THE LAW VERSUS GRACE.

Fake JUDAISERS had infiltrated Paul’s reasonably new Church in Galatia to persuade them that they must keep the Law to be saved.

Many people were being swayed away from the Gospel of Grace and were embracing once more the bondage of legalism in order to be saved.

If you have time to read this fantastic book, here is an outline you can use.

1. The attack of the Gospel. Chapter 1:1-16
2. Law versus Grace. Chapter 2:21
3. Salvation by faith verses Salvation by Good Works.
4. Slavery verses Sons and Heirs of God. Chapter 4.
5. The Sinful Flesh verses the Holy Spirit. Chapter 5.

  6  How to live well in a Christian Community

PAUL DEFENDS THE TRUE GOSPEL.

He reassured the  Christians who were troubled and confused by the false teachers who taught them that Salvation only comes by adherence to the Law of Moses: instead of accepting the Grace of the New Covenant.

PAUL’S EXPLANATION.

God had promised Abraham that He would bless him and his descendants after him, including the whole world (us). This was an everlasting Covenant that could not be annulled. Genesis Chapter 15.

THE LAW.

The Law given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai in Exodus was to set apart the Israelites from the World.

                                    Paul reminds the people that faith in Christ does not originate from the promises given to Abraham or the Mosaic Covenant; instead, it extends beyond Israel to us today.

Now, anyone who puts their faith in Christ is a Spiritual child of Abraham. Galations 3:9.

You are not only a child of Abraham but a child of God.                                       We are adopted into God’s family. Galatians 4:5,6.

This is why God sent Jesus. He lived the Law and died for our sins, then rose again victorious over the penalty of the Law of Sin and Death. He was the only One who could fulfil the Law.                                  You see, the Law is the schoolmaster of God that brings us to Christ. It makes it clear that we need a Saviour.

Jesus Christ introduced the New Covenant through His death by shedding His precious blood for our sins on the cross of Calvary.

When He cried, “It is finished”, refers to the Old Covenant being finished and the New Covenant having begun.

Each time we celebrate the Lord’s supper, we are reminded as we take the bread that it is a symbol of His Brocken Body, and as we partake of the wine, we also are reminded it is the Cup of the New Covenant, that is:

His blood is shed for the remission of our sins.

WHAT ABOUT SIN?

After our conversion, we still continue to sin, but we hate sinning against the ‘One’ who freely saved us.

Now, our conscience has been sharpened, and the indwelling Christ is changing us. His Spirit, which works in us, helps us to battle sinful desires. 

When we do fall short and sin, we remember that we can come humbly before God and apologise for that failure, knowing that His blood continuously avails for us and we are totally forgiven. 

The law is now written upon our hearts. We choose to obey the inner prompting of the Holy Spirit.

There are Churches today that place upon people burdens too heavy to bear, and they never find peace within themselves as guilt and shame tear them apart on the inside. 

These dear souls try to please God by performing good works to gain His acceptance, but never measure up to the standards that are placed upon them. No person can ever earn Salvation by Good Works.

“FOR BY GRACE YOU ARE SAVED THROUGH FAITH AND NOT OF YOURSELVES. IT IS THE FREE GIFT OF GOD, NOT OF WORKS LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST.”  

Ephesians 2:8,9.

God wants all men to come to repentance and receive the gift of Salvation.

He made the way very easy so that even a little child can understand and come to Jesus. His arms are open wide to all who will come to Him. The most evil  wicked person is also welcome into His loving arms.

Dear reader, stop striving and stressing to please the Lord. You, yes you are accepted in the beloved. Praise God, it’s all by …

GRACE THROUGH FAITH.

IT’S THE FREE GIFT OF GOD.

Why?

BECAUSE HE HAS “ALWAYS” LOVED YOU.

Are you a church attender and yet do not have a relationship with Him? Then you are just practicing religion and still on your way to Hell.

God doesn’t send you to Hell, He wants you with Him in Heaven.

So let’s pray this prayer of Salvation together and make Him Lord and Saviour of your life.

“Lord God, I am a sinner and I cannot save myself by my own merit. I need You, Jesus, to save me from the penalty of sin. Thank you for dying for me that I might live in eternity with You. Come into my life now, change me and use me in the plan you have chosen for me.”

Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, tell someone, then find a Spirit-filled Church that believes in “Free Grace” and attend regularly.

To share your newfound faith or to comment, you can…

SMS. HEATHER DALZELL 0417545814.

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PAUL’S THORN!

First, let’s read the passage from 2nd Corinthians Chapter 12:1-10.

Paul pleaded with God to remove a very troublesome thorn from his life. What was this thorn?

There are many and various opinions concerning this thorn.

Was it a physical thorn that was causing Paul so much distress?  He does mention that it was… ‘In the flesh.’  Those who believe this interpretation hold to their conviction that because they suffer long-term illness and have not yet received healing, they have learned to live with it because they have decided that their malady is their personal thorn given by God to teach them something or to chastise them to change their behaviour, to make them Holy.

These people suggest that Paul had extremely bad eyesight. Others speculate, Malaria, epilepsy, migraines, speech disability or some other physical ailment.

Now, Paul does mention some of these infirmities. But was it ‘THE THORN’ that is referred to in this passage?

God never puts evil on a person, and sickness is not given by Him because,

‘HE IS THE HEALER!’ “Every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord, and He never changes His mind.” James 1:17.

A PERSON?

Was the thorn a person? For example, Alexander the Coppersmith did Paul a great deal of harm. 2 Timothy 4:14.

But God dealt with him according to His deeds. And Paul knew this.

FALSE TEACHERS.

Other scholars say that the thorn refers to false teachers sent by Satan who had entered the Church and were attempting to lure people away from the truth of the Gospel of Christ. All these afflictions and  many more added together could result in a huge nasty thorn.

But was this the thorn that Paul pleaded with God to remove? Speculation is really a term for guessing!

THE TERM FOR THORN.

In the Greek (Skolops) implies more than a rose thorn that caused mere annoyance: Paul’s thorn generated agony corresponding to what he saw in Heaven. The beauty and glory of the   presence of God in the highest Heaven.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAUL’S THORN,

God, or Satan?

The thorn, according to Paul himself, was from Satan, a messenger or an evil Angel to harass him.  

Though God didn’t directly afflict him, He allowed Satan to torment him to prevent him from being ‘puffed up’ with pride due to his unspeakable experience of the third Heaven.

It was a preventative measure so Paul who was an incredibly humble man would not succumb to pride.

So rather than being possessed by a demon within, Paul was attacked from without.

Paul could see some way forward and it was not very satisfying.

The Lord could remove the thorn, and Paul would cope in the ministry, though the ministry would be hindered, and he would continue to be afflicted.

Now God responded by leaving the thorn, but gave Paul  “Grace”.

SUPERNATURAL GRACE! 

It is not the “forgiving type of grace” but rather “empowering grace,” a sustainable, calming, supporting, and very satisfying grace. 

This is wonderful as God was offering          HIMSELF!  He will make Paul perfect in his human weakness with “HIS DIVINE POWER.”

You and I must admit our weaknesses and draw upon His strength. It is in our weaknesses where God dwells, waiting to empower us to fulfill our calling.

Instead of us wanting to run from hardships, He is in the boat with us. Jesus said, “Without me you can do nothing.”

We all have areas of weakness as did the Apostle.

1. Human incompatibility.
2. Insults and mistreatment.
3. Hardships that take you beyond your limits.
4. Persecutions, afflictions at the hand of hostile enemies.
5. Overwhelming and devastating experiences.              

No longer Paul needed to decide to live with weaknesses or even delight in them because they opened him up to Heaven’s Blessings of strength and power.

“CONTINUED WEAKNESS IS THE GATEWAY FOR GOD’S STRENGTH.”

Humility, not pride can only draw from God the supernatural Power to make us fruitful in our lives.

Power to be calm.

Power to be joyful in tribulation.

Power to evangelise the lost.

Power to preach the Word of God boldly.

Power to heal the sick.

Maybe, Paul’s thorn was the Ministry itself!  He does mention the “Care of the Churches.”

Whatever it was, it caused him to come to the end of himself, his own efforts.

We, as Paul, must “Die to Self.

Once we crucify self then we can live by the resurrection power of the Risen Christ. Then we can do ” all things” through Christ who strengthens us.

We can learn from this study how to rightly divide the Word of God. Let’s not argue from silence and keep in mind as we read this Bible quote:

IF THE PLAIN SENSE MAKES SENSE … THEN SEEK NO OTHER SENSE.

Paul told  us that the thorn was a demon, and the purpose of its presence was to prevent him from doing anything in his own strength but to do:

“ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES HIM STRENGTH.”

Paul definitely fought the good fight of faith; despite all opposition, his relationship with God grew from strength in faith, love and power. He was more than a conqueror through Christ, who loved him so.

When life goes into meltdown, when your feet are swept from under you. Don’t throw in the towel but continually draw upon “His Strength.”

Move forward trusting that He loves you, and in Him, you live and move and have your being.

Amen.

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ABOUT THE JUDAISERS.

The influence of this sect of JUDAISERS was momentous in apostolic history. Barnabas and Peter were swayed by their legalistic doctrines, and  Paul singularly stood against such teachings and brought them back to  God’s principles of right living. 

This erroneous teaching was spreading amongst the Pauline churches, undermining Paul’s authority, and poisoning the minds of his converts.  Paul refers to this in 2nd Corinthians 11:26.

The Apostle was now ” in perils among “false brethren.”

PAUL’S DARK HOUR.

This EPISTLE was penned in a quilt dipped in tears. Yet there is a lovely rainbow 🌈 shining through it all, for in his dire distress and deep disappointment, he is discovering more than ever before that the “Father of mercies” is the “God of all comfort” and that the “Heavenly Master’s strength is made perfect in His servant’s weakness.”

Paul was expecting to hear from Titus about the state of the Corinthians Church by meeting him at Troas, but he did not turn up. 2 Cor 2:13.

This disappointment plus physical illness caused much concern to the Apostle who was desperately trying to to preserve the true Gospel.

He writes, “When we were arriving in Mace donia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side, Without were people fighting: within were fears Chapter 7:5.

The Church at Corinth appeared in full revolt against him.  The Galatian Church was falling away to, ‘another gospel.’ Under all this anxiety, he began to lose his strength and was seized with an attack of severe sickness that could quickly terminate his life.

Read his own comment: “We were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch as we despaired even of life… We had the sentence of death in ourselves.”

chapter 1:8,9. In chapter four he tells about ” bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus.” And of, “the outward man perishing” verses 10,16. Yet he knew what it was to be renewed in the ” inner man.”

Weak flesh… Strong Spirit!

All this, no doubt, gives an accurate account of Paul’s suffering mentally and physically, and it seemed that his vital ministry was nearing it’s end.

What a fantastic hero our brave Apostle is. In all this anxiety, he discovered a new opportunity open to the Lord in chapter 2:12. He preached the Gospel and started a new Church there!

How do you respond during your moments of anxiety and stress?  

Do you,

Lose it! and throw a ‘Hissy- fit’ in front of everyone you know?

Or do you throw in the towel and just walk out on all your responsibilities and totally give up?

Oh, how much we can learn from Paul.   Paul knew what crucifixion with Christ truly meant.

It meant to die to all selfish desires, crucifying the flesh, the lusts that war against the Spirit.

We are so grateful to this man of God, the Apostle Paul. Great is his reward in Heaven.

WORDS.

The things that came out of the mouths of his enemies were cruel.

They accused him of being “bold only from a distance.

“His outward appearance was “base” (contemptible, vile or low.) and his “speech was despicable.”

Compared with themselves Paul was “inferior.”

His preaching was a “poor edition of the Gospel.”

They verbally attacked the thing dear to his loving heart … His Church, saying. “This is a low-grade church.”

They undermined his Apostleship, accusing him of “not having the right credentials or personal qualifications” which they from Jerusalem could boast.

They even criticized him for “refusing financial support.”

As painful as the slurs upon him personally the worst was they were preaching … Another Christ … Another Spirit… and … Another Gospel thus taking away the simplicity that is in Christ.

Having spent time as a Pastor’s wife, my mind boggled as we heard the many things spoken against us—things that never crossed my mind, things that hurt.

Paul stood firm though deeply wounded by such ungrateful people.

He was indeed steadfast and unmovable, passionately defended himself, and gave a thorough account of the ministry in such a way as to clear himself against cruel misrepresentations.

How did Paul remain so strong?  I think that utmost in his mind was his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.

He remembered what trials and tribulations he vehemently put upon the rapidly expanding Church. 

Only an encounter with Jesus can turn a person from evil to good, from legalism to love, from Satan to Christ. This calling to remembrance of what he was and now who he is motivated him to keep on keeping on. In his profound love and appreciation for God, he used these experiences to teach doctrine, to reprove, and to bring correction.

Paul knew his God. He constantly prayed for strength and endurance, and God honoured him, and his influence spread throughout this vast world. 

GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN.

Amen.

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GENUINE LOVE!

What is true love?

True love goes beyond the grand gestures and poetic words found in literature.

It’s not  only about the sparks of sexual pleasure that defines genuine love.

Love rightly expressed toward a person can bring health benefits that can impact their mental and emotional capacity which brings about physical well being.

It will increase life expectancy by lowering your Blood pressure and in turn will prevent heart attack or a stroke.

It can also can prevent cancer from taking hold due to a compromised Immune system.

Genuine love expressed frequently will cure feelings of depression caused by isolation and loneliness. It brings an increased sense of belonging, trust and happiness.

Those who enjoy a loving  relationship tend to recover more quickly from an illness.

True love will tend to lower blood pressure as it reduces stress and brings peace into a relationship that is difficult emotionally.

Genuine love and understanding eases chronic pain and increase activity the area of the brain associated with the control of the brain. Happily married couples report fewer headaches and back pain.

True, genuine love 💕 improves sleep. There is less tension and worry, and you feel supported and that “Someone” believes in you. There is evidence that suggests that happily married couples are ten per cent more likely to sleep peacefully and enjoy a restful night.

1 Corinthians chapter thirteen will help us understand what true, genuine love is from God’s point of view.

Though love affects the mind will and emotions, it doesn’t come from them.

So to find this wonderful love we must find the true source of love…

        GOD IS LOVE!

He does not just posses love,

         HE IS LOVE!

1 John 4:19.  8:16.

Our love is tainted by sin, God’s love is Pure and Holy. His essence is love.

True love can only be found in Him alone. Let’s look at the qualities of God’s Love.

1. UNCONDITIONAL.

Proverbs 10:12. “Love covers all sins.”

2. UNDYING.

John 15:13. “Greater love has no man than this, that  a man would lay down his life for a friend.”

God’s love is supreme, Jesus laid down His life for us while we were His enemies. (Sinners)

3. SACRIFICIAL.

John 3:16. “For God so loved the world 🌎 that He gave His only Son, that whoever chooses to believe in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.“

OH WHAT LOVE! 💕

4. UNENDING.

Jeremiah 31:3. “Yes, I have loved you with an amazing everlasting love.“

5. UNSELFISH.

Proverbs 17:17. “A friend loves at all times.“

6.  INSEPARABLE.

Romans 8:38,39.

Paul asks, who shall separate us from the love of God?

Can sickness, pain, sorrow or death, grief, shame, or depression? No! Because you are already healed of all these things. Don’t own them; Jesus has taken them upon Himself, and they are no longer yours. By the wounds that wounded Him, you “are” Healed.

Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Shall anything separate you from the love of God?       No, not one thing! Not even death, not life, not angels, not principalities, not powers, not things present, not things to come, not any other demonic creature, will be able to separate you from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus your “Love” and Lord!💕

From these qualities of God’s Love springs forth the fruit of practical love, such as:

Kindness. Forgiveness.                 Loyalty.  Faithfulness.

Honesty.                  Pure motives.                Good intentions.

Thoughtfulness. Goodness. Gentleness, and so much more.

How you treat  another person should come from a pure heart 💜 motivated by His love flowing freely through you.

You may not have received the love you deserve, so your cup of love is only partially complete, so you find giving and receiving love challenging. You can only give from the amount you have.

There are many people walking around who are starving for genuine love, craving to meet the ‘one’ that will totally satisfy that  need for love only to be disappointed over and over again. So they settle for less just to be wanted or provided for.

That is not your sentence, there is great hope offered to you in Christ Jesus.

Your cup of love can be filled to overflowing with the love  of God, yes, to the point that it supercedes human love. His love perceived and received  brings a security that far surpasses all that a partner could give or a close friend can offer. If a friend disappoints or rejects you it no longer affects you so deeply as you are totally enveloped in God’s all encompassing love.

If you are feeling empty, emotionally drained of love The Word of God is a good place to begin.

Do a study on the Love of God.

The love of Jesus.

Pray for a baptism of God’s Love. Crave His love.

Begin to love those who despitefully use you. Go slowly! go carefully!

True love will seek to bring out the potential in a person. As you continue to bless the unlovable, something extraordinary happens … You begin to sense more profoundly the feeling of God’s love filling your cup and increasing your security in His Love.

KNOW THIS! 

“WE LOVE HIM,  BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US ”

Prayer… “My Father in Heaven, I feel empty, lonely, even in a crowd. I’ve never felt loved and accepted, and I’m tired of trying to attain it. Please baptise me in Your Love, I surrender my heart into Your Heart. I now forgive those who have starved me of true love. Holy Spirit, fully immerse me now with your presence and grant me the Divine ability to give and receive love.”

“In Jesus’ Name,”

Amen.

Amen.

This ministry is motivated by an overwhelming love for Jesus and the Gospel. My desire to see people find true love that only He can give, just as I have experienced. Please pray for those who are lost and lonely to come to know the Lord as their Saviour.

For comments or questions, text … Heather Dalzell 0417 545 814.

For needed financial support, please email me at…

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PAUL AN EXAMPLE OF TRUE CHRISTIANITY.

It is a wonderful thing as a Christian Counsellor to be able to encourage people by saying,

“Copy me as I copy Christ.”

Paul said, “Do as I say” and “Do as I do.”

Let this be the ideal of every Christian, Pastor, Evangelist, and Teacher. We need to maintain  an equally higher level in our witness and ministry.

Paul never boasted about himself to be popular or praised and admired by those who heard him.

The only time he used himself as an example was to press home a “truth” that would challenge the listeners to change their own lives.

Oh how these personal touches challenge us !

Can you urge people to copy your behaviour as you copy Christ?

Are people, saved and unsaved,  scrutinising you to justify their own behaviour be it right or wrong?  Those who will not face their own sins of pride, criticism, and self righteousness will look at you to find reasons for their own faults and failures and use you to make excuses for themselves not to change.  These people are modern day Pharisees.

They are, “White washed graves full of decaying dead mens bones.”

Then there’s the ones who’s hearts 💕 are pure who do not judge and condemn others, but are keen to learn and grow up into Christian maturity. These people will only see whatsoever is good, holy and without blame so they can grow in Grace and Knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul was at the high point of Holiness as he had walked the the same path as Jesus had trod.

He didn’t need the approval of men as he was fully yielded over to the Holy Spirit to mould him into the image of Christ.

Let’s take a closer look at his life and ministry to discover how you can  incorporate these qualities in your life and benefit from these.

1.  Utter Loyalty.     Paul was loyal to his message, method and motive—chapter 2:1-5.

2. Soundness. Soundness in finding and building lives.

Chapter 3:10-23.

3.  Faithfulness.   Faithful to the Gospel message Chapter 4:1-6.

4.  Endurance. Endurance during severe trials and tribulations for Christ. Chapter 4: 9-16.

5.  Consideration.   Consideration for the weak Christians who struggled in deep waters. Chapters 6:12. 8:13.

6. Dying to Self.        He yielded to his right to receive support from those whom he taught the Gospel.—

Chapter 9:12-18.

7.  Self Denial.            He denied himself for the saving of souls—chapter 9:9-23.

8. Self Discipline. Paul demonstrated amazing self discipline in his body and behaviour. Chapters  9:27. 10:33.

9. Self Restraint.      He knew how to restrain himself in front of his enemies. Chapter. 14:18-20.

Humility.                  Paul humbled himself in the sight of God and man in a Spirit of gratitude and thankfulness.

Chapter 15:9-10.

We all can learn from Paul and examine our own lives. Can you measure up to his standards?                    If you don’t then you had better get your eyes off the faults of others and repent.

With myself included let us pray.

A prayer of repentance.

“Lord God, please forgive me for my critical expectations of other Christians. Create a clean heart, oh God, and put a right Spirit within me. I come to the cross and crucify myself afresh to You. Take from me this religious Spirit of selfishness and pride, and from now on, I will refocus on You and not on the faults of others. Holy Spirit, please make me a carbon copy of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Amen.

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THE GLORIOUS  GOSPEL AND ITS MINISTRY.

We have examined Paul’s thoughts on the dreadful schisms in the church and concluded that they should not be tolerated.

Now, we view the message and the ministry of the Gospel.

The Gospel is delivered by the preacher who has been given the power to present it. It is a revelation to those who receive it’s message.

The Gospel has also been given to us as fellow workers to share with those God sends across our paths. We are “all fellow workers for God.” He has freely gifted us the ability to impact the message differently, all for God’s glory. Sometimes, it may cost us to share and live the Gospel, a sacrifice pleasing to God.

The Gospel is not just to bring people to God but it teaches right living and a separateness  from   this ungodly world.  🌎

That  means removing ourselves from all evil practices.

The church, if it is going to function properly it needs to be Holy and blameless in this wicked society.

That means we cast aside impurity, lying, defrauding (cheating). This may seem foolish to the worldly-wise but so necessary for Salvation of the lost.

The centre-point of this central message of life is …

“THE CROSS” to which the  prejudice Jew, the prideful Greek seem to be foolish.

The Gospel is made by God to be so simple that the proud, religious, sophisticated person must humble themselves, admit their weakness and meekly receive the power to be saved.

Paul addressed the natural outcome of a life worth living after our salvation. 

He addressess diet, marriage and the sanctity of it. The importance of obeying the ordinances in meekness and fear.

He talks about our spiritual priorities regarding the the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Also the right motives in regards to our giving financially for the support of those who need assistance.

And he speaks of the importance of the resurrection of Christ to the Believer.

RELEVANT TODAY?

It certainly is relevant to us as Christians today. It should affect us very closely as it affects the whole question of:

CHRISTIAN LIBERTY.

That is, our freedom in Christ to make the right choices for our benefit and for…

“His Glory.” To benefit from this teaching richly, you will need to study it for yourself.

Paul reminds us that knowledge, “puffs-up” (religious pride.)

But love, “builds-up!”

AM  I  A STUMBLING BLOCK?

We always need to keep in our minds when we take liberties, we may be ok within ourselves, but it’s not acceptable for those who are watching.

You may be giving them a licence to fall back into sin.

This can be in the  areas of Alcohol, Drugs, Immodesty, Smoking, Gambling. Profuse Language. Imoralty, Gluttony.

There may be addicted people who are struggling to refrain from temptation. They see you partake of these things and want to rationalise their behaviour by saying,

“She’s a Christian and she does it!”

We become a stumbling block of offence to them.

They say…

“Such and such goes to these places, watches R-rated movies, gets drunk, swears like a trooper, doesn’t go to church every week, so why can’t I?”

Alcoholics will find you as an excuse to resume drinking again.

They end up falling deeper into sin than ever before they came to Christ.

You may need to be sensitive to a diabetic and refrain from eating sweets in their company.

Be aware of other areas where you may cause the weaker brother or sister to fall back into sin.

Let’s not be the cause of someone else’s failures.

Our goal is to help the weak, love and encourage the back slider. Help them to break free of anything that is holding them back from total commitment to Christ. I am not saying that you must abstain from these things altogether.

It’s about protecting a weak brother or sister in Christ from stumbling back into sin. You are responsible to God for the things you choose to do. He will guide you into all truth and it’s up to you to have a conscience void of offence before God and man.

Christians in the West are more liable to embrace lower standards of compromise than those who are living in the East, mainly because they are willing to die for the sake of Christ and will gladly obey the Word of God in more detail. They are fully yielded to obey God because they are so grateful to be saved from the bondage of Islamic law.

People here will miss Church and go to watch football, attend a family picnic rather than being in the house of the Lord.

Paul is emphatic:

“WHEREFORE IF WHAT IF WHAT I EAT STUMBLES, MY BROTHER, I WILL NOT EAT FLESH WHILE THE AGE LASTS.”

(not eat meat ever again)

We must be consistent, Considerate, loving, and always encouraging so that that they can do “All things through Christ,” who gives them strength.

---

This applies to us in all areas of our lives.

It means, as Paul mentions five times, self denial, self effacement, self discipline, all for the sake of others.

CHRIST’S WORDS.

“WHOSOEVER WILL SAVE HIS LIFE WILL LOSE IT, AND WHOSOEVER SHALL LOSE HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE AND THE GOSPEL’S … SHALL FIND IT.”

Doing this will purify, glorify and unify the church of Jesus Christ in this sin-sick world and draw many people close to the Lord.

And you will win the high prize of your calling in Christ Jesus.

Amen.

“The Peace of God that surpasses all understanding.”

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A “LIVELY ORACLE” against…

“DEADLY ENEMIES “

Every part of it pulsates with energy, sympathy, concern and relevance for us today.

The first six chapters are a rebuke of schisms, but in “substance” they are a stirring explanation of the true Gospel .

The Gospel is:

1. FOOLISHNESS TO THOSE OF THE WORLD. 🌎

 2. IT’S OPERATION IN THE PREACHER AND THOSE WHO HEAR.

3. IT’S THE TEACHERS AND THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY.

4. IT’S MINISTERS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.

5. IT DEMANDS A SAINTHOOD OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE.

The message seems foolish to the unsaved mind because the “Gospel is simple” and it takes a humble person to receive and embrace it.

For those who are puffed up with religious pride,the Cross of Christ seem to be a sign of helplessness and weakness that it seems almost impossible to believe with the intellect. It is hard to intellectually. understand it’s Divine saving-Power.

God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

It’s for the despised, the weak, the non-enities.

It’s so childlike, a fool can understand it.

The weak can be made strong. The unintelligent can receive the mind of Christ.

Have you personally been thinking that you are inadequate, too weak for Christian service and ministry. To step out and evangelise the lost?

Praise God you feel that way because you are perfectly fit to be recruited in to God’s Army.

You are suitable for enlistment in the first rank, the “front” rank.

Now, you could also fit into the second rank with those who are fools for the sake of the Gospel.

Or if you feel you are not good enough the second rank is also where you can feel comfortable. You can fall-in with the “base” (low level people) the”despised” and the “nobodies”

“I am a nobody, telling everybody about “Somebody,” who can save anybody!”

You see, the cross reaches out to everyone, everywhere.

The army into which you have enlisted is built to charge the enemy line.

The CROSS is your weapon. Christ in you, the “Hope of Glory” is living victoriously within and though you in the irresistible Power of the Holy Spirit.

Though a host of Midianites may daunt you, you are in God’s handpicked army, and He will fight for you. You are “more” than a conqueror through Christ, who loves you. He will fight beside you, though the enemy be great.

In God’s Army, the Goliaths go down.

The Lamb slays the Lion.

The Dove is wiser than the Serpent.

You become strong, because He gives power to the weak.

Are you in a battle now?

Don’t despair or give up and become AWOL! (Absent without leave.)

Take hope, the battle is the Lord’s!

JESUS HAS FOUGHT AND WON!

As a good soldier: You surrender to His leadership.

Obey his commands.

Do His will and rejoice in your position under the Chief Commander.

You will come through VICTORIOUS and all GLORY is His.

AM I A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS?

Am I a soldier of the cross- a follower of the Lamb? And shall I fear to own His Cause, or blush to Speak His Name.

“In the Name, the precious Name of Him who died for me. Through Grace I’ll win the promised crown. What ever my Cross may be.”

“Must I be carried on beds of ease, while others fight to win the prize and sail through bloody seas?”

“Are there no foes for me to face. Must not I stop the flood. In this world a friend He gave, to help me onto God?“

‘So I must fight if I would increase my courage, Lord. I’ll bear the toil and endure the pain… Supported by the Word.“

“In the Name of Jesus Christ who died for me.”

Yes dear reader, There is no other Name. No other way.

“Not on earth or sky or sea.

No other hiding place, no none but thee.”

Deny yourself, take up the cross and follow Him.

Amen.

For enquiries and comments.

HEATHER DALZELL. MSM 047545815.

To support this ministry financially:

heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com

To read more studies: Website Address lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com

INTRODUCTION.

THE FIRST BOOK OF CORINTHIANS.

If you are a Christian, or have been specifically called by God to the Ministry these books penned by Paul are written primarily for you.

It will demand a –

SUPERNATURAL, SUPER HUMAN SELF ABASEMENT.

See 1 Corinthians chapter 4:9-13.

Why? Because you step up in to the area of being a spectator of all men, and to the heavenly host who are watching from the realms of glory.

“FOR WE ARE MADE A SPECTACLE UNTO THE WORLD, AND THE ANGELS AND TO MEN.”

This drama of life and death is being played out in the theatre of life for all to see.

Theatre is the very Greek word for “spectacle” used here.

“We are a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.”

That’s how it’s supposed to be!

The unseen witnesses above are bending to gaze upon the life struggle between:

LIGHT AND DARKNESS.

SIN AND HOLINESS.

FAITH AND FALSEHOOD.

SUFFERING AND TRIUMPH.

“These things which the angels look into.”

What a contrast between the angelic Spectators and those of us who struggle in the Arena.

The world sees us as: “Filthy, the off-scouring of things this day.”

That is how they viewed Jesus and how they view the Christian today.

Paul was very much alive to this and has encouraged us through these wonderful EPISTLES TO THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH OF HIS DAY.

BACKGROUND.

Corinth at the time of Paul was rather a very rich commercial city. It was the capital of the Roman province of Achia.

It as a good sized city with moral issues as were many other cities in Greece.

Corinth was nicknamed,

“SIN CITY”

This culture of ungodly worldliness was still very much a part of this church and many easily slid back into that type of thinking and put aside the truth they once knew.

They didn’t seem to mind that some of the members were committing adultery with no correction from the Leadership. Unbelievers around them had higher morals and better characters than those within this four year old Church.

Some schisms (divisions) caused dear friends to separate from each other, all over which preacher they should follow: Paul, Apollos, Peter or Christ. The choice of whom they should follow caused a Spirit of superiority to rule, forcing them to judge each other instead of loving and accepting one another unconditionally.

They were suing one another in public courts.

You will never find the Perfect Church, nor will you find the Perfect Christian. No, not ever!!

So, Don’t have a performance base for acceptance for other people. They will never measure up to your legalistic expectations.

Stop looking and praying about the faults in other sisters and brothers in Christ; instead, as Paul admonishes.

“JUDGE YOURSELF SO YOU WILL NOT BE JUDGED.”

Our goal is, to love one another with a “pure heart fervently”

The Church at Corinth were in decline.

The sacred ordinance of the Lord’s supper a Holy and blessed institution had become a secular party where they were celebrating themselves and the food they ate in a glutterous way rather than the death of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Spiritual gifts had become a contention. They were divided on the issue of speaking in tongues. This is still prevalent today, with some Christians teaching that you cannot be saved if you do not speak in tongues. Paul addressed this in 1 Corinthians chapter 13.

LOVE IS THE SUPERIOR GIFT.

Paul supported himself financially in the trade of tent 🎪 making so that he would be beyond reproach in this divided Church.

What can we learn from this ancient struggling Church.

BE FAITHFUL.

BE LOYAL!

BE KIND,                       FORGIVING.

BE HOLY!

BE CAREFUL!

BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT!

LOVE  UNCONDITIONALLY!

Amen.

For financial support, contact me by Email address.

heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com

To comment. SMS

Heather Dalzell on 61 0417858814.

“ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD?”

Do they?

This verse is the most misquoted verse in the Bible if not truly understood.

He we are almost halfway through June  in the middle of 2025. Did all things work together for your good?

Let’s read the full verse together;

“FOR WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD, TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM WHO ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.”

Romans 8:28.

Is this a promise or a  principle?

Then why don’t things work together for us when we have claimed it?

Does your happiness depend on things working for good or bad?

THINGS WORK … LIFE IS GOOD!

THINGS DO NOT WORK … LIFE IS BAD!

It’s a mistaken concept.

You mistakenly think that this verse is telling as that the         “things” work together for your good,

“on their own”

However, in light of the Biblical teaching on Divine Providence as to what is happening to you at this moment.

Paul is telling us that, “GOD HIMSELF WORKS FOR GOOD” in all things is reassuring.

It means no matter your circumstances there are “two qualifications” for God to be working together for your own good.

You know that God Himself is at work in every aspect of your life and you must align yourself with His purpose to bring glory to Him in this time knowing you will see the full glory in the after-life.

THE FIRST QUALIFICATION.

He works for the good for those

“WHO LOVE HIM”

If you love God, you can trust that He is now at work for your good. He loves you unconditionally, and generous in His workings. Oh, dear reader, God wants the best for you, practically or spiritually.

THE SECOND QUALIFICATION.

He works, “for those who are “the called” according to His purposes.”

At the very moment God is submitting His purposes for you.

You have been called by Him for a higher purpose that you may not know.

You see God’s purpose actually reminds us what our good is…

It’s not our comfort, or prosperity, or to make life easy without any problems or challenges along the way, or for acceptance from others.

IT IS TO THE FURTHERING OF HIS PURPOSE “THROUGH US.” AND “IN US.”

Sometimes, I want immediate outcomes so I can see the good in what is happening now!

I have learned that it can take years to understand that it was for my good, protection, or my success. God’s good hand was always upon me, and it took faith to trust His Love and leading when I could not understand.

He doesn’t always do it the way I would have liked Him to do it!

HERE IS WHERE FAITH COMES IN.

Waiting, watching, not worrying, and walking by faith when you cannot see the final purpose of the test.

A good response toward the Lord is to praise and worship Him, it will result in your growing gracefully into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

The dilemma ceases when you quietly wait and see the Salvation of the Lord. We must never cease to praise and worship Him so that verse twenty-nine becomes a reality.

VERSE TWENTY NINE … in the New Living translation.

“FOR GOD KNEW HIS PEOPLE IN ADVANCE AND HE CHOSE THEM TO BECOME THE IMAGE OF HIS SON JESUS CHRIST.”

Here it is … the whole purpose for adverse circumstances is,

GOD IS CONFORMING YOU INTO THE LIKENESS AND IMAGE OF HIS SON.

He, by the power of the Holy Spirit is …

“MAKING YOU LIKE JESUS.”

Oh, how wonderful, How worth-it-all.

This is what God planned for you all along. That is the purpose of Romans 8:28.

Memorize both verses as they are beautifully knitted together and do as I have done,

COULD YOU MAKE THEM YOUR LIFE VERSES ALSO?

Amen and Amen.

Feel free to comment on MSM Heather Dalzell. 04 17 545 814.

Call me, or Email if God leads you support this  outreach ministry financially. I will show you a safe and sure way of doing so.

THE DEEPER MEANING OF THE GOSPEL.

Not many of us truly understand the depths of the Gospel. So, I will venture to explain as the Holy Spirit enlightens me.

1. THE GOSPEL IS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION.

This is known as the GOOD NEWS. We find this in.      

1. Corinthians chapter 15:1-4.

Paul declares …

 ” I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. IT IS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION.”

Jesus Christ died for your sins, He was buried and praise God He rose from the dead.

        2.THE PLAN OF SALVATION.

“FOR UNTO US IS BORN THIS DAY- SAVIOUR – CHRIST THE LORD.” Luke chapter 2:16

You can be Saved from the punishment of sin resulting in eternal death and hell.

3. THE WRATH OF GOD. 

God hates sin, not the sinner. Romans chapter 5:10 says, “God is angry with the wicked every day.” Sin provokes God to be Angry at its utter rebellion and disobedience towards His Holiness. Let’s view John chapter 3:36.

“AND HE THAT BELIEVES NOT IN THE SON OF GOD, THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDES ON HIM..( or HER.”)

4. UNRIGHTEOUS.

This means … Living your life apart from God.

          5. WITHOUT      EXCUSE.                  

You are without excuse.                 None of your excuses will satisfy a Holy God. Nor can you blame anyone else for your behaviour. When you finally stand before God, you will stand completely alone, and you will be judged for not accepting  His remedy for sin.

That means you need to trust in His plan of Salvation through Jesus Christ the Lord as there is no other way.

“ALL HAVE SINNED.” Because sin is inherently in us.  We are born with a sinful nature; it is this nature that breeds sins, which was passed down to us from Adam and Eve.

That’s why Scripture says we are…

            6. GUILTY.

The fact is,  we are all guilty and condemned. Why? Because,

“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE.”              

We think we are friendly people and do nice things for one another. That is not be sufficient before a Holy God.

7. RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Is not the good things that you have done, but according to “His” mercy which He has bestowed upon you that will save.                   

You are declared righteous when you receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour.                                              See Romans chapter 2-23. and Romans chapter 5:17.

The Wonderful thing is, Salvation is a free gift, it cannot be earned.

8. JUSTIFICATION.

Once you are Saved, you are …

“DECLARED RIGHTEOUS”.             and you are given supernatural PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

           9. WHOSOEVER         

This means “you.”

Hey, this means what it says: Anyone! Oh, dear reader, Jesus wants to save, heal and deliver and prosper you spiritually, physically and mentally.

Romans chapter 10:13. “FOR, ‘WHOSOEVER’ SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD, SHALL BE SAVED.”

All you need to do … ASK HIM TO SAVE YOU!

      10. SAVED!!    

When you  simply believe and ask, you will receive.

Luke chapter 19:10.

“FOR THE SON OF MAN IS COME TO SEEK AND SAVE, THOSE WHO ARE LOST.” 

I love this promise given to us by Jesus Christ.                           “IF YOU ASK THE FATHER ANYTHING IN MY NAME HE WILL GIVE IT TO YOU.”

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord; what a wonderful Savior He is!

What more can l say? 

Only this! 

Do it today.

Do it now. 

Don’t delay.

Here is how you can pray.

“Lord Jesus, I admit I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I believe that you died to take away my sin. Today, I ask you to forgive and save my soul, come into my life, change me, and fill me with the Holy Spirit.” Amen.

God’s richest blessings be upon you.

Amen.

To comment: Heather Dalzell SMS 6104 17 545 814

Please pray and ask the Lord if He would lead you to give regularly into this ministry.

Contact me for safe directions on how to support financially. I would be most grateful for your sacrifice. 

Light in the Darkness is not only blogging.                        It includes the writing and printing of Gospel tracts and books.                            It includes…

Hospital visitation.

Shut-ins.

Counselling.

Deliverence.               

Healing and distributing resources to aid new Christians.   

The ongoing purchase of technical devices as a new Phone, IPad and laptop every few years.

There are also the costs of technical support and annual fees to use WordPress and Grammarly.

Please uphold me in prayer as Satan hates the Gospel and does everything to hinder me.

Thanks and Bless you.

PRAISE THE LORD.