Craig Larson writes the following: On my desk I like to display, on a bookstand, the kind of gift books you put on the coffee table those filled with

Transcription

1 Craig Larson writes the following: On my desk I like to display, on a bookstand, the kind of gift books you put on the coffee table those filled with professional photos of nature or tourist destinations.

2 One I really like is titled, America s Spectacular National Parks. For several days I had the book open to a photo of the Grand Teton Mountains, an extra-wide photo that filled not only the left page, but crossed the fold and took half of the page on the right.

3 It is a majestic display of deep blue sky; rugged, gray, snow-capped mountains; and a calm river in the foreground.

4 One morning I decided to turn the page to the next photo, and as I did I discovered that I had missed something important.

5 The right page of the Grand Tetons photo was an extra-long page folded over, covering part of the Grand Tetons.

6 So when I opened it up, it not only revealed what was covered, but added another eight inches to the Grand Tetons photo, and then it opened again another 8 inches.

7 In other words, when I opened the fold, I added some 16 inches to the width of the photo. Wow! The Grand Tetons became even grander!

8 Author: Pastor Paul M. Sadler, President of Berean Bible Society

9 Author: Pastor Paul M. Sadler, President of Berean Bible Society

10 Gospel of the Grace of God Hope: Heaven above Terms of salvation: Believe that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. Gospel of the Kingdom Hope: Kingdom of heaven on the earth Terms of salvation: Repent, be water baptized, and believe that Jesus is the Messiah of Israel.

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12 Program The Mystery program has its own APOSTLE : For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I [Apostle Paul] am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office (Rom. 11:13). CHURCH: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another (Rom. 12:5). BAPTISM: For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles (I Cor. 12:13). LAST DAYS: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers (II Tim. 3:1,2).

13 Mystery Program The Mystery program has its own RETURN OF CHRIST: For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (I Thes. 4:16,17). RESURRECTION: Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible (I Cor. 15:51,52). JUDGMENT BEFORE CHRIST: For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Rom. 12:10).

14 Mystery Program The Mystery program has its own COMMISSION: [God] hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God (II Cor. 5:19,20). And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery (Eph. 3:9). GOSPEL OF SALVATION: And the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24). For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works (Eph. 2:8,9).

15 Mystery Program The Mystery program has its own HOPE AND CALLING: For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven (Col. 1:5). POSITION: [God] hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:6). WALK: As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him (Col. 2:6). For we walk by faith, not by sight (II Cor. 5:7).

16 Mystery Program We have our own Apostle, Church, Baptism, Resurrection, Return of Christ, Judgment before Christ, Commission, Gospel, Hope, Calling, Last days, Position, and Walk.

17 Romans 16:25-27 Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.