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P.O. Box 416, Gravette, AR 72736

501-787-6026
Newsletter #252 - October 1999
Dr. Arnold Murray, DRE
01999 SCN

We should always remember to thank our

Father for His gifts. In many cases, the word I
gift as found in the KJV New Testament is
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that you and I have today.

I PETER 3:21-22 The like figure whereunto ever

from the Greek word "charisma" (khar-is-mah). 1i;~~~~~~~;;;;J'. baptism doth also now save us (not the putting
... away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer
This Greek word is also found in the English of a good conscience toward God), by the resurrection of
language today. Christians should have a charisma about Jesus Christ: 22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the
them. When they walk into a room, the room actually right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being
lights up and the presence of that charisma may be felt made subject unto Him.
by others in the room. In the Greek language charisma
means gratuity. One might think of gratuity as a gift for Jesus is on the right hand of God, and He is your
service rendered. Have you done anything for the Lord "dvo'::"k. -Dod is fair. Do you wailt further documentation
lately? God's gifts are a result of what you do in service that Christ went to the dead?
to Him. That, my friends, is the key to prayers being I PETER 4:5 Who shall give account to Him That is ready
answered. When our Father gives a gift to one of His to judge the quick and the dead.
children, He expects that child to share that gift with
others. This is one case where it is better to receive, and Do you want to tell God what He should do concerning
it is better to give. There is one gift that is free for the His children? The word quick means living. God is the
asking. This is the gift of grace and salvation to all who Judge, and He doesn't really distinguish between those that
will believe. What about those that died before Christ paid are living in the flesh and those that aren't. He is more
the price on the cross for that free gift? Did God make concerned with your spiritual well-being.
this free gift available to only some of His children? Let's
begin our study in I Peter. I PETER 4:6 For for this cause was the gospel preached
also to them that are dead, that they might be judged
I PETER 3: 17 For it is better, if the will of God be according to men in the flesh, but live according to God
so, that ye suffer for well doing than for evil doing. in the spirit.

The suffering you endure for the name of Jesus Christ
will bring blessings upon blessings.
I PETER 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for
sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to
God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by
the Spirit:
Christ is the Just. We are the unjust. We are not
worthy of God's gift of salvation to those who believe.
That is why this gifLmay-_hfLCQusidered free; howe"er,
don't you ever forget that there was an awesome price
paid by Jesus Christ so you could enjoy this gift.
I PETER 3: 19 By which also He went and preached
unto the spirits in prison,
God does not show favoritism towards some of His
children over others. Soon after His crucifixion Christ
went to teach those that had died before His blood made
salvation, as we know it, available. Many believed and
were brought to the Father.
I PETER 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when
once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of
Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that
is, eight souls were saved by water.
God loves all of His children. Christ went to those
that were on the wrong side of the gulf, and He preached
to them affording them the same opportunity for salvation
God is fair. Jesus preached the gospel to those that died
before His crucifixion, and they will be judged the same
as you and I.
I PETER 4:7-8 But the end of all things is at hand: be
ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. Il And above
all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity
shall cover the multitude of sins.
Charity means love. Love for your Father and your
brothers and sisters covers a multitude of sins. Do you have
::illy- SIils you neen---covered?
I PETER 4:9-10 Use hospitality one to another without
grudging. 1Q As every man hath received the gift, even
so minister the same one to another, as good stewards
of the manifold grace of God.
Here we find our Greek word charisma.
When you receive a gift from God,
expects you to share it with your deserving
brothers and sisters. The abundant blessings
of God will follow. Don't help a brother or
sister and complain about it. Blessings won't
follow.
I PETER 4:11 If any man speak,
let him speak as the oracles
of Goel; if any man minister,
let him do it as of the ability
which God giveth: that God in
all things ma J be glorified
 Jesus Christ, to Whom be praise and dominion for ever
and ever. Amen.
If you are going to share the gift God has given you
with others, be sure you are sharing Father's Word, not
your own words. God's Word saves souls. The words of
men don't. It is not God's will that any of His children
should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II
Peter 3:9). Men that speak their own words filled with
falsehoods are dangerously getting in the way of God's
will. Let's turn to the Book of Romans as we continue
our study concerning the gifts of God.
ROMANS 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are
without repentance.
God is not One to change His mind. Once He gives
you a gift, it is yours. You may turn away from Him;
however, He will never turn away from YOll. If you turn
away from Him, you may expect your gift to be dimin­
ished.
in times past have not
-~-.JI-~~~~~~~-.:!~~~~ttamed mercy through their
Adam brought sin into the world; the blood of Jesus
Christ brought freedom.
ROMANS 5: 15 But not as the offence, so also is the
free gift. For if through the offence of one many be
dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by
grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded
unto many.
Have you invited Him into your life? Do you want
charisma for you and your family? Think about it.
ROMANS 5: 16 And not as it was by one that sinned,
so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condem­
nation, but the free gift is of many offences unto jus­
tification.
The free gift brings forgiveness of sins. We all fall
short including myself. Don't follow this man or any
other man. We all need forgiveness. We all need Him.
We all need His gift.

The disobedient children written of in God's Word are

examples that bring some to see the light.
ROMANS 11:31-32 Even so have these also now not
believed, that through your mercy they a/so may obtain
mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them aI/ in unbelief,
that He might have mercy upon all.

God does not play favorites. He even scattered some

of His children that all could find mercy through His Son
Jesus Christ.
ROMANS 11:33 0 the depth of the riches both of the
wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are
His judgments, and His ways past finding out!

Do you want wisdom and knowledge? Work for both

by studying His Word. Father's judgments and ways are
not to be questioned by man.
ROMANS 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the
LORD? or who hath been His counsel/or?

There isn't an entity in the universe that has or should

try to give advice to our Father. He doesn't need any
help. He is the Potter; we are the clay. Don't ever question
that which He has fashioned.
ROMANS 11:35-36 Or who hath first given to Him, and
it shall be recompensed unto him again? ~ For of Him,
and through Him, and to Him, are aI/ things: to Whom
be glory for ever. Amen.
Your Father is the One that controls everything. If
things aren't going well in your life, I suggest you inventory
your relationship with Him. If you work for God and
please Him, the gifts and blessings will follow. How are
you doing, friend? In closing let's turn to Chapter 5 of
this same Book.
ROMANS 5: 13-14 (For until the law sin was in tM
world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. H
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even
over then flat had not sinned after the similitude of
Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him That was
to come.
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