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Editorial: HVS
                                                                                         STAND FAST IN THE FAITH
                                                                    Part 1 of 2

     We live in a day and age where our faith is being severely tested by the pressures of the world. More and more we feel the influences of the world to pressure us into accommodating its lifestyle into our lives. The only way we can maintain our relationship with Christ is to “Stand Fast in the Faith.”
     The theme verse for this article is: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” (1Co 16:13 NKJV)

Brief Explanation of Theme Verse
Watch - be on the alert for any evil that can get between you and God.
Stand fast - Be firmly grounded in the Word of God so that you will be ready at all times to resist the devil. (Ref. James 4:7)
In the Faith - This is the Christian Faith, putting our trust in Christ and Him alone for our salvation, trusting in the teachings of Jesus Christ, and willing to follow Him, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit that He gave us, to do the will of God. Faith is only a link. “Your salvation comes, not because your faith saves you, but because it links you to the Savior who saves, and your believing is really nothing but the link.” -W.B.K
Be brave - We can only be brave by putting our hope and trust in the Lord who provides us with strength needed to be brave. “And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." (Deut 31:8 NKJV)
Be strong - The Bible says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Eph 6:10 NKJV)
The Bible says, “For in it (the Gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." (Rom 1:17)

What must we do to Stand Fast in the Faith?
Martin Luther wrote;
As I have frequently stated, the suffering and work of Christ is to be viewed in two lights: First, as grace bestowed on us, as a blessing conferred, requiring the exercise of faith on our part and our acceptance of the salvation offered. Second, we are to regard it as an example for us to follow; we are to offer up ourselves for our neighbors' benefit and for the honor of God. This offering is the exercise of our love-distributing our works for the benefit of our neighbors. He who does so is a Christian. He becomes one with Christ, and the offering of his body is identical with the offering of Christ's body. (The Complete Sermons of Martin Luther, vol. IV, "First Sunday after Epiphany," p. 9)

I   The Righteous (Believer) Shall Live by Faith Alone

A.Faith in the power of the Gospel to save the sinner from hell.

1.Paul said, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (Rom 1:16 NKJV)
“But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1Co 1:23-24 NKJV)
The Gospel carries with it the power of the Holy Spirit to soften the hardened hearts and open them up to the love of Christ. In it is the power for salvation to everyone who believes, I.e., puts his faith and trust in Christ alone for his/her salvation. Faith in the finished works of Christ saves the sinner from hell.

B.Faith in the content of the Gospel

1. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, (1Pe 3:18 NKJV)
The Gospel of Jesus Christ details His redemptive work on the cross of Calvary where He paid the price for the sins of mankind. (ref. John 3:16) The Gospel gives us promises such as;
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”
(Gal 3:26)

C. Faith in God’s justification of the sinner who has accepted His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ

1. To be justified is to be declared righteous and forgiven of all sin. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Rom 5:1-2)
2. Justification by faith is:
a.reconciliation with God through the death of His Son
b.having sin, shame, and guilt removed
c. God’s wrath turned a way from the sinner
d.God’s grace bringing peace to our hearts
e.standing fast in God’s grace that puts us “in a state of justification.”
f.becoming children of God by spiritual adoption

D. Faith in Christ to complete the work He began in you. This work is called sanctification.

1.“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;   (Php 1:6 NKJV)
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body,    according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Php 3:20-21 NKJV)

So far we have seen the need to rely on the power of God to Stand Firm in our Faith. The Bible says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2Co 5:7) Faith in God’s Word, faith in the redemptive works of Christ, faith in the Gospel promises and teachings of the Gospel, will enable us to enjoy a right relationship with God.
Next month we will conclude this article with teachings on the Need to Stand Firm Against the Enemies of Faith and How to Stand firm in the Faith.

                                           STAND FAST IN THE FAITH
                                                                          Part 2 of 2

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. (1Co 16:13 NKJV)

     Last month we dealt with the subject, “THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL LIVE BY FAITH ALONE” and the various facets of the meaning of true faith in Christ Jesus. In conclusion we will discuss the “Need to Stand Fast” and “How to Stand Fast.”

II   THE NEED TO STAND FAST

A.Enemies of Faith
1.The Devil
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1Pe 5:8 NKJV)
The devil roars with his worldly intimidations, causing the anemic Christian who is weak in faith, to fall into the traps and snares of the devil. In addition, the mature believer can also be deceived. Do you see the need to stand fast in the faith relying on the power and strength of God to stand fast against the schemes of the devil?
a. his deception
b. his lies
                c. his temptations
    The devil is a master at deception and the father of lies. He has the ability to deceive the believer into accepting his lies, so the believer thinks the thoughts are his. His temptations are sugar coated and very appealing to the flesh. Those who stand fast in the faith subject all their thoughts to the light of God’s Word. “...casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2Co 10:5 NKJV)

d. fear of the devil
Many Christians are afraid of the devil. We need not be afraid but we must be aware of his power. Apart from Christ, the unbeliever is easy prey of the devil and the devil easily overpowers him. However, the believer need not be afraid for God has given the believer this promise. “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (Ja 4:7 NKJV) When we in humility submit ourselves to God, we are positioning ourselves in God’s power so we can “Stand Fast” and resist the devil. When the devil is confronted by the power of God, he has to flee.

2.Human Reason
“Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has: it never comes to the aid of spiritual things, but more frequently than not - struggles against the divine Word, treating with contempt all that comes from God.” -Martin Luther
Human reasoning must never replace the truth of God’s Word, no matter how logical it may sound.

3. Our Own Flesh (old nature with its worldly ways)
a. The apostle Paul said, For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. (Rom7:18 NKJV)
Our flesh (old nature) is our enemy. It constantly struggles against our new nature in Christ and only by the grace of God can we experience victory over our sinful nature.

4.False Teachers
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God;
Because many false prophets have gone out into the world.    (1Jn 4:1 NKJV)

There are many false teachers in the Body of Christ today, even in Evangelical Churches. As we have just read in I Jn 4:1, we are to lay all human teaching along side the Word of God. Any teaching that deviates from God’s Word, is to be immediately rejected and the teacher held as suspect and if further untruths are proclaimed, cease to listen.

III   HOW TO STAND FAST IN THE FAITH

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, (2Co 10:3-4 NKJV)

Many Christians are not wearing the full armor of God and as a result, the devil has his way with them, leaving them bruised and battered. Without the spiritual armor, we cannot stand fast against the devil. If we are to Stand Fast in the Faith, it is imperative to put on the full Gospel Armor.

A.Put on the full armor of God

Eph 6:10-18 NKJV Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
(11) Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
(13) Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, (the Word of God, the Gospel Truth, the teachings of Christ) having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (the righteousness of Christ given at the time of conversion)

(15) and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (is reconciliation with God that gives peace to the redeemed sinner along with zeal and desire to fight the fight of faith in the power of God”)
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (Rom 5:1 NKJV)

(16) above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
The Roman shield was 2 1/2 ft X 4 ft and covered with leather to protect against arrows dipped in tar that were lit on fire and shot at the enemy, often from the city’s wall. The devil’s fiery darts are: tribulation, anguish, persecution, famine, temptations, doubts, greed, vanity, envy, pride, arrogance etc.
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. (1Jn 5:4 NKJV)

And take the helmet of salvation, (eternal hope in Christ - assurance of salvation both present and future) and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Heb 4:12 NASB)
      The surgical applicable Biblical truth reveals the sin in our lives so we by confessing our sin and receiving God’s forgiveness, can grow in holiness and walk closer with our God. The closer we walk with God in His power, the more we will experience victory over the devil and our own flesh. When we go to battle against evil with the Sword of the Spirit, please remember who is holding the Sword. It is the Holy Spirit who is the power behind the Sword. The Bible says, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” ( Gal 5:16 NASB) Failure to read or store God’s Word in your hearts, takes away from the Holy Spirit the very tool He needs to sanctify us, the Word. (Read Heb. 4:12 again)

(18) With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, (Eph 6:18 NASB)

The Four alls of prayer:
1. With all prayer I.e. All variety of prayer.
2. All times in the Spirit-The when and where of prayer, on every occasion
3. Be on the alert with all perseverance and supplication- Alert        to all needs for prayer, both of self and others
4. Petition for all the saints-Intercessory prayer for others

We can only stand fast in faith by humbling ourselves before God and receiving His grace and strength to stand fast. The only way to strengthen our faith is to study the Word of God and trust in His promises, and be obedient to His commands. Compromise must be avoided at all costs as compromising God’s Word can in the end, destroy our relationship with God.
STAND FAST IN THE FAITH by humbling yourself before God who gives grace to the humble without measure and by His grace you will experience victory over sin, the devil, the old nature and go on to experience the abundant life promised to us by Christ.

But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (Ja 4:6-7 NASB)

                                                            GODLY MOTHERS

    I have seen both unbelieving and believing mothers give their all for their children, exhibiting a love that only mothers can give. Yet, there is a difference between the two loves. The unbelieving mother focuses on the needs of the child much the same as the believing mother. She provides food, clothing, shelter, meets the emotional needs of the child, and provides for the child’s education. She does all those things that will prepare the child for living as an adult, but without Christ. She has no concern for the child’s soul and therefore provides no Biblical teaching and training for her child to live a life with Christ now and eternally. This mother is seen as a successful mother in the secular world but a failure in the eyes of God.
     On the other hand, the believing mother also prepares her child to succeed in a secular society but there is much more. Her love for her children is a love that is rooted in in the heart of God. She adds the spiritual dimension that prepares her children to make God a #1 priority in all that they do and say. She accomplishes this by teaching them from God’s Word, by exhibiting the love of Christ to them, and by indulging them in wholesome activities. Furthermore, she baths them in prayer, protects them from evil to the extent that she can, disciplines them with love, and is always available to help the child through difficult times with the encouraging Word of God. Her strength to accomplish this comes by the grace of God.
      The challenge to our Christian mothers today, is to maintain their focus and sense of priority. Whereas the unbelieving mother does all in her power to provide training for her child to accumulate wealth and power, the Godly mother does all in her power to prepare the child’s soul for eternity and also teaches the child to submit to God and rely on His power and grace to provide for the needs that the child will experience in life.
      Children, regardless of age, are called to honor their father and mother. Children who are living at home must be obedient to their parents as it says in Eph 6:21, for this is the right thing to do. Obedience brings honor to a mother whereas disobedience brings dishonor and disgrace to her. Adult children must continue to honor and show respect to their mothers.
      As adults we honor our Christian mother when we show appreciation and gratefulness for all she has done for us. We can do this by being active in the Kingdom of God, by taking care of her needs, never speaking unkind words to or about her, and in her later years, guarding her against those who would take advantage of her, and lifting her up in your daily prayers.
    If your mother is not a believer, she still needs to be honored. Eph. 6:2 is perfectly clear where it is written, “HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.” I realize that for some who have not grown up in a loving home, this can be a very difficult thing to do but it can and must be done. God will provide the grace to accomplish this. God never gives a command without His grace to carry it out. In addition, by showing her love and honor, she will be more receptive to accept Christ as her Lord and Savior.
      Mothers, do not try raising your children alone. Pray for God’s help and grace to carry out His plans through you. As a mother, you are in a special position to teach your children in the fear of the Lord. You are a tool in His hand to mold and nurture your children’s heart’s to prepare them for the abundant life in this world and their entry into the presence of God in eternity.
      On Mother’s Day, let us all show honor to our mothers and make every day a Mother’s Day. To those of us whose mothers have passed away, we can show honor to their name and thank God for them and their influence in our lives.
      We wish our mothers a blessed and wonderful day on May 9. We give them our love and thanks for all they have done for us in our lives.


                                           The Power of the Resurrection!

     The “power of the resurrection” is a divine power, an awesome power that comes only from the Triune God. In the scriptures we read of people who were raised from the dead by Jesus, the apostles, and others but in no case do we read of anyone who died, that by himself restored life to his lifeless body. This awesome power to create life was first seen in the Garden of Eden when God breathed in Adam’s lifeless body and he became a living being. It was divine power that brought life to Jesus’ dead body in the tomb. It is this same power that will bring life to the deceased believer’s dead body in the resurrection and to the spiritually dead sinner.
When we think of the “Power of the Resurrection,” we must understand that this is the power that is essential for man’s salvation and walking in the foot-steps of Jesus. This is the power that enabled Jesus to suffer humiliation and severe beatings so as to be unrecognizable and then allowed the Roman executioners nail Him to the Cross where Jesus died for the sins of the world - that includes your sins and mine! No human being can even begin to understand or fathom the agony and pain of a sinless Savior suffering under the weight of the sins of the world. It is beyond our comprehension.
     How do we experience the “Resurrection Power” in our personal lives?
     For the unbelievers, it begins with the acknowledging of sin in their lives and coming to repentance. True repentance includes not only seeking God’s forgiveness through the Lord Jesus Christ but also includes turning away from sin and worldly carnality. When Jesus told Nicodemus that “no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again," he was being told that he was spiritually dead and that he must be born again. Then Jesus said, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (Joh 3:6) As soon as the unbeliever asks Jesus into his heart to become Lord of his life, he experiences spiritual rebirth and becomes a “... new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2Co 5:17) Here we see the awesome “power of the resurrection” in action in the conversion of a sinner.
     All those who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, have access to the “power of the resurrection.” This power manifests itself through the grace of God and by power of the Holy Spirit. It is this power that enables the believer to live for Christ. Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Php 4:13) Paul experienced this when he prayed for God to remove a thorn in the flesh given by a messenger of Satan to torment him but God said no and responded with, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” (2Co 12:9) Paul had many hardships and trials in his life. He learned not to rely in his own puny strength but trust in the “resurrection power of God” to overcome all the adversities of life. Spiritually speaking, Christ has “...raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” (Eph 2:6) As a believer, we have the awesome power of God to draw on at all times.
     Not only does the “resurrection power” equip us to live for God, it assures us the glorious hope of scripture “...the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago,” (Tit 1:2) Some day, we too will be raised from the dead just as Jesus was. “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also,” (1Co 6:14 NIV) “...who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.” (Php 3:21 NASB)
     All believers who have a personal relationship with Christ will experience the “resurrection power” as never before when Christ comes to rapture us from the earth to be with Him forever.
1Co 15:51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed,
1Co 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
1Co 15:53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1Co 15:54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.
1Co 15:55 "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;
1Co 15:57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
     The “power of the resurrection,” the awesome omnipotent power of God, is available to strengthen us for living and assure us of the eternal hope promised us by God. If the Lord Jesus Christ had not risen from the dead, we would have no hope, no promise of eternal life. There would be no Gospel to talk about and life would be utterly hopeless. But, HE IS RISEN!
      As we celebrate the joyous victory over death that Christ won for us, desire to know more and more the “power of the resurrection.”

                                                                               REJOICE! REJOICE!
                                                                 HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!