Introduction:

     Simon, along with the other Disciples, was well acquainted with the manifold promises found in Scripture. Many times, Jesus said He was fulfilling the prophetic word found in them. Along with those of the Old Testament, Peter and the other New Testament writers, added many more.

     Study the passage in 2 Peter, which was cited at the opening of this newsletter, and discover the power of those varied promises. They are able to make believers "partakers of the divine nature." Imagine what divine thoughts emanate from them. (A partaker is a spiritual consumer, one who is "deeply involved.") Imagine being so saturated with the Word that the believer can attain a state of spiritual aggrandizement, making him or her capable of divine conversation. Observe the word "partaker" and review its depth of meaning.

For one to be a companion to God, to have fellowship on the Divine level, to associate with the Most High, to partner with the Trinity is a deeper involvement than is found among modern Christians. But it is in this realm that revelation comes and spiritual insight resides. All these precious promises come through the "knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord." They come for one purpose, that we may escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Coming from His divine power, these promises and all things that pertain to life and godliness, are given to us. This gift comes through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.

Glory and excellence in the Divine Power offer gifts:

Just as grace must be received through faith, so these gifts must also be claimed by faith in order to grow us up into the Divine Nature. Think of it! These exceedingly great and precious promises saturate us and produce a higher nature in us. Instead of a sin nature, we exude a Jesus nature.

Having this understanding, Peter described the elements of change that come through the divine nature.

These promises are kingdom promises (v.11). "Exceedingly great" and "precious" are the adjectives which characterize their place in the believer's life.

These promises stand as a bulwark against the forces of the world. They are great, loud, mighty and strong. They give vent to the superlatives which describe them in the exact word used for "exceedingly."

"Exceedingly precious" are these promises from God. Treasured in the heart of the believer, they arise in the darkness of night and war against terror and fear. They comfort when sorrow attacks and circumstances try to overwhelm you. They rise in rapturous joy in moments of praise and thanksgiving. They silence doubt and foster faith. They outshout the noise of the world cordoned against truth and God. They defend salvation, offer hope against persecution and sponsor steadfastness. Yes, they are exceedingly great and precious.

It is important to remember these attributes as we turn attention to a few of these great and precious promises.

Thank the Lord these promises do not limit the number of times we confess our sins and receive forgiveness and have our righteousness restored. This promise does not consider the type of sin, neither does it exclude certain types of sin. It does not number the times per day this promise can be counted upon. "All unrighteousness" is a broad sweep. Jesus is in the "forgiveness of sin" business. During His ministry, He exercised this right many times.

The church needs a "cleansing of all unrighteousness day," and it must start with confession (not to an earthly priest, but to Him, who is the great high priest). Memorize I John 1, verse 9. and chapter 2:1-2.

David knew this cleansing power and authored many promises in the Psalms. Note Psalm 103.

How thorough and complete is the Lord's actions toward us. This promise in the Amplified Version is succinct.

Often quoted is another Psalm from David, Psalm 91. Perhaps these two passages have coursed the lips of many a saint during these troubling times. One thing is for sure, if we memorize these verses and stand upon their truths, we will be delivered!!

Psalm 91 opens with a statement of faith that must be our declaration as well. What follows in verses 3 -16 is a declaration from the Lord as to His sufficiency against all fronts. Verse 9 starts an "if you" series. Behold the depth of this Psalm, for it covers all the issues of life in a "nutshell."

There is nothing that can be named that His name is not above. Perhaps this is the reason Paul could declare Philippians 4:6.

With current circumstances throughout the world, this set of verses tells us to not be concerned with any of the issues flowing around us. As much a command as a promise, it requires a self-imposed quietness of soul and spirit in the face of whatever trial is at hand. It promises peace past our understanding and a guardianship over our hearts and minds. What a wonderful promise it is. Paul knew in the face of financial or personal need, he had a surety that the Lord could and would supply it.

Over and again, the Lord and His servants assert His authority in all areas of life, but especially in the carrying out of His commands. Joshua knew this first hand.

The command of the Lord is ALWAYS to "fear not" and do not be downhearted (dismayed). Our response always must be:

In last month's newsletter I asked you, as a reader, would you share the Scriptures you hold as "Promises?" For example: if you often quote I John 1:9, what other verses do you quote? If you use Psalm 91 and others, then include the reference. I think it would be meaningful to see what promises are your favorites.

Ruth's first passage addresses "confidence and endurance," two mighty forces of faith. The promise in verses 37-39 is not for those who "draw back," but for those who "believe."

This second passage is filled with superlatives. The Lord is able to bring the believer to a place beyond his or her wildest dreams, using deposited power invested in the believing person. Testimony time should be hilarious witness to God's "more than enough" capabilities.

Leaning on God's mercy and being delivered from our enemies, we become fearless, holy, and righteous servants all the days of our lives.

Thank you, Ruth, for sharing your key promises and may your boldness inspire others to participate by sharing theirs.

You may still send me your favorite promises - those that are meaningful in your daily walk.

Email me or call with your favorite promises from the Bible. Let me know what you treasure. Email: croliver@zadokpublications.com or Telephone: (936) 230-3543.

Until Next Month,

Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.

In conjunction with Brother Ghiorghi Cazacu with Gospel Ministries International, Inc. of Romania and correlates of his ministry in India, we are contemplating supplying the church building in its entirety.

Here are the details along with some summary statement regarding the mission opportunity.

Details are being worked out now for the correct channels for the construction monies.

Pastors Name: Pastor Manmadarao

Village & Population: Thulasiraminaiduvalasa, center of three main villages called Sunki and Venkatapuram with 4,000 to 5,000 population.

Ministry & Church Details: Pastor Manmadarao has been ministering in these villages for five years; 100 members are attending the church. Building a church in this place would really bring hundreds of people into the Kingdom of God; it can bear much fruits and bring vital church growth for the glory of God.

Church Building Details and Budget: These people are gathering in the house and open places for the worship. We had fruitful meeting with the village president, elders and village revenue officers yesterday. When we approached them and had a talk regarding a piece of land for the church building, they were convicted; we bought the land for the church for 3 cents. Where we bought the land is by the national highway and 1 acre (100 cents) is Rs. 1,50,00,000/- (205,479.45). Really, within a few years land cost has increased so much. Just 10 years back the same one acre there itself cost 15,000/- only but for our amazement its now 1,000% increased.

A piece of 3 cents lands' actual cost is Rs. 450,000/- ($6,164.38), but we thank God by the grace of God, when we talked to all of them; land owner village president elders and all discussed and told us that they will be giving it for Rs. 200,000/- and again land owner reduced Rs. 50,000/- since it is for the church purpose. Thus, we bought 3 cents land for the church for Rs. 150,000/- ($2,054.79). On this land, we are prayerfully planning to build a 30 feet long X 18 feet wide church building with metal petals roof due to financial concern. Here is the plan and average budget:

Foundation: digging foundation pits, stones, sand, cement, and labor charges Rs. 70,000/-.

Belt slab on foundation: Iron, cement, rod bending, mason, chips and labor charge Rs. 15,000/-

Walls: walls 9 feet: 50 cement bags, 6 loads sand, 3 load bricks, and mason and labor charge, Rs. 122,700/-

Belt after 6 feet: Rs. 15000/-

Roof: Trusses & metal petals: 4 trusses X 12000=48000/-, 14 metal petals 3fw X 15fl X 3000= 42000/-, fitting 10000/- = 100000/-

Plastering & flooring: 40mm metals, cement 10 bags, 2 loads sand, mason and labor charges together Rs. 27000/-

1 main door and 8 windows (iron frames and grilled work): Rs. 45000/-

Electrical, Wiring, Plumbing, and Paintings: 45000/-

TOTAL BUDGET FOR THE BUILDING: RS. 589,700/- ($8,078.08)

Hopefully, the OEA board and Zadok Publications will be able to report on these activities as they develop.

I highly commend OEA for its emphasis on assisting with foreign struggling Ministries as they provide churches for God's people to meet. I think it speaks highly of the dedication to share donations and income with God's needy people all over the world. It is a pleasure to be associated with this ministry!

I wonder sometimes how much of the extremely wealthy television ministries spend a significant portion of their huge incomes helping those in the field who are struggling to daily meet their needs for both themselves and their parishioners. I wonder about that as I hear ministries speak of annual incomes in excess of three hundred million dollars. Don't misunderstand, I am in no way putting down large ministries with significant income, I just wondered to the extent they share their income with those that are needy in the fields far away that often struggle to even find food for themselves and their parishioners as well as meger ch facilities to house those people that are seeking God. Some would say that that is because of the lack of faith on ministries in the field. I would be interested to compare the faith of one of those foreign missionaries that are seeking and depending on God's provision on a daily basis to provide their basic needs I would be hard-pressed to downgrade the level of their faith.

Just a thought as I contemplate today's challenges. As I said, I am very pleased to be a part of a Ministry who shares the income that is provided freely as God leads to those that are in need often without providing for ministry, personal needs in the process. It is an absolute Joy!

I am also glad that I feel free to express my thoughts, questions and desires as I move through the work that God has ordained for all of us without fear of condemnation. After all, we are all growing in our fellowship with the Lord and His continuing enlightment.

L G

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