REALIZING OUR RICHES - By late Pastor Lloyd Peterson

   This is an article that I kept from years back in fact the date was  April 29, 1973, and thought it bears repeating at this time. This was written by my Pastor.   I pray that it will bless you as it has me for years. Paris

"To my thinking the richest verse in the Bible for the believer is Ephesians 1:3, 'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ' (or more accurately - 'in the heavenlies'). Why we, as members of the body of Christ, do not show forth more radiantly our eternal heritage, I do not know. Maybe it is because we have eyes too fixed on time's boundaries rather than God's eternity and His purpose. The context of this tremendous verse reveals that we were chosen of God for an eternal purpose and ministry. 'Chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world' Verse 4. (The church is always referred to as such; Israel, 'from the foundation of the world.') There is then design and purpose in God's saving us. It is an eternal purpose and ministry. Life's little day soon ends and we pass on, but in passing on it is to some ministry beyond the sunset of time. What it is we have never been told for the Bible is principally the history of redemption. This puts the believer today in a high calling. It should be a great outlook; for each of us 'is necessary.'

   Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 12:22 'Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary.' As the redeemed we should with the great apostle declare, Blessed by God.' We, however, do not always pray that way - rather we cry 'bless me' when He 'hath blessed us'.

   Again, the context reveals that we were 'chosen' and 'predestinated.' Why some saints are frightened when they hear of predestination, I'll never know. We should rejoice over it. I suppose the reason some become disturbed in this doctrine is because they read some things into it that should not be there. We start meddling in God's business. God has kept some things to Him-self. I'm glad that he has. Do you remember when Jesus told Peter about his, i.e. Peter's future? (See John 21:20.) Peter started doing just what we do. He said, speaking of John, 'What shall this man do?' Do you remember what Jesus said? He said, 'What is that to thee?' In our language it would be, 'That is not your business, you follow me.' Always remember dear child of God, that God has your interest at heart. You need never fear the truth of predestination, rather rejoice in it.

   There are two key words in Ephesians 1:4 which belong to verse 5. They are: '1n love.' Thus verse 5 reads as follows, 'In love having predestinated us.' It is 'to the good pleasure of His will' and 'to the praise of His glory' and 'according to the riches of His grace' and 'in all wisdom and prudence' which He purposed in Himself.'

   Space does not permit further exposition but read and reread Ephesians, Chapter 1. May we this week radiate the Savior's countenance. May the Holy Spirit help us to manifest the reflection of such a rich heritage. No doubt this week we shall more than once ask God to remove the hindrances in the way so that the Holy Spirit will well forth in our lives 'springs of Iiving waters'. As a result of all this we shall better realize our riches in Christ Jesus.

How God Saves Men
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4

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