February 2018 Partner Letter

Dear Partners,

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus”.  (Rom. 8:1 NIV)

What does it mean to be “in Christ Jesus?” A good example can be had when we think about what it was like for Noah to be in the ark. The ark was waterproof. How do we know it was? Well, God told Noah, “put pitch on the inside and on the outside” (Genesis 6:14). The word “pitch” in the Hebrew is the word kaphar – and it is exactly the same word translated “atonement.”

You see,, we are now “in Christ Jesus” just as Noah was “in the ark.”  That means Jesus is our atonement from all sin just as the ark was Noah’s deliverance from all the flood waters!  Although the flood came and destroyed the whole earth, the ark, as a type of God’s grace, kept Noah and all who entered safe, dry and alive! By faith, Noah entered into that ark and took hold of God’s amazing work of grace that was greater than all sin!

Romans 8 tells us that now, dear Christian friend, we are In Christ – and it was by faith that we received God’s amazing gift of grace.  Just as Noah was saved by the ark beause the “pitch” kept it dry, we are now saved from all condemnation in Christ Jesus, because Jesus is our “atonement” from all sin. Thank God!!

Think about this again:  because we are now In Christ, no matter what may come, we are now saved from all condemnation!  Being In Christ means this is our day of deliverance and victory from all the power of the enemy! (Col. 1:13)  By faith, take God’s word and stand your ground in the evil day, for the future is as bright as the promises of God!

We are so grateful to God for your faithful and generous gifts.  Your partnership with us means more every day – for we are all one day closer to our real reward!  We must work while it is day and never give up, but continue to look up, move up and go up by His Grace!

In His Service,

Cindy, Lois and Ray