Heralds Digest

  “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:7-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/eph.1.7-8.nkjv People often wonder why the story of redemption is almost a fairy tale in the lives and affairs of contemporary Christianity. The manipulated manifestation of the promise ‘ For He will save His people from their sins ’ has queried either the riches of God’s grace or the riches of man’s greed. While the scriptures confirm the obvious riches of grace, it became obvious that redemption is often willfully restricted by human wisdom and intelligence. Whereas, man must completely surrender all his carnal wisdom and material intelligence on the altar, in order to experience the rich redemption from satanic manipulation. The redemption story in Christ Jesus is always total and complete because it is fully paid by His blood. Believers cannot attempt to...

  “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:7-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/gal.6.7-8.nkjv A little experience with relationships in our sophisticated world teaches the clear difference between smartness and sincerity. Smartness encourages political correctness in the handling of administrative, human, and material resources, even with obvious compromise of integrity, honesty, and forthrightness. It does has complementary attributes with sincerity only in a sane, honest and god-fearing home, institution and society. Actually, the major motivation behind every smart sowing is the obvious but painful realization that nothing good and rewardable comes easily from a corrupt and compromised system. And like the peace-appealing narrative ‘ if you cannot beat them, join the smart wagon...

  “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭ 5:25 ‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/111/gal.5.25.niv Pedestrians on scooters or fast-walking aids can always be tempted to share the freeways with motorists; but sane minds will always overrule the temptation on safety concerns. Even when motorists accommodate the unusual crossing or overtaking of their  right of way, pedestrians are expected to understand the risks involved in sharing roads with motorists, instead of keeping to the sidewalks. The lifestyles of the world is nothing but a freeway to the redeemed of the Lord and those who have experienced the first work of grace. They are born again to live and walk daily in the Spirit. Unfortunately, advances in knowledge and access to privileges in the world have not only created conveniences and opportunities for wayfaring men of the Spirit. They have oftentimes introduced compromises and competition with the world. Whereas, the admonition of...

  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭ 5:22-23 ‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/gal.5.22-23.nkjv The fertility of uncultivated field is unknown until after the pruning and cultivation session. And with proper management of the law of cultivation, even futile field can become fertile and fruitful with the breaking of the fallow grounds. Likewise, the proper application of the law in rules and regulations can restrain the manifestation of the works of the flesh in every relationship at home and in the society. Notwithstanding, in the absence of the consistent influence of the Spirit of God, the heart of any man is easily manipulated by the flesh. Therefore, the scriptures promote the gateway of walking in the Spirit as superior to the management of fertility by the law. The fruit therefrom is not just regulated by the law, but renewed by the Spirit ...

  “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭ 5:14-15 ‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/gal.5.14-15.nkjv The summary import of the law is its promotion of love based on the fortune of self and good intentions. Its provisions are satisfactory as long as the social, economical, and emotional welfare of self is not threatened. Unfortunately, relationships built and managed by this type of loose love are not secured, because self is consistently threatened even in the atmosphere of good intentions. Therefore, instead of the provisions of   “ You shall love your neighbor as yourself ” under the law, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ teaches “ You shall love your neighbor as He (Christ) has loved us ”. It is this type of love (lively love) that remains stable, even when self is threatened, abused, disrespected, and maltr...

  “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/gal.5.6.nkjv Without absolute faith in the finished work of grace, the message and memorial of the Easter celebrations are simply fun and festivities. When the Son of Man said ‘ It is finished ’ on the Cross, He completely paid the price for the total redemption of humanity from the depravity of sin. Absolute faith in this finished work of grace draws any sinner into God’s presence without any count of legality. But like the numerous counts of today’s celebrations and commitment to religious practices, the Galatians have struggled with the necessity of circumcision before earning the rights of loyalty to God. Whereas, absolute faith in ‘ It is finished ’ on the Cross means nothing else is absolutely necessary in order to access the grace of God. Therefore, a true believer is loyal to the entire commandments of the Lord...

  “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭ 4:19 ‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/gal.4.19.nkjv In whichever contexts between physical and spiritual, the desire for upgrade does not come cheap. It requires certain amount of price and preparation. Likewise, growing up in the things of the spiritual demands consistent fight against carnality; and a subtle relapse from a pride in Christlike character into childish dispositions. Towards modelling Christlike character in the brethren in Galatia, Paul had to follow the example of Christ. Even after the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, He had to pursue Peter and the other disciples under his sphere of influence for a dispense of the final dose against carnality. It was a demonstration of ceaseless love and labour for the spirit of discipleship, and against the love of the things of this world. Unfortunately, childish characteristics pervade today’s memorial of Easter th...