God’s Truth is Available	
#L549	The First-Century Gospel Church / Philadelphia	AM Jan 26, 2003

	Since Bibles are so readily available, and in thousands of languages, then it stands to reason that God’s truth is available, because His truth is contained in His Word.  Jesus prayed for His followers (John 17:17) saying, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
	God’s divine truth is available to anyone, because God’s Word is available to the world today.  For over 77 years of our church’s history, the sermon lessons, tracts, letters, and advice given has been based on God’s Word and truth (as explained in the Bible).
	If we have read the Bible (especially the New Testament, and the Old where it supports the New), and have been inspired to live God’s truth (by the power of His Spirit), then anyone, anywhere, could do the same.  God’s truth is available and accessible to the world.
	From the beginning, God had a plan for His creation, but they had to choose to follow that plan.  God’s plan was God’s truth, and it has been put in writing.  Unfortunately the world has made the choice to reject that divine plan.  God’s truth is available to anyone who will read what He is saying in His Word, and who will follow the instructions given on the pages of that Book, without taking any divine principle from it, nor adding any wrong meaning to it.
	It would be an encouragement (and a blessing) to be in contact with other groups (or individuals) who also know God’s truth, and who are willing to live that truth each day (by the power of His Spirit).
	It would be very encouraging to know that God’s truth, (from His Word), has been accepted and followed by others in various parts of this country (or the world).  Through global communication systems available today, we may come in contact with others who live by the Bible.

	Considering a world population of over 6 billion, there should be many individuals and church groups living God’s truth (as we have come to know it, by reading and being enlightened through God’s Word).  Since everyone has the same Book (and the same instructions), then the same truth is available to all who have a Bible.
	With global outreach via the world-wide web (through Internet providers), it is possible to share the truth God has given us with the world.  From the use of a Web page, we may come in contact with other people or groups who are living God’s truth.
	It is an important request, because as God directs in this matter (and only if He shows it to be His will), a FCG Church web page would be a global link by which we could share God’s truth with those whom God has led to visit the Web site.
	Living God’s truth begins with a repentant attitude, a willingness to learn, and a book of instructions.  God’s truth is available for free, because His Spirit (Who brings conviction and enlightenment and divine power), is also available for free.
	God’s truth consists of trusting God for every aspect of life, and having no substitutes of Satan’s between us and God.  As the old hymn lyrics remind us, ‘Nothing between, like worldly pleasure: Habits of life, tho harmless they seem.  Must not my heart from Him ever sever.  He is my all, there’s nothing between.’
	God’s full truth (as He has led us to know it), includes trusting Him for divine healing (when oppressed), for finances (without having emergency resources laid aside), the ability to do our work (in the strength He provides), protection from harm or injury (without firearms or devices of the world), divine guidance and conviction through His Spirit (without human efforts), and trusting Him for Eternal Life, (through the shed blood of Christ for the forgiveness of sins).
	Everyone who has a Bible, has the same truth available to them, so with a willing heart and a repentant attitude, God would lead anyone to know His truth, and He would also empower them to live it, no matter where they happen to be in the world.
	For that reason, we should pray definitely (and have it be part of our daily devotions), that God would bring any willing soul to repentance, and to desire to know and live His truth before Christ returns.
	Then, (if it be His will), to enable us to enjoy fellowship with that individual (or group), either directly, by letter, email, or any other type of communication.  By being in contact, we could encourage each other, and share service messages with them.  
	How good it would be to know (by corresponding with others), that God is working diligently in these closing days to bring many people to repentance.  (2 Peter 3:9), “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
	With Satan’s efforts to deceive people and to destroy souls for eternity stronger than ever today, we need to ask God for His Holy Spirit to protect us from being misled.  Our prayer each morning, should follow the prayer of our Savior, who gave this example (John 17:15), “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”
	The first thing Jesus mentioned (when He answered the disciples’ questions about the sign of His coming and the end of the age), was this, (He said), "Watch out that no one deceives you.  For many will come in my name, claiming, `I am the Christ,' and will deceive many,” (Matthew 24:4-5).  That is a warning from the One who will soon return!
	Since God’s Word is the same as God (John 1:1), then His truth (that has been put in writing) is for everyone to read, to know, to understand, and to live, (by the power of His Spirit).  We are to be joyful each new day and full of praises to God for deeming us worthy of knowing His truth.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us to, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”  We should be praising God for the truth He has given us, to thank Him for the believers in West Africa, and to pray for others (in the world) to know and accept that same truth.
	If God’s truth is available here in America, and there in West Africa, then it is also available to anyone who has a Bible, because God’s truth is written down on the pages of that divine Book.  Anyone desiring to live God’s truth, can do so by reading the Bible, learning about the life of Christ, and being enlightened by the Holy Spirit to put those words into practice.  As school students have the same textbook and all learn the same lesson, so we have the same Book of instructions, and the same God to teach us His truth.
	The teaching of the entire Bible is that God is to be our Healer, Deliverer, Protector, and Provider.  The Christian life, is a life of faith in God’s Word and promises.  Only by the power of the Holy Spirit, could anyone actually live by faith.
	It is an encouragement to know that the members in West Africa follow God’s Word in regard to renting their homes and church meeting rooms.  When God blessed us with this building (two years ago), Pastor Anya (of Nigeria) wrote and said they joined with us in praising God for providing this larger and more convenient meeting place.
	God’s truth is available to anyone who has a humble and teachable spirit.  Living God’s truth begins with a willingness to surrender our life to Him without compromise.  At the time of his letter, Pastor Anya said he visited the Okwoko Branch in Nigeria, and read the lesson “The Sin of Self.”  That aspect of God’s truth ‘eliminating self’ can be known by reading the gospel of John.  Jesus speaks clearly (in that book) about having self removed and being guided by the Holy Spirit.  The importance of eliminating self, cannot be overstated.
	Being ‘born again’ is the beginning of living by faith.  Jesus said (John 3:3 WEY)..."that unless a man is born anew he cannot see the Kingdom of God."  And He repeats that truth (7) (lest it be missed), “Do not be astonished at my telling you, `You must all be born anew.'”
	That truth of surrendering our life to God without compromise, and being empowered by the Holy Spirit to begin a new life of faith and trust in God, reminds us of how important God’s Word is.  God’s truth includes accepting God’s Spirit, and learning to walk by faith each day in the strength and ability God supplies.  The Holy Spirit is given...’to guide us into all truth,’ (John 16:13).
	If anyone has a Bible, they have in their hands a Book of instructions that explains God’s truth.  His gospel plan is to trust Him for every part of daily living...protection, supplies, healing, guidance, conviction, divine wisdom, and eternal salvation.
	Used Bibles or donations are sent to ‘The Bible League’ (in South Holland, IL), the American Bible Society (in New York City, NY), the International Bible Society (in Colorado Springs, Colorado), and the Pocket Testament League (in Lititz, PA) on a regular basis, (as God provides), so that His truth can be shared with others in various parts of the world.
	If God’s truth is known by reading His Book, then we should offer a prayer each morning that God would enable us to continue with our Bible outreach program, because His truth is available anywhere a Bible is available.
	Because of global terrorism and acts of aggression on the part of many governments in recent years, the advice in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 is more important than ever.  “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone‑‑for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
	We pray for government leaders (3-4) because, “This is right, and is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who is willing for all mankind to be saved and come to a full knowledge of the truth.” 
	Since God has led us to live and love His truth for all of these years, He will certainly show anyone else who is wants to have ‘a full knowledge of His truth.’  The best way for anyone to start, is to begin reading the Word.
	We must be careful, because Satan makes it easy not to put the Word into practice.  God’s Word says to ‘judge ourselves’ (1 Cor. 11:31), but we often pass judgment on others.  Instead of criticizing fellow believers, we are to do what God’s Word says to do, ‘offer prayers on behalf of everyone.’
	The sermon message titled: “Paradise or the Pit,” was printed and sent to West Africa some time ago.  This message explains that being a Christian is more than ‘saying’ we are a believer.  It is to actually live God’s truth, by putting His Word into practice.  A born-again believer has the ‘mind of Jesus’ interwoven into our life.  It is to be their lifestyle.  As we maintain this faith in Christ to the end of the age, we are promised Eternal Life.
	God’s truth (taken from the Bible and explained in sermon messages), has been sent to our West African branches for many decades.  That message ‘Paradise or the Pit,’ also explains that a person will spend eternity in only one of two places, heaven or hell,  (Paradise or the Pit).
	In case we would doubt that that is true, let us refer to Matthew 25:41, "He say to those at His left, `Begone from me, with the curse resting upon you, into the Fire of the Ages, which has been prepared for the Devil and his angels.”
	As we all know, God’s truth is a ‘choice’ (on behalf of the individual).  From the beginning, God gave everyone that privilege (and that responsibility) to choose.  We could choose to live God’s truth, (and be ready for Eternal Life), or we could choose to live like the world, and hinder spiritual growth and preparation.
	Knowing that we cannot save ourselves, by any wisdom, strength, ability, or good deeds of our own, God (in His great love for us), offered a simple plan by which we could be saved from the ‘eternal flames of Gehenna.’
	That simple plan is to ‘believe in the Lord Jesus Christ with all our heart, soul, and mind.’  It is to accept the fact that God paid for our sins, (through the atoning work of His Son), so we are free from sin, and committed to live by faith in Him.
	(Romans 3:23-24), “For all alike have sinned, and all consciously come short of the glory of God, gaining acquittal from guilt by His free unpurchased grace through the deliverance which is found in Christ Jesus.”  In light of the fact that we get into God’s kingdom only by going with Jesus, enables us to realize the importance of maintaining our faith in Him, and renewing our commitment to Him.
	God’s plan for our salvation does not require any ‘good work’ on our part, but only a ‘good faith’ to believe in the work that Christ has done for us.  We are forgiven, because He was condemned, and we are right with God, because He paid the price, and we have a right to enter Heaven, because He said so.
	By maintaining this repentant attitude, self is gone, the Spirit takes its place, and we are perfected in our faith.  “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” (Matthew 5:48). 
	At any given time, if the Spirit has touched our heart and we realize that we have sinned (in thought, word, or deed), we are to confess it before God in prayer, forsake that sin (by the power of His Spirit), and to seek His forgiveness according to 1 John 1:9...“If we confess our sins, He is so faithful and just that He forgives us our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.”  Confessing our sins enables us to maintain our faith in Christ, and to retain our forgiveness through His shed blood on the Cross.
	The Pastors and branch leaders in West Africa often inform the members of how we are doing here in America, (by reading the reply letters that are sent to them).  They are always encouraged to know of others who live God’s truth, (and which is verified by testimonies and notes of praise that are published).
	As any Christian remains connected to the True Vine, they will automatically show fruits of the Spirit.  (John 15:4), “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
	The supporting pillar of God’s truth, is gospel message about His Son.  Without Him, it would not be possible to live God’s truth, and impossible to enter the Kingdom, because we would still be in our sins.  The true Christian life can be a reality only by walking with Jesus by the power of His Spirit.
	“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith,” (says 2 Corinthians 13:5); “test yourselves.  Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–-“ (that is, to guide us by His Spirit, and to walk in the light of God’s truth every day)?
	So we are to be joyful in the Lord, and we are to thank God for His truth that He has given us.  We praise Him for bringing many souls in West Africa to a knowledge of His truth, and we pray for others (anywhere on this globe), to also know the truth (as written in the Word).
	God’s truth is available here in Philadelphia (for which we thank and praise Him), it is available in West Africa, and it is available anywhere.  If anyone has access to a Bible, and is willing to repent and turn to Christ, they become part of God’s family.
	In these closing days, it is more important than ever to walk in the light of God’s truth (by the power of His Spirit), so that we can be a light shining in the darkness.  Free from our sins, walking in the Light of God’s truth (by the power of the Spirit), rejoicing in Christ our Savior, and holding firm in our faith that God will fulfill every Bible promise, is a lifestyle for the true believer.
	The teaching of the Bible is the truth that is available to every willing soul and every repentant sinner on earth.  Let us hold firm to that word of truth, because there is no other option...(John 8:31-32), "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 
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The First-Century Gospel Church
5744 NORTH FRONT STREET
PHILADELPHIA PA  19120-2404
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