Shoulder To Shoulder #1344 ---- “Unwavering Assurance For Uncertain Days” (part 1) -- "Steadfast Hardness For Inevitable Hardships"
"Standing Together, Shoulder To Shoulder, As We Fight the Good Fight of Faith"
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER is a weekly letter of encouragement Bob has written since 1997, covering many topics selected to
motivate people to be strong students of the Word and courageous witnesses of Jesus Christ. It is a personal letter of
encouragement to you, written solely to help "lift up hands that hang down".
"The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything." -- Albert Einstein
“There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have -- a cheap Christianity which offends nobody,
and requires no sacrifice, which costs nothing, -- and is worth nothing.” – J. C. Ryle
Shoulder To Shoulder #1344
Title: “Unwavering Assurance For Uncertain Days” (part 1) -- "Steadfast Hardness For Inevitable Hardships"
My Dear Friend and Fellow Kingdom Seeker:
It hard to believe I've not written a "Shoulders" letter since July 10th -- that's two month! -- and it's been some three weeks since I've sent the latest update to you about our status. During that time I've often felt I "should" write, but only recently have I felt like I "wanted to". At the same time, my Drafts folder has become piled with ideas of things I'd like to share.
So, finally, I'm taking a shot at it.
Much, much, much has happened since I last wrote. Experiences, challenges, global and political events, and an avalanche of "good ideas" have been constantly flooding in -- so much so that for quite some time I've not been able to grab a "handle" as a "merry-go-round" of thought has spun in a whirl in my mind. Between the growing mountain of critical issues attacking the moral and spiritual fiber of our country, to the long bout of health matters we faced, to the issues of our ministry -- present and future -- seemed to have come in like a giant wave.
Both mental dullness and physical weariness have left me feeling like I just wasn't up to writing. True, I've had lots I've wanted to say, but just haven't had the clarity to say it. Today, I not only "need" to write, but also "want" to write.
So, here we go . . . .
HARD LESSONS ARE HANDY:
Two weeks ago, I shared the sermon at Greer Chapel that I had intended to preach on July 23rd following our routine monthly five-day trip to Yuma and back -- "God’s Assurance For Our Endurance", dealing with the issue of hardships -- and more specifically, what they were about, and how we must learn to respond to them. It was the seventh sermon in this season's series, "Unwavering Assurance in Uncertain Days". I will probably share some thoughts from it in coming weeks because I think this is the subject about which I'd like to encourage you at this time.
It appears that, if I were to preach on such a topic, I should have some first-hand experience in the matter. Apparently past experiences wouldn't matter. Often God gives us "put your money where your mouth is" situations so we will know that what we're preaching is not only theory -- or even good theology -- but has been tested and tried in the fires of current experience. It's one thing to preach from what we've been taught, what we've read and heard, or what we believe -- but there's something totally different when we preach what we "Know" from experience.
I suppose it was no coincidence that I had begun the season back in June by preaching on "Developing Steadfast Hardness For Hardships", based on II Tim 1:3-14. For more than a year God has been speaking into my heart that we -- as a nation, as Christians, and as personal followers of Christ, -- are in for some incredibly difficult times in coming months and years. I believe this for three specific reasons:
1. The Bible tells us -- time and time again -- that this is the case.
2. Recorded history -- even without Judeo-Christian teachings and values -- also tell us that, not only is life in general filled with hardships, but it is also true culturally, nationally, and globally.
3. The current evidence is all around us and cannot be ignored or denied -- hardships are real, and they are here.
So, as I began the series last June 4th, I tried to point out some things from Paul's admonition to his young protege', Timothy, about hardships and trying times.
Perhaps one important fact we miss in his two letters to this new pastor is that he repeatedly alerted Timothy to the fact that he was going to face some very hard times -- but that it would be worth it. In fact, in II Timothy alone, Paul warns Timothy about hardship and suffering at least eight times -- in just four short chapters Paul speaks to him of hardship more than any other topic other than that of remaining faithful and steadfast to the Gospel. And even then, those two topics are directly linked together -- if you stay true to the Gospel, you will experience extreme hardship; but don't quit!!!
If you care to see the sermon video of this study, you can find it at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tegF-FlGEDyPFscPB2hZiDsGqnd0B1gE/view?usp=drive_link. Feel free to download it if you wish. Be warned that I don't cover in the video everything in as much detail as I am going to cover here.
DEVELOPING HARDNESS FOR THE HARDSHIPS:
"Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. . . . God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, . . . For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day." (II Tim 1:2, 7-8, 12)
Since the days of Creation, every generation has faced certain challenges, conflicts, and hardships. It all began in Eden when man's choice to try to live independently from God also forced him to attempt to live independently from what God had provided him.
The garden into which God placed Adam and Eve was one of spectacular beauty, indescribable peace, and unlimited opportunity. It was a place perfectly suited for a life of joy, productivity, peace, and eternal fellowship with each other and with the God Who had created them for Himself. It was absolute bliss -- Utopia!
That all changed when God’s arch enemy, “the ruler of this world” (Jn 12:31; 16:11) entered the scene and enticed mankind to a deceptive alternative – one of independence from their Creator God (Gen 3:1-13). They could be free!
BUT, -- instead, everything that God had provided them was lost, and everything that Satan had promised them was a lie. Since that fateful day, man has suffered the consequences of his desire for independence over intimacy, for power over peace, and for possessions over purpose (Gen 3:14-24).
Every generation since then has searched for ways to rediscover “Eden”. But, things only got worse. After centuries of patriarchs, human governance, and repeated failures, God gave a group of people laws that, if faithfully obeyed, would bring them back to Him.
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” (Joshua 1:8)
The Apostle Paul, raised a Jew under the teachings of the Old Testament, a member of the Sanhedrin, and “a Pharisee among Pharisees” by his own acknowledgement (Acts 23:6), understood the frailty of the human spirit, the futility of perfectly keeping the law, and the fatality of mere human effort to make sense of this world, its values, and its diabolical ruler.
It was impossible – utterly and totally impossible. In fact, in a later scripture we may examine, Paul told the Philippian believers, . . .
“. . . If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” (Phil 3:4-7)
For this reason, and out of his own knowledge of scripture and personal experience, he took the time to counsel his young protégé, Timothy, in how to face the realities of a fallen world, but doing so with great faith, confidence, courage, and assurance.
By this time, Timothy was a young pastor; the counsel he received from Paul is the kind that will give us insight into how our generation can live with “Unwavering Assurance For Uncertain Days.”
In this letter to Timothy, we see five very important fundamental principles by which to live if – IF – we are to survive the world’s turbulence and our own personal challenges and hardships. We must acknowledge them as we begin this series:
REMEMBER THIS! -- God has already provided Everything you need for dealing with life’s challenges! So, first, consider . . .
I. THE BLESSINGS GOD HAS PROVIDED FOR OUR HARDSHIPS (1:3)
“Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”
As we examine Paul's counsel to Timothy in chapter one, it seems that he set the stage by informing Timothy of three essential ingredients that will make a life of hardship not only bearable, but also adventuresome and joyful. Yes, I know you already understand this, but because it is absolutely foundational to everything else, it needs to be spotlighted. He has given us . . .
1. Grace – (“charis”). We have heard the standard definition, "God's unmerited favor", so often that it has probably lost its impact and meaning in our minds. While that definition is certainly true, we need much more "meat on the bone" to fully appreciate both its meaning and its application in our lives. It is actually an actual expression of God's kindness toward us. In a way it is part of His concession toward us -- even though we do not deserve His blessings in any way, shape, or form, because of the covering blood of Christ, God pours out on us vast expressions of His love.
It is His blessings -- His gracious work in which He provides everything we need. It is God giving you all you need but don’t deserve for every situation. God has provided grace -- generous undeserved favor and resources -- everything you need to face any and every hardship that might come your way.
Peter expressed it like this: --
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." (II Pet 1:2-4)
Paul echoed this sentiment to the Philippian believers, stating: --
"I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. . . . But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:12-14, 18-19).
He has also offered us . . .
2. Mercy – (“eleos”). While "Grace" is God giving us what we don't deserve because He loves us, "Mercy" is God withholding what we DO deserve because of His love. We deserve condemnation over our sin. We deserve judgment because of our independence. We deserve crushing and defeat during times of hardship. He is under no obligation to sustain or rescue us from any adversity; -- and yet He does.
Paul tells us that God is "Rich" in mercy, and it is through His mercy that He actually loved us even when we were dead in our sins (Eph 2:4-5). That tells us that He never runs out of mercy, no matter how difficult life may be, no matter how hard we struggle, and no matter how often we falter.
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul alludes to his ministry, fraught with struggles and hardship, and described how God poured out His mercy on him at just the right time, and notes how God's grace was also lavishly provided: --
"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus."
As if God's grace and mercy were not enough, Paul reminds Timothy that, in conclusion, God has given us His . . .
3. Peace – (“eirēnē”). I find it more than fascinating that, as Paul addressed the issue of hardship and adversity, he reminded him that not only had God provided him grace and mercy, but also a sense of peace. Think about that for a minute: God pours out His peace on us, even when we are totally stressed out by misunderstanding, a culture in moral free-fall, persecution and opposition to all we stand for, and personal struggles that make life sometimes so incredibly difficult.
In the middle of it all, God provides us "a life of tranquility, harmony, safety, and prosperity, free from rage, war, chaos, and havoc." That's what the word "peace" means in the Bible.
1) It is what He provided to us -- Peace WITH God -- "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," (Rom 5:8). Because we are no longer God's enemy, as the result of Christ, the Reconciling One, we have more than a cease fire; we have more than a truce; we have PEACE.
Jesus told His disciples, at the very same time He was reminding them that He would return for them, and that they would be hated, persecuted, tortured, and sometimes martyred (see Jn 14:1-17:26), He offered them His peace, stating, . . .
""Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (Jn 14:27)
That peace is through and from Jesus Christ, Who bridged the gap, eradicated the offense, and made peace with God in our behalf. Here's how Paul described it for us: -- ". . . and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven." (Col 1:20).
2) It is what He pours out on us -- Peace OF God -- " Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:6-7)
3) It is Who He is it is How He Acts -- the God of PEACE -- "Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen." (Rom 15:33). Both Paul and the scribe of Hebrews assures us of the same thing: --
Phil 4:9 -- "The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
I Thes 5:23 -- "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Heb 13:20-21 -- "Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen."
Rom 16:20 -- "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you."
My mother's favorite scriptures in the entire Bible was this: -- "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." (Isa 26:3 KJV). The NASB, which I almost always use in my preaching, says it this way: -- ""The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You."
A key word here is "steadfast". It indirectly implies that if someone is "steadfast", there must be a reason; there must be some kind of turmoil, conflict, or struggle that demands he be "steadfast".
So, these are three necessary ingredients -- grace, mercy, and peace -- by which you and I must be covered and in which we must stand, knowing that hardships are "part of the package" of life. Any Christian who thinks he will be immune from such things because he follows Christ is grossly mistaken and tragically deceived. The "rains" of life fall on the "just" and the "unjust" alike. But, for the believers -- for you and me -- God has given us three amazing gifts that enable us to not only endure and withstand, but also to press through to victory -- Grace, Mercy, and Peace; -- ALL from God to us.
In both letters to young Timothy, the first thing Paul addresses as part of his salutation is that God has provided and will continue providing Timothy both grace, mercy, and peace.
"Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord." (I Tim 1:2).
"To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord."
When John wrote His second letter to "the chosen lady and her children", he echoed the same sentiment, stating, . . .
"Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love." (2 John 1:3).
The anonymous writer of Hebrews admonished the believers to whom he wrote -- and clearly to you and me as well -- how we can access those amazing provisions for all times, but especially during times of hardship, struggle, pain, and weariness: --
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb 4:14-16).
The Greek word for "Need", written in our alphabet, is "eukairos", meaning, "timely, opportune, strategic".
REMEMBER them! NEVER FORGET!
Next, we must recognize . . .
II. THE BASIS UPON WHICH OUR LIVES MUST REST: Rest: (1:5)
“For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, . . .”
This is a statement to Timothy that is too often skimmed over with hardly a glace; but, it is the absolute key to facing and enduring hardship. It is the issue of faith -- the matter of explicitly and intentionally trusting God in every situation.
We are talking about a genuine, sincere, indwelling Faith – (“anupokritos pistis”). Literally, these words mean "a total unwavering, pure, confident conviction that something is true, even to the point of the action of trusting and surrendering."
You've read it before in my letters: -- It's Who you trust, NOT just what you believe. Faith is not so much on what you believe, but Who you trust -- and whether or not you trust Him enough to follow Him or act on what He says. It is the idea of "rolling over on", "stepping over onto". It is the "muscle" of your life as a follower of Christ, exercised in obedience.
It is more a verb that it is a noun.
This, then brings us to the problem as we face hardships: --
III. THE BARRIER TO STEADFAST DETERMINATION TOWARD HARDSHIP:
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity,. . .” (17a)
If there is anything that will cause us to "turn back in the day of battle" (Ps 78:9) it is being fearful in one or more of its meanings. The word describing this barrier that too often keeps us from driving through our hardships to victory is "deilia" in the Greek text. There are three aspects or elements found in this word -- fear, timidity, and intimidation.
1. The first is Fear itself – (“deilia”) = "fearful, frightened, (even terrified)". It is the idea of being so alarmed and intimidated over something that one can no longer think rationally, intelligently, or optimistically. Jesus repeatedly had to tell His disciples to stop being afraid.
In fact, most times He did so, you could sense His exasperation over their unbelief. Time and again, He didn't just passively or casually say, "Fear not" or "Oh, don't be afraid!" like a compassionate mother or grandfather. Rather, He was -- almost indignantly, I might add -- "STOP FEARING!!!!"
2. The second aspect is Timidity – (“deilia”). It simply means a sense -- more emotional than analytical -- of "cowardice, sheepishness, reticence, hesitation."
3. The third element is Intimidation – (“deilia”). = "embarrassingly stopped in your tracks to a standstill."
As far as I can recall, there is not a single verse of scripture in the entire Bible that instructs us to face adversity and hardship with fear, hesitation, or discouragement. Instead, there are literally hundreds of occasions where bravery and courage are called for. To illustrate;
“Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work . . . is finished." (I Chron 28:40).
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (I Cor 15:58).
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut 31:6)
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." (Eph 6:10).
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (Jn 14:27).
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise -- in God, I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Ps 56:3-4).
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Josh 1:9).
Need I list more? I certainly hope not!
When it comes to fear in its varied forms -- fear, timidity, intimidation, or any other, -- REFUSE Them! CHOOSE COURAGE!
IV. THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF STEADFASTNESS:
“. . . but of power and love and discipline.” (1:7b)
I find it so stunning that God would first provide us Grace, Mercy, and Peace, but then come along with three other "building blocks" that make Grace, Mercy, and Peace work -- Power, Love, and a Disciplined mind. These are Christian character qualities with which we are both well familiar. Detailed elaboration is unnecessary. Just look at their meanings from the Greek text:
1. Power – (“dunamis”) = "the abundantly miraculous ability to decide and take action, obey a command, or accomplish an assignment."
Jesus told His disciples that they would have two things at their disposal as they ventured out into the known world -- His authority (Mt 28:18), and the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 18). Authority is the Right to do something, and Power is the ability to do it. He has given us both -- and both work quite well during times of hardship.
2. Love – (“agape’”) = "unconditional affection, good will, acceptance, benevolence, brotherly love." You've heard the adage, "Love Conquers All"? It's true. You'd be amazed how simply to love someone, something that happened, or a certain condition defuses situations, softens blows, and melts hearts. At least five times in Ephesians alone, Paul admonishes us to do something "in love". Specifically, . . .
". . . be rooted and grounded in love, . . ." (Eph 3:17).
". . . show tolerance for one another in love, . . ." (Eph 4:2).
" . . . speak the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, . . ." Eph 4:15).
". . . cause the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love." (Eph 4:16).
". . . walk in love, . . . an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." (Eph 5:2).
Perhaps nothing speaks to the role of love when facing hardships than what John, "the one whom Jesus loved", admonished:
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." (I Jn 4:18).
3. Disciplined mind – (“sōphronismos”) = "sound mind, moderation, ability of self control, control one’s thoughts leading to controlling one’s actions."
There is so much I'd love to share here, but my letter is already far too long. Let me simply suggest the following:
1) Think the way Jesus thought -- ". . . Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, . . ." (Phil 2:5). ". . . we have the mind of Christ." (I Cor 2:16).
2) Recognize Satan's deception and trickery -- ". . . if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (Ii Cor 4:3-4).
3) Let your mind be transformed and renewed daily -- " And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." (Rom 12:2).
4) Consciously and intentionally Discipline your mind -- "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, . . ." (II Cor 10:5).
5) Strengthen your faith and confidence in God -- "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:2-8).
Unless you begin to think about hardships, suffering, and adversities the way Jesus thought and talked about them, you will remain "like a reed in the wind" (see James It is essential that you NURTURE, FEED, and USE the power of the Holy Spirit, a fearless Love and courage, and a disciplined, informed, knowledgeable mind that can discern the truth about those specific hardships and challenges.
In other words, find out what God has to say about them, then face them head on without fear.
V. THE BACKBONE TO STEADFASTNESS AGAINST HARDSHIP:
“. . . Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel . . .” (See 1:8-12)
In these verses, Paul pinpoints three essential dispositions we must have if we will successful endure and conquer hardships with courage and joy If we do not develop them, we will never face trials and hardships with any semblance of assurance and joy. They are . . .
1. Unashamed confidence – (8-11) "Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, . . ." (1:8a)
2. Willingness to suffer hardship/persecution – ". . . join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; . . ." (1:8b, 12a).
3. Absolute unwavering confidence in God – ". . . for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day." (1:12b).
To sum it all up, then, --BE COURAGEOUSLY Resolute! Never give in! Never give out! Never give up! You see, my friend, hardships -- in whatever form they may take (obstacles, persecution, setbacks, suffering, poverty, etc.) -- will never defeat you as long as you have chosen that you will not stop until victory has come and God's purposes have been fulfilled.
FINALLY:
As Paul concludes his specific admonition to Timothy about facing hardship, he urges him, . . .
“Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you."
1. Remember the truth. -- "Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, . . ." (1:13)
2. Guard what you’ve been given. -- "Guard . . . the treasure which has been entrusted to you." (1:14)
3. Depend on and obey the Holy Spirit. -- ". . . through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, . . . (1:14)
If you will implement these five principles, . . .
1) The Blessings of grace, mercy, and love with which God has endowed you,
2) Your Basis (foundation) of faith and confidence in God,
3) The Barrier of fear with which Satan will try to hinder -- or even halt -- you on the journey,
4) The Building Blocks of love, power, and disciplined thinking that God has provided you, and
5) The Backbone -- the "re-bars" of unashamed confidence, fearlessness in hardship, and total trust in God, . . .
. . . you will find yourself progressively developing an “Unwavering Assurance For Uncertain Days”
In His Bond, By His Grace, and for His Kingdom,
Bob Tolliver -- Romans 1:11
"Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness,
examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." -- Dr. Luke (Acts 17:11)
"A fire kept burning on the hearthstone of my heart, and I took up the burden of the day with fresh courage and hope." -- Charles F. McKoy
Life Unlimited Ministries
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Copyright September, 2023
"If Jesus had preached the same message that many ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified." -- Leonard Ravenhill
"The time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the Church will have clowns entertaining the goats." -- Charles H. Spurgeon
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