G.R.A.C.E

                God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  [Ephesians 1:3 KJV]

"THE THINGS FREELY GIVEN US OF GOD"

        Compiled by Richard Jordan

Crucified with Christ        Gal. 2:20	Buried with Christ          Col.2:1
Risen with Christ          Col. 2:12	Alive with Christ         Col. 2:13
Ascended with Christ        Eph. 2:6	Seated with Christ  Eph. 2:6
The Temple of God          1 Cor. 3:16	Indwelt by the Father          Eph. 4:6
Indwelt by the Son         Eph. 4:6	Indwelt by the Holy Spirit         1 Cor. 3:16
Joint heirs with Christ          Rom. 8:17	Obtained an Inheritance          Eph. 1:11
Rich          2 Cor. 8:9	Adopted           Gal. 4:5
A son of God          Rom.8:14	Beloved of God           Rom. 1:7
Foreknown         Rom. 8:29	Predestinated            Rom. 8:30
Called          Rom 8:30	Justified           Rom. 8:30
Glorified          Rom. 8:30	Redeemed from the curse of the Law:       Gal. 3:13
Free from condemnation          Rom. 8:34	Called unto Liberty         Gal. 5:13
Free         Gal.5:13	Under Grace           Rom. 6:14
A member of His Body         1 Cor. 12:27	A new creature         2 Cor. 5:17
In fellowship           1 Cor. 1:9	Dead to sin           Rom.6:2, 11
Victorious           1 Cor. 15:57	Triumphant         2 Cor. 2:14
More than  a conqueror          Rom.8:37	Delivered from the power of darkness      Col. 1:13
Translated into the Kingdom of His dear Son          Col. 1:13	A fellowcitizen           Eph. 2:19
An ambassador            2 Cor. 5:20	Saved            2 Tim. 1:9
Delivered from the wrath to come          1 Thess. 1:10	Not appointed to wrath          1Thess. 5:9
The righteousness of God           2 Cor. 5:21	Forgiven all trespasses           Col. 2:13
Washed 1 Cor. 6:11	Sanctified         1 Cor. 6:11
Reconciled 2 Cor. 5:18	A saint           Rom. 1:7
Eternal life  Rom.  6:23	Complete           Col. 2:10
Circumcised  without hands          Col. 2:11	Blessed           Eph. 1:3
Chosen           Eph. 1:4	Elect            Col. 3:12
Holy           Eph. 1:4	Without blame  Eph. 1:4
Accepted           Eph. 1:6	Saved by Grace           Eph. 2:8
His workmanship          Eph.2:10	Some other things we have in Christ...
Peace with God           Rom. 5:1	Now received the Atonement          Rom. 5:11
The mind of Christ          1 Cor. 2:16	Hope laid up in heaven          Col. 1:5
A holy calling           2 Tim. 1:9	He will confirm us to the end          1 Cor. 1:8
Our life is hid with Christ in God          Col. 3:3

4 natural cold and flu remedies

DISCLAIMER:   I haven’t tried these but want to next time I get a cold, so am putting them where I can remember where to look!  J

Instead of going to the drugstore when you are coming down with a cold or the flu – why not try your local natural food store?

According to The Medicine Hunter, Chris Kilham, these remedies will help you feel better quickly.

Eucalyptus Oil

“Eucalyptus oil is the ultimate cold season decongestant,” Kilham said. “Eucalyptus, it's a tree that originates in Australia, and grows all over the world now.  The oil is inexpensive and very effective.  Fill a bathroom sink full of hot water, drop about five drops of this into the water, drape a towel over your head -- breathe the vapors, and this helps to open up clogged up sinuses.”

Ginger

“Ginger is just about the best thing for relieving a sore throat, and it makes you feel better almost instantly,” Kilham said.  “And it also contains ingredients that kill rhinoviruses, which are the viruses that cause colds.”

How do you use ginger root for a cold? Kilham said to break off a piece and chop it up very finely or grate it. Put it in a cup and pour boiling water over it, then you let it sit for about five minutes.  Strain it and drink it – you can always add honey for extra flavor.

Mint

“For decongesting, this is one of my favorite remedies,” Kilham said. “And I like this because it's safe for children. Mint contains menthol, and menthol is a compound that helps to open up your sinuses. Chop it up finely, and put it in a cup, then pour boiling water over it. Let it sit for about five minutes. Strain it; you can add a little honey.  It will help to decongest, and open up your breathing passages.”

Umcka

If you don’t have time to make a cold tea at home – try umcka.

Umcka is the san tribal name for the African herb perigonian serdoties, according to Kilham. 

“What you need to know about this stuff is it reduces the symptoms of a cold quickly, especially congestion. So at the first sign of a cold, you take about a half a teaspoon of this syrup and it starts to work immediately.”

These remedies don’t have the awful side effects of drugs, Kilham said, and they work quickly and efficiently. He also recommends getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of fluids and eating chicken soup.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/01/30/4-natural-cold-and-flu-remedies/#ixzz1lF9Gh79w

Headline: "New Bible yanks ‘Father,’ Jesus as ‘Son of God’"

I got an email recently from one of my two dearest, sisters-in-the-Lord regarding yet another new bible version (how many is that now?  Believe it or not, at least several hundred!) which read…

“I didn't know things had gotten this bad.  The article talks about other versions that are ridiculous beyond belief.”

…and it included this link: 

http://www.wnd.com/2012/01/new-bible-yanks-father-jesus-as-son-of-god/

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“I didn’t know things had gotten this bad…”  When I read that, this verse immediately came to mind:

Ecclesiastes 1:9

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

This 'new version' isn't a new thing; but, nothing more than yet another attempt to bring "The Book" authored by God, Himself, down to the same level as any other book written.  (I find it interesting that people feel they must try, and try, and try again...again and again...to change God's words but I have yet to see 'new and improved' versions of Shakespeare's and Homer's writings.  Hmmm.....) Personally, I'm of the opinion that that's because God's Adversary and Enemy, none other than the Devil, himself, could care less about any human author's endeavors!


Attacks on the Word of God are as old as when the Serpent, himself, first planted the seed of corruption by questioning God’s word to mankind ~6,000 years ago by saying, “Yea, hath God said?” [Genesis 3:1] …to which Eve replied:

Genesis 3:1

God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

Well, that sounds good…but, since the Lord Jesus in his earthly ministry to the nation Israel said that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” let’s look at exactly what God did say…

Genesis 2

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Eve, falling for Satan’s deceit, did a little adding, subtracting and corrupting of the Words of God of her own.  Considering Eve did die, and all that has transpired from that fateful conversation to the present day, it appears mankind hasn’t fared too well for not heeding every word that proceeded out of the mouth of God to her and her husband.   [Never Settle for Eve's Bible]

Deuteronomy 4:2

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Proverbs 30:5-6

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Revelation 22:18-19

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Even our Apostle Paul had to address the corruption of his own epistles (teaching letters) which were perverted and being distributed as being the revelation (the words) from the mouth of our risen, ascended Lord Jesus Christ to give to the nations.

Ephesians 3:1-2

…I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles [aka, nations], … the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

So you see, this ‘newest’ so-called bible which removes “Father” and “Jesus as the ‘Son of God’” is just a continuing on of nothing new under the sun and is only part—but, key to the success of—the merchandise [Ezekiel 26:12;  27:9, 15, 24, 27, 33, 34; 28:16] Satan is trafficking [Ezekiel 28:5, 18] upon the human race with his Satanic policy of evil. 

The fact is, it is yet another [per]version being foisted upon—not the unsaved, as they are oblivious—but, upon both believers and lost believers, (1) lulling them into complacency [Romans 13:11; 1 Corinthians 15:34; Ephesians 5:14], that they be (2) content with their feelings, works and experiences [Romans 4:5; Galatians 3:11], thus (3) keeping them from diligently seeking God [Hebrews 11:6], and, (4) knowing that  they are to study rightly dividing [2 Timothy 2:15], they are unaware that (5) they are ‘saved’ unto what scripture calls ‘another gospel,’ which is not another but is, in fact, apart from the gospel of Christ.  Such a gospel will not save(!)  a person in this “But Now” dispensation of grace!  Not only can a person not be saved by ‘another gospel,’ but, hear what scripture says about the person/preacher/teacher that declares that ‘another’ gospel…

Galatians 1:6-9

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him [being in ‘fellowship’ with Paul] that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we [Paul and those in ‘fellowship’ with him] have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel [than the gospel of grace] unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

If a person preaches that 'another' gospel, “LET HIM BE ACCURSED!”

No one(!) will be able to stand on Judgment Day (be it the believer’s [1 Corinthians 3:13-15 ; 2 Corinthians 5:10] or the unbeliever’s [Revelation 20:11-15]) and say, “My preacher said I had to ask Jesus into my heart! or, “I walked the aisle!” or, “I was baptized; I paid tithes!”…or give any other excuse.  It will not meet God’s grace standard of 'faith plus nothing' as put forth in His Word. 

Romans 16:25

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Moreover, brethren, I [Paul] declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Therefore, it is incumbent upon each individual to make sure they have ALL of God’s Words.  If the Lord Jesus said EVERY word of God was necessary for man to live by, it would be less than loving and gracious of God to not perfectly preserve EVERY ONE of His Words, as He promised.

Psalm 12:6-7

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

‘Today’ is included in that promise to “preserve them…for ever.”  Don’t let scholars tell you God’s Word was inerrant in the ‘originals’ but that today we only have substandard ‘copies’ that need a preacher that knows Greek and Hebrew to tell you what He meant.  That makes the man in the pulpit ‘the authority’ and takes away from the Authority of His Word!    God will not stand for that...

Psalm 138:2

…for thou [O LORD] hast magnified thy word above all thy name.  

The ONLY true Word of God in the English language is the King James Bible, as derived from the Antiochan Greek text.  ALL other versions are of the Alexandrian text.  Although, they contain words of God, upon scrutiny you will find that they have added, subtracted and watered down the Word of God.  (Here’s a link for the serious Bible student:  Which Bible?)

Additionally, it is of great interest and, important to consider, that Antioch was the headquarters of Paul, the chosen vessel of the Lord Jesus Christ; whereas, Egypt—where the city of Alexandria is located—is always typified in scripture as ‘the world.’  It was ‘out of the nations of the world’ that God called out Abraham.  It is ‘out of Egypt’ that God birthed the nation Israel.  I find that MORE than interesting…downright intriguing!

Acts 9:15; 11:25-26

But the Lord said…he [Paul] is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul [Paul]: And when he had found him, he brought him [Paul] unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Ephesians 2:2

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince [Satan] of the power [his fallen angels] of the air, the [Wicked] spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

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 [Satan and his fallen angels] in high places.

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should [that glorious light] shine unto them.

Such blatant deception rampant in the religious world can only mean Satan’s policy of evil is alive and working well.  He no doubt knows his days are numbered and is ‘inspiring’ more and more and more modern versions from the Minority Text (a mere(!) 3 or 4 pieces of supporting manuscript evidence) that adds, subtracts, waters down and obscures God’s words; as opposed to the Majority Text (~6,000(!) pieces of manuscript evidence) from which the KJV—and ONLY the KJV—is translated.

Never heard of Satan’s Policy of Evil?   May I recommend a very enlightening book on the subject, entitled…

Click here to preview the book. 

Click here to purchase a copy of your own. 

Beside Satan’s promotion of God’s words adulterated, the modern versions have gained popularity over the years touted as ‘easier to understand.’  It took awhile, though. In fact, in the 1950’s churches were torn apart over the controversy of changing from the KJV to one of the modern versions.   A quote from Alexander Pope seems somewhat fitting at this time…

“Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, As to be hated needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, we first endure, then pity, then embrace.” [emphasis mine]

Satan truly is a monster, most hideous, but is too sly and cunning to show his true colors.  Rather, being  the Master that he is at his craft [Job 5:12-13; 15-5], he is content to let others do his bidding and dirty work.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

1 Timothy 4:1-2

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times [of the current dispensation of grace] some shall depart from the faith [God’s words to Paul, according to the revelation of the Mystery], giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

So you see, dear reader, God’s word proves itself once again—there truly is nothing new under the sun…not even a ‘new’ perversion.

Grace to you,

;j an

P.S.  For more information, check out:   How to Choose an English Translated Bible.

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Please note:  All scripture, above, is from the Textus Receptus, aka the King James Bible for English-speaking people.  

Who can be saved?

Below is a study done by a dear friend and sister-in-the Lord who just recently came to the knowledge of the truth; that is, to see the fellowship of the mystery as given to our Apostle Paul.   She was kind enough to let me post it here…

 

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As far as people being saved who have never heard of Christ.....well, I have struggled with that one ever since I was saved.  We so wish that everyone could go to heaven, don't we?  But the Bible does not support the notion that a person can be saved without believing God.  So whichever dispensation a person has lived in, all men are expected to believe God and his instructions for obtaining righteousness in that particular age/dispensation (period of time in which God is dispensing specific instructions).

The Gospel of grace:

            1 Corinthians 15:1-4

¹Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

²By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

³For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

⁴And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Here are some passages that support the fact that you must hear the gospel and believe it in order to be saved.  Faith and hearing are inextricably linked.

Romans 3:22

²²Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Romans 4:11

¹¹And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

Romans 10:14

¹⁴How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Romans 10:17

¹⁷So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

1 Corinthians 1:21

²¹For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

2 Corinthians 4:4

⁴In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Galatians 2:16

¹⁶Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Galatians 3:2, 5, 6

²This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

⁵He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

⁶Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness

Galatians 3:22

²²But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Galatians 3:26

²⁶For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 1:13

¹³In 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,

1 Thessalonians 2:13

¹³For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

1 Thessalonians 4:14

¹⁴For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

2 Thessalonians 2:12

¹²That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

1 Timothy 1:16

¹⁶Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

2 Timothy 1:12

¹²For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

2 Timothy 4:17

¹⁷Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

We do know that God wishes that all people would be saved.  (Scripture does not support the notion that only some are chosen for salvation.  If you’re interested, here are a couple of  wonderful audios go through all the verses using 'predestination' and 'chosen' that shows they only refer to purpose and service:  What God controls today and Elected by God.) 

Romans 5:18

¹⁸Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Romans 8:32

³²He 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?

Romans 11:32

³²For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

Romans 16:26

²⁶But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

¹⁴For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

¹⁵And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Ephesians 3:9

⁹And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

1 Timothy 2:4-6

⁴Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

⁵For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

 ⁶Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

2 Peter 3:9

⁹The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Since God knows the possible outcome of every conceivable scenario, he knows how people will respond to the truth:

Matthew 11:23

²³And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

I’m hoping that this means that he will do whatever it takes to reach every person who would believe the gospel if they had the opportunity to hear it so that they can all be saved regardless of where they live.  But we just don’t know if he does that or not.  It’s not revealed in scripture.

2 Thessalonians 2:14

¹⁴Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God calls people today by the gospel.  Unless they hear the gospel of the grace of God and put their trust in the completed work of the cross without any added works, a person cannot be saved. 

From a human point of view that’s a very hard pill to swallow, but to a holy God it’s more than fair.  And since Christ died for all; and salvation is open to all who believe the gospel; and God wants all men to be saved; it’s very possible that he has a way of reaching all those who would put their trust in the cross work of Christ.

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