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There are three types of tribulation or dealings of the Father in the way of discipline in the wilderness for us. First, tribulation in which we may glory; for instance, suffering for Christ in this evil world (considered evil due to most will remain in unbelief – Matt 7:13, 14—NC). This is...

Is pride, even unknowingly, delaying our growth in Christ’s image (Eph 4:15)? If so, it’s only because we may not be as open as we should to the Spirit’s teaching (1Co 2:13). Of course pride for all believers, in some degree or another—regardless of how humble—is always effecting us in what we...

I believe it’s not commonly understood that an “apostate” is one who only professes to be in the faith but in truth has yet to be saved, i.e. reborn. Of all who profess to “confess Jesus is Lord” (Ro 10:9), there will always be some (“a little leaven”) who only “honor Me with their lips...

It’s just the “old man” (Adamic-sin nature), so don’t let it trouble you (Jn 14:1, 27; Phl 4:6)! Yes, if at times you seem to be bothered, even in a somewhat significant degree and it appears that you are uncertain as to the direct cause of it, just remember that it can always be traced back to...

After being reborn, believers have only to continue to grow in the strength of their faith—which is manifested in their works—for salvation does not admit in degrees. Thus all saints are saved at the one and same position of redemption, but “walk” at varying levels of discernment, understanding...

Paul was admonishing the Galatian Churches by informing them that the admixture of the Law with the Gospel of Christ was an attempt by the false teachers to “pervert” the Gospel of Christ (1:7), and nowhere in this Epistle does there exist any conclusions that suggests the Galatian Christians...

For believers, everything encountered, even all that is self-originating is used for their good (Ro 8:28); which is for the purpose of being continually “conformed into the image of His Son” (v 9), via growing in their faith. Thusly is all that transpires in the lives of the saints which is...

It’s not so much as what we are doing but why we are doing it; and how it is done will determine the effectiveness of its delivery! While in a babe-in-Christ stage we are not able to know much of what God’s desires are of many things, and until there is sufficient knowledge and comprehension of...

To me, the “elect of God” (Mat 24:24: Rom 8:33; Col 3:12; Tit 1:1) are those whom God knows are going to “choose life” (Deu 30:19) and receive the Lord Jesus; and this before the “foundation of the world” (Eph 1:4), even from the eternal past. He chose us before we chose Him, because He foreknew...

In an era of error, for the last century and a half or so, in my opinion, there is an ominous manifestation that many believers are lacking application of significant Biblical growth truths. This sad but true condition has shown itself primarily through an unawareness (thus unintentional) of...

[Note] The intention of this article is to express the depth of the Lord Jesus’ willingness to relate with us concerning the infirmity of all our trials in this life! Was Jesus’ cry of desertion on the Cross a manifestation of Him actually being “forsaken” by the Father, or could it have been...

In early days of the Church (e.g. Antiochain era - Act 11:26 - 1st century AD), when the rich and mighty tide of divine grace was flowing in, and bearing thousands of ransomed souls upon its bosom; when all were of one heart and one mind (Act 4:32); when those outside were overawed by the...

For some time now (recent century) many Christians have encountered a dearth of spiritual growth, and in my opinion it’s undeniably obvious that this is derived from a twofold lack of sufficient Bible reading/studying, and of less desire for church fellowship, both of which are a priority in...

If I walk faithfully here, it is desert where nothing contributes to me. I am set here as the Lord Jesus’ witness to draw all my supplies from elsewhere. The harbor, where the supplies come in, is the only cheering spot in this dry and barren land where no water is. I must seek and receive...

It is a grand thing for our souls, on the one hand, to be firmly established in the grace of God toward us, to allow no insinuation of the enemy to raise a question touching the efficacy of what the Lord Jesus has wrought for us—the fullness of redemption that is in Him. And, on the other hand...

Everything that transpires in life is supposed to occur, otherwise it wouldn't happen, because nothing happens without God's foreknowledge and Him allowing it to come to pass! Everyone does God's will, but most do not to do His desires! Even though it has always been that God “desires all men...

“I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness and speak tenderly unto her” (Hosea 2:14). “As we begin to grow, we are governed; as we begin to mature, we are allured.” -MJS “By trial our Father reveals we can suffer His will as well as do it. By trial He weans us from the world, draws...

In the early chapters of Genesis (1-5) we learn of the first Adam and his descendants, while in the early chapters of John (1-5) we learn of the last Adam, His words and works. Let us carefully consider some of the infinite differences and contrasts between these two men. In Genesis One the...

Decided to share some commentary concerning “heresies” from “false teachers” (v 1): “Through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” I believe this phrase is the same as many other passages like Heb 10:26 – “receiving the knowledge of the truth” i.e. Gospel. I think if this intended...

He who measured my distance is the One who is the measure of my nearness! Many believers are in the shadows because they fail to abide (fellowship—NC) where He is; they are enlightened, but if they were near they would be established (encouraged—NC). When you are reconciled to the Father, you...