Acts 13:23 'Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: (vs 32) And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob): that is (Rom 4:13) the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through (their keeping) the law, but through the righteousness of (found in the dealt) faith.' This righteousness is that of Jesus, not the believer, for we are told in Matt 7:32 that John came in the way of righteousness and they rejected the council against them. Again we see the little word 'of' used to describe position not condition. 'For if they which are of the law be heirs, (then the new covenant dealt) faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: (Rom 4:16) Therefore it is of (dealt) faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; (both a remnant of Jew and Gentile) not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed'
Rom 9:7 'In Isaac shall thy seed (not Jacob) be called. (vs 8) That is, they which are the children of the flesh, (Gal 4:24) these are not the children of God, but the children of the promise (Gal 4:26) are counted for the seed (Ga 3:29). Having said this (Rom 11:28) 'As concerning the gospel, they (Jacob) are enemies for your (promise seed) sakes: but as touching the election', (Jacob - Isa 45:4) they are beloved for the father’s (Abraham, Isaac) sakes'. Why? Even though they have now rejected him, yet vs 29, tells us that 'the gifts and calling of God are without repentance'. (vs 9) For this is the word of promise, at this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; [For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election.' (What election? ~ Rom 11:5,6) might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth.' We have both natural Israel, elect ~ and spiritual Israel, elect ~ included in this lesson. We have the birthright of the first born, Reuben, taken from him (Ge 49:4) and given to Judah (Ge 49:10), Jews. Here we have the birthright taken from the Jews (Isa 65:8) and given to the new wine found in the cluster. You might say, but this is before they were born, true; for this lesson is simply expressing God's sovereignty as he has demonstrated though out the history of his chosen people (Ge 48:14). God passes over the natural birthright and gives it to whom he pleases. He calls Israel his firstborn in Exodus 4:22 and here he passes over him to give the Gentiles the blessing of the firstborn.
It is said of Natural Israel that she was the wife of Jehovah in Jer 31:32. We do not have the same straightforward verse concerning spiritual Israel, although the thought is implied as we read about those included in the second covenant. We read in Heb 8:13 "A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." Rom 7:4 "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law (of you husband, Jehovah) by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." God the husband of natural Israel was in Christ (2 Cor 5:19) wherein the old is satisfied; Israel/Judah being released from the law of her husbands (Jehovah) and the new established in the marriage of the Son. Jehovah was the husband of natural Israel/Judah and Jesus is the bridegroom of spiritual Israel, the called out new covenant church Gal 3:14 in that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through (the dealt) faith. Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; even though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the (new) covenant, that was confirmed before (2083 AM) of God in Christ, the law, (old covenant) which was four hundred and thirty years (2513 AM) after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise (new covenant) of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law (works), it is no more of promise, but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and (new covenant) heirs (Acts 2:47) according to the promise.
Eph 1:13 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession." Those that have the law (dealt faith, evidence) written in their hearts must hear (additional evidence, by the second witness) the preached word; having heard they must then manifest this belief, (established by the two pieces of evidence) by acting upon this belief, in believing. The truth is then sealed in their minds. The sealing of this knowledge of the truth is the earnest, escrow of that inheritance to come, until these bodies shall come out of the graves. Do all of God’s children have this assurance? No, but not having it in time will not prevent them from the full inheritance after death. It even could be that once one has been sealed, confirmed by the two witnesses, one could sell his birthright, just as the Jews did under the old covenant, and become a castaway.
Eph 2:12 "That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world." What time? Prior to and during the time the old covenant was in effect. It could be said of the Gentiles at that time that they were in the same state as described in Rom 5:13. Even though they were sinners by nature, being without the law in stone, sin was not imputed or charged to them, having not the law in stone to condemn them. Were they children of God? First we must understand it is not man’s responsibility to establish sonship. Some or all might very will be, for this judgment is in the hands of the all wise God, and not man's. Some might say, do not we read in Rom 2:14 that the Gentiles had the law written in their hearts? Yes, but this is after the day of Pentecost, and in my opinion it is talking about the new covenant, which was administered to a remnant of Jews and Gentiles after the day of Pentecost. What about the moral law? I have heard this position all my life but if you do not use Rom 2:14, then where is your scripture to define such a law? We know that each society is governed by its own set of laws, which can be about anything man can think up. In one society a man may have as many wives as he wants, or even eat other humans, yet the so-called ten commandments, which they suppose define the moral law, is said to condemns this, although we find throughout the Old Testament where men had more than one wife and even sacrificed their children to their gods. These ten also make the seventh day holy. Moral law, how? It is true that if a society would establish these ten rules of law in their society, it would be a better society, but I find no scripture that tells me that the race of Adam is governed by an inner moral code of laws, unless it is 'the fruit of the spirit', and this is only in the child of God. We do find in 1 Cor 11:14 "Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?" and in Rom 1:26 "Their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature." On might also tell us that Rom 1:18 "who hold the truth in unrighteousness." is talking about the ability for one to see even in nature enough to declare there is a god; but these people under consideration here are the ones who are able to hold the truth in unrighteousness. To hold the truth in unrighteousness, it appears to me that they must first know the truth and then do despite to it. Heb 10:29
Eph 3:6 "Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise." The body is Jesus’ body or the called out assembly. The promise is the Holy Ghost as the administrator of the new covenant, dealt faith. The, ‘of (positional Acts 2:47, added daily) the same body’ speaks of the body of Christ as the relationship of husband and wife, which shall be no more twain but in and of him as believers in him (unconditional given). Under the old covenant the Gentiles were not of the body of Jehovah as were the Israelites, and therefore were not fellow heirs of Canaan and partakers of the promise land.
Heb 9:15 "He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise (nc dealt faith) of eternal inheritance." Christ is the mediator or husband of the new covenant, for Jehovah (the husband of the first) having been a partaker of the death (2 Cor 5:19) in Christ as the husband/over the first marriage covenant, released his wife Judah, that she should be married to another. Therefore they that are called (upon the death of the testator) might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. This inheritance is now, here in time, in and to the bride. God the Father, known as Jehovah, tells us in Gen 49:10 that he would continue as the husband, or lawgiver of Judah until Shiloh, (in type, the church) came. At which time He would release his wife Judah by death (of the testator` Heb 9:17) in order that she should be married to His Son, the man Jesus.
2 Pet 2:19 'While they promise them liberty, (in the law) they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. (Gal 3:1 by not obeying the truth) For if after they have escaped the pollution of the (law worship) world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known (the truth as it is found in the new covenant, dealt faith) the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy (new covenant) commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, the dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.' 2 Pet 3:4 'Saying, Where is the promise of his coming? (Matt 16:27,8) For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.' 2 Pet 3:9 'The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any (of us) should perish, but that all (those who have turned back to the law or doctrines of perseverance) should come to repentance.' When one having been delivered from the worship of the law, self-righteousness to the knowledge of the truth via the two witnesses, (new covenant, dealt faith and the preaching of the truth) turns back unto the worship of the law, (Titus 3:10) having suffered long with such a one, after the second admonition reject, for he is declared a heretick. Why? Because he has trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the (new) covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace, committing the sin unto death. Having so done, he shall pass from this life in his sin of unbelief (Jh 8:21): no longer able to believe the truth, having his eyes blinded and his conscience seared over with a hot iron. John 12:40; 1 Tim 4:2
2 Pet 3:13 "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering (1 Thess 1:7) of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, (betrothed bride) seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be (2 Thess 1:4-11) glory both now and forever." The promise of the Holy Ghost includes the finished revelation of the New Testament (70 AD). The church at that time (new heavens and new earth) having come to it’s maturity is delivered into the hiding place, away from the precautions, there to rest in peace. Rev 12:14 "And to the woman (church) were given two (witnesses) wings of a great eagle, (the administrator of the new covenant: Holy Ghost) that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent." Here she is hid from the serpent, to rest waiting for the reformation.
1 Jn 2:25 and this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. John 17:3 "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ." Eternal life is not something we are waiting for, but it is the unction of the Holy One, motivating those who have the new covenant to follow after the truth.
Conclusion: 'If ye be Christ’s you are Abraham’s seed to whom the promise was made. The promise is eternal life, which is Christ working in you according to the direction of the new covenant in the way of truth.' After the new covenant faith of Rom 12:3 is dealt to the ones chosen and sanctified to be a witness, it works in them the will and the to do, (Phil 2; 14) motivating them to walk not after the flesh, (the law) but after the spirit of truth. Even though one may have the First witness, (dealt faith, evidence), which betroths one to His Son Jesus Christ, he still must have the Second witness, piece of evidence, the preached gospel as it is delivered in the power of the Holy Ghost. Having received these two witnesses, pieces of evidence, the truth, belief is established in his mind. This belief of the truth having then been established in his mind, he then should make this belief manifested by acting upon this established belief in believing, whereupon doing this, the Holy Ghost seals him. Once this belief is sealed, he can no longer be deceived. This is not to say that he cannot fall away, for once enlightened by these two witnesses, and turn from the way, God will give him a space for repentance, and then cut him off, sear over his conscience, blind his eyes, and harden his heart that he can no longer experience the blessing which has been afforded him in the new covenant. Why? Because he has counted the blood of the new covenant wherein he was sanctified to the truth an unholy thing and done despite to the spirit of grace. The latter end of this man is worse than had he not known the way of truth. He will die in his sins. He has committed the sin unto death or presumptuous sin. (Nu 15:30; Nu 27:3; Jh 8:24; 12:39; 1 Jh 5:17; Lk 11:24)
I realize I have spent much time in the first two verses but I felt this necessary to establish the context for the following verses.
Vs 3,4 "For what the law (first covenant) could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, (Gal 4:23) God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness (Mt 21:32) of the law, might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, (old) but after the (new) Spirit." Just what is under consideration in the statement, ‘weak through the flesh’? The sin of Adam corrupted this flesh in as much as it can no longer live in the perfection of the law. Jesus therefore came to establish the law as righteous by fulfilling it in every jot and tittle, thereby destroyed the condemnation of the law in stone, which was after the flesh. (Gal 4:23) Had there been a law that sinful flesh could have kept, then Christ died in vain. (Gal 3:21) We are now, even in this sinful flesh, declared righteous, through and by the dealt faith, therefore those that be Christ’s, are commanded to crucify the flesh and walk after the spirit. In doing so the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us. Gal 3:19 "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed (Christ and his bride) should come to whom the promise was made; is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law." (Heb 10:3) The first covenant was designed to establish sin, and to bring those exercised thereby to a remembrance again of sins every year. (Rom 5:13) Before the law was given on Mt Sinai, sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed or charged to those not under an established law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the (established law) similitude of Adam's transgression.
Vs 5 "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh, but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; (to the fellowship with Jesus their husband) but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (With their Husband) Because the carnal mind is enmity (seeking to justify itself by the law) against God: for it (the natural mind) is not subject to the (new covenant) law of God, neither indeed can be, so then they that are in the flesh (attempting to keep the old covenant) cannot please God." Who are they that be after the flesh? (Gal 4:23). Those who are still in bondage to the works systems, having not the new covenant, and are yet attempting to keep the old Sinatic law of works. They do mind the carnal things, which are their own works. Those who have the dealt faith, or the new covenant, are able to rest in the assurance of the completed work of Christ, which brings peace to the soul. No one is able with the carnal natural mind to serve God, for he must be worshipped in spirit and truth. The so-called Christian world, in ignorance, is offering up carnal work in an attempt to serve God. Inasmuch as the carnal natural mind is not under the new covenant law of God, it cannot please God. The carnal mind must be crucified and the body brought under submission by the new covenant, spiritual mind, which can only be accomplished by those who are in possession of it, before God can be praised.
Vs 9 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God (new covenant, dealt faith) dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Timely new covenant relation, or bride) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of (truth) righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that rose up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." These verses further define the workings of the dealt faith of the new covenant in those chosen to bear witness of the truth. ‘If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you’, indicates more than just being a child of God. The next phrase, which has the clause, ‘he is none of his’ is not speaking of one just as a child of God, but a marriage relationship. In other words if one does not have the dealt faith, then they are not included in this lesson, not having been betrothed to the Son, Jesus Christ. The implication by the use of ‘so be’ is positional in as much as the dealt faith has been imputed to you, and as such, having continued in the abiding of this relationship, just as sure as Christ rose from the dead, this abiding of the Holy One will quicken these mortal sinful bodies to service. In other words the abiding, indwelling of the Spirit, assist in mortifying, crucifying these mortal sinful bodies and motivate them to his service. Will the one so moved always respond? The answer is no, for it is still up to those so motivated to exercise himself in studying and seeking to serve his LORD, Jesus Christ. Now hold on ~ this is not talking about sonship but rather disciples.
Vs 12 "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, (work systems). For if ye live after the (law of works) flesh, ye shall die: (to the fellowship of Jesus, our husband) but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the (adopted) sons of God." We find here the continuation of the admonition, to not live after the law of the flesh, (works systems): having the facilities, dealt faith, new covenant imputed to us, that we may abide in the truth as the adopted sons of God, for if we fail in mortifying the works of the flesh (Gal 5:19) we shall die to the truth, which has set us free from law of works, flesh.
Vs 15 "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage (works systems) again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of (new covenant) adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit (new covenant, adoption, which is the mind of Christ in us, (1 Cor 2:16) itself bearish witness with our (mind) spirit, that we are the (adopted) children of God: And if (adopted) children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; (being no more twain, but one in Christ our husband) if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified (present perfect) together." What is the spirit of bondage? It is the works systems. We have two Spirits/spirit in this lesson. The Spirit (spiritual intellect, first witness), which is of, or based upon, the dealt faith (adoption), established by the Holy Ghost, bearing witness with our (natural intellect) spirit, and testifies that we are joint heirs (Gal 3:29) with Jesus our Husband. In order to experience the glory, we are called to dine with our Husband, if we have suffered with him. Suffered, how? By mortifying the desire of this flesh (self-righteousness). In doing so, when we meet in the assembly, our Husband Jesus Christ may extend his scepter and bid us come up unto his chamber, and be glorified there with him.
Vs 18 "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory, which shall be revealed in us. (When we are glorified with our husband as we dine with him). For the earnest expectation of the creature waited for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty (truth) of the children of God." This glory is to be revealed in us, when the earnest expectation is manifested in us, as we are called unto his chamber and therein glorified with our blessed husband. In this position we are able to experience the reality as the sons of God. Oh what glory ~ for a few fleeting moments we are able to sup at his table. To experience the liberty as did the three apostles on the mount of transfiguration. Praise his holy name. ! ! !
Vs 22 "For we know that the whole creation groaned and travailed in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the (or this) adoption, to wit, (make known) the redemption of our body." Even though this cursed world groans under the burden of sin, the lesson taught herein is not about all of God’s children, but specifically those who are included in the adoption, under the new covenant ~ the first fruits of the Spirit, as they struggle with sin. These first fruits are the called out body (Acts 2:47) of our LORD and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Even though they have this beautiful truth of the completed work of Christ in his atoning work, they still yearn to be called home as they wait in these adopted bodies, longing to experience, to wit the resurrection of these bodies and be carried to the glory land above the stars. We are told in Rom 9:4 those under the first covenant were also adopted. This is another subject of it own and I will look at it after completing this chapter.
Vs 24 "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Saved by hope, in what way? This hope is the very substance of things that gives us the assurance, as stated in the definition of faith; it is the very thing that allows us to face the trials of this life with an understanding that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory, which shall be revealed in us, as we patiently wait for our husband to extend the sceptre, bidding us to enter his chamber and sup with him. The very fact that this hope is not seen, but by the two witnesses, having established in our mind the knowledge of our husband and the blessing afforded in knowing him as our provider in all things; helping us in our infirmities and trials of life, while we know not what it is we need. He understands those needs and comforts us as we rest upon his breast, as did the apostle John.
Vs 27 "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints (those sanctified to the truth) according to the will of God." Just how are we comforted? It is because our husband knows our heart, and makes intercession for us according to the will of God, our Father.
Vs 28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called them he also justified: and whom he justified them he also glorified." The all things working together for our good are the basic truths as defined herein, and contained in the new covenant. God foreknew in a covenant relationship, the bride of his Son, and predetermined, and purposed before time began to betroth them to his Son, adding them to the church (Acts 2:47) as promised to Abraham. Those betrothed would be called to the marriage feast of the Son by the new covenant, and robed in the righteousness of his Son, through circumcision of the heart, declared to be justified in his Son, that they may live in his kingdom here in time, being raised up from time to time to be glorified with his Son that they should be to the praise of his glory. (Eph 1:12)
Vs 31 "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" What things? Those things which give us access into this glory; these fundamental truths as it is in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Vs 33 "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justified. Who is he that condemned? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh "intercession for us." The eternal principle can be taught from this verse, but the verse is set in a timely context, and should first be applied to that context. I do not find where all of God’s children are called elect. This, as adoption, is a subject within itself, so I will apply it according to the context here. None can lay charge to those chosen and betrothed to Jesus. It is God the Father that has justified. Yes it was the Father (2 Cor 2:19) incarnated in flesh to pay (as the scapegoat) the sin debt of eternal separation. It was the man Jesus, the anointed, as he offered up his own body as the Passover offering, to cover the sins of the firstborn. Having satisfied the father he rose again for our justification, and is now making intercession for us, the firstborn. The so called Christian world, as did the twelve tribes, stand on the premises to protect the onslaught of this ungodly world, while the truth (Mal 2:7,8) is maintained by the bride of Jesus, the priest (1 Pt 2:8), the bearers ark.
Vs 35 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the daylong; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." This does not say who shall separate us from the love of God, but it speaks of the love of Christ as the husband of the firstborn. Yes it is the firstborn that is counted, as sheep for the slaughter, for it is they who suffer for the cause of Jesus, their husband. Paul tells us in 2 Thess 1:4 that "it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you: and to you who are troubled rest with us." Even though they may be poor in the things of this world, they can rest with assurance that their husband, Jesus will not forsake them.
Vs 38 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This love is from Christ Jesus our Lord, our husband. Let us continue in his love and run the race set before us, giving honor to him whom belongeth honor. 1 Cor 9:24 "So run, that ye may obtain." Gal 5:6 "but faith which worketh by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? Phil 2:16 "rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all." Heb 12:1 "Ye that have these witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin (that of failing to make manifest the belief established in your mind ~ 1 Jh 5:17) which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." O’ give praise unto his Holy name, for the grace which he hath bestowed upon such as I, the chiefest of sinners.
Allen Cook 8-29-2005
