There are those that work to be saved instead of trusting Christ. Salvation is not by works, but by faith alone. But the verse above says faith works. How do we explain this seeming contradiction? Salvation comes first by faith alone but after salvation that new faith gets to work—serving the Saviour. Too many have a salvation that does not work. Thankfully God keeps working in us and through us. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). Is He working in you? If not, why not? —Harold G. Smith
Once far away from God and dead in sin, no light my heart could see; But in God’s Word the light I found, now Christ liveth in me. —Daniel W. Whittle
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29
The analogy of salt in this verse, suggests to us one of its true purposes, to enhance flavours. Is our speech seasoned with salt, or hot pepper? A liberal dose of grace goes a long way to enhancing our speech and edifying others. May we follow Jesus’ example, of whom it was said, “And all…marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth” (Luke 4:22, ESV). —E. V.
May the mind of Christ my Saviour, live in me from day to day, By His love and power controlling, all I do and say. —Kate B. Wilkinson
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Psalm 73:26
Asaph’s personal crisis had nearly caused him to slip from his faith. Why did God permit the wicked to prosper? What value was there in salvation, if the righteous suffer and the wicked remain unpunished? These are age old questions and still relevant today. Ignorance concerning God’s sovereignty had vexed Asaph’s soul, but now he realized that the fate of the wicked was sealed, but in God’s timing. Material prosperity is temporary and only what is spiritual has lasting value. Thus, Asaph, was able to rejoice in his salvation again—the Lord was his portion and ours too! —W. A. H.
Thou art my portion, Lord; Thy words I ever heed; With all my heart, Thy grace I seek, Thy promises I plead. —Author Unknown
And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, [the angels] said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? Luke 24:5
In the early dawn these women arrived at the empty tomb. Their hope was dim. Who would roll the stone away? Still they came, not only out of love for their Lord, but to anoint His body with spices and ointments. They arrived to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty! They were mystified and afraid until the angels said, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He isn’t here, He’s risen!” As we worship the risen Christ today, may we come out of love and with something prepared in our hearts to offer Him. —Jim Comte
Death cannot keep his prey, Jesus my Saviour, He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord. —Robert Lowry
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will…[to] gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth. Ephesians 1:9-10
This reference to the earth in the singular marks it out as unique among the multitude of heavenly bodies. It was on this tiny planet that the Creator placed mankind and unfolded the greatest event of all time—the birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Soon He will be manifested again when He returns to the earth in glory and power. Our precious Saviour, the Man of Calvary will be the centrepiece of God’s final purpose and plan. —Drew Craig
O blessed hope! O bliss full promise. Filling our hearts with rapture divine, O day of days! Thy appearing! Thy transcendent glory for ever will shine. —Author Unknown
And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:3
This is the first time that the title “Lord Jesus” is used in the Scriptures. How appropriate that it is in connection with His resurrection and the empty tomb! The Lord of glory conquers death! The Lord of lords is victorious over Satan, sin and sorrow! The Lord of all is alive for evermore! Remember Paul’s words to the Romans, “For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living” (Rom. 14:9, NKJV). Let’s truly rejoice in our Lord Jesus today. —Pete Smith
Christ our Lord is risen indeed, Christ is now the church’s Head; Loud the song of triumph raise, Celebrate the Victor’s praise. —Charles Wesley
And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. Mark 11:17
In the temple, the only place a Gentile could learn about God was in the courtyard of the Gentiles. Yet the greedy priests had turned it into a profiteering market place! What a hindrance to the “nations” wanting to get to know God! What about my life? Is it a hindrance to others? What do my neighbours see in me? A person with double standards? Do they see a person so busy with their career they’ve no time to share their life and the gospel with them, or do they see a beautiful temple filled with the Spirit of God? —David Croudace
We cannot be channels of blessing, if our lives are not free from all sin; We will barriers be and a hindrance, to those we are trying to win. —James George Deck
…he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:6
…who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places… Ephesians 1:3
“You’re in.” “You’re accepted.” “You’re included.” These are usually joyful words. If true in the secular world, how much more in the spiritual realm. However, “you’re in” only becomes a matter of celebration when we find out “in what.” Our Saviour told us we are in His hand and also in the Father’s hand (John 10). He told the thief he would soon be in paradise (Luke 23). What blessings! One thing is certain, you are either in or not in. Are you in the family of God? If so we can say together, “Hallelujah, what a Saviour”! —Ken Gross
“In the Beloved”, accepted am I. Risen, ascended, and seated on high. —Civilla Martin
Gospel Folio Press believes in the ministry of the printed book. We believe in the ministry of the spoken word. We believe in the ministry of fellowship between believers. When the three come together, you have a special thing. That is why we think conference book tables are a great thing, because all three can be together in one package.
Over the Easter Weekend, Gospel Folio Press has book displays at both the Toronto Assembly Conferences in Toronto East and Toronto West. To co-ordinate such an undertaking is a significant amount of work. From picking and packing to pricing, there are over 3,316 books and Bibles for the two displays. Attempting to discern relevant books to bring for the anticipated audience, trying to remember to bring specific books, and having a well-rounded, balanced selection are all unique tasks that have to be kept in consideration throughout the entire pre-conference planning stage.
A book display is both a physical labour effort, but it is also a spiritual endeavour. We are encouraged when someone picks up that strategically picked book, that you hoped the Lord would lead the right person to. I have been with Gospel Folio Press for 19 years, and there are some classic books, like “True Discipleship” by William MacDonald, that every time one sells, you are thankful to the Lord that they are receiving that message. But at a book table, there is always those three or four books that you have personally picked, and are watching, and when they sell, you know the Spirit is doing His spiritual work in both yourself, who was led to pull it off the shelf, and the person who is being led to buy it. That is always an affirmation that we are doing something profitable.
Our prayer is that the combined ministry of fellowship, spoken word, and printed page will work in the lives of the believers to help them grow, and continue growing in things of the Lord.
You can pray these same things for these book displays this weekend. Come visit us if you’d like at one of the following two locations:
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. Ezra 7:10
Education and learning are essential for young people to progress in the world. How many of us may regret not getting down to our books early in life. The biggest mistake, however, is for young Christians to delay getting down to “the Book” until after school and university. Give time to Him and He will honour your secular studies. We older ones should always remember that we will forever be in the school of God until He takes us home. —Brian Russell
Open to us Thy word, Thy precious thoughts reveal, Thy purposes and ways explain, and teach us all Thy will. —Daniel Webley
