Living Grace 24 7

It has often been expressed that the primary leadership of the Reformation [Restoration] did not go far enough in their restoration of the New Testament Church. Martin Luther got it right on how we are saved [justification]. “The just shall live by faith” (Galatians 3:11), was one of the revelatory truths of God’s Word that rallied the Reformers. We praise God for the reformer John Wycliffe who believed that the people should be able to read the Bible in their own language; and by the grace of God, he worked hard to get the truth of God’s Word into the hands and hearts of the masses. That is an on-going mission which must be repeated in each new generation. Notice, within a half century after the Reformation began the church was in crisis, because it misunderstood that justification or salvation is of God by grace through faith alone – the believers who came out of the Medieval or Dark Ages were taught that sanctification [spiritual maturity] was accomplished through works of the flesh. They were constantly reminded how much their relationship with God depended on their works. The sad news is many local churches continue to practice this pre-Reformation church model of ministry to this day. That theological error has come full circle today. The results are witnessed in every city, town and village of America as citizens, who have chosen to no longer believe God is relevant, but that He no longer loves and cares, that He created the world and left it to feign for itself (Deism). Add to that the many local churches that rely upon legalism, performance of the flesh, and feelings (entertainment), rather than upon God’s grace alone through the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit and Word of God working in tandem. The Spirit leads, guides, and teaches the restored truths of the Gospel of Grace. Teachers were raised up during the Reformation to help Christians know what they believed and why they believed it. Today, God is continuing to meet that need by raising up desperately needed Spiritually-gifted and bold apologetic teachers for that very purpose in these last days (see 2 Timothy 2:2). The Bread of Life Ministries and Bible Institute along with thousands of Para ministries across America and around the world are established and Spirit-led for “such a time as this.” Magdalene and I were led of the Spirit to establish the Bread of Life Ministries 25 years ago specifically to equip the saints (disciples) for that purpose. If the churches would return to their Christ-given mission, biblical world view and teaching ministries, millions would be saved, disciple and brought into the kingdom of God with the continued commitment to do the same!

Living Grace is the most comprehensive expression of systematic theology for United Methodism to appear in the 1990's. Its authors, Bishop Walter Klaiber and Dr. Manfred Marquardt, are leading theologians of continental European United Methodism. Their work meets the long-felt need to provide partners in ecumenical dialog a clearer exposition of Methodism's theology, as founded upon biblical witness, apostolic heritage, the Protestant Reformation, and the Wesleyan Revival. The authors concede that Methodists are often regarded more as specialists in evangelization, ecclesial organization, or social engagement, than as representatives of a cogently articulated theology. Further, United Methodists today are frequently at the forefront of facilitating interchurch cooperation in worship and social outreach. It is the authors' hope that a clearer exposition of our common understanding could offer a foundation upon which the "vital Wesleyan accent" could better direct the Christian witness we are offering in the world. Their response to the challenge has produced a thoughtful attempt to find a solid theological basis for our identity as a church that will not only accent our distinctiveness but will also assist other faith communities to articulate their profiles of faith. In this first English edition, the work has been adapted for the American historical and social milieu. As such, it becomes a pathbreaking effort to articulate for our American constituency the global dimensions of a United Methodist theology, in which the American church is increasingly called to participate. Four emphases of the book are: Responsible Proclamation, Basics of a UMC theology; Universal Salvation; Personal Faith; and, Fullness of Christian Life and the Reality of Love.

IGNORANCE OF GOD’S TRUTH IS NO EXCUSE! We are to glorify God and love Him with all our heart, soul and mind; and love our neighbors as ourselves. As believers, we are to be conduits for the flow of God’s love to other human beings. However, the Christian Community is greatly hindered corporately and individually because of self-love, individualism, spiritual and biblical ignorance. Many Christians look at the truths of God’s Word in an attitude of utter defeat and unbelief. God said this work would be done through us empowered by the Holy Spirit. We can trust Him to complete His work in us because He has promised it (see Philippians 1:6). God repeatedly assures us of His promised provisions for us, and of His consistent undying love for us. Why not fully—yield yourself to Him today!

Grace and salvation are probably the most important topics of Christian conversations, and all other doctrinal affirmations are sometimes reduced to serve supporting roles. They are ultimately inseparable; after all, salvation is by grace. Recent decades revealed an even deeper fascination on this tandem. Developments in biblical studies caused interest in reconstructing our long-held interpretations. The Reformation dictum “justification by grace through faith” is being evaluated in the light of a more holistic approach to the entire Bible. A call to return to the New Testament’s Jewish roots guides theologians today to appropriate Hebrew thought and appreciate the continuity of salvation history from the time of creation. Insights about humanity created in the image of God, arguments about the vocation of humans as priests of creation, emphasis on the relationship between worship and mission, and zealous concerns for environmental care have also influenced the discussions about God’s saving grace. All these themes are given attention here, although in varying degrees. This book is unashamedly biblical and Wesleyan in its approach. It presents the biblical narrative from creation to the final consummation, highlighting elements of grace and salvation as progressively revealed in the Bible.

Barber provides a very reader-friendly treatment of the foundational doctrineof Christian living.

Saved by Grace, I am grateful for the ability to write this book. My prayer is that every one that will read the book will know the Saving Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am all that Iam by the sustaining and Transforming grace of God. I am grateful to be a partaker of grace.

Winner of the 2018 Christian Book Award for Bible of the Year. The Swindoll Study Bible offers the best of Chuck Swindoll's wit, charm, pastoral insight, and wise biblical study directly to you as you study God's Word. Chuck's warm, personal style comes across on every page, and his informed, practical insights get straight to the heart of the Bible's message for the world today. Reading each part of this study Bible is like hearing Chuck speak God's Word directly to your heart. It will both encourage readers' faith and draw them deeper into the study of God's Word. In Chuck's own words: "This study Bible was designed with you in mind. As you read the Scriptures, imagine my sitting beside you and sharing personal stories, important insights, and hard-earned lessons that will encourage you to walk more closely with Jesus Christ. You'll discover the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the Bible: Who wrote it and when? What does it mean, and where did its events occur? Why should I trust it? And most importantly, how can I apply it today? "It's that last question more than any other that has fed my passion to publish this Bible. My primary focus in ministry has been teaching biblical insight for living . . . for genuine life change. After all, that's why God has communicated His Word to us--so that we may become like His Son, Jesus Christ, the central figure of this Book." Free app with purchase! App includes all content from The Swindoll Study Bible and can be used across multiple devices with your Tecarta app account. Available for iOS and Android. (Free app applies to print editions only.)

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? True Christianity is under siege in America today! Satan has spread two of the most evil deceptions in his arsenal, secular humanism [No God] in our society and institutions and religious Christianity [No -- Spirit] in the churches. Both deny Christs finished work of grace (divine favor). Things are looking bleak to many people seeking reality! They realize that Satan and his kingdom of darkness are behind Americas chaotic world systems. Notice, our world of politics, world of social action and justice, world of education, world of finances, world of marriage and the family, world of sports, even the world of weather are distorted and corrupted. For the past century, we have stood by blindly as Satan has secularized our society and religionized many of our Christian churches. Gods people must stand in the gap for this great nation! There is hope! God is meeting the needs with abundance of living grace, through the restored power of the Holy Spirit and restored truths of His Word; making leaders and their people the true salt and light through inward transformation and embracing the restored teaching and reality of living grace [the finished work of Christ], and right relationships in Him. Thus, God is rising up anointed Para-ministries among professing Christians; and churches who are hearing what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Nothing is too hard for God!