Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Demand of Single Mother’s Load, Fears, Determination AND Divine Requirement
A single mother is either one who finds herself pregnant outside wedlock and subsequently gets into the state of motherhood unexpectedly or one who has been separated or divorced from her husband. Consequently, both are faced with unprecedented hardships. Today, many people despise single mothers. Some see them as people who have committed unpardonable sins and are therefore suffering for their wrong doings. What these people fail to realize is that those who find themselves as single mother never bargained for such. They had dreamt of blissful relationship but only to find their dreams and hopes being shattered. However, those who are in this situation need not despair but take courage and trust the Lord. 1 Chronicles 16:11, Job 5:8, Matthew 11:28, John 14:1.
THE CONCERN AND FEARS OF SINGLE MOTHERS
Generally, single mothers are faced with many problems like the thoughts of loneliness, insecurity, single parenting, financial burdens, good education for children, and so on. These pose threats and menace to their lives. They are filled with worry and anxiety. At times there is a moment of mental torture of what led to their problems. These may in turn arouse self-pity, discouragement and disillusionment. Thus, they are not able to push ahead. What then should be the reaction of a single mother of these problems? Psalm 73:25, 26.
Inspite of the characteristics and peculiarities of the single mothers, through God they can be valiant. The single mother must determine to succeed in her predicament by seeking the Lord in repentance if she has done so. She must confess her sins and have assurance of salvation (Matthew 6:33). The righteousness of the Lord must be her priority and her life straightened up. It is then God can be her Father and she becomes His child. She must surrender her will as a single mother and determine to follow the Lord through. Then, God will begin to lead her in her personal and family life and all that appertains to life. God will give you direction and make your life anew. He will give beautiful life and brighter future for you and your children. You must build confidence in the Lord and destroy fear. Don’t sell yourself short. Identify your fears, pains; lay them down at the foot of Jesus. With determination to succeed through God’s help, you shall succeed. Psalm 11:3, Proverbs 4:7, 1 Corinthians 4:10.
THE COMMITMENT AND CONSECRATION OF SINGLE MOTHERS TO DIVINE REQUIREMENT
The single mother must fix her heart on God. She must break away completely from worldly ties. She must live the life of faith and maintain a balanced Christian life. She must pray always and fellowship regularly with people of like precious faith (Hebrews 10:25). She should prayerfully get a decent employment or business transaction (Romans 12:11). She must be occupied daily with God’s work in the area of evangelism and Christian service (John 4:34, 94; Luke 19:13). She must constantly pray for her children and seek godly counsel (Proverbs 15:22). She must be content with whatever she has (1 Timothy 6:6). She must be wise and tactful in receiving gifts from men; keep herself pure, and hope in the Lord to give her a clean re-start on a clean slate.
PURITY OF HEART
Purity of life means uprightness, not being cunning, or having any shady way of life. Uprightness excludes backbiting, evil and duplicity.
Israel to get blocks while in Egypt
THE MASTER'S FOOTPRINT
Jesus left on the sands of time footprints that cannot be erased or replaced. His legacy remains unbeatable.
It is universally known and acknowledged that no single human being since Adam has impacted the world like Jesus the Nazarene. His incarnation marked not only the terminal point of historical dating of events that preceded Him, but also the starting point of events that succeed Him. Though He lived shorter than any religious founder and ministered within a relatively small geographical region, the movement He started and the ideas He propounded have covered the length and breath of the earth. His ideals are the bedrock of the constitutions of the nations of the world. Jesus left on the sands of time footprints that cannot be erased or replaced. His legacy remains unbeatable. On the threshold of His passion He declared, “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified….” All that Jesus was and did was to serve as a pattern for those who believe in Him.
Morally, Jesus was above reproach. None of His numerous detractors dared accuse Him of any moral shortcoming. Even though Jewish religious leaders accused Him of religious excesses, these were baseless and Pilate declared before them all, “… I find no fault in Him.” As a moral giant, He crusaded against all forms and types of moral lapses. He stipulated stiff measures for amorality and immorality on one side and recommended lavish rewards for moral rectitude on the other.
Socially, He considered no human being too humble or base for His fellowship. He respected all and had a place in His very tight schedule for all, including children. He tore down the brick walls that had kept people far from each other for centuries. He spent days in Samaria
Naturally, His life reflected in His ministry. He positioned the gospel on a moderate shelf where the dwarf, the midget, the Cretin and the giant can reach out and grab. His messages and miracles were propelled by genuine compassion for the beneficiaries. He passionately pursued the sanctity of God’s house. Wherever He went, He relieved men of their burdens. In spite of all that He did for people and the signs and wonders that trailed His ministry, Jesus never blew His own trumpet, and neither did He conduct Himself in a manner that betrayed His superior graces. He remained the unsophisticated Jesus, friend of sinners and tax collectors.
The Master branded these footprints and many more in time so that all who believed in Him would follow them as the compass to eternity. In contemporary times when numerous ideologies and ideologists compete for emulative attention, it is immensely urgent that all Christians, especially ministers, direct their energies towards walking in the footprints of the Master.
EDUCATION; THE BEST LEGACY
Education builds the character of future leaders, and transforms them into incorruptible and respectable leaders.
Perhaps, the most important definition attributed to education in recent time is that which says “education is the best legacy.” It is indeed a household definition that even the primary school pupils are familiar with. The implication of this assertion is that education deserves a nation’s priority and attention, being a vehicle of social, political, religious and economic development. The trend has re-awakened the consciousness of our people, speaking volume on the increased enrollment figure of people in educational institutions. The proliferation of private universities today is not unconnected to this fact.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION
Have you wondered why, despite the rate of unemployment in the society, thrice the number of students currently pursuing various courses in our institutions of higher learning still contest in the struggle to receive higher education? My careful effort towards unraveling this mystery has so far yielded some possible reasons why people read. First, some read out of necessity. They consider education as the only water that can quench their thirst of ignorance, having understood that ignorance is akin to disease. Others read after being pressurized to do so. This direction is not reading for value, rather for favor. The last group reads because education is also considered an article of ostentation. By this, I mean education as a means of social stratification. Such individuals usually go about brandishing their certificates. The danger in the last two groups is that such sets of individuals only become educational misfits.
RECOMMENDATION
The group I recommend for the teeming number of students in our various Colleges is the first group, because education performs far more than the function of literacy. It builds the character of future leaders, and transforms them into incorruptible and respectable leaders.
CONCLUSION
At this juncture, I enjoin all to embrace education, so as to jettison ignorance and unhealthy rivalry that is often the order of the day. If you think education is expensive, try ignorance. In all your getting, get education; for education is power.
Purposeful Infuence
Many people desire to have purposeful influence; but they cannot, probably because they lack the necessary godly traits, or they are too absorbed in their own worries to work it out.
In our daily interactions with people, we knowingly or unknowingly influence their lives for good or bad by our character, conduct, words or actions. Unfortunately, many people are too busy to consider what type of influence they have on others. They rush through life; so they spare no time to look back and around to check whether they are helping or hurting the people that come their way. Unless we hold it and pause a while, we may never be able to define, determine and design how we may impact our world and its people for good. Many people desire to have purposeful influence; but they cannot, probably because they lack the necessary godly traits, or they are too absorbed in their own worries to work it out.
HOW TO INFLUENCE PEOPLE PURPOSEFULLY
For us to influence people purposefully we must:
i. Give our life to Christ and be genuinely born again. Consequently, we will experience a transformation in character, attitude and disposition.
ii.Consider the people around us whom we had neglected or hurt in time past. We must shun selfishness as we willingly pour ourselves out for their good.
iii.Recognize that life is not what one has, but what one gives out. We must learn to consider the needs of others and share what we have. We must offer specific help to others working to realize their own dreams.
iv. Give people attention, affirmation and appreciation. Any time we make contact with people; we should begin by giving them our undivided attention during the first thirty seconds and affirm them, and show appreciation to them in some way, as well as say something encouraging.
V.Learn to empathize with people as occasion demands.
Vi.Be courteous, friendly and avoid unwholesome criticisms.
vii. Be careful, diligently seeking God and doing what pleases Him always.
CONCLUSION
There is only one life to live; and it will soon be over! But what our lives impact upon others – for good or bad – will endure; and will determine our ultimate fate, whether in the bliss of heaven or in the burning hell!
Cigarette Smoking
Smoking can be active or passive. It is active when one lights and smokes a cigarette stick. It is passive when one is near an active smoker and inhales the resultant smoke the fills the surrounding.
People damage themselves through smoking. Incidentally, smoking is allowed by the society, though it is dangerous to health. This attitude may be explained because it produces pleasure. In addition, cigarette production provides revenue and profit to the manufacturers.
Cigarette smoking and indeed, the inhalation of cigarette smoke has proved to be the most important cause of preventable ill health and early death in modern society. The leading causes of death from smoking are heart and lung related diseases, especially lung cancer.
Smoking can be active or passive. It is active when one lights and smokes a cigarette stick. It is passive when one is near an active smoker and inhales the resultant smoke the fills the surrounding. So if anyone should smoke, such smoking should be out of doors, to limit the effect of passive smoke on housemates and co-workers. This was the reason behind the law prohibiting people from smoking in public places.
The active ingredients in cigarette are nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar (benzophrene) and these are cancer producing agents.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Heavenlymanna
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Monday, March 29, 2010
Web Traffic Tip Number Two
Monday, March 1, 2010
Web Traffic Tip Number Three
Choose a memorable domain name. If you're launching a new site, choose a name people will remember easily.
You may not wish to go to such extreme lengths, but at least ask yourself:"Will people remember my domain name?"At my four main sites, a large percentage of the visitors are people who have remembered the domain name and typed it directly into their browser.
Try to choose a name which won't be confused with similar names. You don't want people typing your competitor's domain name when they’re trying to find your site.
NameBoy.com has a handy tool to help you choose domain names. Also,you can find a surprising number of good deleted and expired domain names
at Whois.net.
You may not wish to go to such extreme lengths, but at least ask yourself:"Will people remember my domain name?"At my four main sites, a large percentage of the visitors are people who have remembered the domain name and typed it directly into their browser.
Try to choose a name which won't be confused with similar names. You don't want people typing your competitor's domain name when they’re trying to find your site.
NameBoy.com has a handy tool to help you choose domain names. Also,you can find a surprising number of good deleted and expired domain names
at Whois.net.
The more pages you build full of on-topic material, the better the chances your site will be found. When it comes to keywords, think big. You want your site to be found via. Thousands of different phrases every month. Then you can lure that traffic to your best money-generating pages or to your newsletter sign-up page.
Also, search engines prefer fresh sites which keep gradually adding new content. Don't let your site go stale.
Web Traffic Tip Number Three
Choose a memorable domain name. If you're launching a new site, choose a name people will remember easily.
You may not wish to go to such extreme lengths, but at least ask yourself:"Will people remember my domain name?"At my four main sites, a large percentage of the visitors are people who have remembered the domain name and typed it directly into their browser.
Try to choose a name which won't be confused with similar names. You don't want people typing your competitor's domain name when they’re trying to find your site.
NameBoy.com has a handy tool to help you choose domain names. Also,you can find a surprising number of good deleted and expired domain names
at Whois.net.
You may not wish to go to such extreme lengths, but at least ask yourself:"Will people remember my domain name?"At my four main sites, a large percentage of the visitors are people who have remembered the domain name and typed it directly into their browser.
Try to choose a name which won't be confused with similar names. You don't want people typing your competitor's domain name when they’re trying to find your site.
NameBoy.com has a handy tool to help you choose domain names. Also,you can find a surprising number of good deleted and expired domain names
at Whois.net.
Increase Google AdSense Profit
It’s essential to make a website based on a service or a product useful to people. Have useful content. If advertisers have unnecessary visitors who click on their ads, then we are hurting ourselves because these same advertisers would lose money from advertising and will see that the AdSense ads don’t return on their investment.
Make a web site with your own domain name. Don’t use a free hosting service because in your website there will be banners and other types of ads such as pop-ups. Your website will be rejected by Google because of no professionalism.
Place your ads wisely and visible. Don’t place your ads at the bottom of the page, but place them on top so that they can be seen.
Place one group of ads per page. Having multiple ads is worse because the visitor doesn’t like to see dozens of ads on a page.
Web Traffic Tip Number One
You must have high quality, unique content if you want long-term,free search engine traffic. This is the most important tip of all. Sadly, it's one which many website owners ignore.
Provide lots of information, keyword-rich, useful content for the search engines and humans to find. You know that search engines are being clogged with junk at an alarming rate.
Owning a large, well established, high quality site is a very solid investment in your future.
These days, even Google's webmaster guidelines advise affiliates to publish "unique and relevant" content.
If you spend time thinking of ways to provide truly useful content that people will talk about, you'll automatically end up with lots of free, one-way links to your site as people recommend it without even being asked to do so.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Secrets of How to Make Mega Money with $5 using Your Liberty reserves Account.
After almost two years of researching on how to make easy and quick cash online, I finally found a simple yet effective strategy which I currently use to make up to $5000 monthly with just 30 minute work. This strategy has produced very encouraging results since I started using it, and it is completely legal. Proven by Oprah show … make easy money using Liberty reserve. Spend $5 to make thousands - proven by Oprah & 20/20. There are thousands of people out there, regular people, like you and me, searching for a way to make money legally and easy, well here is a way you can do that. Give this program a chance, everything on it is true and it can help you get that kind of money you dreamed of. And you are only investing $5!!! When I first read this, I thought I figured at least 6 people would respond out of the millions of people that use the Internet. And wow!! In about 24 hrs, I made my $5 back and my liberty reserve account is growing even while I sleep. You should give it a try too! You have nothing to lose, and thousands to gain!
Before I Proceed, Let Me Quickly Tell You What Liberty Reserve Is. Liberty Reserve is a worldwide accepted online payment processor that has been in existence since 2002. Unlike other payment processor, like Money Bookers, PayPal, etc Liberty Reserve accepts all countries. However, Liberty Reserve is better than the other online payment solution mentioned above in the sense that:
(a) They charge 1% on transfers below $100 and $2.99 on transfers as from $100 and above. So, it means that even if you transfer $20,000, they will charge the receiver $2.99.
(b) They accept all countries freely unlike PayPal, Money Bookers, etc.
(c) Also, the transfers are IRREVERSIBLE like in PayPal. There is no charge-back unlike those online payment solution mentioned above.
10 Reasons Why You Should Take Part in This EASY Program.
1. You spend only 20 minutes, then sit back and make UNLIMITED MONEY!!!
2. "You're the BOSS,
3. No recruiting,
4. No DOWN LINES to worry about,
5. No 3RD PARTY controlling payouts,
6. No RECORDS TO KEEP,
7. No MATRIX PLAN,
8. No COMPENSATION PLANS,
9. NO NEED TO RE-INVEST MONEY AGAIN and it incorporate liberty reserve INSTANT PAYOUT!!!
10. You do not need to send cash by mail (which has a high risky of getting lost.) This program has been in existence in many forms for at least a decade. But in the early days, it required a lot more time and effort, as well as an investment of a few hundred dollars. However thanks to liberty reserve and the Internet, the investment is now virtually ZERO! And what is more, the entire process is FASTER, EASIER, and MORE LUCRATIVE than it has EVER BEEN!
Make about $5,000 with just $5 in 30 days with liberty reserve. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I SAW HOW MUCH MONEY CAME FLOODING INTO MY LIBERTY RESERVE ACCOUNT. I turned $5 into $5,706 within the first 30 days of operating the business. This is what I am about to reveal to you free of charge. If you decide to take action on the following instructions, I GUARANTEE that you will enjoy a similar return!
The only things you will need are: -An email address. -A liberty reserve account with at least $5 deposited in it. (It is free to sign up go to http://www.libertyreserve.com/?ref=U7844923 -And just 15 to 30 minutes of your time.
(The more time you put into it, the more you'll see in return)
If you really need to make MEGA $$$ BUCKS $$$ REALLY FAST, then please take a moment to read this simple program I am sharing with you. You DO NOT have to send money to five people, buy their reports or recipes or anything like that. Nor will you have to invest more money later to get things going.
THIS IS THE FASTEST, EASIEST PROGRAM YOU WILL EVER DO. BE PREPARED TO GET EXCITED… YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!! … This service is 100% legal, a product or service must be exchanged for money received. Your SERVICE: Sharing this opportunity with others. Even if you are already in a program, stay with it but do yourself a favor and DO THIS ONE as well. START RIGHT NOW! It's simple and takes a very small investment. Because of the LOW INVESTMENT, SPEED, and PROFIT POTENTIAL, this program has a VERY HIGH RESPONSE RATE! Just $5. That's your investment!!! This program takes just half an hour to set up. After that, there is absolutely no work whatsoever to do on your part. You have absolutely NOTHING to lose, and there is NO LIMIT to the amount of income you can generate from this one single business program. Let's get started, just follow the instructions exactly as set out below and then get prepared for a HUGE influx of cash over the next 30 days! Here's what you need to do…NOTE: if you've never used Liberty reserve, I included some info in the SIMPLE steps below.
How Can I Do It? FOLLOW THESE SEVEN SIMPLE STEPS:
STEP 1. You need to have a liberty reserve Account. If you already have one, go to Step 2. To open a Liberty reserve account, http://www.libertyreserve.com/?ref=U7844923 and create an account. Once you have created an account, come back here and go to step 2.
STEP 2. Fund your liberty reserve account from exchangers, to see exchangers, visit the Buy/Sell LR section in your liberty reserve account to put in US$5. Once you have a liberty reserve account with at least US$5 in it go to Step 3.
STEP 3. Go to http://tinyurl.com/yecq3gh immediately. When you get to the site, click on 'JOIN NOW'. You will see the three names to be paid. Select the 'I Agree' box and click on 'JOIN NOW'. The site will direct you to pay the first person in the program directly into his Liberty Reserve account. After payment is made, do click on 'RETURN TO MERCHANT' and you will pay the second person and finally the admin. When you must made all the payments and clicked on 'RETURN TO MERCHANT', you will see where you will fill your details. Please, make sure you filled the correct details especially your Liberty Reserve account number. Then, click on 'SUBMIT'. After successful submission, you will see your referral link. Copy this link for the next line of action. Now, it's Time To Make MONEY Globally....This is where the referral link you copied will make you unending $2 or $1.5 all the time.
STEP 4. Go to: http://TinyURL.com and Paste the long copied referral link inside the bar and click on Make TinyURL! The long referral link will now be shortened like mine at http://tinyurl.com/yecq3gh
STEP 5. Copy This Message [within the demarcation] to at least 200 Newsgroups, message boards, etc or you can start sending this message to your email list if you have one. Start promoting your shortened link on forums, your blogs, Twitter, Face Book, other social websites, this opportunity is universal. You can also go to: http://Google.com and search for forums. Become a member by clicking on REGISTER and introduce this opportunity to them. I bet you, they will rush it! If you have a mailing list, you can promote your shortened referral link to them.
STEP 6.Send out as many copies of this program as you can. Use Netscape or Internet Explorer and try searching for various newsgroups. On-line forums, message boards, bulletin boards, discussions, discussion groups, online communities, etc.
EXAMPLE: go to any search engine like yahoo.com, Google.com, atavist.com, excite.com-then search with subjects like millionaire message board or money making message board or opportunity message board or money making discussions or business bulletin board or money making forum etc. (I think there are close to 32,000 groups). All you need is 200, but remember, the more you post, the more money you make-as well as everyone else on the list! In this situation your job is to let as many people see this message as possible. So they will make you rich!!! Click the message boards one by one then you will find the option to post a new message.
Visit these message board and post your message {the message you have edited with your liberty reserve account at the fifth position} as a new message by highlighting the text of your message and selecting select All, then go to the message board and paste from the Edit menu. Fill in the Subject, this will be the header that everyone sees as they scroll through the list of postings in a particular group, click the post message bulletin. You're done with your first one! Congratulations!
THAT"S IT!! ALL you have to do is jump to different newsgroups and post away. After you get the hang of it, it will take about 30 seconds for each newsgroup!
STEP 7. Sit Back, Relax, and Watch the Start Money Coming In!!! There you have it. So, what are you waiting for?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
LAW VS GRACE (DISPENSATION)
INTRODUCTION
And first, as regards the meaning of the word itself, it is easily to be seen, that the Biblical meaning thereof is radically different from that assigned to it by the "Scofield Bible," where it is stated that: -- "A dispensation is a period of time during which man is tested in respect to some specific revelation of the Will of God" (note to Gen. 1:28).
Again in Ephesians 3:2 Paul speaks of "the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward"; the meaning being that the ministry given him was to dispense the grace of God to the Gentiles. And lastly, in Colossians 1:25 he refers to "the dispensation of God," that had been given him, "to fulfill the word of God"; the reference being to that which God had made him responsible to administer or dispense, in fulfillment of the word of God concerning His previously concealed purpose as to the salvation of the Gentiles. These are all the occurrences of the word.
In the English Version of the Bible, therefore, the word "dispensation" means always administration or stewardship. Our English word "economy", comes directly from the Greek word rendered, "dispensation" in the four passages above referred to. It is to be deplored that a biblical word of definite signification should have been chosen for the purpose of this new system of doctrine, and a radically different meaning assigned to it.
Then further we are told, in the words of a prominent dispensationalist, that each of these seven distinct periods of time has "a character exclusively its own," being "wholly complete and sufficient in itself," that it "is in no wise exchangeable for the others, and cannot be commingled." That is to say, each "dispensation" has its own peculiar and distinguishing characteristics, insomuch that, when one succeeds another, there is a complete and radical change in the character and principles of God's dealings with the world. So say the dispensationalists; but I find in the Scriptures no evidence to support the statement. On the contrary, I find that, in every age and era, God has accepted those who believed Him and refused those who disbelieved Him. Salvation has always been "by grace, through faith," and upon the ground of the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Adam and Eve and Abel and Enoch and Noah and Abraham and David were one and all saved precisely as we are.
LAW, THE FIFTH DISPENSATION
This is said to be the dispensation of "Law," and it is put in the strongest possible contrast to 'the next succeeding "dispensation," that of "Grace." And further we are told that "This dispensation [of Law] extends from Sinai to Calvary; from the Exodus to the Cross; from Ex. 19:8, to Matt. 27:35" (S. B. notes).
Here is where some of the most serious evils of dispensationalism come clearly into view; for the aspersions which the teachers of that system cast upon the holy law of God constitute in their totality a complete and grievous misrepresentation thereof; and in certain extreme instances they assume the character of slanderous vilification. But before glancing at some of these, let it be noted that the much maligned "dispensation of law" is said to have embraced the entire lifetime of our Lord--"from Ex. 19:8 to Matt. 27:35"; for it is one of the points upon which the dispensationalists mainly insist, that the Gospels belong to the era of law, and not to that of grace; which I am bold to say is palpable and pernicious error. For as regards the termination of the era of the law, we have the word of our Lord that "The Law and the prophets were"--not until Calvary, but--"until John; since that time the kingdom of God is preached" (Lu. 16:16). And in agreement with this it is written: "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17).
These Scriptures declare in the plainest terms that the life and words and works of our Lord "in the days of His flesh," including the "Sermon on the Mount" (concerning which we have something special to say) belong, not in the twilight era of the law of Moses, but in the full daylight era of "grace and truth." They also make it plain that the era of "the Kingdom of God" followed immediately upon that of "the law and the prophets"; and further that the era of "the Kingdom of God," and that of "grace and truth" are one and the same. And this a matter of special importance because, as I expect to point out in some detail later on, the humanly concocted scheme of the "seven dispensations," which we are now considering, has had the effect of blotting out, for those who accept it, the illuminating truth which the Scriptures reveal concerning the Two Covenants, "the old covenant," whereof Moses was the mediator, and "the new covenant" whereof Jesus Christ is the Mediator. Therefore, one object I have in view, in exposing the unfounded character of dispensationalism, is to clear the ground for the presentation of the truth concerning "THE TWO COVENANTS" (Gal. 4:24).
But apart from the palpable error of placing our Lord's life and ministry in the era of law as distinguished from that of grace, the strongest exception is to be taken to the teaching that grace was entirely absent from the era of law, even as law is said to be absent from the era of grace; this being a two-fold error. And in this connection I would particularly like to ask those who hold that view, and who place the ministry of Christ in the dispensation of law, was not His ministry a ministry of grace? and were not His words "words of grace"? I wonder that this grievous teaching does not evoke bursts of indignation from those who love the Lord and who are accustomed to go for their comforts to the Gospels.
This brings us to what the "Scofield Bible" teaches concerning the holy law which God gave at Mount Sinai to the people He had delivered out of the "iron furnace" of Egypt. And first I call attention to these extraordinary statements: "It is exceedingly important to observe . . . that the Law was not imposed until it had been proposed and voluntarily accepted" (Note on Ex. 19:3). "At Sinai they (Israel) exchanged Grace for Law. They rashly accepted the Law" (Note on Gen. 12:7). Here we have in brief the teaching (which is amplified in the writings of this new school of theology) that Israel was given an opportunity to choose between Law and Grace, that they were put under the law of God by their own choice; and further that they chose "rashly," and hence made, -- not a bad choice merely, but-- one that was fatal, if so be that the differences between Law and Grace are what the dispensationalists aver.
GRACE, THE SIXTH DISPENSATION:
And well may we rejoice that "the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared" (Tit 2:11). But it is quite another thing to say that God's Grace characterizes this era exclusively; that Law and Grace cannot be commingled; and that "They are as far asunder as Mount Sinai and the place called Calvary, and can no more mingle than the iron and clay of Nebuchadnezzar's dream-statue."
The truth in this regard is that there was grace during the era of the Law, and that there is law during this era of the Gospel; that the New Covenant is the completion of the Old; and that the Gospel of God finishes the work that was begun by the Law of God. It would seem from the language our Lord used in Matthew 5:17 that He had this very error in view; for His words were "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." And likewise Paul, in the question he asks and answers concerning the Gospel: "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."
LAW VS GRACE
Law vs. grace is one of the most important contrasts a Christian must grasp. The Bible lays a tremendous emphasis upon it. For example, the gospels are full of the conflict between the Pharisees and our Lord -- showing the conflict between the law and God's grace. Paul devotes at least three of his epistles to the subject alone: Romans, Galatians, and Colossians. Plus we find it cropping up in one form or another in every other book of the New Testament. Make no question; this is a topic I can ill afford to neglect. To do so is to neglect the foundation of Christianity: The grace of God in Jesus Christ.
To get to the Truth of law vs. grace, we must ask two important questions. First: Are we "under law" or "under grace?" Actually, the answer to that question is easy: We are "under grace." Romans 6:14, quoted above, say so. But the second question, well, that's not so easy: What do the terms, "under law," and "under grace," really mean? It is confusion as to what these terms really mean which has caused much bondage and deception among God's people.
Let's begin by examining how the Bible uses the term "under the law.”Now we know that whatever the law says, it says it to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight. For by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe, for there is no difference. (Romans 3:19-22)
Let's stop right here for a moment and glean some important facts from this passage in Romans. Note especially the first sentence. It reads, "Whatever the law says, it is saying it to -- WHO?” To those who are UNDER THE LAW." Note that: Whatever the law is saying -- it is saying it to those "under the law." This tells us what the term "under the law" means: If I am "under the law," the law is speaking to ME. Or to put it in reverse: If the law is speaking to me, I am "under the law." I am listening to it and allowing it to govern my living. Ok. But what is the law saying to those who are "under the law?" It is defining good and evil. It is commanding that we DO the good and refuse the evil. Then it is judging our works to see whether we have perfectly obeyed it. If we haven't -- and we can't -- the law tells us we are condemned to death.
That is what the law says to those who are "under the law." It also sounds quite a lot like the life of many Christians. Many Christians look to the law to tell them what to do and not do. They believe that if they do not obey the law they will be judged -- even condemned. For some, the law is the only voice they hear. What is wrong with that? Isn't the law holy, just, and good? Sure it is. But that is precisely why if you live under the law it will condemn you. There is no escape from the holy judgment of God's law! But God has something better for us. He has put us under His grace He has put us where the condemning voice of the law cannot speak: In Christ.
Notice how clear this Truth becomes once we put our two scriptures together: Paul said: "Whatever the law says, it says it to those under the law." He also said: "But you are not under law, but under grace," If the law is speaking to those "under the law," and God tells us we are NOT "under the law" -- but "under grace" -- then the law cannot be speaking to US. There is simply no other conclusion possible. This is further verified if we read on in our passage from Romans 3. Paul says, "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (Rom. 3:28) Now ask: If those "under grace" are justified WITHOUT the deeds of the law, then how can the law be speaking to them? It can't be speaking to them.
CONCLUSION
The law has absolutely nothing to do with their justification. It is not judging their deeds or passing sentence upon them. They are justified solely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Now we can better see what the terms "under the law and "under grace" really mean. Being "under the law" means that my works -- as directed and judged by the law -- determine my justification and standing before God. Being "under grace," however, means that I am justified before God completely apart from my works. In effect, to be "under the law" means that my works determine everything. But to be "under grace" means that my works determine nothing. By faith I stand "under" the finished work of my Saviour. "Now wait a minute. If the law doesn't speak to those under grace, then they can sin all they want. There will be no restraint; no holy standards to follow." Once we grasp the Truth of God's grace, we will know that it does not do away with obedience to God. Indeed, rather than do away with obedience, the grace of God is the only real means of obedience there is. Why? Because through God's grace I don't merely do righteous deeds, I become a righteous person -- through the Living Christ in me. In Christ, obedience to God becomes natural and voluntary -- simply because I love Him.
And first, as regards the meaning of the word itself, it is easily to be seen, that the Biblical meaning thereof is radically different from that assigned to it by the "Scofield Bible," where it is stated that: -- "A dispensation is a period of time during which man is tested in respect to some specific revelation of the Will of God" (note to Gen. 1:28).
Again in Ephesians 3:2 Paul speaks of "the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward"; the meaning being that the ministry given him was to dispense the grace of God to the Gentiles. And lastly, in Colossians 1:25 he refers to "the dispensation of God," that had been given him, "to fulfill the word of God"; the reference being to that which God had made him responsible to administer or dispense, in fulfillment of the word of God concerning His previously concealed purpose as to the salvation of the Gentiles. These are all the occurrences of the word.
In the English Version of the Bible, therefore, the word "dispensation" means always administration or stewardship. Our English word "economy", comes directly from the Greek word rendered, "dispensation" in the four passages above referred to. It is to be deplored that a biblical word of definite signification should have been chosen for the purpose of this new system of doctrine, and a radically different meaning assigned to it.
Then further we are told, in the words of a prominent dispensationalist, that each of these seven distinct periods of time has "a character exclusively its own," being "wholly complete and sufficient in itself," that it "is in no wise exchangeable for the others, and cannot be commingled." That is to say, each "dispensation" has its own peculiar and distinguishing characteristics, insomuch that, when one succeeds another, there is a complete and radical change in the character and principles of God's dealings with the world. So say the dispensationalists; but I find in the Scriptures no evidence to support the statement. On the contrary, I find that, in every age and era, God has accepted those who believed Him and refused those who disbelieved Him. Salvation has always been "by grace, through faith," and upon the ground of the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Adam and Eve and Abel and Enoch and Noah and Abraham and David were one and all saved precisely as we are.
LAW, THE FIFTH DISPENSATION
This is said to be the dispensation of "Law," and it is put in the strongest possible contrast to 'the next succeeding "dispensation," that of "Grace." And further we are told that "This dispensation [of Law] extends from Sinai to Calvary; from the Exodus to the Cross; from Ex. 19:8, to Matt. 27:35" (S. B. notes).
Here is where some of the most serious evils of dispensationalism come clearly into view; for the aspersions which the teachers of that system cast upon the holy law of God constitute in their totality a complete and grievous misrepresentation thereof; and in certain extreme instances they assume the character of slanderous vilification. But before glancing at some of these, let it be noted that the much maligned "dispensation of law" is said to have embraced the entire lifetime of our Lord--"from Ex. 19:8 to Matt. 27:35"; for it is one of the points upon which the dispensationalists mainly insist, that the Gospels belong to the era of law, and not to that of grace; which I am bold to say is palpable and pernicious error. For as regards the termination of the era of the law, we have the word of our Lord that "The Law and the prophets were"--not until Calvary, but--"until John; since that time the kingdom of God is preached" (Lu. 16:16). And in agreement with this it is written: "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17).
These Scriptures declare in the plainest terms that the life and words and works of our Lord "in the days of His flesh," including the "Sermon on the Mount" (concerning which we have something special to say) belong, not in the twilight era of the law of Moses, but in the full daylight era of "grace and truth." They also make it plain that the era of "the Kingdom of God" followed immediately upon that of "the law and the prophets"; and further that the era of "the Kingdom of God," and that of "grace and truth" are one and the same. And this a matter of special importance because, as I expect to point out in some detail later on, the humanly concocted scheme of the "seven dispensations," which we are now considering, has had the effect of blotting out, for those who accept it, the illuminating truth which the Scriptures reveal concerning the Two Covenants, "the old covenant," whereof Moses was the mediator, and "the new covenant" whereof Jesus Christ is the Mediator. Therefore, one object I have in view, in exposing the unfounded character of dispensationalism, is to clear the ground for the presentation of the truth concerning "THE TWO COVENANTS" (Gal. 4:24).
But apart from the palpable error of placing our Lord's life and ministry in the era of law as distinguished from that of grace, the strongest exception is to be taken to the teaching that grace was entirely absent from the era of law, even as law is said to be absent from the era of grace; this being a two-fold error. And in this connection I would particularly like to ask those who hold that view, and who place the ministry of Christ in the dispensation of law, was not His ministry a ministry of grace? and were not His words "words of grace"? I wonder that this grievous teaching does not evoke bursts of indignation from those who love the Lord and who are accustomed to go for their comforts to the Gospels.
This brings us to what the "Scofield Bible" teaches concerning the holy law which God gave at Mount Sinai to the people He had delivered out of the "iron furnace" of Egypt. And first I call attention to these extraordinary statements: "It is exceedingly important to observe . . . that the Law was not imposed until it had been proposed and voluntarily accepted" (Note on Ex. 19:3). "At Sinai they (Israel) exchanged Grace for Law. They rashly accepted the Law" (Note on Gen. 12:7). Here we have in brief the teaching (which is amplified in the writings of this new school of theology) that Israel was given an opportunity to choose between Law and Grace, that they were put under the law of God by their own choice; and further that they chose "rashly," and hence made, -- not a bad choice merely, but-- one that was fatal, if so be that the differences between Law and Grace are what the dispensationalists aver.
GRACE, THE SIXTH DISPENSATION:
And well may we rejoice that "the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared" (Tit 2:11). But it is quite another thing to say that God's Grace characterizes this era exclusively; that Law and Grace cannot be commingled; and that "They are as far asunder as Mount Sinai and the place called Calvary, and can no more mingle than the iron and clay of Nebuchadnezzar's dream-statue."
The truth in this regard is that there was grace during the era of the Law, and that there is law during this era of the Gospel; that the New Covenant is the completion of the Old; and that the Gospel of God finishes the work that was begun by the Law of God. It would seem from the language our Lord used in Matthew 5:17 that He had this very error in view; for His words were "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." And likewise Paul, in the question he asks and answers concerning the Gospel: "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."
LAW VS GRACE
Law vs. grace is one of the most important contrasts a Christian must grasp. The Bible lays a tremendous emphasis upon it. For example, the gospels are full of the conflict between the Pharisees and our Lord -- showing the conflict between the law and God's grace. Paul devotes at least three of his epistles to the subject alone: Romans, Galatians, and Colossians. Plus we find it cropping up in one form or another in every other book of the New Testament. Make no question; this is a topic I can ill afford to neglect. To do so is to neglect the foundation of Christianity: The grace of God in Jesus Christ.
To get to the Truth of law vs. grace, we must ask two important questions. First: Are we "under law" or "under grace?" Actually, the answer to that question is easy: We are "under grace." Romans 6:14, quoted above, say so. But the second question, well, that's not so easy: What do the terms, "under law," and "under grace," really mean? It is confusion as to what these terms really mean which has caused much bondage and deception among God's people.
Let's begin by examining how the Bible uses the term "under the law.”Now we know that whatever the law says, it says it to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight. For by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe, for there is no difference. (Romans 3:19-22)
Let's stop right here for a moment and glean some important facts from this passage in Romans. Note especially the first sentence. It reads, "Whatever the law says, it is saying it to -- WHO?” To those who are UNDER THE LAW." Note that: Whatever the law is saying -- it is saying it to those "under the law." This tells us what the term "under the law" means: If I am "under the law," the law is speaking to ME. Or to put it in reverse: If the law is speaking to me, I am "under the law." I am listening to it and allowing it to govern my living. Ok. But what is the law saying to those who are "under the law?" It is defining good and evil. It is commanding that we DO the good and refuse the evil. Then it is judging our works to see whether we have perfectly obeyed it. If we haven't -- and we can't -- the law tells us we are condemned to death.
That is what the law says to those who are "under the law." It also sounds quite a lot like the life of many Christians. Many Christians look to the law to tell them what to do and not do. They believe that if they do not obey the law they will be judged -- even condemned. For some, the law is the only voice they hear. What is wrong with that? Isn't the law holy, just, and good? Sure it is. But that is precisely why if you live under the law it will condemn you. There is no escape from the holy judgment of God's law! But God has something better for us. He has put us under His grace He has put us where the condemning voice of the law cannot speak: In Christ.
Notice how clear this Truth becomes once we put our two scriptures together: Paul said: "Whatever the law says, it says it to those under the law." He also said: "But you are not under law, but under grace," If the law is speaking to those "under the law," and God tells us we are NOT "under the law" -- but "under grace" -- then the law cannot be speaking to US. There is simply no other conclusion possible. This is further verified if we read on in our passage from Romans 3. Paul says, "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (Rom. 3:28) Now ask: If those "under grace" are justified WITHOUT the deeds of the law, then how can the law be speaking to them? It can't be speaking to them.
CONCLUSION
The law has absolutely nothing to do with their justification. It is not judging their deeds or passing sentence upon them. They are justified solely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Now we can better see what the terms "under the law and "under grace" really mean. Being "under the law" means that my works -- as directed and judged by the law -- determine my justification and standing before God. Being "under grace," however, means that I am justified before God completely apart from my works. In effect, to be "under the law" means that my works determine everything. But to be "under grace" means that my works determine nothing. By faith I stand "under" the finished work of my Saviour. "Now wait a minute. If the law doesn't speak to those under grace, then they can sin all they want. There will be no restraint; no holy standards to follow." Once we grasp the Truth of God's grace, we will know that it does not do away with obedience to God. Indeed, rather than do away with obedience, the grace of God is the only real means of obedience there is. Why? Because through God's grace I don't merely do righteous deeds, I become a righteous person -- through the Living Christ in me. In Christ, obedience to God becomes natural and voluntary -- simply because I love Him.
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