When we accepted Jesus Christ as our savior we received a reprieve from sin; this is called salvation. It came as a gift from God and was made complete when Jesus went to the cross and rose again. The faith to receive this gift comes from another gift called grace (favor without doing anything to earn it.) This too was completed at the cross. In fact, all gifts from God are completed. With this in mind we can get to the meat of this message.
Like salvation, grace is not issued by measure; it is given in all its fullness. However, in order to receive the fullness of God's bounty our minds must be changed into the mind of Christ. This is where we fall short. Because of traditions, we continue to think like men who do not know the mind of Christ. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we [Christians] have the mind of Christ. (I Corinthians 2:16) Therefore, Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: ... (Philippians 2:25).
The mind of Jesus is without limitations. It is a mind which believes that all things are possible. Remember the man who asked Jesus to heal his son. Jesus said, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. (Mark 9:23) Concluding that all things are possible is to be in agreement with God.
Consider man's righteousness which is as filthy rags. (Isaiah 46:6) This is not the righteousness of a Christian. When one accepts Jesus he is, by grace, endowed with the same righteousness as the Son of God. (Rom. 3:22; 4:5) The moment someone is saved he receives all the righteousness he will ever have. This covering is without seam and it will never be rent or torn. (See Jesus' tunic, John 19:23-24, a physical example of your coat of righteousness.) This reveals that there are no super Christians. All have been endowed with the same righteousness. Christians do, however, appear different. This is because our thinking prevents us from entering into God's full potential for us.
God's grace, faith and righteousness will, if you believe, deliver every promise in the "kingdom of God." These are many and attend to every need we have. In addition, grace, faith and righteousness will, if allowed, supply us with gifts of the Spirit whereby we can minister to others in need. I must however mention that we do not receive anything from God until we ask; our tongue must get involved.
As a child I watched my father and grandfather do various kinds of work. When I asked if I could do what they were doing I was allowed to beome a helper. This is not a new idea. It is the Biblical way to raise a son. Jesus is an example. His earthly father was a carpenter and as a young man He helped. On the other hand, His heavenly Father was God, and Jesus said, Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and greater works than these, that you may marvel. (John 5:19 20). After receiving gifts from God, we too are expected to do the works of the heavenly Father. Jesus said of this, Most assuredly, I say to you he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father, And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:12-13) One must ask, "Am I obedient to these Scriptures or, am I relying on traditions?"
A Note from JoAnn: Thank you for praying for me. What was thought to be a pulled rib (mentioned in Dean's last letter) has turned out to be bone cancer in my sternum (breast bone). The doctors also found small cancer spots in two vertebrae. I am being treated with radiation five days each week for four weeks. They have also put me on Tamoxifen. This is supposed to put all cancer cells in remission. We, however, are expecting a total healing from God. Please believe with me and pray, thanking God for a complete healing.