“The Just Shall Live by Faith”

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Bryan Hodge

“Living by faith, in Jesus above, Trusting, confiding in His great love; From all harm safe in His sheltering arms, I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.”  (Song: Living By Faith,  James Wells).

The Bible says, “the just (righteous ASV/NASB) shall live by faith.”  This is explicitly stated four times (Habakkuk 2:4; Galatians 3:11; Romans 1:17; Hebrews 10:38-39).  While it is explicitly stated only four times, the principle is implicitly found throughout the pages of the Bible, from beginning to end.  God’s expectations of man have always been consistent.  The specifics that He requires of man may change (Noah, build an ark; Abraham, go to a land that I will show you; Moses and children of Israel, keep the Passover; Joshua and children of Israel, encompass the walls of Jericho; Repent and be baptized, etc.).  However, the just have always lived by faith.  Truly, in this sense God’s plan of salvation has never changed.

Habakkuk 2:4

This is the first time the words actually appear in the Bible.  The emphasis is upon humility.  “Behold the proud.  His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4 NKJV).  Pride and living by faith are set in contrast.  Let’s remember, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5-6).  “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).  Arrogance and self-righteousness does not impress Him (Luke 18:9-14).

The greater context concerns the Chaldeans afflicting Judah (Habakkuk 1).  God was using the Chaldeans to punish and humble Judah.  God would then punish the prideful, sinful Chaldeans (Habakkuk 2).  They (Israel) needed to trust Him, “the just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4).  The prophet then eloquently affirms his trust saying, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the field shall yield no meat.  The flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  The Lord God is my strength…(Habakkuk 3:17-19).

I care not today what the morrow may bring if shaded or sunshine or rain, The Lord I know ruleth over everything, And all of my worry is vain.”  (Song: Living By Faith, James Wells).

Galatians 3:10-12

In this context,  the thing emphasized is the need for dependence on, and trust in God.  “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the of the law to do them.  But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for the just shall live by faith.  And the law is not of faith: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them” (Galatians 3:10-12).

Violations of a legal system places one under a curse.  Laws do not justify.  Laws condemn lawbreakers.  Violate human law, such as state traffic laws or city building codes, and you can be judged and condemned.  Violation of Mosaic Law brought one under the curse of the law (Galatians 3:10, cf. Deuteronomy 27:26).  Law, itself, does not make the violator just.

The only possible way one could truly stand just under a purely legal system would be to perfect keep the law, with not even one transgression (Galatians 3:12).  Such a one would not have to depend upon God for a state of justness.  So much for that! (Romans 3:10, 23).

The just are those who live by faith (Galatians 3:11).  They depend upon God (Galatians 3:22).

Please, don’t misunderstand.  We, today are under a legal system (Galatians 6:2; Romans 8:2, 7; Hebrews 10:16; James 1:25; 2:8).  If there be no law, then there could be no sin (Romans 4:15; 5:13, cf. 1 John 1:8).  If there be no law, then there could be no sin (Romans 4:15; 5:13 cf. 1 John 3:4).  However, we are not under a purely legal system.  The just live by faith.  Their goodness and morality alone is not sufficient.  The depend upon and trust in God for justification.  Paul wrote “if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain”  (Galatians 2:21).    Those who walk by faith accept both their need for grace and God’s conditions for it.  “For ye are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ lave put on Christ “[(Galatians 3:26-27).  Note: The definite article appears before the term ‘faith’.  It is speaking of the objective standard of faith which of course we must accept ].

Romans 1:16-17

The emphasis in this passage is upon accepting God’s plan for man’s righteousness.  “For I am not ashamed  (cf. 2 Timothy  1:8, 12, 16) of the gospel of Christ [The gospel includes: facts concerning Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1-4),  a message to be preached (Mark 16:15; Romans 1:15), and a doctrine to be believed and obeyed (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8; 1 Peter 4:17; Romans 6:16-17, cf. 6:3-5; Mark 16:15-16)] for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone (Jew and Gentile, male and female, bond and free) that believeth (obedient belief, not mere mental assent.  See, Romans 1:5; 6:16-17, cf. 6:3-5; Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8-9) to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Luke 24:47; Acts. 3:26; 13:46; 18:5-6; Romans 1:16; 2:9-11).  For therein (in the Gospel cf. Romans 1:16) is the righteousness of God revealed (not God’s own personal righteousness, but God’s plan for man’s righteousness (cf. Romans 10:3-4; 4:1-7) from faith to faith [lit. “out of faith into faith” (a variety of meanings have been suggested by commentators, some possible others not: (1) faith of the preacher to faith of the hearer; (2) acquire faith of hearer to responsive faith of hearer; (3) receiving faith of hearer to increasing and maturing faith.  (4) Old Testament and New Testament (objective systems of faith) which revealed the personal righteousness of God; (5) Old Testament and New Testament each teaching that man can stand righteous before God by faith; (6) faith only – this interpretation is blatantly false; (7) faith first to last, meaning that man’s part begins and ends in faith.  It is summed up in faith – not mere mental assent, but a trustful walk through life following God; (8) objective system of faith (the Gospel) to subjective or personal faith; (9) the personal faith of Jesus which produces and motivates a faith in us, cf. Romans 3:22)]: as it is written, the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:16-17).

Look at it again: “therein (in the Gospel) is the righteousness of God revealed… the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).  God’s way for man’s righteousness is revealed in the Gospel.  The just live by faith, that is they accept and follow God’s plan for righteousness.  Absolute sinlessness and flawlessness is not required to be counted just.  What is required is that one has faith in Him, and lives his life accordingly.  The just one accepts and follows God’s plan for man’s righteousness.

Hebrews 10:35-39

In this context, patience (endurance) is being emphasized.  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward (reward: Hebrews 10:35 cf. 11:16, 11:26).  For ye have need of patience (patience: Hebrews 10:36, cf. 12:1; 6:12-18) that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise (promise: Hebrews 10:36, cf. 4:1; 6:12-18; 11:9-10; 11:29-40; Tit. 1:2)… Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul hath no pleasure in him.  But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:35-39).

There are many trials and difficulties in the life of a Christian.  However, the just live by faith.  They just don’t give up, or “throw in the towel” when it comes to seeking to follow God.  “Let us not grow weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).  “Be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye knew that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).  Don’t give up; Heaven will surely be worth it all!

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You Won’t Be Ashamed!

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Bryan Hodge

Ashamed: “Feeling shame” (Funk + Wagnalls). Shame: “A painful sense of guilt or degradation” (Funk + Wagnalls); “A painful sensation excited by a consciousness of guilt, or having done something which injures reputation; or by the exposure of that which nature or modesty prompts one to conceal” (Webster). We’re talking about embarrassment, something that makes one blush, and even wish to hide his face.

We’ve all experienced it. (1) Sometimes it is due to non-sinful matters—a forgotten appointment, static cling, zipper down, dress tucked into pantyhose, etc. (2) Sometimes it is due to sin—being caught in a lie, being caught in the act or exposed for committing some sin. Shame can be a good thing. There are things which should cause us to blush (Jeremiah 6:15; 8:12; Ezra 9:6). Shame can prompt one to confess and repent of sin. David once prayed, “Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your loving kindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions, Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me” (Psalm 51:1-3). David was haunted by his quilt. His sin was always before him. That is, he was ashamed. Paul wrote much about shame (1 Corinthians 6:5; 11:6; 14:35; 15:39; Ephesians 5:11-12). It is spiritually healthy to be able to feel shame over sin.

 [NOTE: There are four states concerning shame and sin. (1) A person may have shame for sin. David had shame over his personal sins (Psalm 51:1-3). Ezra felt shame over the sins of his people, his nation (Ezra 9:6). (2) A person may have no shame for sin (Jeremiah 6:15; 8:12). When one has no shame for sin, it could be: (a) because of Biblical ignorance; (b) due to being past feeling, having the conscience seared (Ephesians 4:19; 1 Timothy 4:2). (3) A person may be forgiven for sin, yet feel shame. This one needs to learn to forgive self. Perhaps, this is part of “forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (Philippians 3:13). Perhaps, some of us are like David, who prayed, “remember not the sins of my youth” (Psalm 25:7). (4) A person may be forgiven, and thus have a clear conscience (Hebrew 10:22; cf. 10:1-2; 1 Peter 3:21 ESV). This is the ideal.]

Back to the main point of this article—there are things which make us feel ashamed in this life; however, there is something that will never bring shame in the end: Trusting in Him.

Isaiah 28

“Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily” (Isaiah 28:16).

Judah was facing a serious threat to her national security. A flood of Assyrians were coming (Isaiah 8:7; 28:2). Judah’s rulers ridiculed the words of the prophet (Isaiah 28:14-15; cf. 28:2; 8:7). They trusted in their alliance with Egypt (Isaiah 30:1-7; 36:6-9).

It is in this context that God tells them of a sure foundation. The immediate reference may be that the sure foundation was to be found in trusting in Him and His word (Isaiah 28:16; cf. 8:11-15. Also see, Deuteronomy 32:1-4; Genesis 49:22-26, esp. v. 24b). The words “act hastily” (NKJV) or “make haste” (KJV) seems to mean that if they would trust in Him they would not be put to flight. Hezekiah prayed to God trusting in Him (2 Kings 19:15-35). The result? God spared the city (2 Kings 19:32-37; 2 Chronicles 32:20-26; Isaiah 37:33-38).

 Isaiah 49

“They shall not be ashamed who wait for Me” (Isaiah 49:23).

The background is this—Hezekiah was told of a captivity in Babylon that would come upon Judah following his death (Isaiah 39:5-8; 2 Kings 20:16-19). This captivity was to last seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11-13; 29:10; Daniel 9:2; 2 Chronicles 36:21-22). The book of Isaiah tells of a return (Isaiah 44:24-ff). Some while in captivity would think that the Lord had forgotten them (Isaiah 49:14). He had not. He keeps His word.

The teaching is that one will not be ashamed if they trust in God’s words and in His promises. God does not lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). “He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

Romans 9

“Behold I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame” (Romans 9:33).

The thoughts go back to the book of Isaiah. Paul seems to tie three passages together: Isaiah 8:13-14; Isaiah 28:16; and Isaiah 49:23 (though, the wording “put to shame” may be from the LXX rendering of Isaiah 28:16).

The words “on Him” refer to Jesus. He is the “chief cornerstone” (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:4, 6-8; cf. Psalm 118:22). We can be built on Him (1 Peter 2:7; cf. Ephesians 2:20) or trip over Him (1 Peter 2:8).

The context is this: many Israelites had sought for righteousness apart from Jesus (Romans 9:31-10:4). They had stumbled over the idea of Jesus as their savior (Romans 9:32). Elsewhere, Paul wrote, “we preach Christ crucified to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:23). However, those who believe on Him  will not be ashamed in the end that they did so.

Romans 10

“Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame” (Romans 10:11).

The context is very similar to that of the previous passage. However, the emphasis is on the wording “whoever”. Paul moves beyond the Israelites to all of humanity. He expounds on the “whoever” by saying “for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him for ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved’” (Romans 10:12-13). This returns to the thesis of the book “the gospel of Christ … is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

 1 Peter 2

“‘Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame’

Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,’ and ‘A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense’” (1 Peter 2:6-8).

This passage references three passages. Verse six is from Isaiah 28:16. Verse seven is from Psalm 118:22. Verse eight is from Isaiah 8:14.

The context concerns the point that the church is precious to God. The church is His temple (1 Peter 2:5; cf. 1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Corinthians 3:16). The church is His priesthood (1 Pet. 2:5, 9). The church is offering up to Him spiritual sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 13:15).

The reason we can have this relationship with Him is because of Jesus. We “offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). It is “by Him” that we “offer the sacrifice of praise to God” (Hebrews 13:15). We certainly will not be ashamed for believing in Him in the end!

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You Are Called!

Posted on January 20, 2011 by Bryan Hodge

Elbert Anderson was a government contractor during the war of 1812.  He purchased goods and resold them to the U.S. government.  The good were inspected by two brothers Ebenezer and Samuel Wilson prior to the purchase.  Samuel Wilson became known to some as “Uncle Sam”.  Purchased good were marked “E.A.-U.S..”  The “E.A.” stood for Elbert Anderson.  The “U.S.” stood for the United States.  However, some jokingly said that the “U.S.” stood for Uncle Sam.  Thus, Uncle Sam and the United States government became connected in thought.  Uncle Sam posters were made for recruitment purposes in WWI.  You no doubt are familiar with the image: An elderly man dressed in the national colors – red, white, and blue, and pointing his finger saying, “I Want You For U.S. Army”.  This image was the creation of James Montgomery Flagg, created in 1917.

God Calls Us

Uncle Sam isn’t the only one who calls for recruits.  God calls us.  Paul wrote, “We are bound to give thanks to God always for you… He called you” (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).  Peter spoke of “the God of all grace who called us…” (1 Peter 5:10; cf. 2:9-10).  Jesus also calls us.  Paul wrote, “…you also are called of Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:6).

To What?

To what is it that God is calling us?  (1) In this earthly existence, He calls us to: (a) Obedience.  Paul wrote, “We have obtained grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations… among whom you also were called of Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:5-6).  (b) Light.  Peter wrote, “(He) called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).  We are to “walk in the light” (1 John 1:6-7; cf. 2:9-11).  (c) Holiness.  Paul pointed out that “God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:7).  The context concerns behavior.  Notice “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality (fornication – KJV); that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).  We are to “pursue” holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).  (d) Fellowship.  Paul said, “God called (you) into the fellowship of His son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9).  This fellowship is conditional (see 1 John 1:6-7).

(2) Ultimately, God calls us to a better life in the hereafter.  He calls us to: (a) His Kingdom.  “God… calls you into His own kingdom” (1 Thessalonians 2:12).  This seems to refer to His kingdom’s existence in the hereafter (cf. Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 4:18).  (b) Glory.  “God… calls you into… glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12).  “God… called us to eternal glory” (1 Peter 5:10).  “He called you… for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:14).  A glorious existence with Christ awaits (Romans 8:17).  A glorious body like unto His awaits (Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2).  (c) A heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1).  This connects with another passage in the same book, “But now they (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob – B.H.) desired a better, that is to say, a heavenly country.  Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God for he has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:16).  W.E. Vine’s made this observation, “It (kaleo) is used particularly if the divine call to partake of the blessings of redemption (Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words).

 How?

How does God call us to these things?  Does He whisper into our ear?  Does He appear to us in a night’s dream?  No.  God calls us by means of the gospel.  Notice: “He called you by our gospel, for obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

 Man’s Choice

God’s call is not without conditions.  Peter said, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10-11).  If you do not what things?  The answer is the things listed in verses five through nine.  God has called us to glory; however, it is upon us to make this calling to glory become the reality of our glory.

God is Calling the Prodigal

God  is calling the prodigal come without delay.  Hear, O hear him calling, calling now for thee; Tho you’ve wandered so far from His presence, come today; Hear His loving voice calling still.

Come, there’s bread in the house of the Father, and to spare; Hear O hear Him calling, calling now for thee; Lo! The table is spread and the feast is waiting there; Hear His loving voice calling still.                                                                                                                   

Calling, now for thee, O weary prodigal, come; calling now for thee, O weary prodigal come.”

(Song by Charles H. Gabriel)

A Special Call

It is true that God throughout the Bible called certain one’s to certain works.  Examples from the Old Covenant include: (a) Moses (Ex. 3-4); (b) Gideon (Judges 6); (c) Ezekiel 1-3), and many others.  Please note: in each case, sufficient evidence was provided to verify the call.  Examples from the New Covenant include: (a) The Twelve (Matthew 10); (b) Paul (Acts 9, 22, 26); and perhaps Timothy (1 Timothy 4:14; cf. 2 Timothy 1:6).  Again, it should be pointed out that sufficient evidence was provided to verify the call.

Some preachers today, especially in the denominational world, claim to have received a special call.  This claim is one which begs many questions.  John Waddy has asked a few – “The usual practice is, the man receives his call from God, then the church decides whether or not to license him.  This is sheer presumption.  If God calls a man to preach, how dare any fallible group of humans to make a man first get their approval and license to do what God specifically called him to do?  What if God calls a man and the church refuses to license him?… If a preacher is specifically called of God and appointed, what right has a congregation to… dismiss him?  Is it reasonable that God would specifically call preachers into some 2000 different warring denominational groups?  Would He call them to preach different doctrines; different plans of salvation…”? (Fortify Your Faith, March 07, 2009)

The real question is, “where is the proof?”  God provided Moses with miraculous proof so that Israel “may believe the Lord God of their fathers… has appeared to you” (Exodus 4:5).  Don’t expect any proof from them (A careful study of 1 Corinthians 13 and Ephesians 4 establishes the fact that miracles ceased with God’s complete New Covenant system being revealed).

There was a test for prophets under the Old Covenant.  (1) Their message should not contradict any of God’s previously revealed truth (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).  This is true even if any sign or wonder was provided (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).  (2) If a prophecy is provided, it should come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

Some preachers among us are starting to use this language of being called.  (1) Sometimes they mean that they feel a certain nudging with them telling them to do this work.  One should be very careful about this.  The denominational preachers can make the same claim.  (2) Sometimes they say that God provided them with a sign.  Marshall Keeble told the story of a young man who saw “GP” in a cloud formation.  He took it to mean “go preach”.  The father of the son told him it meant “go pick”.  They were cotton pickers.  (3)  Sometimes they mean that God seems to be opening doors and closing others,  thereby guiding them.  I certainly believe in God’s providence.  However, the nature of God’s providence is such that it is behind the scenes.  One can’t say for sure that something is God’s providence unless He’s revealed such with words (Esther 4:14; Philemon 1:15).

The evidence of special callings today is lacking; however, we’ve all been called by the gospel to a glorious future in heaven.

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Will You Be In Glory?

Posted on January 3, 2011 by Bryan Hodge

The term “glory is used in different ways in the Bible.  The Hebrew term (kabod) has to do with “something weighty” (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament).  It is used of that which is important, or impressive or of honor.  The Greek term (doxa) “primarily signifies an opinion, estimate, and hence, the honor resulting from a good opinion” (W.E. Vine’s). 

The Bible sometimes speaks of our glorifying God.  “In the N.T…. giving God glory means acknowledging (Acts 12:23) or extolling (Luke 2:14) what is already a reality” (TDNT).  It should be evident that we can add nothing to Him.

The Bible also uses the term of “splendor” [Vine’s (see 1 Corinthians 15:40-41)].  I believe that it is in this sense that the term “glory” is used of the faithful’s existence in the after-life.

Jesus

Jesus prayed, “O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was” (John 17:5).  He said to the two men on the road to Emmaus, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and entered into His glory?” (Luke 24:26).  He was “received up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).  He has a “glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21).

Us

God’s plan was for us to be a part of that heavenly glory.  Paul wrote, “We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory” (1 Corinthians 2:7).  God has called us by the gospel to obtain glory (2 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:12), eternal glory (1 Peter 5:10).  Jesus desired that we see Him in glory (John 17:24).  We’re told, “When Christ who is our life appears, then (we) also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).  However, we must be faithful.  Paul wrote, “If children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:17).  A glorified body awaits.  “There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one and the glory of the terrestrial is another… So also is the resurrection of the dead.  The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in corruption.  It is sown in dishonor.  It is raised in glory.  It is sown in weakness.  It is raised in power” (1 Corinthians 15:40-43).  Jesus “will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21).  “It has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).  Note: This does not mean that we’ll be like Him in every way.  It only means that we’ll have a glorified body suitable for that heavenly existence.

Glory For Me

“When all my labors and trials are o’er, And I am safe on that beautiful shore, Just to be near the dear Lord I adore will thro’ the ages be glory for me.

When, by the gift of His infinite grace, I am accorded in heaven a place, Just to be there and to look on His face will through the ages be glory for me.

Friends will be there I have loved long ago; Joy like a river around me will flow; Yet just a smile from my Savior I know will thro’ the ages be glory for me.

O that will be glory for me, Glory for me, glory for me; when by His grace I shall look on His face, That will be glory, be glory for me.”

(Song by Charles H. Gabriel)

Stay Focused

Paul prayed that the brethren knew “what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance” (Ephesians 1:18).  Stay focused (Colossians 3:13-14).

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