February 23
Living in the Overlap of Two Worlds
by James Ryle
“Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” (Luk_11:2)
“So, Moses, are you saying that we will never sin again?” a guy from the group asked.
“No,” Moses kindly answered, “I am saying that Jesus will never sin. And He is now living in you, and will show Himself through you as you stand in Grace.”
“That sounds wonderful,” another replied. “But how does it work?”
“Let me put it this way,” Moses answered. “Did you ever notice that the first thing Jesus said when He went public with His ministry was, ‘Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand?’”
“Yes,” we all replied.
“But then later He told His disciples to pray, ‘Thy Kingdom come.’ So, let me ask — which is it? Is the Kingdom here, or is it yet to come?”
We stared in silence.
Moses then said, “Friends, it is BOTH!”
When Jesus came to this earth He brought the Kingdom of God with Him, as an invasion into a fallen world. Day by day, miracle by miracle, person by person, sermon by sermon – He began spreading the redeeming influence of His Kingdom. He went about doing good, healing all who were overpowered by the devil, for God was with Him.
After He rose from the dead and ascended into glory, He sent forth His Holy Spirit and filled His people with His presence and power that we might follow in His steps and continue His mission. Living as He lived, and doing as He did.
And when He returns again, He will bring the Kingdom in it fullness. God’s will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven — completely! So the Kingdom is here, and it is yet to come.
Until That Day, we live in the overlap of two Worlds. One, is the Fallen World which resulted when Sin entered; and with Sin, Death came. The other is The Risen World, which came about when Jesus conquered Sin and Death, and included us in His conquest.
We now live in both worlds at the same time. And that is why we have experiences that seem to contradict one another. One day is filled with glory; the next is filled with grief. One day we have victory; the next day, defeat. One day our prayers work with power; the next they seem to fall dead to the ground. One day we triumph in temptation; the next we falter and sin.
Nevertheless! Because Christ is in us, the power of His presence – His Grace – now lifts us above the claims of this lesser world. What I am saying is that you longer have to sin – as though there were no choice. You have been freed from the chains that held you as slaves to sin, and now you can yield yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead!
Where you once were slaves to sin, and doomed to live in perpetual unrighteousness, now you are forgiven, free, and filled with the Spirit of God. You can live a truly righteous life – even in an unrighteous world! And that is why Paul wrote, “Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under Law, but under Grace!”
When you humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God – especially in the face of overpowering trials and temptations – God gives His grace in abundance. And, where sin did abound; Grace does much more abound! And while you may not be able to handle the challenge by yourself – you are no longer left to yourself to do so. Christ is in you, and He can handle it through you!
“God will not permit you to be tested above what you are able to bear, and with the trial He will also provide a way of escape so that you may bear the moment in victory. The way of escape which God has provided is GRACE – the empowering presence of God enabling you to be who He created you to be, and to do what He has called you to do – right where you are!
Thus it is written, “Let us come boldly to the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help us in our time of need!”
“Oh, give God praise for His amazing grace!” Moses cried out, with triumph in his voice and glory on his face.
By this time a great crowd had gathered at the Pavilion of Praise, and we all began to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
It was truly awesome.
February 22
The Law of the Lord is Perfect
by James Ryle
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psa_19:7).
“The Law of the Lord is perfect,” Moses began, “but it was put into the hands of imperfect men — beginning with me.”
He paused for a moment of personal reflection, unable to mask the pain in his heart as he recalled that unforgettable moment.
“When I came down from the Mountain and saw the people worshipping a Golden Calf, I threw the Tablets in anger and they broke. I didn’t realize at the time how profoundly symbolic that moment was for us all. Even before we actually received The Law — we broke it. We were guilty…and doomed.
“But God was merciful and gave us a second set of Tablets. Yet, the more we tried to obey The Law – the more we realized how powerless we were to do so. At length, that which was pure and perfect became a thing that condemned us in our fallen state. We knew all too well that we were wicked; but our anguish was multiplied by the deeper knowledge that we were also powerless to change ourselves!
Can a leopard change his spots? How then can we do good, who are accustomed to doing evil? And what is worse, even when we do a good thing, it becomes defiled by pride in our own our self-righteousness.
We were a stubborn and stiff-necked people; resisting God every step of the way. At one point He offered to send us on ahead without Him. He said an angel would go with us, but not Him. “NO!” I cried out. “For if Your presence not go with us how shall it be known that we have found grace in your sight? What else will distinguish us from all other peoples on the face of the earth?” (Exo_33:1-16)
He did go with us! And over time we began to see that, like a School Master – true and unyielding in the administering of truth and wisdom – The Law was actually moving us forward to a time when the Law Giver would actually come and live inside each one of us as The Law Keeper!
“And thus when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem us!” (Gal_4:4) Christ in you is the hope of glory! For this reason we affirm boldly that sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace!” (Rom_6:14)
Yes, “the power of Christ to do God’s will is with us – right where we are. And it is far greater than the power of sin! For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Rom_8:3-4).
“And the fruit which The Spirit produces in our lives is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control. Against such things there is no Law!
“Yes, God gave me the tablets written on Stone. But when One came who is far greater than me, Jesus the Son of God — God wrote His Law on the tablets of our hearts. And now Christ lives in us, empowering us to live out in our daily lives the righteousness of the Law by His Grace!! And this is what now distinguishes you from all the peoples on the face of the earth. It is His grace – the power of His presence in you!
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Rom_8:1-2)
“The question then is this. Will we continue to live in the power of the flesh, or by the power of the Spirit? With carnal minds, or with spiritual minds? For to be carnal-minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
“And I am persuaded of better things concerning you my friends. For I can see that you have journeyed to this place called Grace on purpose.
“I can see in you what is true of all who love the Lord – you have embraced The Cross as your own! You have been raised from the dead to walk in newness of life! You are being filled with the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, and He is quickening you to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power – His Amazing Grace!!!” (see Col_1:10-11).
Moses’ face began to shine with such glory that we almost had to avert our eyes. It was beautiful beyond description.
February 21
Monumental Park
by James Ryle
“Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations” (Psa_135:13).
In this place called Grace there is a City Park; Eden-like in it’s beauty, and magnificent in its significance. It is called Monumental Park. And in the center of this Park stands a large marble replica of The Tablets, upon which God wrote the Ten Commandments.
The park architect designed the topographical layout in such a way that from one unique vantage on a high mound called Faith Point one can actually look down The Corridor of Time and see, in perfect alignment with The Law, an Old Rugged Cross on a Hill Far Away. And just beyond the Cross, an Empty Tomb. And off in the far distance beyond the Tomb, a Great White Throne. It is a breathtaking view.
Throughout the Park is an variety of other notable sculptures, each marking some epic moment in the unfolding story of Redemption. There is The Lamb of the Garden, whose skin was used to cover the Guilty Pair. There is a replica of Noah’s Ark, celebrating God’s power to save in a time of great judgment. And there is also a Burning Bush; actually burning in the Park, yet not being consumed. You have to see it to believe it.
And there is a brilliant sculpture of The Ark of the Covenant, and though carved in stone it still seems to pulsate with a Holy Presence that silences all who stand near it.
While quiet and reflective, the Park is always filled with people walking about. On this particular day, word has spread quite rapidly that Moses himself is strolling the grounds. Someone said he was seen walking toward the Pavilion of Praise, near the Waters of Life.
Let’s go there and see if we can speak with him.
His eyes were bright and almost piercing as he smiled at us and said, “If any man be in Christ he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and behold, all things are become new.”
I said, “Amen.” The tattooed guy in our tour group said, “Rock on, Dude!” Both remarks made perfect sense to Moses.
“Mr. Moses, May I please ask a question?” a young southern girl inquired, in that genteel manner most common among those from the South.
“You may indeed,” Moses replied.
“Can you help us understand what it means for us to no longer be under the Law, but under Grace? There seems to be real confusion over this.”
“It will be my pleasure,” Moses said.
And we all drew in close to hear what he had to say.
February 20
The Shout of Grace!
by James Ryle
“The glory of the latter house shall be greater than that of the former.” (Hag_2:9).
Apollos had captured our imaginations as he described the Rubble of Zerubbabel in great eloquence. And he stirred our hearts with faith and hope when he then made application of his message to our lives.
“In the old days great stories were written about the lives and lore of an ancient people who were chosen by God to bear His presence and message to the whole world,” Apollos said. “We see and learn in them many great truths for ourselves.
“They were not chosen because they were worthy; neither are we. They had no merits that qualified them to serve and represent God to the world; neither do we. They were stubborn and stiff-necked, disobedient and slow to understand; and so are we.
“But God loved them; and He loves us. He blessed them, and redeemed them. At times He humbled them, and then heard their cries and turned again to save them.
“The one epic story that illustrates this perhaps better than any other is The Return From Captivity, and the Rebuilding of the Temple.
“Seventy long years had passed slowly as the children of the Lord languished in Babylonian Captivity. The last sight they had of the City of the Great King was a fading memory of horror and shame. The armies of Nebuchadnezzar had invaded, ravaged, desecrated, destroyed, and burned much of the Holy City. Billowing plumes of blacken smoke rose high into the hot sky as the oil-coated rocks burned until nothing was left but charred stones covered in greasy dirt.
“The Temple of the Lord had now become the habitation of jackals, snakes, and assorted desert wildlife. And when things looked the most hopeless, God stepped in and wrought a miracle of resurrection.
“The king of the pagan nation in which God’s people were held captive had a change of heart toward God and let His people go. Moreover, he charged them in the name of the Lord to rebuild the Temple and the Holy City, raising it up out of the burnt ruins. And, get this – he provided them all the resources they would need out of his own royal treasury! It was miraculous indeed.
“The people rallied with a renewed faith and set out for the Holy City. They talked excitedly all along the way of their return; each day growing more and more enthusiastic about the job that lay before them.
“But then they saw The City. It was worse than they had imagined; far worse. In fact, it no longer even looked like a city at all. Rather, its appearance was that of a huge pile of disjointed rocks; burnt and covered with years of untouched dirt. The only signs of life were peasants who had established makeshift tent cities, strewn about the colossal debris. And there were the wild animals roaming freely amid the ruins.
The challenge they faced in rebuilding a holy temple from the ruins of toppled debris is not at all different from what we face in seeing our own ruined and ravaged lives redeemed and set right before the Lord today.
we not lived in a long captivity to Confusion? Has not the Temple of the Lord been desecrated in our hearts and lives. Haven’t fires burned, and windstorms blown, and dust accumulated on the altars of our devotions to God? And does not a dark and intimidating presence taunt us with our powerlessness to do anything about it?
The word which God gave to Zerubbabel is now given to us. “It’s not by might, it’s not by power; but it is by My Spirit,” says the Lord.
And like those faithful rebuilders of old, we too will lift The Shout of Grace up to heaven. Yes, we will boldly bear witness to the power of Christ at work in our lives, enabling us to be who God created us to be and to do what He has called us to do – right where we are.
“So, my dear friends and fellow-builders, take heart. Whatever obstacle it is that you face, stare it down and shout, “Grace! Grace!” For when you do so, you are actually releasing God’s empowering presence into the circumstance and He will work His wonders of love – redeeming your lives from the rubble of Zerubbabel!”
Then Apollos lifted his hand and spoke this blessing over us, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. (2Co_13:14).
When Apollos concluded he was joined on stage by all the other speakers. And we all stood and honored them for their faithful service and inspiring words.
Once the series of stimulating Lectures concluded and we all tarried in the lobby, interacting with the speakers and other groups who had also journeyed to this place called Grace. There was a deep sense of privilege in all our hearts for being in this place of Grace together.
“Across the Way from the Great Hall of Truth is Monumental Park,” Paul said. “Let’s all meet there tomorrow. There is going to be a concert you will not want to miss!”
February 19
The Rubble of Zerubbabel
by James Ryle
“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Zec_4:6)
Thank you, Timothy, for your kind words. Thank you all for your warm reception. And I thank God for this opportunity to speak about the glories of His grace! I hope to show you the extraordinary power of Grace by looking at a historic moment in the Old Testament, and then making prophetic application for our lives today.
There once was a beautiful City. It was the joy of the whole Earth; beautiful for situation – the City of the Great King. Its people were blessed and highly favored by God, and covered by His mercy and grace.
But they were strangely stubborn and self-willed. They despised the King’s grace and labored long in obstinate disobedience. It made no sense to anyone. Even Heaven itself was astonished at their glaring defiance and hardened indifference to the King’s great love.
Even the Great King Himself cried out, “Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror! My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken Me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” (Jer_2:12-13)
After some time an enemy arose and was permitted by the King to invade and destroy the City, leading the people away with shame to live a long captivity in a City called Confusion. There they languished under the bitter oppression of harsh task masters until, after decades of defeat and sorrow – they cried out to their King for deliverance.
In His great mercy the King answered and delivered them with a strong hand. They returned to the ruins of their once beautiful City, empowered with the faith and the resources to rebuild it. Their leader, Zerubbabel, inspired them with vision and passion for the great work ahead.
But their high hopes were shattered when they saw just how vast the devastation was, and how humanly impossible the task of rebuilding would be. For, rising before them where there once was a Great Temple and a Beautiful City, there now stood a mountainous pile of rocks; which seemed to be quite immovable.
At that moment the King sent a prophet, saying, “It is not by might, nor by power; but by My Spirit, says the Lord.”
The prophet then turned and faced the massive pile of rocks and said, with a tone of holy sarcasm in his voice, “And what are you, O Great Mountain? This man Zerubbabel shall turn you into a mole hill! Yes! He will clear away the stones and fit each one in its place, rebuilding this Temple and this City. And he will bring forth the finishing Capstone, placing it firmly where it belongs.
And in that crowing moment all the people will shout, “Grace! Grace!” For they will know that the Lord’s hand empowered them to do this impossible thing.
(to be continued)
February 18
The Good News of God’s Empowering Presence
by James Ryle
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isa_52:7)
Thank you, Paul.
And thank you all for you enthusiastic applause. We always open with Brother James, because if you can endure his message then you are ready for anything else the Lord will have the rest of us say!”
The crowd roared with self-depreciating laughter. And James himself gave a smile backstage.
“Indeed, Paul has been a father to me,” Timothy began. “He has taught me both in word and in example that the grace of God is sufficient for us in all things, at all times. One of my favorite lines from his letters reads, ‘That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.’ (Eph_2:7)
I pray that my feet may be beautiful and swift in the bringing of good news today, for I will speak of the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power when He raised our Lord Jesus from the grave. (Eph_1:19)
God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind. These are the fruit of His grace at work in our lives. Power that is greater than sin and death; Love that is greater than darkness and hatred; and soundness of mind that is greater than deception and confusion.
Our God reigns! Go tell it on the mountain, over the hill, and everywhere!
He reigns over us in His mercy and goodness; He reigns in us by His grace and righteousness; He reigns through us by His love and kindness.
Therefore, my dear friends, stay the course. God is at work in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. For your part, let this salvation work its way out in your attitudes and actions toward others.
everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life! (Php_2:12-16)
“And know this — God is able to make all grace abound to you so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need; you will abound to every good work. Yes, God is able to supply you with the full measure of His empowering presence, thereby securing your ability to be who He created you to be and to do what He has called you to do – wherever you go.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us; unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” (Eph_3:20-21).
“May the power of God’s Grace work in you in such measure every day that your life and service to our Lord brings Him great honor throughout all ages!”
“And now it is my great honor to introduce our final speaker. He is one of the most celebrated evangelists of the New Testament. Loved far and wide, and renowned as an eloquent man, and one mighty in the Scriptures – please join me in welcoming to the stage, Apollos of Alexandria!”
We did so with great enthusiasm, and when all was said and done we discovered that the glowing accolades given to Apollos were well deserved.
February 17
Embracing God’s Best
by James Ryle
“Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.” (Rom_12:1 The Message)
Before the applause faded Paul the Apostle walked to the podium. Of course, the place went nuts. He raised his hands, gesturing for us to quite down.
“I am not here to speak today, but to introduce our next speaker. Before I do, I would like to make a few comments. And would somebody please keep an eye on that young man in the balcony; I don’t want him falling asleep and dropping to his death while I’m talking!”
The place roared with laughter.
“It is good to be with you, and to see so many dear friends together again.” And seeing us in the audience, Paul said, “I am especially delighted to have our guest who have traveled far to come to this place called Grace. I so enjoyed our visit together back at the Tavern, and we all welcome you here today!”
The great crowd applauded in agreement.
“My friend Philemon is correct. God has indeed promised each of us that He will fill us with His Spirit, empowering us the be who He created us to be and to do what He has called us to do.
But, the fulfillment of God’s promise “depends entirely on us trusting God and His way, and then simply embracing Him and what He does” (Rom_4:16 The Message).
Indeed, “all that is required is that we submit our lives to His Lordship in Jesus – fully embracing God’s work of doing in us what he did in raising Jesus from the dead. That’s it. So, you’re not actually doing anything; you’re simply calling out to God, trusting Him to do it for you. That’s salvation. With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: ‘God has set everything right between Him and me!’” (Rom_10:8-10 The Message)
“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.
“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (Rom_12:1-2 The Message).
Friends, you have a decision to make; and no one but you can make it. Embrace God’s best – it’s the best decision you will ever make.
And now, I invite to the stage a dear friend who is like a son to me. Would you please extend a warm welcome to Timothy, a true and tested champion of Grace.