Acts 1:8
"But ye shall receive power, after that
the Holy Ghost is come upon you"
The Lord had told the disciples what they were to do. Christ ordered them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, in which they would be baptized of the Holy Ghost. This enlightened them and sanctified their souls as well as gave them power to work miracles. This was their power to continue after the Ascension of Christ.
This same enlightening, sanctifying and power that they received; we receive when we accept Christ and the Holy Spirit is poured upon us. Just' as the disciples had duties from the instructions Christ gave them; before His death and after His resurrection; we as believers have instructions as well. In fact they are the same.
Christ also gives us the strength equal to our trials and our calling. Yes the road of life as been graded and made level; however we must pave our own road to the finished point of standing before Almighty God. Let me say' as you pave your road; use the right tools. "Read God's Word" "Accept Christ As Your Saviour" "And Walk Worthy Of His Love." That is our power to continue!
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Assured Redeemer
Job 19:25
"For I know that my Redeemer liveth,
and that he shall stand at the latter day upon earth"
Job was a man of God, and God knew Job's faith was steadfast and true. God called Job a perfect and upright man, one that feared God and avoid evil. So God let Satan and with all his power go against Job; but Satan could not touch Job himself. We all know the afflictions the Job went through, but nowhere during those afflictions did Job lose faith in his Redeemer.
People are so easy to say; those who God afflicts He treats as enemies. When a Christian goes through affliction as Job, there friends will say; you must have sinned big, or you must not be a friend of God; that's when we do as Job did. Declare plainly that we know that what ever happens to us, our Redeemer loves us.
Through our faith and love of God we're assured that our Redeemer will take the yoke of Satan and the condemnation of sin from us. We know and can expect Salvation through Him; because He is the living Redeemer and at the last day He will appear as the Judge of the world; to raise the dead and complete the redemption of His people.
"IF YOU STAND WITH HIM NOW"
"YOU'LL STAND WITH HIM THEN"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"For I know that my Redeemer liveth,
and that he shall stand at the latter day upon earth"
Job was a man of God, and God knew Job's faith was steadfast and true. God called Job a perfect and upright man, one that feared God and avoid evil. So God let Satan and with all his power go against Job; but Satan could not touch Job himself. We all know the afflictions the Job went through, but nowhere during those afflictions did Job lose faith in his Redeemer.
People are so easy to say; those who God afflicts He treats as enemies. When a Christian goes through affliction as Job, there friends will say; you must have sinned big, or you must not be a friend of God; that's when we do as Job did. Declare plainly that we know that what ever happens to us, our Redeemer loves us.
Through our faith and love of God we're assured that our Redeemer will take the yoke of Satan and the condemnation of sin from us. We know and can expect Salvation through Him; because He is the living Redeemer and at the last day He will appear as the Judge of the world; to raise the dead and complete the redemption of His people.
"IF YOU STAND WITH HIM NOW"
"YOU'LL STAND WITH HIM THEN"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Friday, June 28, 2013
Pleadeth
Job 16:21
"Oh that one might plead for a man with God,
as a man pleadeth for his neighbor"
Job's condition was worthy of severe condemnation, but he had the testimony of his conscience for him, that he never allowed himself in any gross sin. No one was ever more ready to acknowledge sins of infirmity. Eliphaz had charged him with hypocrisy in religion, but he specifies prayer, the great act of religion, and professes that in this he was pure, though not from all infirmity. He had a God to go to, who he doubted not.
Those who pour out tears before God, though they cannot plead for themselves, by reason of their defects, have a friend to plead for them, the son of man "Jesus Christ" and on Him we must ground all our hopes of acceptance with God. To die, is to go the way which we shall not return. All of us will go this journey. The Saviour must be precious in our souls. And should we not be ready to obey and to suffer for His sake? If we are sprinkled with His atoning blood, and testify that we are not living in sin or hypocrisy, when we go the way which we shall not return, It will be a release from this evil world and an entrance into everlasting happiness in the presence of God.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"Oh that one might plead for a man with God,
as a man pleadeth for his neighbor"
Job's condition was worthy of severe condemnation, but he had the testimony of his conscience for him, that he never allowed himself in any gross sin. No one was ever more ready to acknowledge sins of infirmity. Eliphaz had charged him with hypocrisy in religion, but he specifies prayer, the great act of religion, and professes that in this he was pure, though not from all infirmity. He had a God to go to, who he doubted not.
Those who pour out tears before God, though they cannot plead for themselves, by reason of their defects, have a friend to plead for them, the son of man "Jesus Christ" and on Him we must ground all our hopes of acceptance with God. To die, is to go the way which we shall not return. All of us will go this journey. The Saviour must be precious in our souls. And should we not be ready to obey and to suffer for His sake? If we are sprinkled with His atoning blood, and testify that we are not living in sin or hypocrisy, when we go the way which we shall not return, It will be a release from this evil world and an entrance into everlasting happiness in the presence of God.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Snatched Away
Matthew 24:40
"Then shall two be in the field;
one shall be taken, and the other left"
We as Christians use this term "Rapture" as one of the most mystical things Jesus taught. We carried the ideal of transport, or moved by sheer power of emotion from one place to another. Rapture causes us to lose our location in our reasonable time and our rational place. The basic meaning of the word rapture is to be "caught up" or "snatched away" from this earth.
In public or private worship when we are into the greatness or glory of God, we get overwhelmed by the sense of transport and we get so into the fullness of God that ordinary things around us fades away, and suddenly we are one with the father. The oneness is so thrilling we are hesitant to return to the world at Hand. We are "caught up."
Here is the picture of the Second Coming. Jesus will come suddenly and with no warning. Two men will be working in the field; suddenly one will be caught up in the ecstasy of the Son of God face to face. The same with the two women grinding at the mill. One will be taken and the other left. Why only one of the two? Why not both men in the field? Why not both women in the mill? Perhaps because only a few love Christ so much that they have often experienced some mystical experience of being "caught up" These will be the only people to be "snatched away" when Christ returns. Those who have worshiped Him as Lord before He comes will be the only ones glad to see Him and experience the joy and happiness that they have waited for. Those who never craved His presence before he came will be left behind. That means unbelievers stay and believers go. Which one are you?
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross life Ministry
"Then shall two be in the field;
one shall be taken, and the other left"
We as Christians use this term "Rapture" as one of the most mystical things Jesus taught. We carried the ideal of transport, or moved by sheer power of emotion from one place to another. Rapture causes us to lose our location in our reasonable time and our rational place. The basic meaning of the word rapture is to be "caught up" or "snatched away" from this earth.
In public or private worship when we are into the greatness or glory of God, we get overwhelmed by the sense of transport and we get so into the fullness of God that ordinary things around us fades away, and suddenly we are one with the father. The oneness is so thrilling we are hesitant to return to the world at Hand. We are "caught up."
Here is the picture of the Second Coming. Jesus will come suddenly and with no warning. Two men will be working in the field; suddenly one will be caught up in the ecstasy of the Son of God face to face. The same with the two women grinding at the mill. One will be taken and the other left. Why only one of the two? Why not both men in the field? Why not both women in the mill? Perhaps because only a few love Christ so much that they have often experienced some mystical experience of being "caught up" These will be the only people to be "snatched away" when Christ returns. Those who have worshiped Him as Lord before He comes will be the only ones glad to see Him and experience the joy and happiness that they have waited for. Those who never craved His presence before he came will be left behind. That means unbelievers stay and believers go. Which one are you?
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross life Ministry
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Deliver And Protecter
Job 5: 19
"He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea,
in seven there shall no evil touch thee"
This verse is probably read over and over by all of us, but have we ever stopped to ponder on what God is telling us. While I was reading this verse in came to life, I mean; it really stood out throughout my entire life. God took me on a journey back through my life and showed me were and when he deliver me out of trouble and when he kept evil from me. During the journey, what hurt me the most was, that most of the times I was neglecting God while He was delivering and protecting me.
I recalled the time when I was a small boy, my dad, my brother and I hit an embankment head on. I was heading for the windshield but out of no were came my dad's arms and caught me. As I grew older God showed me just how many times He was there for me. Twice from serious injury and I could have been killed. I was in Italy facing 12 to 15 years in prison with no hope in sight, but I know now God was there, because I came home meet the girl of my dreams and married her. There is so many times that I now look back and see that yes; it was God's hand on my life even though I was not always in Communion with Him. I was raised to know God, but I let the world run me at times. "God I thank you now for your love and care throughout my life." Friends; I ask you to apply this verse to your life and see what God has really done for you.
"TAKE THE JOURNEY BACK
THROUGH YOUR LIFE TODAY"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea,
in seven there shall no evil touch thee"
This verse is probably read over and over by all of us, but have we ever stopped to ponder on what God is telling us. While I was reading this verse in came to life, I mean; it really stood out throughout my entire life. God took me on a journey back through my life and showed me were and when he deliver me out of trouble and when he kept evil from me. During the journey, what hurt me the most was, that most of the times I was neglecting God while He was delivering and protecting me.
I recalled the time when I was a small boy, my dad, my brother and I hit an embankment head on. I was heading for the windshield but out of no were came my dad's arms and caught me. As I grew older God showed me just how many times He was there for me. Twice from serious injury and I could have been killed. I was in Italy facing 12 to 15 years in prison with no hope in sight, but I know now God was there, because I came home meet the girl of my dreams and married her. There is so many times that I now look back and see that yes; it was God's hand on my life even though I was not always in Communion with Him. I was raised to know God, but I let the world run me at times. "God I thank you now for your love and care throughout my life." Friends; I ask you to apply this verse to your life and see what God has really done for you.
"TAKE THE JOURNEY BACK
THROUGH YOUR LIFE TODAY"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Faith Over Fear
Esther 5:8
"If I have found favor in the sight of the King
and if it please the King to grant my petition"
We are prone to shy-away from services that will end with gain or loss. But when the cause of Christ and His people demand it, we must take up our cross, and follow Him. Esther set an example of christian faith over fear when she interceded for her people. Esther displayed to us that the footstool of King of Kings to His throne of grace we may always come boldly, and may be sure of an answer of peace with the prayer of faith. Esther's faith and courage were tried when she went before the King.
All dangers are trifling compared with the danger of losing our souls. But still a trembling sinner is often afraid of casting themselves without reserve, upon the lords free mercy as Esther did before the King. Let us venture, as she did, with love hope and faith in God, and we shall fare as well and better than she did.
This was and is an example of strong faith, which did not stagger in the face of danger, she went against hope while believing in hope. He that by sinful devices will save his live and will not trust God with it in the way of duty, shall lose it in the way of sin. Let us always have faith in our living God.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"If I have found favor in the sight of the King
and if it please the King to grant my petition"
We are prone to shy-away from services that will end with gain or loss. But when the cause of Christ and His people demand it, we must take up our cross, and follow Him. Esther set an example of christian faith over fear when she interceded for her people. Esther displayed to us that the footstool of King of Kings to His throne of grace we may always come boldly, and may be sure of an answer of peace with the prayer of faith. Esther's faith and courage were tried when she went before the King.
All dangers are trifling compared with the danger of losing our souls. But still a trembling sinner is often afraid of casting themselves without reserve, upon the lords free mercy as Esther did before the King. Let us venture, as she did, with love hope and faith in God, and we shall fare as well and better than she did.
This was and is an example of strong faith, which did not stagger in the face of danger, she went against hope while believing in hope. He that by sinful devices will save his live and will not trust God with it in the way of duty, shall lose it in the way of sin. Let us always have faith in our living God.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Monday, June 24, 2013
Visitation Time
Acts 2: 46
"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple,
"and breaking bread from house to house"
When Peter addressed the people at Pentecost he said, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know suredly that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." The people were pricked in the heart and ask; what shall we do? The prick they felt was not like a needle prick. It was a persistent, or sharply painful feeling of sorrow or remorse. We know that about three thousand Souls were Baptized the same day. But here is what we need to take from this; The Church was added to daily. Why? Because they were persistent in serving the Lord.
You see they took their visitation serious, they went with a purpose; to share what they had with others with joy and an pure heart; not like some of us, "Well its visitation night we better go." We are so slack sometimes when we meet for visitation, we don't even know for sure who we are going to visit. So we set and talk about for an hour or so along with other things that happen that day, or we go eat or have coffee first. So really if we are like that there is no joy among us and our hearts are not set and open for what we should do.
All I can say is; "We should be ashamed." We must have joy, and our hearts open toward the Church visitation program. If we plan, pray, and go into the world and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and be persistent our Churches will grow and souls saved for the Glory of God.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple,
"and breaking bread from house to house"
When Peter addressed the people at Pentecost he said, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know suredly that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." The people were pricked in the heart and ask; what shall we do? The prick they felt was not like a needle prick. It was a persistent, or sharply painful feeling of sorrow or remorse. We know that about three thousand Souls were Baptized the same day. But here is what we need to take from this; The Church was added to daily. Why? Because they were persistent in serving the Lord.
You see they took their visitation serious, they went with a purpose; to share what they had with others with joy and an pure heart; not like some of us, "Well its visitation night we better go." We are so slack sometimes when we meet for visitation, we don't even know for sure who we are going to visit. So we set and talk about for an hour or so along with other things that happen that day, or we go eat or have coffee first. So really if we are like that there is no joy among us and our hearts are not set and open for what we should do.
All I can say is; "We should be ashamed." We must have joy, and our hearts open toward the Church visitation program. If we plan, pray, and go into the world and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and be persistent our Churches will grow and souls saved for the Glory of God.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Don't Lose Heart
Isaiah 35;7
"And the parched ground shall become a pool"
We always have visions, before a thing is made real. When we realize that although the vision is real, it is not real in us, then is the time that Satan comes in with his temptations, and we sometimes say it is no use to go on. Instead of the vision becoming real, there has come the valley of humiliation. God gives us the vision, then He takes us down to the valley to mold us into shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way. Every vision will be made real if we will have patience. God is never in a hurry. We are always in such a frantic hurry. God takes us to the valley and puts us through hardships and trials to mold us into shape, until we get to the place where He can trust us with the reality of the vision. Ever since we had the vision God has been at work, getting us into the shape of the ideal, and over and over again we escape from His hand and try to get ourselves into our own shape.
The vision is not a castle in the air, but a vision of what God wants you to be. Let Him put you on His wheel and whirl you as He likes, and as sure as God is God and you are you, you will turn out exactly in accordance with the vision. Don't lose heart in the process. Keep you eyes on the vision!
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"And the parched ground shall become a pool"
We always have visions, before a thing is made real. When we realize that although the vision is real, it is not real in us, then is the time that Satan comes in with his temptations, and we sometimes say it is no use to go on. Instead of the vision becoming real, there has come the valley of humiliation. God gives us the vision, then He takes us down to the valley to mold us into shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way. Every vision will be made real if we will have patience. God is never in a hurry. We are always in such a frantic hurry. God takes us to the valley and puts us through hardships and trials to mold us into shape, until we get to the place where He can trust us with the reality of the vision. Ever since we had the vision God has been at work, getting us into the shape of the ideal, and over and over again we escape from His hand and try to get ourselves into our own shape.
The vision is not a castle in the air, but a vision of what God wants you to be. Let Him put you on His wheel and whirl you as He likes, and as sure as God is God and you are you, you will turn out exactly in accordance with the vision. Don't lose heart in the process. Keep you eyes on the vision!
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Think With God
Psalm 37:5
Commit thy way unto the Lord;
trust also in Him; and He shall
bring it to pass"
God seems to have a delightful way of upsetting the things we have thought on without taking Him into account. We get into circumstances which were not chosen by God, and suddenly we find we have been thinking and moving without God. The one thing that keeps us from the possibility of worrying is bringing God in as the greatest factor in all our decisions. As Christians we must always put God first, but we are apt to think it is not that important to put Him first in the practical issues of our lives. If we think we have to put on our Sunday moods before we come near to God, we will never come near Him. we must come as we are.
Does God really mean us to take no account of the evil? "Love..taketh no account of the evil." Love is not ignorant of the existence of the evil, but it does not take it in during the thinking process. Apart from God, we do reckon with evil; we think with it in view and work all our reasoning's from that standpoint. We cannot lay up for a rainy day if we are trusting Jesus Christ. Jesus said.."Let not your heart be troubled." God will not keep your heart from being troubled. It is a command; "Let not." Haul yourself up a hundred and one times a day in order to do it, until you get into the habit of putting God first and thinking with God in view.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Commit thy way unto the Lord;
trust also in Him; and He shall
bring it to pass"
God seems to have a delightful way of upsetting the things we have thought on without taking Him into account. We get into circumstances which were not chosen by God, and suddenly we find we have been thinking and moving without God. The one thing that keeps us from the possibility of worrying is bringing God in as the greatest factor in all our decisions. As Christians we must always put God first, but we are apt to think it is not that important to put Him first in the practical issues of our lives. If we think we have to put on our Sunday moods before we come near to God, we will never come near Him. we must come as we are.
Does God really mean us to take no account of the evil? "Love..taketh no account of the evil." Love is not ignorant of the existence of the evil, but it does not take it in during the thinking process. Apart from God, we do reckon with evil; we think with it in view and work all our reasoning's from that standpoint. We cannot lay up for a rainy day if we are trusting Jesus Christ. Jesus said.."Let not your heart be troubled." God will not keep your heart from being troubled. It is a command; "Let not." Haul yourself up a hundred and one times a day in order to do it, until you get into the habit of putting God first and thinking with God in view.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Friday, June 21, 2013
Don't Be Ritualistic
Ecclesiastes 7:16
"Be not righteous over much;
neither make thyself over wise:
why shouldest thou destroy thyself"
There is the possibility that in doing righteous things, one could become ritualistic, merely going through the formality of religion. If one would do that, he or she would never apply the truth to their heart. In turn they are like the wicked; they find security in their ways, but to continue in them will only result in death and destruction. They see themselves as being able to escape God's wrath, when in reality, they are acting foolishly.
No matter who you are or what God has called you to do, God examines the heart of the individual and knows whether a person is practicing religion in form only, or if he is sincere. Jesus addressed the Pharisees on this same issue. Jesus condemned them for their wrong motives in serving God. Jesus saw that they were seeking prestige from their religious positions. Do you know anyone like that, if so confront them just as Christ did. As believers in Jesus Christ and if we love our brothers and sisters and Christ; we will be against the development of a wrong attitude about service to God.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"Be not righteous over much;
neither make thyself over wise:
why shouldest thou destroy thyself"
There is the possibility that in doing righteous things, one could become ritualistic, merely going through the formality of religion. If one would do that, he or she would never apply the truth to their heart. In turn they are like the wicked; they find security in their ways, but to continue in them will only result in death and destruction. They see themselves as being able to escape God's wrath, when in reality, they are acting foolishly.
No matter who you are or what God has called you to do, God examines the heart of the individual and knows whether a person is practicing religion in form only, or if he is sincere. Jesus addressed the Pharisees on this same issue. Jesus condemned them for their wrong motives in serving God. Jesus saw that they were seeking prestige from their religious positions. Do you know anyone like that, if so confront them just as Christ did. As believers in Jesus Christ and if we love our brothers and sisters and Christ; we will be against the development of a wrong attitude about service to God.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Keep Yourself Together
Romans 6:13
"Yield your members servants to
righteousness unto holiness"
We cannot save and sanctify our self; We cannot atone for sin; We cannot redeem the world; We cannot make right what is wrong; pure what is impure, holy what is unholy. That is all the sovereign work of God. Have we faith in what Jesus Christ has done? He has made a perfect Atonement, are we in the habit of constantly realizing it? The great need is not to do things, but believe things. The Redemption of Christ is not an experience, it is the great act of God which He has performed through Christ, and we have to build our faith upon it. If we construct our faith on our experience, we produce that most unscriptural type, an isolated life, our eyes fixed on our own whiteness. Beware of the piety, it has no place in the Atonement of the Lord. It is of no use for anything but a sequestered life; it is useless to God and a nuisance to man. Measure every type of experience by our Lord Himself. We cannot do anything pleasing to God unless we deliberately build on the Atonement of the Lord.
The Atonement of Jesus has to work out in practical, unobtrusive ways in our lives. Every time I obey, absolute Deity is on my side, so that the grace of God and natural obedience coincide. Obedience means that I have banked everything on the Atonement, and my obedience is met immediately by the delight of the supernatural grace of God.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"Yield your members servants to
righteousness unto holiness"
We cannot save and sanctify our self; We cannot atone for sin; We cannot redeem the world; We cannot make right what is wrong; pure what is impure, holy what is unholy. That is all the sovereign work of God. Have we faith in what Jesus Christ has done? He has made a perfect Atonement, are we in the habit of constantly realizing it? The great need is not to do things, but believe things. The Redemption of Christ is not an experience, it is the great act of God which He has performed through Christ, and we have to build our faith upon it. If we construct our faith on our experience, we produce that most unscriptural type, an isolated life, our eyes fixed on our own whiteness. Beware of the piety, it has no place in the Atonement of the Lord. It is of no use for anything but a sequestered life; it is useless to God and a nuisance to man. Measure every type of experience by our Lord Himself. We cannot do anything pleasing to God unless we deliberately build on the Atonement of the Lord.
The Atonement of Jesus has to work out in practical, unobtrusive ways in our lives. Every time I obey, absolute Deity is on my side, so that the grace of God and natural obedience coincide. Obedience means that I have banked everything on the Atonement, and my obedience is met immediately by the delight of the supernatural grace of God.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Time to Every Purpose.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
"To every thing there is a season, and a time
to every purpose under the heaven"
King Solomon tried hard in defense of his labors in the flesh, to find some profit in seeking to establish stability in one's life. As it was in Solomon's time and ours there is much in the world that is changing, and as things change around us we are trusting in those things which we think have provided us with security. There is only one who keeps the world in order, that is "God". God is the one who causes all things to happen in their "season" and gives everything a "purpose". God knows the beginning of all things and the end of all things because he is the all-knowing God.
Every thing is fitted into God's timetable not ours. The fact that God is not going to change and is unaffected by the circumstances of this world is incomprehensible to the human mind. What I am saying is that in our minds our thought is; "This world is going to Hell in a hand basket, why don't God fix it or end it now". We know that is just an old saying that is used when bad things happen, instead of saying "God" help us. We can find true happiness in knowing that in God's time all things well be worked out according to His purpose. God is able to use anything and anyone for the fulfillment of His purpose. That includes spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and the gift of eternal life throughout the world. Today would be a good time to make a new start in your life with the Lord and Saviour; "Jesus Christ.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"To every thing there is a season, and a time
to every purpose under the heaven"
King Solomon tried hard in defense of his labors in the flesh, to find some profit in seeking to establish stability in one's life. As it was in Solomon's time and ours there is much in the world that is changing, and as things change around us we are trusting in those things which we think have provided us with security. There is only one who keeps the world in order, that is "God". God is the one who causes all things to happen in their "season" and gives everything a "purpose". God knows the beginning of all things and the end of all things because he is the all-knowing God.
Every thing is fitted into God's timetable not ours. The fact that God is not going to change and is unaffected by the circumstances of this world is incomprehensible to the human mind. What I am saying is that in our minds our thought is; "This world is going to Hell in a hand basket, why don't God fix it or end it now". We know that is just an old saying that is used when bad things happen, instead of saying "God" help us. We can find true happiness in knowing that in God's time all things well be worked out according to His purpose. God is able to use anything and anyone for the fulfillment of His purpose. That includes spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and the gift of eternal life throughout the world. Today would be a good time to make a new start in your life with the Lord and Saviour; "Jesus Christ.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Apprehended By God
Philippians 3:12
"If that I may apprehend that
for which also I am apprehended"
Never chose to be a worker; but when once God has put His call on you, woe be to you if you turn to the right hand or the left. We are not here to work for God because we have chosen to do so, but because God has apprehended us. There is never any thought of "Oh, well, I am not fitted for this." What you are to preach is determined by God, not by your own natural inclinations. Keep your soul steadfastly related to God, and remember that you are called not to bear testimony only, but to preach the gospel. Every Christian must testify, but when it comes to the call to preach, there must be the agonizing grip of God's hand on you, your life is in the grip of God for that one thing. How many of us are held like that?
Never water down the word of God, preach it in its undiluted sternness; there must be unflinching loyalty to the word of God; but when you come to personal dealings with fellow men, remember who you are-----not a special being made up in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
References from:
Oswald Chambers
"If that I may apprehend that
for which also I am apprehended"
Never chose to be a worker; but when once God has put His call on you, woe be to you if you turn to the right hand or the left. We are not here to work for God because we have chosen to do so, but because God has apprehended us. There is never any thought of "Oh, well, I am not fitted for this." What you are to preach is determined by God, not by your own natural inclinations. Keep your soul steadfastly related to God, and remember that you are called not to bear testimony only, but to preach the gospel. Every Christian must testify, but when it comes to the call to preach, there must be the agonizing grip of God's hand on you, your life is in the grip of God for that one thing. How many of us are held like that?
Never water down the word of God, preach it in its undiluted sternness; there must be unflinching loyalty to the word of God; but when you come to personal dealings with fellow men, remember who you are-----not a special being made up in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
References from:
Oswald Chambers
Monday, June 17, 2013
Look On Tomorrow
Luke 16:1
"And he said also unto his disciples,
there was a certain rich man which had
a steward; and the same was accused
unto him that he had wasted his goods"
Not much can be said for this dishonest Stewart except that he knew to survive in his corrupt business. So why would Jesus compliment him? Well, Jesus did not compliment his corrupt business practices. Jesus was saying that those who live all their lives and never plan for eternity are less wise than corrupt bookkeepers who may embezzle but always have an eye on the future.
Always keep an eye on tomorrow for today is not ultimate enough to mean anything, and yesterday is spent. Those who focus on yesterday we call traditionalists. Those who live for the moment we call momentary. Those who live for tomorrow we call people of destiny. This is the category to be cherished by the people of God. Eternity is real, and it is on the way. Living only for today is living that cannot survive your lifetime. Plan to inherit eternal life. Move confidently toward your imperishable tomorrow.
"LOOK ON TOMORROW
TO OVERCOME YOUR FAILURES"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"And he said also unto his disciples,
there was a certain rich man which had
a steward; and the same was accused
unto him that he had wasted his goods"
Not much can be said for this dishonest Stewart except that he knew to survive in his corrupt business. So why would Jesus compliment him? Well, Jesus did not compliment his corrupt business practices. Jesus was saying that those who live all their lives and never plan for eternity are less wise than corrupt bookkeepers who may embezzle but always have an eye on the future.
Always keep an eye on tomorrow for today is not ultimate enough to mean anything, and yesterday is spent. Those who focus on yesterday we call traditionalists. Those who live for the moment we call momentary. Those who live for tomorrow we call people of destiny. This is the category to be cherished by the people of God. Eternity is real, and it is on the way. Living only for today is living that cannot survive your lifetime. Plan to inherit eternal life. Move confidently toward your imperishable tomorrow.
"LOOK ON TOMORROW
TO OVERCOME YOUR FAILURES"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Sunday, June 16, 2013
The Golden Rule
John 7:17
"If any man will do His will,
he shall know of the doctrine"
The golden rule for understanding spiritually is not intellect, but obedience. If a man wants scientific knowledge, intellectual curiosity is his guide; but if he wants insight into what Jesus Christ teaches, he can only get it by obedience. If things are dark to me, then I may be sure there is something I will not do. Intellectual darkness comes through ignorance; spiritual darkness comes because of something I do not intend to obey.
No man ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test over it. We disobey and than wonder why we don't go on spiritually. "If when you come to the alter," said Jesus, there you remember your brother hath ought against you., don't say another word to Me, but first go and put that thing right," The teaching of Jesus hits us where we live. We cannot stand as humbugs before Him for one second. The Spirit of God unearths the spirit of self-vindication; He makes us sensitive to things we never thought of before.
When Jesus brings a thing home by His word, don't shirk it. If you do, you will become a religious humbug. Watch the things you shrug your shoulders over, and you will know why you do not go on spiritually. Even at the risk of being thought fanatical you must obey what God tells you.
"HAPPY FATHER'S DAY"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"If any man will do His will,
he shall know of the doctrine"
The golden rule for understanding spiritually is not intellect, but obedience. If a man wants scientific knowledge, intellectual curiosity is his guide; but if he wants insight into what Jesus Christ teaches, he can only get it by obedience. If things are dark to me, then I may be sure there is something I will not do. Intellectual darkness comes through ignorance; spiritual darkness comes because of something I do not intend to obey.
No man ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test over it. We disobey and than wonder why we don't go on spiritually. "If when you come to the alter," said Jesus, there you remember your brother hath ought against you., don't say another word to Me, but first go and put that thing right," The teaching of Jesus hits us where we live. We cannot stand as humbugs before Him for one second. The Spirit of God unearths the spirit of self-vindication; He makes us sensitive to things we never thought of before.
When Jesus brings a thing home by His word, don't shirk it. If you do, you will become a religious humbug. Watch the things you shrug your shoulders over, and you will know why you do not go on spiritually. Even at the risk of being thought fanatical you must obey what God tells you.
"HAPPY FATHER'S DAY"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Do It Now
John 15:4
"Abide in Me"
In the matter of Determination. The Spirit of Jesus is put into us by the atonement, then we have to construct with patience the way of thinking that is exactly in accordance with our Lord. God will not make us think like Jesus, we must do that ourselves; We must bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. "Abide in Me" in intellectual matters, in money matters, in every one of the matters that make human life what it is.
Think of the things that take you out of abiding in Christ----Yes Lord, just a minute, I must do this first; Yes, I will abide when I am finished; or, when this week is over, it will be all right, I will abide then. "Do It Now" begin to abide now. In the initial stages it is a continual effort until it becomes so much the law of life that you abide in Him unconsciously. Determine to abide in Jesus Christ wherever you are in life.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"Abide in Me"
In the matter of Determination. The Spirit of Jesus is put into us by the atonement, then we have to construct with patience the way of thinking that is exactly in accordance with our Lord. God will not make us think like Jesus, we must do that ourselves; We must bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. "Abide in Me" in intellectual matters, in money matters, in every one of the matters that make human life what it is.
Think of the things that take you out of abiding in Christ----Yes Lord, just a minute, I must do this first; Yes, I will abide when I am finished; or, when this week is over, it will be all right, I will abide then. "Do It Now" begin to abide now. In the initial stages it is a continual effort until it becomes so much the law of life that you abide in Him unconsciously. Determine to abide in Jesus Christ wherever you are in life.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Friday, June 14, 2013
How Long?
Matthew 24:36
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man,
no, not the angels of heaven,
but my Father only"
No one knows how long an interval will elapse before God will visit our planet with His fierce indignation. From the human perspective the "times and seasons" are indeterminate. We know as much about the time element as it is possible for us to know apart from a special divine revelation. God has been pleased to hide this information from us in order that we shall always live in a state of expectancy and preparedness.
Throughout the church age the Lord's people have always had reason to believe that the period of waiting would be short and that the Lord would return in their lifetime. Some religious enthusiasts, with more zeal than knowledge, have gone so far as to set exact dates for the return of Christ, but each has proved to be very wrong in their date setting. We cannot know the day or the hour; no not even the month or year or decade. it is the suspense of not knowing that keeps the Christian "on his toes" and always ready if the event should occur today.
We are living in a day when men and women sin openly and without shame. They don't know or don't care that they are doing things that bring down on them the terrible wrath of God. They may think that God is unconcerned about their sins. or that He won't do anything about them. But He will. "It is appointed unto men once to die (That's certain), but after this the judgment (that's certain too)" Let us not pretend that it isn't going to happen and fail to be prepare.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man,
no, not the angels of heaven,
but my Father only"
No one knows how long an interval will elapse before God will visit our planet with His fierce indignation. From the human perspective the "times and seasons" are indeterminate. We know as much about the time element as it is possible for us to know apart from a special divine revelation. God has been pleased to hide this information from us in order that we shall always live in a state of expectancy and preparedness.
Throughout the church age the Lord's people have always had reason to believe that the period of waiting would be short and that the Lord would return in their lifetime. Some religious enthusiasts, with more zeal than knowledge, have gone so far as to set exact dates for the return of Christ, but each has proved to be very wrong in their date setting. We cannot know the day or the hour; no not even the month or year or decade. it is the suspense of not knowing that keeps the Christian "on his toes" and always ready if the event should occur today.
We are living in a day when men and women sin openly and without shame. They don't know or don't care that they are doing things that bring down on them the terrible wrath of God. They may think that God is unconcerned about their sins. or that He won't do anything about them. But He will. "It is appointed unto men once to die (That's certain), but after this the judgment (that's certain too)" Let us not pretend that it isn't going to happen and fail to be prepare.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Loss Or Gain
2 Corinthians 5:10
"For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ"
The Judgement Seat of Christ concerns not sins but service. It's your daily life and service for God which you must own up to. The judgement isn't going to decide whether you're lost or saved, for that matter was settled the moment you trusted Christ. But the judgement is to determine whether you will receive or loss of reward for the opportunities God has given you.
You can think of it in terms of a building program. In fact that's the very figure of speech that Apostle Paul used to explain about the coming judgment of Christians. Paul said; that as a wise masterbuilder Christ had laid the foundation. (1 Cor 3:10-11). Now it's up to each individual to build on that foundation. If he wants to, he can use such materials as gold, silver and precious stones. That represents unselfish, sacrificial and God-honoring good works done for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Or he can use wood, hay and stubble. That represents evil works or even religious works done for show, self-attention and pride.
On the judgement day that awaits Christians every man's works shall be tested by fire to determine what kind they are. The life-record of some Christians will come through with not even a trace of damage. If so, God will give them rewards for faithful and loyal service. But for others----poof! Their works will go up in flames instantly. They themselves, will be saved, yes. But they will suffer loss. They will go into eternity empty-handed people with no rewards to show for their years of opportunity on earth.
If your life were suddenly cut off with no more chance to serve Christ, how would you fare at His judgement seat? Would you receive a reward or suffer loss.
THINK ABOUT IT! LOSS OR GAIN!
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross life Ministry
"For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ"
The Judgement Seat of Christ concerns not sins but service. It's your daily life and service for God which you must own up to. The judgement isn't going to decide whether you're lost or saved, for that matter was settled the moment you trusted Christ. But the judgement is to determine whether you will receive or loss of reward for the opportunities God has given you.
You can think of it in terms of a building program. In fact that's the very figure of speech that Apostle Paul used to explain about the coming judgment of Christians. Paul said; that as a wise masterbuilder Christ had laid the foundation. (1 Cor 3:10-11). Now it's up to each individual to build on that foundation. If he wants to, he can use such materials as gold, silver and precious stones. That represents unselfish, sacrificial and God-honoring good works done for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Or he can use wood, hay and stubble. That represents evil works or even religious works done for show, self-attention and pride.
On the judgement day that awaits Christians every man's works shall be tested by fire to determine what kind they are. The life-record of some Christians will come through with not even a trace of damage. If so, God will give them rewards for faithful and loyal service. But for others----poof! Their works will go up in flames instantly. They themselves, will be saved, yes. But they will suffer loss. They will go into eternity empty-handed people with no rewards to show for their years of opportunity on earth.
If your life were suddenly cut off with no more chance to serve Christ, how would you fare at His judgement seat? Would you receive a reward or suffer loss.
THINK ABOUT IT! LOSS OR GAIN!
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross life Ministry
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
A Great Sin
1 Kings 18: 18
"And he answered, I have not troubled Israel;
But thou, and your thy father's house, in that
ye have forsaken the commandments of
the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim"
Elijah, had prophesied to King Ahab, that there would be a three year drought brought upon the land. Then the Lord told Elijah to go eastward and hide himself at the brook, Cherith. The Lord told him to drink from the brook and the ravens would feed him. After the drought was over Elijah shows himself to Ahab and the Lord sent rain upon the earth. The first thing Ahab done was to blame Elijah for the drought and all the trouble his kingdom was having. They were looking at and blaming Elijah because, they did not care or accept the great sin of forsaking God's Commandments and following the Baals.
Like Ahab, so many of us see others as the problem in our lives instead of our self. We must know and admit to our own sins if we are to get forgiveness from God. Let us not fall into the fault of tunnel vision were we look and judge and blame every one but our self. God will take care of all of us. What we should be is a man after God's own heart. Do you know anyone like that? Perhaps the best question to ask is, Am I a person after God's own heart? If the answer is no, ask yourself, why not!
"LET US NOT FORSAKE OUR"
"LORD'S COMMANDS AND"
"COMMIT A GREAT SIN"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life ministry
"And he answered, I have not troubled Israel;
But thou, and your thy father's house, in that
ye have forsaken the commandments of
the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim"
Elijah, had prophesied to King Ahab, that there would be a three year drought brought upon the land. Then the Lord told Elijah to go eastward and hide himself at the brook, Cherith. The Lord told him to drink from the brook and the ravens would feed him. After the drought was over Elijah shows himself to Ahab and the Lord sent rain upon the earth. The first thing Ahab done was to blame Elijah for the drought and all the trouble his kingdom was having. They were looking at and blaming Elijah because, they did not care or accept the great sin of forsaking God's Commandments and following the Baals.
Like Ahab, so many of us see others as the problem in our lives instead of our self. We must know and admit to our own sins if we are to get forgiveness from God. Let us not fall into the fault of tunnel vision were we look and judge and blame every one but our self. God will take care of all of us. What we should be is a man after God's own heart. Do you know anyone like that? Perhaps the best question to ask is, Am I a person after God's own heart? If the answer is no, ask yourself, why not!
"LET US NOT FORSAKE OUR"
"LORD'S COMMANDS AND"
"COMMIT A GREAT SIN"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life ministry
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
No Cheap Clean Up
Romans 14:7
"For none of us liveth to himself,
and no man dieth to himself"
With our first contact with Christ, our first thoughts were; "I'll have to give up and change a lot of things in my life. If you thought that way then you were thinking right. Why? Because the eternal life was and still is a gift from God, but it was no cheap clean up, we had to go all the way, "make a complete change." At some point prior to turning our life over to Christ most of us probably said one or more of these statements. "You mean I got to give something up" "There is no fun in being a Christian" "I like my life just like it is and I don't care about anyone else" "I don't need no body but me"!!!
When I think about what I said, I realize it was a way to cover up the fear of change and having to hold on to something that I could not see. At that point I knew it would be no cheap clean up,but I knew and you knew as well that growth in Christ would abound within us.
God Gave Paul some principles of guidance and practices for Christians to follow. The principles that Paul wrote are timeless. They are stated as follows: (1) We are not to judge the practice of other Christians in respect to doubtful things. (2) We are personally accountable to God for our actions. (3) We are not to do anything that will put a stumbling block before our brethren. (4) We have Christian liberty regarding what we do. (5) We are to do what will edify our brethren. (6) We should, for the sake of our weaker brethren, voluntarily abstain from certain practices. (7) We are to do only what can be done without self-condemnation. (8) We are to follow the example of Christ, who did not live to please himself.
"THAT IS A CLEAN UP"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"For none of us liveth to himself,
and no man dieth to himself"
With our first contact with Christ, our first thoughts were; "I'll have to give up and change a lot of things in my life. If you thought that way then you were thinking right. Why? Because the eternal life was and still is a gift from God, but it was no cheap clean up, we had to go all the way, "make a complete change." At some point prior to turning our life over to Christ most of us probably said one or more of these statements. "You mean I got to give something up" "There is no fun in being a Christian" "I like my life just like it is and I don't care about anyone else" "I don't need no body but me"!!!
When I think about what I said, I realize it was a way to cover up the fear of change and having to hold on to something that I could not see. At that point I knew it would be no cheap clean up,but I knew and you knew as well that growth in Christ would abound within us.
God Gave Paul some principles of guidance and practices for Christians to follow. The principles that Paul wrote are timeless. They are stated as follows: (1) We are not to judge the practice of other Christians in respect to doubtful things. (2) We are personally accountable to God for our actions. (3) We are not to do anything that will put a stumbling block before our brethren. (4) We have Christian liberty regarding what we do. (5) We are to do what will edify our brethren. (6) We should, for the sake of our weaker brethren, voluntarily abstain from certain practices. (7) We are to do only what can be done without self-condemnation. (8) We are to follow the example of Christ, who did not live to please himself.
"THAT IS A CLEAN UP"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Monday, June 10, 2013
Are You Valuable
Ezekiel 15:2
"Son of man, what is the vine tree, more than any tree or"
"Than a branch which is among the trees of the forest"
What is it about the vine-wood to make it better (above) other wood. Nothing! Other trees of the forest make (yield) useful timber, but the vine-wood is brittle, crooked, and seldom large. The only thing it can be used for is a "pin" a large wooden peg used inside homes in the east to hang household articles on, Isa 22:23-25. I am sure if you buy these large wooden pegs to use in you home or work it most likely has stamped on it "Made in the Middle East" or one of the City names. It's sole purpose is that it should bear fruit; when it does not bear fruit,it is not only not better, but inferior to other trees.
So if we, God's people lose our distinctive excellency by not bearing fruit of righteousness, we become just if not more unprofitable than the worldly (De 32:32). We are the vine, the sole end of our being is to bear fruit to God's glory. What superiority has the vine if it be but a branch among the trees of the forest, that is, having no fruit, it lies cut down among other woods of trees? So as we are if we don't bear the fruits of righteousness. We would be just as unprofitable to "God" as a worldly sinner is.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"Son of man, what is the vine tree, more than any tree or"
"Than a branch which is among the trees of the forest"
What is it about the vine-wood to make it better (above) other wood. Nothing! Other trees of the forest make (yield) useful timber, but the vine-wood is brittle, crooked, and seldom large. The only thing it can be used for is a "pin" a large wooden peg used inside homes in the east to hang household articles on, Isa 22:23-25. I am sure if you buy these large wooden pegs to use in you home or work it most likely has stamped on it "Made in the Middle East" or one of the City names. It's sole purpose is that it should bear fruit; when it does not bear fruit,it is not only not better, but inferior to other trees.
So if we, God's people lose our distinctive excellency by not bearing fruit of righteousness, we become just if not more unprofitable than the worldly (De 32:32). We are the vine, the sole end of our being is to bear fruit to God's glory. What superiority has the vine if it be but a branch among the trees of the forest, that is, having no fruit, it lies cut down among other woods of trees? So as we are if we don't bear the fruits of righteousness. We would be just as unprofitable to "God" as a worldly sinner is.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Sunday, June 9, 2013
God's Covenant And Me
Genesis 9:13
"I do set my bow in the cloud and it shall be for a token"
"Of a covenant between Me and the earth"
It is the will of God that human beings should get into moral relationship with Him, and His covenants are for this purpose. Why does God not save me? He has saved me, but I have not entered into relationship with Him. Why does God not do this and that? He has done it, the point is; Will I step into covenant relationship? All the great blessings of God are finished and complete, but they are not mine until I enter into relationship with Him on the basis of covenant.
Waiting for God is incarnate unbelief, it means that I have no faith in Him; I wait for Him to do something in me that I may trust in that. God will not do it, because that is not the basis of the God-and-man relationship. Man has to go out of himself in his covenant with God as God goes out of Himself in His covenant with man. It is a question of faith in God--- the rarest things; we have faith only in our feelings. I do not believe God unless He will give me something in my hand whereby I may know I have it, than I say----"Now I believe." There is no faith there. "Look unto Me, and be ye saved."
When I have really transacted business with God on His covenant and have let go entirely, there is no sense of merit, no human ingredient in it at all, but a complete overwhelming sense of being brought into union with God, and the whole thing is transfigured with peace and joy.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail Sr.
The Cross Life Ministry
"I do set my bow in the cloud and it shall be for a token"
"Of a covenant between Me and the earth"
It is the will of God that human beings should get into moral relationship with Him, and His covenants are for this purpose. Why does God not save me? He has saved me, but I have not entered into relationship with Him. Why does God not do this and that? He has done it, the point is; Will I step into covenant relationship? All the great blessings of God are finished and complete, but they are not mine until I enter into relationship with Him on the basis of covenant.
Waiting for God is incarnate unbelief, it means that I have no faith in Him; I wait for Him to do something in me that I may trust in that. God will not do it, because that is not the basis of the God-and-man relationship. Man has to go out of himself in his covenant with God as God goes out of Himself in His covenant with man. It is a question of faith in God--- the rarest things; we have faith only in our feelings. I do not believe God unless He will give me something in my hand whereby I may know I have it, than I say----"Now I believe." There is no faith there. "Look unto Me, and be ye saved."
When I have really transacted business with God on His covenant and have let go entirely, there is no sense of merit, no human ingredient in it at all, but a complete overwhelming sense of being brought into union with God, and the whole thing is transfigured with peace and joy.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail Sr.
The Cross Life Ministry
Saturday, June 8, 2013
The Spiritual Society
Ephesians 4: 13
"Till we come"
Unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ"
Rehabilitation means the putting back of the whole human race into the relationship God designed it to be in, and this is what Jesus did in Redemption. The Church ceases to be a spiritual society when it is on the lookout for the development of its own organization. The rehabilitation of the human race on Jesus Christ's plan means the realization of Jesus Christ in corporate life as well as in individual life. Jesus Christ sent apostles and teachers for this purpose---that the corporate Personality might be realized. We are not here to develop a spiritual life of our own, or to enjoy spiritual retirement; we are here so to realize Jesus Christ that the Body of Christ may built up.
Am I building up the Body of Christ, or am I looking for my own personal development only? The essential thing is my personal relationship to Jesus Christ---- "That I may know Him." To fulfill God's design means entire abandonment to Him. Whenever I want things for myself, the relationship is distorted. It will be a big humiliation to realize that I have not been concerned about realizing Jesus Christ, but only about realizing what He has done for me.
My Goal Is God Himself, Not Joy Nor Peace
Nor Even Blessing, But Himself, My God.
"Are You Measuring Your Life By This Standard or By Anything Else"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"Till we come"
Unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ"
Rehabilitation means the putting back of the whole human race into the relationship God designed it to be in, and this is what Jesus did in Redemption. The Church ceases to be a spiritual society when it is on the lookout for the development of its own organization. The rehabilitation of the human race on Jesus Christ's plan means the realization of Jesus Christ in corporate life as well as in individual life. Jesus Christ sent apostles and teachers for this purpose---that the corporate Personality might be realized. We are not here to develop a spiritual life of our own, or to enjoy spiritual retirement; we are here so to realize Jesus Christ that the Body of Christ may built up.
Am I building up the Body of Christ, or am I looking for my own personal development only? The essential thing is my personal relationship to Jesus Christ---- "That I may know Him." To fulfill God's design means entire abandonment to Him. Whenever I want things for myself, the relationship is distorted. It will be a big humiliation to realize that I have not been concerned about realizing Jesus Christ, but only about realizing what He has done for me.
My Goal Is God Himself, Not Joy Nor Peace
Nor Even Blessing, But Himself, My God.
"Are You Measuring Your Life By This Standard or By Anything Else"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Friday, June 7, 2013
A Man's Covenant
Galatians 3:15
"Though it be but a man's covenant yet if it be confirmed"
"No man disannulleth, or addeth thereto"
This is another argument of Paul's and of course, all of Paul's arguments are logical. But this one is based on reasoning, as Paul compares the law to a human contract. "When two people make a contract, it is illegal for a third party to step in and change it or cancel it. Now, God made a contract (covenant) with Abraham 400 years before the law was given! So the law of Moses could never cancel God's original promise to Abraham! And God gave that promise to Abraham's seed as well, and we know that this seed is Christ. The Mosaic law was not a new way of salvation, because it could and would not cancel God's promise to Abraham. I weigh in with Paul! Promise and faith go together, but not promise and law.
"But why then did God even give the law?" the objectors would argue; Paul gave three answers:
(1) The law was temporary, for the Jews only (3:19-20). Rom. 2:14 and Acts 15:24 make it clear that God never gave the law to the Gentiles. The moral law was already written in the hearts of the Gentiles.
(2) The law convicted of sin and never saved (21-22). If there was a law that saved sinners, then God would have spared His Son and used that means of salvation; there was none. The law is not against God's promises; as it reveals sin, it forces the sinner to trust God's promises!
(3) The law prepared the way for Christ (23-29). "Before the faith we now know came, the law shut men up, revealing their need for a Saviour." The law was God's "schoolmaster' (tutor) for the Jews in their national infancy. The law kept the Jews "in line so to speak until Christ came and the full revelation of Gospel was given to Jews and Gentiles. As L. E. Maxwell once put it: "We Were Crowded to Christ!"
"PROMISE AND FAITH GO TOGETHER"
"BUT NOT PROMISE AND LAW"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"Though it be but a man's covenant yet if it be confirmed"
"No man disannulleth, or addeth thereto"
This is another argument of Paul's and of course, all of Paul's arguments are logical. But this one is based on reasoning, as Paul compares the law to a human contract. "When two people make a contract, it is illegal for a third party to step in and change it or cancel it. Now, God made a contract (covenant) with Abraham 400 years before the law was given! So the law of Moses could never cancel God's original promise to Abraham! And God gave that promise to Abraham's seed as well, and we know that this seed is Christ. The Mosaic law was not a new way of salvation, because it could and would not cancel God's promise to Abraham. I weigh in with Paul! Promise and faith go together, but not promise and law.
"But why then did God even give the law?" the objectors would argue; Paul gave three answers:
(1) The law was temporary, for the Jews only (3:19-20). Rom. 2:14 and Acts 15:24 make it clear that God never gave the law to the Gentiles. The moral law was already written in the hearts of the Gentiles.
(2) The law convicted of sin and never saved (21-22). If there was a law that saved sinners, then God would have spared His Son and used that means of salvation; there was none. The law is not against God's promises; as it reveals sin, it forces the sinner to trust God's promises!
(3) The law prepared the way for Christ (23-29). "Before the faith we now know came, the law shut men up, revealing their need for a Saviour." The law was God's "schoolmaster' (tutor) for the Jews in their national infancy. The law kept the Jews "in line so to speak until Christ came and the full revelation of Gospel was given to Jews and Gentiles. As L. E. Maxwell once put it: "We Were Crowded to Christ!"
"PROMISE AND FAITH GO TOGETHER"
"BUT NOT PROMISE AND LAW"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Thursday, June 6, 2013
The Great Mystery
Ephesians 5:32
"This is a great mystery but I speak"
"Concerning Christ and the Church"
The Great Mystery can be understood if we read verse -31 spiritually and than apply it Eternally. What do I mean? The Scriptures were wrote as they were given, in order and together; they reference each other so we must read and apply them the same way. From verse - 21-33 intrusts us on God's view of Husband and wife and the conduct toward each other; the Scriptures also comp[ares the marriage bond to Christ and the Church. The Principal of headship is what regulates the home. "As unto Christ" is the motive, for man and wife to submit to each other. The same goes for the entire running of the home. Let's try to unfold this mystery just a little.
The Church here is pictured as the bride of Christ. It is interesting to compare the church to the first bride of the Bible. Eve (Gen. 2: 18-25). She was taken from Adam's side, and Christ side was pierced for us on the cross. (thus the blood applied). Eve was formed while Adam was asleep, and when Christ was resting in death the Church was begun. Eve shared Adam's nature, and the Church partakes of Christ's nature verse - 30-31. Eve was the object of her mate's love and care, and Christ loves the Church and cares for her. Adam was willing to become a sinner because of his love for his wife (I Tim. 2:11-15), and Christ was made sin because of his love for the Church.
Eve was formed and brought to Adam before sin entered the human family, and the Church was in the mind and heart of God before the foundation of the World. Note: Romans 7:4 and II Corinthians 11:2 for the application of this truth of marriage to the individual believer and the local Church. It is power from within, not pressure from without, that holds Church and the Home together.
IS THE MYSTERY SOLVED? NO!
IT"S JUST OPENED UP A LITTLE!
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"This is a great mystery but I speak"
"Concerning Christ and the Church"
The Great Mystery can be understood if we read verse -31 spiritually and than apply it Eternally. What do I mean? The Scriptures were wrote as they were given, in order and together; they reference each other so we must read and apply them the same way. From verse - 21-33 intrusts us on God's view of Husband and wife and the conduct toward each other; the Scriptures also comp[ares the marriage bond to Christ and the Church. The Principal of headship is what regulates the home. "As unto Christ" is the motive, for man and wife to submit to each other. The same goes for the entire running of the home. Let's try to unfold this mystery just a little.
The Church here is pictured as the bride of Christ. It is interesting to compare the church to the first bride of the Bible. Eve (Gen. 2: 18-25). She was taken from Adam's side, and Christ side was pierced for us on the cross. (thus the blood applied). Eve was formed while Adam was asleep, and when Christ was resting in death the Church was begun. Eve shared Adam's nature, and the Church partakes of Christ's nature verse - 30-31. Eve was the object of her mate's love and care, and Christ loves the Church and cares for her. Adam was willing to become a sinner because of his love for his wife (I Tim. 2:11-15), and Christ was made sin because of his love for the Church.
Eve was formed and brought to Adam before sin entered the human family, and the Church was in the mind and heart of God before the foundation of the World. Note: Romans 7:4 and II Corinthians 11:2 for the application of this truth of marriage to the individual believer and the local Church. It is power from within, not pressure from without, that holds Church and the Home together.
IS THE MYSTERY SOLVED? NO!
IT"S JUST OPENED UP A LITTLE!
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
At A Distance
Ephesians 2:12
"That at the time ye were without Christ being"
"Aliens from the common wealth of Israel and"
"Strangers from the covenants of promise"
"Having no hope and without God in"
"The World"
Some people read this verse and say; If they did not have God or no hope what did they have? Well not to worry because God always makes a distinction between Jews and Gentiles racially, but not individually (1 Cor 10:32). The Gentiles were without Christ, that is, they had no promise of a Messiah. Why? Because they were not a part of the nation of Israel; in fact the OT laws put a wide gape of understanding between Jews and Gentiles. Instead of being 'the people of God," they were aliens. They were strangers, without hope and without the true God in the world.
Did they know God? Yes! Did they have access to Christ as the Jews? No! Contrast this sad plight with the privileged position of Israel in Rom. 9:4-5. Ephesians 2:13 sums it up in two words: "far off." While the problem of sinners in general (verse 1-10) was death, the problem of the Gentiles in particular was distance. Note in the Gospels that when ever Christ helped a Gentile, He did it at a distance (Mt. 8:5-13, 15:22-28). So yes Gentiles had access to Christ at a distance. They would seek out Christ for healing and to show there faith. Christ Said: "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
Even though Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world, We as sinners must go to Christ and in faith accept Him into our heart as our Savior. Love one another as Christ loved us.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"That at the time ye were without Christ being"
"Aliens from the common wealth of Israel and"
"Strangers from the covenants of promise"
"Having no hope and without God in"
"The World"
Some people read this verse and say; If they did not have God or no hope what did they have? Well not to worry because God always makes a distinction between Jews and Gentiles racially, but not individually (1 Cor 10:32). The Gentiles were without Christ, that is, they had no promise of a Messiah. Why? Because they were not a part of the nation of Israel; in fact the OT laws put a wide gape of understanding between Jews and Gentiles. Instead of being 'the people of God," they were aliens. They were strangers, without hope and without the true God in the world.
Did they know God? Yes! Did they have access to Christ as the Jews? No! Contrast this sad plight with the privileged position of Israel in Rom. 9:4-5. Ephesians 2:13 sums it up in two words: "far off." While the problem of sinners in general (verse 1-10) was death, the problem of the Gentiles in particular was distance. Note in the Gospels that when ever Christ helped a Gentile, He did it at a distance (Mt. 8:5-13, 15:22-28). So yes Gentiles had access to Christ at a distance. They would seek out Christ for healing and to show there faith. Christ Said: "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
Even though Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world, We as sinners must go to Christ and in faith accept Him into our heart as our Savior. Love one another as Christ loved us.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Grace Is His Glory
Ephesians 1:7
"In whom we have redemption through his blood"
"The forgiveness of sins, according to"
"The riches of his grace"
In whom---who is the whom? "The Beloved" we have as a present possession "redemption" the redemption which is the grand subject of all revelation, and especially throughout the New Testament. If a man were unable to redeem himself from being a bond servant, his kinsmen might redeem him (Lev 25:48). Therefore; the Son of God became the Son of man, so as our kinsman he might redeem us (Mt 20:28). Then after the first "redemption" another "redemption " follows; that being the purchased possession. The instrument being Christ Blood, because of the love for us, He who was not guilty paid the divine justice for our sins.
This "redemption" includes not only deliverance from sin's penalty, but from it's pollution and enslaving power; and the reconciliation of an offended God, and a satisfaction unto a just God. It was rich grace to provide such a surety as His own Son, and freely to deliver him up. This method of grace gives no encouragement to evil, but shows sin in all it's hatefulness and how it deserves vengeance. Our actions, as well as our words, declare the praises of Divine mercy. His grace is His glory!
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"In whom we have redemption through his blood"
"The forgiveness of sins, according to"
"The riches of his grace"
In whom---who is the whom? "The Beloved" we have as a present possession "redemption" the redemption which is the grand subject of all revelation, and especially throughout the New Testament. If a man were unable to redeem himself from being a bond servant, his kinsmen might redeem him (Lev 25:48). Therefore; the Son of God became the Son of man, so as our kinsman he might redeem us (Mt 20:28). Then after the first "redemption" another "redemption " follows; that being the purchased possession. The instrument being Christ Blood, because of the love for us, He who was not guilty paid the divine justice for our sins.
This "redemption" includes not only deliverance from sin's penalty, but from it's pollution and enslaving power; and the reconciliation of an offended God, and a satisfaction unto a just God. It was rich grace to provide such a surety as His own Son, and freely to deliver him up. This method of grace gives no encouragement to evil, but shows sin in all it's hatefulness and how it deserves vengeance. Our actions, as well as our words, declare the praises of Divine mercy. His grace is His glory!
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Monday, June 3, 2013
The Law Of Liberty
James 2:12
"So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall"
"Be judged by the law of liberty"
The Law of Liberty; now what law is this? For the believer it is the law of love. Leviticus 19:18 "thou shalt not avenge nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord. This "Law of Love" is so important to God; in Matthew 22:35-40, when Christ was ask by a lawyer while being tempting by him; which is the great commandant in the law? Christ answerd this; "thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandent. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Mathew 22: 37-40).
It is a sin to show respect of persons; and to break one commandment is to be guilty of the whole law! The same God gave all commandments, and all must be obeyed and practiced. Of course I am not putting the Christian back under the Mosaic law; I am referring to the moral law which still abides under the New Covenant. We are to act and speak as those who will be judged, not by the law of Moses, but by the more severe "Law Of Liberty" the law of love written in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall"
"Be judged by the law of liberty"
The Law of Liberty; now what law is this? For the believer it is the law of love. Leviticus 19:18 "thou shalt not avenge nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord. This "Law of Love" is so important to God; in Matthew 22:35-40, when Christ was ask by a lawyer while being tempting by him; which is the great commandant in the law? Christ answerd this; "thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandent. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Mathew 22: 37-40).
It is a sin to show respect of persons; and to break one commandment is to be guilty of the whole law! The same God gave all commandments, and all must be obeyed and practiced. Of course I am not putting the Christian back under the Mosaic law; I am referring to the moral law which still abides under the New Covenant. We are to act and speak as those who will be judged, not by the law of Moses, but by the more severe "Law Of Liberty" the law of love written in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Sunday, June 2, 2013
True Religion
James 1:27
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this"
"To visit the fatherless and widows in there affliction and"
"To keep himself unspotted from the world"
James has pictured the private life of the believer, he looks into the Word; describe his public life, and his practice of the Word. The word "religious" means "the outward practice of religion." The Bible nowhere calls the Christian faith "a religion;" it is a miracle, a new birth, a divine life. "If any man imagines himself to be religious," says James, "then let him prove it by the life he lives."
What are the characteristics of pure religion? They are: self-control - a bridled tongue, love for others; and a clean life. The word "visit" in (v27) means "care for;" it suggest sacrificial care for those who are in need. True religion is not a matter of forms and ceremonies; it is a matter of controlled tongue, sacrificial service, and a clean life. So here is how I see it. "Believing in Jesus Christ and accepting Him into you heart by faith" and believing in "The Living God" that is True Christian Faith! Your religion is how you act before God and how you conduct you self in this world.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this"
"To visit the fatherless and widows in there affliction and"
"To keep himself unspotted from the world"
James has pictured the private life of the believer, he looks into the Word; describe his public life, and his practice of the Word. The word "religious" means "the outward practice of religion." The Bible nowhere calls the Christian faith "a religion;" it is a miracle, a new birth, a divine life. "If any man imagines himself to be religious," says James, "then let him prove it by the life he lives."
What are the characteristics of pure religion? They are: self-control - a bridled tongue, love for others; and a clean life. The word "visit" in (v27) means "care for;" it suggest sacrificial care for those who are in need. True religion is not a matter of forms and ceremonies; it is a matter of controlled tongue, sacrificial service, and a clean life. So here is how I see it. "Believing in Jesus Christ and accepting Him into you heart by faith" and believing in "The Living God" that is True Christian Faith! Your religion is how you act before God and how you conduct you self in this world.
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
Saturday, June 1, 2013
The Plain Path
Psalms 27:11
"Teach me the way, O Lord"
"And lead me in a plain path"
This prayer is a great teachable of the spirit, and shows a cheerful obedience of heart. "Lead me in a plain path." Help is sought here as well as direction; we not only need a map of the way, but a guide to lead us in the journey.Christians seldom succeed in fine speculations and doubtful courses, plain simplicity is the best spirit for a heir of heaven. Esau was a cunning hunter, Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents because his fear of enemies. If we don't watch for enemies they will catch us off guard. Simple honesty is safe from the enemies rage. It is wonderful to observe how honest simplicity baffles and out wits the craftiness of wickedness. Truth is wisdom.
Christians, if you dwell in open tents of licentiousness, the wicked will not walk away from you, they will walk toward you and curse you and try to shame you. Then they will make use of your weakness as a plea for their wickedness. Men are merciless in their censures of Christians; they have no sympathy for their infirmity; while God weighs them in more equal scales, and says, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." While a saint is above in the eyes of God, he is only a raven in the estimation of sinners. (William Secker).
"YOUR PATH WAY IS PLAIN"--- "WILL YOU FOLLOW IT"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
"Teach me the way, O Lord"
"And lead me in a plain path"
This prayer is a great teachable of the spirit, and shows a cheerful obedience of heart. "Lead me in a plain path." Help is sought here as well as direction; we not only need a map of the way, but a guide to lead us in the journey.Christians seldom succeed in fine speculations and doubtful courses, plain simplicity is the best spirit for a heir of heaven. Esau was a cunning hunter, Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents because his fear of enemies. If we don't watch for enemies they will catch us off guard. Simple honesty is safe from the enemies rage. It is wonderful to observe how honest simplicity baffles and out wits the craftiness of wickedness. Truth is wisdom.
Christians, if you dwell in open tents of licentiousness, the wicked will not walk away from you, they will walk toward you and curse you and try to shame you. Then they will make use of your weakness as a plea for their wickedness. Men are merciless in their censures of Christians; they have no sympathy for their infirmity; while God weighs them in more equal scales, and says, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." While a saint is above in the eyes of God, he is only a raven in the estimation of sinners. (William Secker).
"YOUR PATH WAY IS PLAIN"--- "WILL YOU FOLLOW IT"
May God Bless You
And Your Families
Minister: Robert A. Lail
The Cross Life Ministry
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