How can it be Christian?"For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5Many are confused with the counsel/discipleship that they receive. The approach is delivered, and we listen; there seems to be something amiss in - [Growing Your Faith](https://gracenotebook.com/growing-your-faith/) - "A man fell off a cliff, but managed to grab a tree limb on the way down. The following conversation ensued:'Is anyone up there?''I am here. I am the Lord. Do you believe me?''Yes, Lord, I believe. I really believe, but I can't hang on much longer.''That's all right, if you really believe you have - [The Two Aspects of the Cross](https://gracenotebook.com/the-two-aspects-of-the-cross/) - [img,id=2.aspects.gif,w=570,h=1134]"Two Aspects of the Cross" chart by Don Higgins of Crossways to Life (http://www.Crosswaystolife.org) - [Know God, Know Life](https://gracenotebook.com/know-god-know-life/) - When our son was a toddler he had a blue and yellow tricycle with wide tires. He would zip around the driveway and along the sidewalk with his set of wheels. The bike had a place for a license plate that came with stick-on letters to personalize the tag. John III uses our middle name--Bradford. - [The Privilege of Access](https://gracenotebook.com/the-privilege-of-access/) - Many of us in North America are getting used to the privileges of having access to hi-tech communications when needed. For example, cell phones have become so common that this service is routine. Computer users usually have access to the Internet, surf the Web and check e-mails as commonly as the previous generation turned on - [The Decision of Identification](https://gracenotebook.com/the-decision-of-identification/) - "Hezekiah became king when he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Abijah the daughter of Zechariah. And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father David had done. In the first year of his reign, in the - [The Believer's Fellowship With Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/the-believers-fellowship-with-christ/) - The Believer's Fellowship with Christ[What does God's Word say about the nature of the believer's union and fellowship with Christ and His people? Theologian A. A. Hodge summarized it this way.]1st. They [believers] have a community with him [Christ] in his covenant standing, and rights. Forensically they are rendered "complete in him." His righteousness and - [Daily Fellowship With God](https://gracenotebook.com/daily-fellowship-with-god/) - Daily Fellowship with Godby Andrew Murray 1. The first and chief need of our Christian life is, Fellowship with God. The Divine life within us comes from God, and is entirely dependent upon Him. As I need every moment afresh the air to breathe, as the sun every moment afresh sends down its light, so - [A Violent Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/a-violent-grace/) - A Violent Graceby Michael CardReflections on what the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished through His death on the CrossChapter titles of the book, A Violent Grace1. He was born to die so I could be born to new life.[ John 1:10-12 ]2. He suffered temptation so I can experience victory.[ Hebrews 4:14-16 ]3. He was betrayed - [The Parable of the Pies](https://gracenotebook.com/the-parable-of-the-pies/) - The Parable of the Piesby Annmarie WilliamsIt was a cool, crisp morning. My list of things to do was long and varied. Suddenly I heard a loud knock. Answering the door, I found the most amazing Man I had ever met. Never having been much of a follower, I was surprised to find that I - [Do You Have A Homeland As Your Only Security? (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/do-you-have-a-homeland-as-your-only-security-part-1/) - Though we are all terminal, only since 9/11 do we have to contemplate our lives being terminated by senseless killings in what has always been a secure country. Our president and the Department of Homeland Security have put us on notice that weapons of mass destruction could be unleashed upon us at any time as - [Crucified With Christ](https://gracenotebook.com/crucified-with-christ/) - "But unto EVERY ONE OF US is given graceaccording to the measure of the GIFT of CHRIST." Eph. 4:7Have you heard the cry of an anguished soul?"Lord Thy lovely face I sough to seeBut my soul sick Self hath hindered me.I sought Thee in the night watch, Lord,And stayed 'till morning light;Oh must my cry - [How Do I Act Like A Christian?](https://gracenotebook.com/how-do-i-act-like-a-christian/) - "HOW DO I ACT LIKE A CHRISTIAN? or Wanted: A Christian Character"By Dr. Robert A. CookSTART WITH A PERSONThe Christian life has always been a mystery to the unsaved. Paul says the unsaved man cannot receive "the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because - [Do You Walk in White?](https://gracenotebook.com/do-you-walk-in-white/) - Do You Walk In White?Oswald Chambers"We were buried with Him ... that just as Christ was raised from the dead ... even so we also should walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4No one experiences complete sanctification without going through a "white funeral"--the burial of the old life. If there has never been this crucial - [The Relationship Between the Terms "Old Man" and "Flesh".](https://gracenotebook.com/the-relationship-between-the-terms-old-man-and-flesh/) - The Relationship Between the Christian and the Terms "Old Man" and "Flesh"by David C. NeedhamIntroductionThe purpose of this appendix [to Birthright, 1979 edition] is to provide some basis for comparison of the perspective of this book with what would appear to be the most common alternate point of view. In brief, this alternate view holds - [The Vine and the Branches (Part 5)](https://gracenotebook.com/the-vine-and-the-branches-part-5/) - Chapter 5 (conclusion)This parable has many more lessons to teach us, but now, as we finish, we can only touch on one more important point: the place of God's Word and of prayer in this life of "abiding in Christ." I think that when we see what the Lord Jesus says about it, we'll understand - [The Vine and the Branches Parts 3,4](https://gracenotebook.com/the-vine-and-the-branches-parts-34/) - Chapter 3 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit..." "Abide in me, and I in you."[John 15:5,4] We have thought of the tragedy of the fruitless branch, and seen how impossible it is for a branch to produce fruit by any effort - [How to Overcome Disagreeable Emotions](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-overcome-disagreeable-emotions/) - "How to Overcome Disagreeable Emotions"By Hannah W. SmithWhen the child of God has, by the way of entire abandonment and absolute trust, stepped out of himself into Christ, and has begun to know something of the blessedness of the life hid with Christ in God, there is one form of difficulty which is very likely - [What If: Love Unveiled in Power Disguised](https://gracenotebook.com/what-if-love-unveiled-in-power-disguised/) - "What if: Love Unveiled in Power Disguised"by Lynn Alford"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30What if the one thing we most needed was weakness, and to decrease in our wrong kind of self estimations, so that we could really live? What if the one call we have is to this decrease, where it - [Blessings Out of Buffetings](https://gracenotebook.com/blessings-out-of-buffetings/) - Blessings Out of Buffetings (2 Cor. 12:7)by Alan RedpathAre you a child of God for whom the sunshine has departed recently? Do you want it back? Life has become so hard and drab, so dry and uninteresting. Ah, but there was nothing lovely about the cross and the crown of thorns that God gave to - [A Testimony From China](https://gracenotebook.com/a-testimony-from-china/) - As another Easter and Passover season approaches, I'm immediately reminded of my brothers and sisters in China where I've seen and experienced the most moving testimonies of God's living power in action.In my over 40 trips to China, I've had the opportunity to fellowship with believers from all walks of life and from a variety - [A New Perspective For A New Year](https://gracenotebook.com/a-new-perspective-for-a-new-year/) - "A New Perspective for a New Year"by Don DenneyMay you prosper and be in good health in 2004. Only God knows for sure what this new year will hold. However, we can be sure God is in sovereign control and that His promises and prophecies are sure.In Isaiah 46:10 God is described as, "Declaring the - [How to Abide](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-abide/) - A.B. Simpson (1844 - 1919) [1]"And now, little children, ABIDE IN HIM; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." (I John 2:28, emphasis added)It would seem as though John meant that only little children could abide in Him; that only when we get to - [Biblical Resolution Management](https://gracenotebook.com/biblical-resolution-management/) - COMMITMENT-In obedience to God's Holy Word and commitment to practicing Biblical Resolution Management, I promise to follow the Principle of Priorities. That is, my priorities are to glorify God, build harmony in the church, and avoid conflict. I will do as Matthew 18 admonishes - go to an offending brother "first alone".FIRST STEP -I will - [Blessed Are the Peacemakers](https://gracenotebook.com/blessed-are-the-peacemakers/) - In these tumultuous days we need peacemakers. Wouldn't you agree? Whether conflicts are nearby (in marriage, parenting, among neighbors, at school, on the job), or in distant nations (such as Afghanistan and Iraq), the clamor of hostility calls us to yearn for peace.What is the root cause for arguments, conflicts, and war? While we tend - [What's the Difference? the Message of the Victorious Christian Life](https://gracenotebook.com/whats-the-difference-the-message-of-the-victorious-christian-life/) - This article is available at http://www.gospelcom.net/keswick/vcLife.shtml - [Do You Have A Homeland As Your Only Security? (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/do-you-have-a-homeland-as-your-only-security-part-2/) - The following pictorial representation from Handbook to Happiness has been used by the Holy Spirit to help many understand how to leave eternal death in Adam and find eternal life in Jesus Christ. I implore you to study it with Bible in hand and find security in a totally insecure world.The Line Diagram (see attached) - [Motivated By Love](https://gracenotebook.com/motivated-by-love/) - In biblical counseling we often discover the counselee had a painful relationship with his or her earthly father. However, we celebrate the positive effect of dads who are a testimony of loving, faithful leadership. -J.B.W."As I think of this great plan I fall on my kneesbefore the Father (from whom all fatherhood, earthly or heavenly, - [In Christ Interview With Pastor Jerry Halbrook](https://gracenotebook.com/in-christ-interview-with-pastor-jerry-halbrook/) - "In Christ" Interview With Pastor Jerry HalbrookINTERVIEWER: How long have you been living the "in Christ" life?JERRY: It was in 1979 or early in 1980 that I accepted the message and began experiencing my crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. So, that means I have been experiencing it for at least 20 years.INTERVIEWER: You have testified that - [Have Faith in God](https://gracenotebook.com/have-faith-in-god/) - The Exchanged LifeA Letter from J. Hudson Taylor to his sister, Amelia.CHlNKlANG, October 17th, 1869MY own dear Sister - So many thanks for your long dear letter ... I do not think you have written me such a letter since we have been in China. I know it is with you as with me - - [Cooking Up Some Good Works](https://gracenotebook.com/cooking-up-some-good-works/) - I recently heard about an example of Christian love in action.A sister in Christ was visiting a friend who had troubles in her kitchen. It seems that her stove was falling apart--the timer wasn't working, and no heat emanated from the oven. The visiting sister, who is handy with this sort of task, reflected on - [Y2K Readiness](https://gracenotebook.com/y2k-readiness/) - There seems to be a mystique about crossing the threshold to the next millennium. I remember that, when I was as a boy, my dad tipped me off when the odometer on the family car was about to turn over from 99999 to zeros--neat!The more technical folk remind us that Friday night's ball-drop will not - [Y2K Readiness](https://gracenotebook.com/y2k-readiness/) - There seems to be a mystique about crossing the threshold to the next millennium. I remember that, when I was as a boy, my dad tipped me off when the odometer on the family car was about to turn over from 99999 to zeros--neat!The more technical folk remind us that Friday night's ball-drop will not - [Humility and How I Obtained It](https://gracenotebook.com/humility-and-how-i-obtained-it/) - July '99 theme: HumilityI recently received an e-mail from missionary evangelist Sammy Tippit. He wrote to his mailing list: "After the meeting in Rio de Janeiro, my wife, Tex, and I returned to the States and took some time for rest and renewal. We then began to seek the Lord about our future. God has - [The Selfer's Prayer](https://gracenotebook.com/the-selfers-prayer/) - My son was delighted to get a Dodge Viper as one of his Christmas gifts. No, not a full scale $75,000 sports car, but a 1/25th scale model! It reminds me of my modeling hobby as a boy. I enjoyed assembling plastic car and airplane models. (It was a good way to learn about cars - [The Surrendered Life](https://gracenotebook.com/the-surrendered-life/) - "I have been crucified with Christ . . ." (Galatians 2:20).To become one with Jesus Christ, a person must be willing not only to give up sin, but also to surrender his whole way of looking at things. Being born again by the Spirit of God means that we must first be willing to let - [How to Overcome Sin - Scripturally](https://gracenotebook.com/how-to-overcome-sin-scripturally/) - "HOW TO OVERCOME SIN - SCRIPTURALLY"Charles G. Finney (1792-1875)"Power From on High"In every period of my ministerial life I have found many professed Christians in a miserable state of bondage, either to the world, the flesh, or the Devil. But surely this is no Christian state, for the apostle has distinctly said: "Sin shall not - [The Normal Christian Life, Chapter 3: the Path of Progress: Knowing](https://gracenotebook.com/the-normal-christian-life-chapter-3-the-path-of-progress-knowing/) - Our old history ends with the Cross; our new history begins with the resurrection. "If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold they are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). The Cross terminates the first creation, and out of death there is brought a new creation - [Law and the Saint](https://gracenotebook.com/law-and-the-saint/) - [This is an example of the traditional evangelical view --that the moral law is not cancelled in the N. T.]It has been said that every unregenerate sinner has the heart of a Pharisee. This is true; and it is equally true that every unregenerate sinner has the heart of an Antinomian. This is the character - [Communication Guidelines](https://gracenotebook.com/communication-guidelines/) - Think about the guidelines and study the supporting Scripture verses. Rate yourself on each of these items: Excellent (3), Good (2), Fair (1), Poor (0)1. Be a ready listener and do not answer until the other person has finished talking (Prov. 18:13; James 1:19). __________2. Be slow to speak. Think first. Don't be hasty in - [More Testimonies From G.f.I.: First Person Accounts](https://gracenotebook.com/more-testimonies-from-gfi-first-person-accounts/) - I have been learning of God's wonderful grace since 1985 when my sister sent me a book called The Life That Wins, by Watchman Nee. I later studied for myself Galatians, Romans, Ephesian, Collosians and Phillipians and began to see something I had never seen before, this whole thing we call Christianity is about our - [Praise Stories From the Files of Grace Fellowship Int'l](https://gracenotebook.com/praise-stories-from-the-files-of-grace-fellowship-intl/) - A missionary lady had endured emotional problems on the field that had negatively impacted her ministry and that of her husband. They had left the field after almost 20 years, and she came for help. In eliciting her history, she said her father had told her as she was growing up that she was not - [The Normal Christian Life, Chapter 4: the Path of Progress: Reckoning](https://gracenotebook.com/the-normal-christian-life-chapter-4-the-path-of-progress-reckoning/) - We now come to a matter on which there has been some confusion of thought among the Lord's children. It concerns what follows this knowledge. Note again first of all the wording of Romans 6:6: "Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him". The tense of the verb is most precious for it - [Manifestations of the Flesh (Strategies of Living)](https://gracenotebook.com/manifestations-of-the-flesh-strategies-of-living/) - Compiled by Lee LeFebreBelow is a list of words and phrases which may portray you much of the time when you are under pressure.To cope when things aren't going right or going my way, I tend to...become self-absorbed (self-consumed) by:*becoming overly introspective*feeling sorry for myself*engaging in self-pity*getting depressed by stuffing my anger and frustrations*beating up - [Biblical Family Values](https://gracenotebook.com/biblical-family-values/) - "Honest weights and scales are the LORD'S;All the weights in the bag are His work." Proverbs 16:11We hear so much talk about "family values," but what are they?Here is a list to guide Christian parents in discipling their children.We are to value:1. The Glory of God Isaiah 43:7; Ephesians 1:62. Salvation Acts 4:12; Matthew 4:193. - [Help From Above (Part 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/help-from-above-part-1/) - topical Bible e-booklet (part 1: pages 1-25 of 49)Compiled by Watson GoodmanIntroductionHelp from Above is a collection of related verses of Scripture by subjects from various parts of the Bible. I believe the best commentary on Scripture is the Bible itself.God's Word comes "from above" and is indeed very helpful to hearts that hunger and - [Help From Above (Part 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/help-from-above-part-2/) - topical Bible e-booklet (part 2: pages 26-49 [of 49])Compiled by Watson Goodman"Help from Above is a collection of related verses of Scripture by subjects from various parts of the Bible. I believe the best commentary on Scripture is the Bible itself." -W. G.26THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS""But if a wicked man turns from all his sins - [Man As Spirit, Soul, and Body (Chapter 1)](https://gracenotebook.com/man-as-spirit-soul-and-body-chapter-1/) - Introduction to Pastoral Counseling:An Exchanged Life Perspective"Man as Spirit Soul and Body; Trichotomy in Exchanged Life Counseling"by John WoodwardChapter OneChrist's Great Commission is for His people to make disciples of all nations and this mandate includes evangelism and teaching (Matt 28:19,20). One aspect of carrying out this task in the context of the church is - [Man As Spirit, Soul, and Body (Chapter 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/man-as-spirit-soul-and-body-chapter-2/) - BIBLICAL WORD STUDIESThe Role of Word StudiesScholars have been emphatic about the limitations of the Bible as a source book for a system of biblical psychology. An example of this reluctance is the analysis of G. C. Berkouwer, as translated by Anthony Hoekema:"In the general judgment [of theologians] is that the Bible gives us no - [Man As Spirit, Soul, and Body (Chapter 3)](https://gracenotebook.com/man-as-spirit-soul-and-body-chapter-3/) - THEOLOGICAL MODELS OF MAN'S MAKEUPMonismMonism is the theological model that considers man as having only one part. Although soul and spirit are identified as aspects of human nature, they do not consist in separable parts of man. Monism opposes both dichotomy and trichotomy, the usual evangelical models of man. As Philip Hefner contends,"Contemporary understanding of - [Man As Spirit, Soul, and Body (Chapter 7)](https://gracenotebook.com/man-as-spirit-soul-and-body-chapter-7/) - A DEFENSE OF TRICHOTOMYResponses to Common Objections to TrichotomyBefore concluding this study, the question needs to be faced: are the arguments against trichotomy unanswerable? Although some of these challenges have been indirectly addressed above, there needs to be an additional response to the criti-cisms of trichotomy. Below is a composite list of challenges followed by - [Scripture Memory Project (KJV)](https://gracenotebook.com/scripture-memory-project-kjv/) - God promises special blessings to us when we memorize His Word.As Joshua was counseled by Moses, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make - [The Christian's Secret of A Happy Life, Chap 3: the Life Defined](https://gracenotebook.com/the-christians-secret-of-a-happy-life-chap-3-the-life-defined/) - In my last chapter I tried to settle the question as to the scripturalness of the experience sometimes called the Higher Christian Life, but which to my own mind is best described in the words, the "life hid with Christ in God." I shall now, therefore, consider it as a settled point that the Scriptures - [Obedience-Oriented Education, Part 1](https://gracenotebook.com/obedience-oriented-education-part-1/) - INTRODUCTIONObedience-oriented education, as developed in Honduras, grew out of a "TEEE" program, which grew out of a TEE program, which grew out of a TE program. Let us explain these E's. TE program means Theological Education, usually in a resident seminary or Bible institute. TEE provides Theological Education by Extension. TEEE means Theological Education and - [Obedience-Oriented Education, Part 2](https://gracenotebook.com/obedience-oriented-education-part-2/) - II. TEACHERS MUST MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH PASTORS IN THE FIELDEphesians 1:17-23 gives us insight into the divine process of theological education: God Himself gives His people (the members of the local church in Ephesus) a spirit of wisdom and revelation to know Him and His program. The teacher must help his student-worker to participate in - [Obedience-Oriented Education, Part 3](https://gracenotebook.com/obedience-oriented-education-part-3/) - IV. WE MUST PERMIT SPONTANEOUS DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHURCHMark 4:16-19 illustrates how churches take root, grow and develop their different ministries spontaneously, with a minimum of control on the part of the workers responsible. We recognize the Lord Jesus Christ's supreme authority over all churches and theological institution. Where he reigns the Church develops spontaneously. - [Obedience-Oriented Education, Part 4](https://gracenotebook.com/obedience-oriented-education-part-4/) - V. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES MUST BE REALISTICThe Lord pronounced His Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 in urgent, authoritative military terms: "All authority is given me... go therefore and make disciples..." It leaves no room for excuses; it demands simple, direct obedience. We should establish realistic objectives for mobilizing obedient disciples from the very beginning of their - [Obedience-Oriented Education, Part 5](https://gracenotebook.com/obedience-oriented-education-part-5/) - VII. WE MUST HOLD PRACTICAL WORK CLASSESThe theological institution, resident or extension, formal or informal, must deal regularly with the student's practical work. The pastoral student must continually orient himself in sessions which deal with his reports and plans. His teacher supervises his activities and enables him to apply everything he learns. Everything taught should - [Grace Sufficient](https://gracenotebook.com/grace-sufficient/) - "My grace is sufficient for thee"- II Corinthians 12:9So many burdened lives along the way!My load seems lighter than the most I see,And oft I wonder if I could be brave,Patient and sweet if they were laid on me.But God has never said that He would giveAnother's grace without another's thorn;What matter, since for every - [He Giveth More Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/he-giveth-more-grace/) - "He giveth more grace" - James 4:6"He increaseth strength" - Isaiah 40:29"Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied" - Jude 2He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;To added affliction He addeth His mercy,To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.When we have exhausted our store of - [The Two Sufficients](https://gracenotebook.com/the-two-sufficients/) - "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." - Matthew 6:34"My grace is sufficient for thee. "- II Corinthians 12:9Evil shall pass with the day that brought it,As the sea is stayed by the barrier land;When the Giver of Good shall say, "No farther,"And bid the foeman restrain his hand;But the grace of the Lord - [Great Grace](https://gracenotebook.com/great-grace/) - His grace is great enough to meet the great things,The crashing waves that overwhelm the soul,The roaring winds that leave us stunned and breathless,The sudden storms beyond our life's control.His grace is great enough to meet the small things,The little pin-prick troubles that annoy,The insect worries, buzzing and persistent,The squeaking wheels that grate upon our - [Himself](https://gracenotebook.com/himself/) - Once it was the blessing, now it is the Lord;Once it was the feeling, now it is His Word.Once His gifts I wanted, now the Giver own;Once I sought for healing, now Himself alone.Once 'twas painful trying, now 'tis perfect trust;Once a half salvation, now the uttermost.Once 'twas ceaseless holding, now He holds me fast;Once - [Acceptance](https://gracenotebook.com/acceptance-1/) - Oh, to know acceptanceIn a feeling sort of way;To be known for what I am--Not what I do or say.It's nice to be loved and wantedFor the person I seem to be,But my heart cries out to be lovedFor the person who is really me!To be able to drop all the frontsAnd share with another - [Journey to the End of Self](https://gracenotebook.com/journey-to-the-end-of-self/) - When I came to JesusFor the cleansing of my sin, (John 3:3)My heart was set at peaceAs the Saviour came within. (2 Cor. 5:17)Looking to His promiseOf a life of victory, (2 Cor.2:14)My faith was sadly taxed,As I struggled to be free. (Rom. 7:24,25)The burdens that I boreWere heavier day by day;It seemed God didn't - [The Believer and God's Moral Law](https://gracenotebook.com/the-believer-and-gods-moral-law/) - How should those "under grace" relate to God's Moral Law? Students of grace truths do well to prayerfully think through this issue. The question is: Was the Moral Law (as revealed in the Old Testament and pre-Calvary Scripture) canceled by the New Covenant? No Moral Law for the Christian today? A popular grace author criticized - [Intimate Love](https://gracenotebook.com/intimate-love/) - [The Song of Solomon is a poetic, ancient middle eastern expression of the God-given pleasures of physical love in marriage. Without ignoring this primary reference as a marriage enrichment guide, Christian devotional writers have gleaned rich insights into how the love of the groom and bride is a fitting symbol of the love relationship of - [Testimony](https://gracenotebook.com/testimony-1/) - The decision had been made. It was radical. It went against everything I had been taught and in turn had taught in my nineteen years as a Christian. The last five years with Mike as an alcoholic had been a type ofhell. It was like living on a roller coaster that was out of control. - [Total Surrender](https://gracenotebook.com/total-surrender/) - One of the essential conditions for experiencing "life more abundant" is total surrender to the lordship of Christ. The classic Scripture text that speaks directly to this need is Romans 12:1,2: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is - [Journey to the End of Self](https://gracenotebook.com/journey-to-the-end-of-self/) - When I came to JesusFor the cleansing of my sin, (John 3:3)My heart was set at peaceAs the Saviour came within. (2 Cor. 5:17)Looking to His promiseOf a life of victory, (2 Cor.2:14)My faith was sadly taxed,As I struggled to be free. (Rom. 7:24,25)The burdens that I boreWere heavier day by day;It seemed God didn't ## Pages - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Grace Notes](https://gracenotebook.com/) - Grace Notes Collection Grace Notes articles are about abundant living through Jesus Christ. "And He (God) said to me (the apostle Paul), 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' " (2 Cor. 12:9). "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ - [Mail-out Schedule](https://gracenotebook.com/mail-out-schedule/) - Articles emailed to the Grace Notes mailing list since the web site redesign See the Grace Notes Index where these articles are listed alphabetically. 2026 1/2 A Survival Guide for the New Year: Lessons from the Journal of Robinson Crusoe 1/9 The Cross and the Spirit-Filled Life (1) 1/16 The Cross and the Spirit-Filled - [Linda](https://gracenotebook.com/linda/) - Landing page for chaplain Linda Woodward Grace Fellowship Int'l GraceFellowshipInternational.com 865-429-0450 GFI diagrams: elcmatters.org/diagram-slides/ GraceNotebook.com library of articles, testimonies, etc. MyPrayerHelps.com Podcast: Glimpses of Grace Cherri Raws Freeman LoveThemToLife.com Aaron Kim's YT channel. YouTube.com/@aaronkim1074 Rob Semco's YT videos: www.youtube.com/@rootedinChristyt Links BibleGateway.com (finding Scripture in many translations). 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Si vous êtes intéressé par la traduction, veuillez nous en informer. ## Posts (French) - [Christ Notre Vie](https://gracenotebook.com/fr/christ-notre-vie/) - « Quand le Christ, qui est notre vie, sera manifesté, alors vous aussi, vous serez manifestés avec lui en gloire. » Colossiens 3:4L'un des buts principaux de l'action du Saint-Esprit à l'égard des enfants de Dieu, c'est de les faire entrer, spirituellement et par l'expérience, en Christ ressuscité et exalté, et dans la vie de - [L'Évangile pour le Croyant (1)](https://gracenotebook.com/fr/lvangile-pour-le-croyant-1/) - L'Évangile pour le Croyant (1)(traduction de The Gospel for the Believer by Robert Jones)La libération du croyant d'après l'Épître aux Romains, chapitres 5 à 8Romains chapitre 5De la mort à la vieL'ensemble le l'Épître de Paul aux Romains est brièvement présenté dans le 1er chapitre comme "l'Évangile de Dieu". L'Épître est divisé en trois sections: - [L'Évangile pour le Croyant (2)](https://gracenotebook.com/fr/lvangile-pour-le-croyant-2/) - L'Évangile pour le Croyant(traduction de "The Gospel for the believer" by Robert Jones)La libération du croyant d'après l'Épître aux Romains, chapitres 5 à 8Romains chapitre 6Du péché à la droitureÀ la fin du 5ième chapitre nous retrouvons la loi détrônée par la grâce de Dieu. Au 6ième chapitre la question qui suit est démandée et ## Posts (Spanish) - [El Uso de "El Viejo Hombre" Según Efesios 4:22](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-uso-de-el-viejo-hombre-segn-efesios-422/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA El Uso de "El Viejo Hombre" Según Efesios 4:22 "En cuanto a la pasada manera de vivir, despojaos del viejo hombre, que está viciado conforme a los deseos engañosos, y renovaos en el espíritu de vuestra mente, y vestíos del nuevo hombre, creado según Dios en la justicia y santidad de la - [El Uso de "El Viejo Hombre" Según Efesios 4:22](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-uso-de-el-viejo-hombre-segn-efesios-422/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA El Uso de "El Viejo Hombre" Según Efesios 4:22 "En cuanto a la pasada manera de vivir, despojaos del viejo hombre, que está viciado conforme a los deseos engañosos, y renovaos en el espíritu de vuestra mente, y vestíos del nuevo hombre, creado según Dios en la justicia y santidad de la - [El Evangelio Para el Creyente ( 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-evangelio-para-el-creyente-2/) - NOTAS DE GRACIAEl Evangelio Para el Creyente (Exposición de Romanos 5-8), Capítulo 2 Por Robert JonesRomanos Cáp. 6 Del Pecado a la Justicia [1] El capitulo 5 terminó con la gracia en el trono en el lugar de la ley. En el capítulo 6 se hace esta pregunta y se responde: "¿...Perseveraremos en el pecado - [Las Raíces de la Inseguridad (3)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/las-races-de-la-inseguridad-3/) - NOTAS DE GRACIALas Raíces de la Inseguridad (Tercera Parte) Por John Woodward 3. Confusión CarnalCuando un creyente nacido de nuevo está temporalmente caminando "según la carne", pueden surgir dudas en su mente en cuanto a si ha perdido su salvación o si ha sido verdaderamente regenerado. [1]Una razón para esto es que cuando el Espíritu Santo se - [Un Cuadro del Discipulado, Segunda Parte](https://gracenotebook.com/es/un-cuadro-del-discipulado-segunda-parte/) - Hemos estado comparando el proceso de discipular a otra persona con el cuadro enmarcado de un discípulo. El semblante del sujeto del cuadro simboliza el Espíritu de Cristo - el que da poder y dirige la vida espiritual. Los lados del "marco" representan los cuatro elementos básicos que intervienen en la formación de los discípulos. - [El Nacimiento Virginal (Primera Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-nacimiento-virginal-primera-parte/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA El 1ro. Diciembre del 2006, una nueva película sobre el nacimiento de Cristo comenzó a ser presentada en los cines. Esta mañana, un líder cristiano me comentó que había visto la película y esperaba que fuera un influyente testimonio del evangelio durante la época de Navidad. Anne Graham Lotz de Ministerios AnGel - [Notas De Gracia Introduccion](https://gracenotebook.com/es/notas-de-gracia-introduccion-1/) - "Notas de Gracia" es un devocional bíblico por correo electrónico enviado semanalmente en forma gratuita, a aquellos que lo soliciten. El objetivo de los artículos es el de destacar la dinámica de la vida abundante en Cristo. Textos temáticos: "Y me (al apóstol Pablo) ha dicho (Dios): Bástate mi gracia; porque mi poder se perfecciona - [Las Raíces de la Inseguridad (2)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/las-races-de-la-inseguridad-2/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA Las Raíces de la Inseguridad (Segunda Parte) Por John Woodward 2. El Legalismo El "legalismo" implica la legislación del comportamiento ideal, tratando de obtener la justicia práctica por el esfuerzo propio, y se centra en factores externos más que en los motivos del corazón. La iglesia de Galacia cayó en esta trampa - [La Emancipación de la Tiranía del Pecado (Rom. 6)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/la-emancipacin-de-la-tirana-del-pecado-rom-6/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA "Porque somos sepultados juntamente con él para muerte por el bautismo, a fin de que como Cristo resucitó de los muertos por la gloria del Padre, así también nosotros andemos en vida nueva. Porque si fuimos plantados juntamente con él en la semejanza de su muerte, así también lo seremos en la - [Estabas Allí?](https://gracenotebook.com/es/estabas-all/) - ¿Estabas Allí? Uno de los himnos que describe la pasión y resurrección de Cristo es la canción tradicional, ¿Estabas Allí? El autor del himno es desconocido, pero las palabras se basan en las narraciones del Nuevo Testamento de Mateo 27:31-56; 28; 1-15 y otros pasajes paralelos. La primera estrofa pregunta: "¿Estabas allí cuando crucificaron a - [La Emancipación de la Pena del Pecado
 (Rom. 5)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/la-emancipacin-de-la-pena-del-pecado8232-rom-5/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA "Justificados, pues, por la fe, tenemos paz para con Dios por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo; por quien también tenemos entrada por la fe a esta gracia en la cual estamos firmes, y nos gloriamos en la esperanza de la gloria de Dios. Y no sólo esto, sino que también nos gloriamos - [Tiene El Creyente Dos Naturalezas?](https://gracenotebook.com/es/tiene-el-creyente-dos-naturalezas/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA ¿Tiene El Creyente Dos Naturalezas? Pregunta: ¿Tienen alguna información en su sitio Web que trate acerca de las dos naturalezas del cristiano? Voy a mencionar dos autores: Joel T. Andrus, su libro "Las Dos Naturalezas del Creyente", y el folleto de E. C. Hadley titulado "Las Dos Naturalezas del Creyente". Me - [El Dr. Jekyll o El Señor Hyde?](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-dr-jekyll-o-el-senor-hyde/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA¿El Dr. Jekyll o El Señor Hyde?Mientras leía la composición que mi hija Laura había escrito para su clase de inglés, me intrigó una cita que leí de la novela "El Extraño Caso Del Doctor Jekyll y El Señor Hyde" de Robert Louis Stevenson El Dr. Jekyll había concluido, "Si cada una [la - [Cambio De Paradigma](https://gracenotebook.com/es/cambio-de-paradigma/) - Un cambio radical de perspectiva personal se conoce en nuestros días como un "cambio de paradigma". El consultor de liderazgo, Steven Covey, explica este concepto: "El término 'cambio de paradigma' fue introducido por Thomas Kuhn en su influyente libro de referencia, La Estructura de las Revoluciones Científicas. Kuhn demuestra cómo casi todos los importantes avances - [Maravillosa Gracia](https://gracenotebook.com/es/maravillosa-gracia/) - La gracia de Dios que nos salva es increíblemente maravillosa. ¡La gracia de Dios que es esencial para la vida cristiana es también increíble! ¡"Por tanto, de la manera que habéis recibido al Señor Jesucristo (por la gracia mediante la fe), andad en él (por la gracia mediante la fe)! (Col 2:6).La gracia es el - [Gracia Futura](https://gracenotebook.com/es/gracia-futura/) - NOTAS DE GRACIAGracia Futura Por John WoodwardA través de los años he tenido la oportunidad de hacer muchos viajes por avión. Una de las impresiones persistente es la de los rostros ansiosos circulando las puertas del aeropuerto, esperando a aquellos que habrán de desembarcar. Cuando los pasajeros son divisados por sus amigos o familiares, ellos - [Un Mensaje Sorprendente](https://gracenotebook.com/es/un-mensaje-sorprendente/) - Recuerdo vivamente asistir a un seminario hace once años en la universidad bíblica Ontario Bible College en Ontario, Canadá. Luis Palau estaba en la ciudad para hablar sobre la vida cristiana y la evangelización. Yo había admirado su ministerio de evangelización por todo el mundo y sentía que en él había una verdadera integridad espiritual. - [Un Cuadro del Discipulado, Primera Parte](https://gracenotebook.com/es/un-cuadro-del-discipulado-primera-parte/) - ¿Qué te trae alegría? ¿Un alza en el mercado de valores? ¿Un puntaje mas bajo en tu juego de golf? ¿Una A en un examen final? ¿Una buena comida en un buen restaurante? Si bien éstas cosas nos pueden traer algo de felicidad temporal, el ministerio espiritual puede proporcionar un gozo permanente. El apóstol Juan - [Empleados por la Gracia](https://gracenotebook.com/es/empleados-por-la-gracia/) - Cualquiera que sea el trabajo o carrera en la que estás involucrado, estoy seguro de ella tiene sus retos y desafíos. Por ejemplo, un productor lácteo, comentó: "¡Lo más difícil de las vacas de ordeño, es que nunca se quedan ordeñadas!" Las exigencias del trabajo me recuerdan la difícil situación de algunos personajes en una - [El Poder Transformador de la Gracia de Dios](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-poder-transformador-de-la-gracia-de-dios/) - En el otoño 1976, me matriculé como estudiante del Northeastern Bible College en Nueva Jersey. Recuerdo que algunas veces manejaba mi automóvil en aquel lugar y veía vislumbrar las torres gemelas del World Trade Center. Su ausencia es ahora un recuerdo inolvidable. Durante ese verano, Nueva York fue abatida por una ola de crímenes terribles - [Desobstruyendo Los Manantiales](https://gracenotebook.com/es/desobstruyendo-los-manantiales/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: Desobstruyendo Los ManantialesUna de las vivas metáforas que el Señor Jesús utilizaba para describir la vida abundante era la de los "ríos de agua viva."En el último y gran día de la fiesta, Jesús se puso en pie y alzó la voz, diciendo: Si alguno tiene sed, venga a mí y beba. - [Irritaciones Que Transforman](https://gracenotebook.com/es/irritaciones-que-transforman/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: Irritaciones Que TransformanCuando fui a estudiar al Florida Bible College después de la escuela secundaria, compartí mi habitación con otros dos compañeros. Los dos eran muy viejos (¡25 y 31 años de edad, si mal no recuerdo!) Además, ambos eran veteranos de las fuerzas armadas. El más joven era un infante de - [Razones Por Las Cuales Los Cristianos Enferman (Primera Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/razones-por-las-cuales-los-cristianos-enferman-primera-parte/) - El tema más urgente para mí mientras escribo este artículo es el problema de la enfermedad. Mi mentor en el área de consejería espiritual, Carlos Salomón, acaba de tener una cirugía para extirparle un quiste hepático; (¡he sido informado que el quiste pesó siete libras!). En lo personal, me sobrecogió un virus de algún tipo - [Razones Por Las Cuales Los Cristianos Enferman (Segunda Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/razones-por-las-cuales-los-cristianos-enferman-segunda-parte/) - Hemos estado considerando la compleja pregunta, "¿por qué se enferman los cristianos?" Habiendo examinado las posibilidades de la enfermedad para muerte y la enfermedad como disciplina, ahora nos enfocaremos en la enfermedad como forma de glorificar a Dios.El concepto de que Dios es glorificado por medio de nuestras enfermedades puede sonar extraño. ¿Cómo puede algo - [Tu Árbol Genealógico](https://gracenotebook.com/es/tu-rbol-genealgico/) - Hace unos años, cuando visitábamos Bolas Falls en Vineland, Ontario, nuestra familia encontró un árbol con ramas bajas y lo utilizó para una foto familiar. Situados alrededor del tronco, con nuestros niños ubicados en las ramas, la imagen se utilizó para nuestra tarjeta de fotos de Navidad de ese año. El título era: "Nuestro árbol - [El Testimonio de los Ángeles](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-testimonio-de-los-ngeles/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: El Testimonio de los Ángeles"Ángeles cantando están" "Los heraldos celestiales cantan con sonora voz" - los conocidos villancicos contienen numerosas referencias a los ángeles.Los ángeles se han vuelto bastante populares en la cultura moderna. Esta década ha dado lugar a muchos programas de TV, películas, libros, revistas, artículos para colecciones y acerca - [Quién Causó la Muerte de Cristo? (Segunda Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/quin-caus-la-muerte-de-cristo-segunda-parte/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: ¿Quién Causó la Muerte de Cristo? (Segunda Parte)[Una búsqueda cuidadosa de Las Escrituras da una respuesta con nueve partes a esta pregunta.1. La causa física: los soldados romanos2. La causa legal ejecutiva: el gobernador romano, Pilato3. La causa jurídica pasiva: el rey Herodes Antipas4. La principal causa legal: el Sanedrín]Segunda Parte5. La - [Quién Causó la Muerte de Cristo? (Primera Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/quin-caus-la-muerte-de-cristo-primera-parte/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: ¿Quién Causó la Muerte de Cristo? (Primera Parte)Una gran película, La Pasión de Cristo, que se presentó hace poco, captura vívidamente la flagelación y la crucifixión de Cristo. La película se ha debatido mucho en las noticias y algunos han expresado su preocupación por un posible antisemitismo. Tristemente, la historia del cristianismo - [La Paleta de Tus Emociones](https://gracenotebook.com/es/la-paleta-de-tus-emociones/) - Un niño, una vez escribió esta nota a un psicoterapeuta:"Estimado Dr. Gardener,Lo que me molesta a es que hace mucho tiempo una persona grande, un muchacho de unos 13 años de edad, me llamó "tortuga" y yo sé que él dijo esto debido a mi cirugía plástica. Creo que Dios me odia por lo de - [Ocupaos en Vuestra Salvación](https://gracenotebook.com/es/ocupaos-en-vuestra-salvacin/) - En cierta ocasión vi a una pareja caminando a la orilla del lago Ontario con patines de hielo, deseosos de disfrutar el invierno patinando sobre el hielo. Me sorprendí al verlos, porque pensé que no habíamos tenido el tiempo suficiente para llegar al punto de congelación necesario para dar al hielo el espesor requerido para - [Ocupaos en Vuestra Salvación](https://gracenotebook.com/es/ocupaos-en-vuestra-salvacin/) - En cierta ocasión vi a una pareja caminando a la orilla del lago Ontario con patines de hielo, deseosos de disfrutar el invierno patinando sobre el hielo. Me sorprendí al verlos, porque pensé que no habíamos tenido el tiempo suficiente para llegar al punto de congelación necesario para dar al hielo el espesor requerido para - [Una Perspectiva Superior](https://gracenotebook.com/es/una-perspectiva-superior/) - Primera ParteEn una feria en nuestra comunidad se pudieron observar muchas exhibiciones de artesanía y diferentes atracciones. Las festividades incluyeron incluso paseos en globos de aire caliente y helicóptero para aquellos que deseaban ver las cosas desde puntos más elevado.¿Por qué es tan fascinante obtener una perspectiva más elevada? ¿Será que nos acostumbramos a la - [Una Cuestión de Muerte y Vida](https://gracenotebook.com/es/una-cuestin-de-muerte-y-vida/) - El cantante y compositor cristiano, Ray Boltz, canta una canción llamada "Watch the Lamb (Mirad al Cordero)." En su video musical, hay algunas escenas dramáticas excelentes que acompañan a esta canción para relatar la historia de Simón de Cirene (Marcos 15:21). Entró en Jerusalén el viernes por la mañana y se encontró en la Vía - [Tu Jardín de Virtudes](https://gracenotebook.com/es/tu-jardn-de-virtudes/) - Hace poco recibí un anuncio acerca de un programa de computadora que permite al usuario diseñar un jardín en 3-D. Para aquellos a quienes les gusta la jardinería, imaginen poder navegar las diferentes opciones de diseños, desde la ubicación del jardín potencial, los contornos de sus canteros, los tipos de plantas a incluir, hasta el - [Lo Que el Mundo Necesita Ahora es Amor](https://gracenotebook.com/es/lo-que-el-mundo-necesita-ahora-es-amor/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: Lo Que el Mundo Necesita Ahora es AmorLo Que el Mundo Necesita AhoraUno de los temas tradicionales del mes de febrero es el amor. Cuando el Día de San Valentín se acerca, los niños escolares intercambian corazones fabricados con papeles coloridos y goma adhesiva; las parejas abrigan la esperanza de avivar las - [A Todos los Santos](https://gracenotebook.com/es/a-todos-los-santos/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: A Todos los SantosUna película fue producida hace unos años sobre Juana de Arco, la segunda patrona de Francia. Mi hija se interesó en ella e investigó todo lo que pudo acerca de ella. Vivió entre 1412 y 1431. Se hizo famosa por su fe, sus visiones, su lealtad a la nación, - [Tratando de Vivir Una Vida Independiente](https://gracenotebook.com/es/tratando-de-vivir-una-vida-independiente/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: Tratando de Vivir Una Vida Independiente¿Alguna vez has tratado de hacer un trabajo por tu cuenta, sólo para descubrir que era más de lo que podías hacer? El siguiente reporte de accidente describe con todo lujo de detalles la experiencia traumática de un trabajador que trataba de terminar una obra por si - [Notas De Gracia: Una Fuente De Agua Viva](https://gracenotebook.com/es/notas-de-gracia-una-fuente-de-agua-viva/) - "En el último y gran día de la fiesta, Jesús se puso en pie y alzó la voz, diciendo: Si alguno tiene sed, venga a mí y beba. El que cree en mí, como dice la Escritura, de su interior correrán ríos de agua viva. Esto dijo del Espíritu que habían de recibir los que - [Caminando Por Gracia](https://gracenotebook.com/es/caminando-por-gracia/) - "Sublime Gracia, siempre será mi canto de alabanza,Porque fue la gracia la que compró mi libertad;No sé por qué El vino a amarme,Miró más allá de mi culpa y vio mi necesidad."Las palabras de ésta canción agradecen la bendición maravillosa de la gracia de Dios en la vida de su pueblo. Continuamos nuestro enfoque en - [Como Hacer Frente a las Pérdidas (Primera Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/como-hacer-frente-a-las-prdidas-primera-parte/) - ¿Cómo puede el experimentar a Cristo como (nuestra) vida equipar al creyente para poder hacer frente a las pérdidas? (Rom 5:10). Cuando lloramos una pérdida personal, no solamente revelamos el valor que otorgamos a lo perdido, sino también lo adecuado de los recursos en los que estamos dependiendo mientras penamos.Todos nos enfrentamos a diversos tipos - [Vosotros Que Sois Espirituales](https://gracenotebook.com/es/vosotros-que-sois-espirituales/) - NOTAS DE GRACIAVosotros Que Sois EspiritualesSi eres una persona "espiritual", has aprendido a ser controlado por el Espíritu de Dios. Por lo general, tu mente, tu voluntad, y tus afectos están en armonía con el Señor. Hay muchas variedades de espiritualidad en nuestra cultura, aunque a menudo estos caminos metafísicos son callejones sin salida. La - [El Nacimiento Virginal (Tercera Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-nacimiento-virginal-tercera-parte/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA Hemos visto las cualidades históricas y sobrenaturales de la Natividad. Ahora vamos a considerar su importancia para la salvación del cristiano y la vida abundante.3. El nacimiento virginal de Cristo tiene implicaciones doctrinales.Hay muchas implicaciones teológicas y doctrinales de la concepción y nacimiento de Cristo.a. El nacimiento virginal confirma la naturaleza de - [El Nacimiento Virginal (Segunda Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-nacimiento-virginal-segunda-parte/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA"En una placa que marca el lugar donde nació Abraham Lincoln, cerca de Hodgenville, Kentucky, se registra esta pequeña conversación:'¿Qué hay de nuevo en el pueblo, Ezry? -Bueno, Squire McLain ha ido a Washington para asistir a la inauguración de Madison, y el viejo Spellman me dice que ese tipo Bonaparte ha capturado - [El Valor de la Humildad](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-valor-de-la-humildad/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA Mientras esperaba a un amigo en un taller de reparaciones de bicicletas, me di cuenta de un par de carteles muy graciosos. Uno de ellos decía:"Reglas de la casa: # 1: El jefe siempre tiene la razón. Regla de la casa #2: Si el jefe se equivoca, aténgase a la regla # - [El Valor de la Humildad](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-valor-de-la-humildad/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA Mientras esperaba a un amigo en un taller de reparaciones de bicicletas, me di cuenta de un par de carteles muy graciosos. Uno de ellos decía:"Reglas de la casa: # 1: El jefe siempre tiene la razón. Regla de la casa #2: Si el jefe se equivoca, aténgase a la regla # - [Tu Andar Diario](https://gracenotebook.com/es/tu-andar-diario/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: Tu Andar DiarioEl caminar se está convirtiendo en un estilo popular de ejercicio en estos días. ¡Lo que antes era una necesidad ahora es una aventura creativa en la búsqueda de la salud física! La mayoría de nosotros disfruta cuando camina con otros porque puede compartir el beneficio de la conversación, el - [Qué Niño es Este?](https://gracenotebook.com/es/qu-nio-es-este/) - NOTAS DE GRACIAEl villancico escrito por William Dix pregunta:"¿Qué niño es éste, que, al dormir en brazos de María, pastores velan, ángeles le cantan melodías?Dado que la temporada de la Navidad reclama ser la celebración del nacimiento de Jesús, la cuestión de su identidad y misión merece nuestra mayor e informada consideración.Las profecías bíblicas dan - [Tres Dimensiones de la Santificación](https://gracenotebook.com/es/tres-dimensiones-de-la-santificacin/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: Tres Dimensiones de la Santificación"Y el mismo Dios de paz os santifique por completo; y todo vuestro ser, espíritu, alma y cuerpo, sea guardado irreprensible para la venida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Fiel es el que os llama, el cual también lo hará." (1Tes. 5:23-24).La oración de Pablo por la santidad personal - [Gracia Para Vivir](https://gracenotebook.com/es/gracia-para-vivir/) - "Antes bien, creced en la gracia y el conocimiento de nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo. A él sea gloria ahora y hasta el día de la eternidad". (2 Pedro 3:18). La gracia de Dios es la agencia maravillosa a través de la cual Cristo expresa su vida por medio del creyente. El increíble trabajo misionero - [El Testimonio de Watchman Nee](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-testimonio-de-watchman-nee/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: El Testimonio de Watchman NeeEsta semana, nos sumergimos en la biografía de Watchman Nee. Los médicos recomendaron que un tiempo de descanso en el clima sano de las montañas de Kuling, en China, pudiera aliviar la condición pulmonar de Watchman Nee. En 1929 pasó muchas semanas allí para recuperarse, meditando en la - [El Testimonio de Watchman Nee](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-testimonio-de-watchman-nee/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: El Testimonio de Watchman NeeEsta semana, nos sumergimos en la biografía de Watchman Nee. Los médicos recomendaron que un tiempo de descanso en el clima sano de las montañas de Kuling, en China, pudiera aliviar la condición pulmonar de Watchman Nee. En 1929 pasó muchas semanas allí para recuperarse, meditando en la - [Cooperando Con La Gracia](https://gracenotebook.com/es/cooperando-con-la-gracia/) - "Si, pues, habéis resucitado con Cristo, buscad las cosas de arriba, donde está Cristo sentado a la diestra de Dios. Poned la mira en las cosas de arriba, no en las de la tierra. Porque habéis muerto, y vuestra vida está escondida con Cristo en Dios. (Col 3:1-3). AJ Gordon observó: "El método de la - [Cooperando Con La Gracia](https://gracenotebook.com/es/cooperando-con-la-gracia/) - "Si, pues, habéis resucitado con Cristo, buscad las cosas de arriba, donde está Cristo sentado a la diestra de Dios. Poned la mira en las cosas de arriba, no en las de la tierra. Porque habéis muerto, y vuestra vida está escondida con Cristo en Dios. (Col 3:1-3). AJ Gordon observó: "El método de la - [De la Doctrina a la Experiencia](https://gracenotebook.com/es/de-la-doctrina-a-la-experiencia/) - Nuestra familiadisfrutó recientemente de varios días de la hospitalidad sureña de una amiga enPigeon Forge, Tennessee. Desde su casa se pueden observar las montañas que son parte de la cordillera llamada SmokeyMountains. Las tales pueden seradmiradas desde su portal. La escena me recordó el Salmo 121:1,2: "Alzarémis ojos a los montes; ¿De dónde vendrá mi - [Manual Para Sobrevivir el Año Nuevo](https://gracenotebook.com/es/manual-para-sobrevivir-el-ao-nuevo/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: Manual Para Sobrevivir el Año NuevoUn manual para sobrevivir el Año Nuevo: Descubrimientos en el Diario de Robinson CrusoeLa película "Náufrago (Cast Away)", relata una historia de supervivencia personal. Tom Hanks describe la odisea de Chuck Nolan, un ingeniero de FedEx que se convirtió en el único sobreviviente de un accidente de - [La Cura Para la Apostasía (1)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/la-cura-para-la-apostasa-1/) - NOTAS DE GRACIALa Cura Para la Apostasía (Primera Parte) Por John Woodward Un Estudio de Hebreos 6:1-9Para estar seguro de Cristo como la fuente de tu vida, necesitas estar seguro de Su salvación. Sin embargo, los pasajes de advertencia en Hebreos 6:1-9 y 10:26-39 son utilizados algunas veces para cuestionar la seguridad del creyente. Veamos una breve - [La Cura Para La Apostasía (2)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/la-cura-para-la-apostasa-2/) - NOTAS DE GRACIALa Cura Para La Apostasía (Segunda Parte) Por John Woodward En la primera parte de este estudio, estudiamos a Hebreos 6:1-6. El pasaje paralelo que da una advertencia similarmente fuerte es Hebreos10:26-31. El versículo 26 ha causado que muchos creyentes cuestionen susalvación: "Porque si pecáremos voluntariamente después de haberrecibido el conocimiento de la verdad, ya - [Un Evangelio Equilibrado](https://gracenotebook.com/es/un-evangelio-equilibrado/) - NOTAS DE GRACIAUn Evangelio Equilibrado Por Martyn Lloyd-Jones "Pero sabemos que todo lo que la ley dice, lo dice a los que están bajo la ley, para que toda boca se cierre y todo el mundo quede bajo el juicio de Dios; ya que por las obras de la ley ningún ser humano será justificado delante de - [Las Raíces de la Inseguridad (4)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/las-races-de-la-inseguridad-4/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA4. Fe en la Fe ¿Alguna vez has dudado de tu salvación, porque tu experiencia de conversión fue menos sensacional que la de otra persona? Recuerdo en mis años de adolescencia que algunas veces quedaba impresionado por los testimonios de algunos que habían sido notorios bribones durante décadas y que habían sido salvados - [Las Raíces de la Inseguridad (1)
](https://gracenotebook.com/es/las-races-de-la-inseguridad-18232/) - NOTAS DE GRACIAUna de las bases importantes para una vida cristiana sana es la seguridad de tu salvación. Es casi imposible tener a Cristo como el centro de tu vida si no estás seguro de que Él está en tu vida permanentemente como tu Salvador personal (Juan 1:12).Muchos creyentes que luchan con la incertidumbre respecto - [La Relevancia de la Fe de María
](https://gracenotebook.com/es/la-relevancia-de-la-fe-de-mara8232/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA"Al sexto mes el ángel Gabriel fue enviado por Dios a una ciudad de Galilea, llamada Nazaret, a una virgen desposada con un varón que se llamaba José, de la casa de David; y el nombre de la virgen era María. Y entrando el ángel en donde ella estaba, dijo: ¡Salve, muy favorecida! - [El Evangelio Para El Creyente (1)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-evangelio-para-el-creyente-1/) - (Exposición de Romanos 5-8)CAPÍTULO 1: Romanos 5, De La Muerte a la Vida Toda la Epístola de Pablo a los Romanos es brevemente esbozada en el capítulo 1, "el Evangelio de Dios", y su estructura es bastante simple, ya que hay tres secciones - la primera incluye los capítulos 1 al 8; la segunda abarca - [El Evangelio Para El Creyente (3)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-evangelio-para-el-creyente-3/) - NOTAS DE GRACIAEl Evangelio Para El Creyente (Exposición de Romanos 5-8), Capítulo 3 Por Robert JonesCAPÍTULO 3: Romanos 7: De la Ley a la Gracia [1]Nuestro capítulo esta mañana será Romanos 7. Es un capítulo especialmente difícil. Como es bien sabido, ha sido objeto de debate público y contención permanente. Vamos a necesitar el corazón humilde - [El Evangelio Para El Creyente (4)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-evangelio-para-el-creyente-4/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA(Exposición de Romanos 5-8)CAPÍTULO 4: Romanos 8: De La Carne al EspírituLlegamos ahora al último de nuestros capítulos, Romanos 8. Es el último capítulo de lo que se llama el Evangelio de Dios Para los Creyentes, y es uno de los grandes capítulos de la Biblia. Es una gran final; elocuente y conmovedora. - [Un Pez Fuera Del Agua](https://gracenotebook.com/es/un-pez-fuera-del-agua/) - NOTAS DE GRACIADurante un viaje de pesca con mi hijo Andrew, observé algo muy interesante. Enganchó a un gran pez en su anzuelo, y trató de llevarlo a la orilla tras un breve y corto tiempo. Le advertí que esperara un poco, porque parecía que el pez todavía podía resistir luchando contra el pescador. Efectivamente, - [Un Testimonio Personal](https://gracenotebook.com/es/un-testimonio-personal/) - Al igual que Timoteo en la Biblia, el Señor me bendijo con una abuela y una madre piadosas - que fueron una gran inspiración para mí. Comenzaron a leerme historias de la Biblia a una edad temprana. No pasó mucho tiempo antes de que me enamorara de las increíbles proezas heroicas de los personajes bíblicos. - [Una Imagen de Victoria y Reposo Espiritual (Primera Parte)
](https://gracenotebook.com/es/una-imagen-de-victoria-y-reposo-espiritual-primera-parte8232/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA"Porque no tenemos lucha contra sangre y carne, sino contra principados, contra potestades, contra los gobernadores de las tinieblas de este siglo, contra huestes espirituales de maldad en las regiones celestes." Efesios 6:12"orando en todo tiempo con toda oración y súplica en el Espíritu, y velando en ello con toda perseverancia y súplica - [Una Imagen de Victoria y Reposo Espiritual (Tercera Parte/Conclusión)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/una-imagen-de-victoria-y-reposo-espiritual-tercera-parte-conclusin/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA"Pero tuvimos en nosotros mismos sentencia de muerte, para que no confiásemos en nosotros mismos, sino en Dios que resucita a los muertos;" (2 Cor. 1:9)Sigue la Presencia de Dios, y mantén tu vista en El mientras caminas por fe. La sabiduría de Dios es locura para el mundo. El punto de la - [Una Imagen de Victoria y Reposo Espiritual (Segunda Parte)
](https://gracenotebook.com/es/una-imagen-de-victoria-y-reposo-espiritual-segunda-parte8232/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA"Con Cristo estoy juntamente crucificado, y ya no vivo yo, mas vive Cristo en mí; y lo que ahora vivo en la carne, lo vivo en la fe del Hijo de Dios, el cual me amó y se entregó a sí mismo por mí." (Gal. 2:20)"Entonces Jesús dijo a sus discípulos: Si alguno - [La Emancipación de la Presencia del Pecado (Rom. 8)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/la-emancipacin-de-la-presencia-del-pecado-rom-8/) - NOTAS DE GRACIALlegamos ahora al último de nuestros capítulos, Romanos 8. Es el último capítulo de lo que se llama el Evangelio de Dios para los creyentes, y es uno de los grandes capítulos de la Biblia.... Al compararlo con los tres capítulos ya examinados, nos da el lado positivo de la salvación práctica. En - [Un Instrumento de la Paz de Dios](https://gracenotebook.com/es/un-instrumento-de-la-paz-de-dios/) - Uno de los himnos clásicos contiene la oración: "Señor, haz de mi un instrumento de tu paz" [1] Esta petición expresa una preocupación amorosa por los demás. El resultado del amor es la paz que habita en aquel que lo siente. El Señor Jesús prometió a su pueblo: "La paz os dejo, mi paz os - [La Emancipación de la Fuerza del Pecado (Rom. 7)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/la-emancipacin-de-la-fuerza-del-pecado-rom-7/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA"Así también vosotros, hermanos míos, habéis muerto a la ley mediante el cuerpo de Cristo, para que seáis de otro, del que resucitó de los muertos, a fin de que llevemos fruto para Dios. Porque mientras estábamos en la carne, las pasiones pecaminosas que eran por la ley obraban en nuestros miembros llevando - [Identificando el Pecado Imperdonable](https://gracenotebook.com/es/identificando-el-pecado-imperdonable/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA Uno de los incentivos más importantes para tu crecimiento espiritual y tu comunión con Dios es la garantía de tu salvación (1 Juan 5:13). Si no estás seguro de que tu nombre está escrito en el libro de la vida, ¿cómo puedes estar seguro de que puedes depender en Cristo cada momento, - [El Nuevo Corazón Del Creyente](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-nuevo-corazn-del-creyente/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA Dr. M.R. Dehaan habla de una conversación con un vecino en la cual llegaron hasta el corazón de las cosas. "Era la primera vez que me encontraba con mi vecino, quien se había acabado de mudar hacía unos pocos días. Me dijo que había tenido problemas del corazón y que había vendido - [La Vitalidad de la Esperanza](https://gracenotebook.com/es/la-vitalidad-de-la-esperanza/) - NOTAS DE GRACIAMientras navegaba un ejemplar electrónico de la revista Web MD, me encontré con un artículo sobre La Terapia de la Esperanza. Se basaba en un ensayo clínico con 32 personas que se reunieron dos horas a la semana durante ocho semanas. Los estudiantes de doctorado que llevaron a cabo el programa midieron algunas - [Cuál es Tu Signo? La Alternativa a La Astrología](https://gracenotebook.com/es/cul-es-tu-signo-la-alternativa-a-la-astrologa/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: ¿Cuál es Tu Signo? La Alternativa a La AstrologíaCuando mi familia almorzó en un restaurante chino hace un tiempo, se nos dio un mantel individual en el que aparecía el Zodíaco Chino. (Este sistema difiere de la versión occidental de la astrología que designa el mes de nacimiento de una persona como - [Cuál es Tu Signo? La Alternativa a La Astrología](https://gracenotebook.com/es/cul-es-tu-signo-la-alternativa-a-la-astrologa/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: ¿Cuál es Tu Signo? La Alternativa a La AstrologíaCuando mi familia almorzó en un restaurante chino hace un tiempo, se nos dio un mantel individual en el que aparecía el Zodíaco Chino. (Este sistema difiere de la versión occidental de la astrología que designa el mes de nacimiento de una persona como - [Manual Para Sobrevivir el Año Nuevo](https://gracenotebook.com/es/manual-para-sobrevivir-el-ao-nuevo-1/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: Manual Para Sobrevivir el Año NuevoUn manual para sobrevivir el Año Nuevo: Descubrimientos en el Diario de Robinson CrusoeLa película "Náufrago (Cast Away)", relata una historia de supervivencia personal. Tom Hanks describe la odisea de Chuck Nolan, un ingeniero de FedEx que se convirtió en el único sobreviviente de un accidente de - [Entrega Total](https://gracenotebook.com/es/entrega-total/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: Entrega TotalUna de las condiciones esenciales para experimentar la "vida abundante" es la entrega total al señorío de Cristo. El texto clásico de la Escritura que habla directamente a esta necesidad es Romanos 12:1,2: "Así que, hermanos, os ruego por las misericordias de Dios, que presentéis vuestros cuerpos en sacrificio vivo, santo, - [La Carne Equilibrada](https://gracenotebook.com/es/la-carne-equilibrada/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: La Carne EquilibradaNo todos los creyentes que se declaran culpables de tratar de vivir sus vidas por sus propias fuerzas están desilusionados de " la carne desequilibrada"; algunos deben hacer frente a la "carne equilibrada." En otras palabras, algunos discípulos entienden y aceptan a Cristo como sus vidas (Gálatas 2:20) después de - [Las Garantías de Dios (Tercera Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/las-garantas-de-dios-tercera-parte/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: Las Garantías de Dios (Tercera Parte)[Veamos cómo Dios - el Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo - ha dado a los creyentes garantías especiales que nos alientan a confiar plenamente en él.]Mi amigo, Troy, tiene grandes planes para una película cristiana que espera producir. Influenciado por su experiencia como actor, e - [Confiando en Cristo Como Tu Vida](https://gracenotebook.com/es/confiando-en-cristo-como-tu-vida/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: Confiando en Cristo Como Tu Vida"Por tanto, de la manera que habéis recibido al Señor Jesucristo, andad en él;" (Col 2:6).En el libro del Dr. Carlos Salomón, Manual Para La Felicidad, vemos el paralelo entre la salvación por la gracia y vida abundante por la gracia: "Hemos entrado en la salvación por - [Quién Soy en Cristo?](https://gracenotebook.com/es/quin-soy-en-cristo/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: ¿Quién Soy en Cristo?"Cristo en vosotros, la esperanza de gloria" (Col. 1:27)LA PALABRA DE DIOS DICE:En Cristo Soy:1. Hijo de Dios, porque yo he nacido de la semilla incorruptible de la Palabra de Dios que vive y permanece para siempre (1 Ped. 1:23)2. Perdonado de todos mis pecados y lavado en la - [Quién es Suficiente?](https://gracenotebook.com/es/quin-es-suficiente/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA: ¿Quién es Suficiente?Hace un par de noches, mi esposa Linda y yo estábamos en nuestra sala de estar cuando oímos una explosión "¡Nuestro vecindario entero quedó a oscuras por falta de electricidad! Encendimos unas velas. Un rato después, la compañía de electricidad solucionó el problema y regresó la luz. Cuando perdemos "la - [La Carne Desequilibrada](https://gracenotebook.com/es/la-carne-desequilibrada/) - Cuando me paseo por los recuerdos, me siento muy bendecido por mi herencia de gratos recuerdos y el amoroso apoyo de mis padres, abuelos, y bisabuelos. Humanamente hablando, mi vida se ha derivado de ellos, y ellos han dejado contribuciones e influencias que han tenido un papel en la formación de mi personalidad.Algunos de estos - [Las Garantías de Dios (Segunda Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/las-garantas-de-dios-segunda-parte/) - [Vamos a ver cómo Dios - el Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo - ha dado garantías especiales a los creyentes para alentarnos a confiar plenamente en El.]2. Dios el Hijo ha aportado garantías.Cuando un amigo y yo estábamos sentados en un restaurante local, saludamos a la camarera mientras mirábamos el menú. Nos sorprendió - [Elevados Con Cristo](https://gracenotebook.com/es/elevados-con-cristo/) - "Aun estando nosotros muertos en pecados, nos dio vida juntamente con Cristo (por gracia sois salvos), y juntamente con él nos resucitó, y asimismo nos hizo sentar en los lugares celestiales con Cristo Jesús, para mostrar en los siglos venideros las abundantes riquezas de su gracia en su bondad para con nosotros en Cristo Jesús." - [Las Garantías de Dios (Primera Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/las-garantas-de-dios-primera-parte/) - Mi temor de pagar una factura costosa por unas reparaciones me causó ciertas ansiedades innecesarias. Esta primavera me encontraba posponiendo el inevitable reemplazo del calentador de agua en nuestro hogar. ¡Lo que comenzó como una ligera fuga en la unidad, eventualmente se convirtió en la necesidad de utilizar varias toallas bañeras cada día para recoger - [NOTAS DE GRACIA: Dejando a un Lado el Desvío del Legalismo (Tercera Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/notas-de-gracia-dejando-a-un-lado-el-desvo-del-legalismo-tercera-parte/) - C. El legalismo es también un problema para los cristianos.Las reglas hechas por el hombre, aparte de interferir con la relación divina, pone de cabezas los valores de Dios. "La historia fue contada hace algunos años de un pastor que encontró los caminos bloqueados un domingo por la mañana y se vio obligado a patinar - [Un Lugar al Cual Pertenecer](https://gracenotebook.com/es/un-lugar-al-cual-pertenecer/) - "Mantengamos firme, sin fluctuar, la profesión de nuestra esperanza, porque fiel es el que prometió. Y considerémonos unos a otros para estimularnos al amor y a las buenas obras; no dejando de congregarnos, como algunos tienen por costumbre, sino exhortándonos; y tanto más, cuanto veis que aquel día se acerca." Hebreos 10:23-25.¿Se ha preguntado, si - [Un Patrón de Oraciones Fructíferas](https://gracenotebook.com/es/un-patrn-de-oraciones-fructferas/) - "Llenos de frutos de justicia que son por medio de Jesucristo, para gloria y alabanza de Dios." (Fil.1:11).Una de las alegrías del verano es la fruta fresca. El recuerdo me trae a la mente muchos ejemplos. Cuando vivíamos en el "cinturón de las frutas" al sur de Ontario, esperábamos los productos frescos que invitaban a - [Una Mano Amiga Para Padres de Adolescentes (Pts. 1 & 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/una-mano-amiga-para-padres-de-adolescentes-pts-1-2/) - Una mano amiga para Padres de Adolescentes (Primera Parte)Este es un interesante y prolongado capítulo en nuestra. Mi mujer y yo celebramos el año pasado nuestro aniversario de bodas numero 25. La parte que nos obliga a la flexibilidad involucra a cuatro de nuestros cinco hijos que en la actualidad (20 de junio 2004) están - [Una Carrera en el Modelaje](https://gracenotebook.com/es/una-carrera-en-el-modelaje/) - Cuando yo era niño, los pasos de mi padre eran mucho más largos que los míos. Si estábamos enfrascados en una caminata vigorosa, su cuerpo de 1,8 metro se movía rápidamente mientras yo corría junto a él para simplemente mantenerme a su lado. Cuando llegué a mis años de adolescente ya podía caminar a su - [Un Banquete de Bendiciones](https://gracenotebook.com/es/un-banquete-de-bendiciones/) - Cuando se acerca la celebración anual en los Estados Unidos del día de Acción de Gracias, muchas personas aprovechan la oportunidad para recordar la fe pionera y la cena original de Acción de Gracias en la que participaron los peregrinos de la colonia de Plymouth. Una historia en las páginas del Antiguo Testamento ilustra la - [Como Hacer Frente a las Pérdidas (Parte 2)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/como-hacer-frente-a-las-prdidas-parte-2/) - A veces Dios usa las aflicciones para llevarnos al fin de nuestros propios recursos. Cuando muere un ser querido o sufrimos otro tipo de pérdida, descubrimos nuestra necesidad de apoyo y consuelo. Dios nos diseñó para experimentar la vida abundante cuando dependemos de El para llenar nuestras máximas necesidades. San Agustín dijo: "Nos has hecho - [NOTAS DE GRACIA: Dejando a un Lado el Desvío del Legalismo (Segunda Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/notas-de-gracia-dejando-a-un-lado-el-desvo-del-legalismo-segunda-parte/) - B. El legalismo es un problema para el incrédulo.Algo significativamente distintivo de la fe bíblica, es que la salvación no se basa en los intentos del hombre para llegar a Dios (religión), sino en lo que Dios ha hecho para alcanzar al hombre (redención). El legalismo es un obstáculo para los incrédulos cuando tratan de - [NOTAS DE GRACIA: Dejando a un Lado el Desvío del Legalismo (Primera Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/notas-de-gracia-dejando-a-un-lado-el-desvo-del-legalismo-primera-parte/) - En nuestro peregrinaje para recibir y vivir la justicia de Dios en un mundo caído, nos encontramos con desvíos bien intencionados. En cierta ocasión, un joven preguntó: "¿Cuáles son las cosas a las que debo renunciar?" Se le instruyó, "Para comenzar, debes dejar la ropa colorida. Debes deshacerte de todo en tu armario que no - [Caídos en el Legalismo](https://gracenotebook.com/es/cados-en-el-legalismo/) - Algunos de los aeropuertos más grandes han instalado un sistema que ayuda a los pasajeros que deben caminar largas distancias en sus pasillos. La senda automática funciona como una escalera automática, pero transporta a las personas de una forma horizontal en vez de una forma inclinada. Los viajeros pueden caminar sobre la senda automática o - [El Nuevo Corazón Del Creyente](https://gracenotebook.com/es/el-nuevo-corazn-del-creyente/) - NOTAS DE GRACIA Dr. M.R. Dehaan habla de una conversación con un vecino en la cual llegaron hasta el corazón de las cosas. "Era la primera vez que me encontraba con mi vecino, quien se había acabado de mudar hacía unos pocos días. Me dijo que había tenido problemas del corazón y que había vendido - [NOTAS DE GRACIA: Dejando a un Lado el Desvío del Legalismo (Primera Parte)](https://gracenotebook.com/es/notas-de-gracia-dejando-a-un-lado-el-desvo-del-legalismo-primera-parte/) - En nuestro peregrinaje para recibir y vivir la justicia de Dios en un mundo caído, nos encontramos con desvíos bien intencionados. En cierta ocasión, un joven preguntó: "¿Cuáles son las cosas a las que debo renunciar?" Se le instruyó, "Para comenzar, debes dejar la ropa colorida. 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