One of Paul's greatest and favorite phrases is, "In Christ". Deissman holds that Paul created the phrase, and that the underlying idea is that Christians live in the element Christ, as birds live in the air, and fishes in the sea, and the roots of plants in the earth. So Paul describes the closest conceivable communion with Christ .... Paul uses it constantly and rejoices in all the glorious significance which stood in it.
    "I say the truth in Christ", (Rom. 9:1). "We are one body in Christ", (Rom. 12:5). His companions were fellow-workers in Christ, (Rom. 16:3, 9). It was only after others that he was in Christ, (Rom. 16:7). He calls Apelles "approved in Christ", (Rom. 16:10). The Corinthian Christians were "babes" in Christ, (I Cor. 3:1). Yet, later, he calls them "wise in Christ" (I Cor. 4:10). They might have ten thousand tutors in Christ, but only Paul was their father, (I Cor. 4:15). He speaks of "my ways in Christ", I Cor. 4:17).
    In Christ all are to be made alive, (I Cor. 15:22). The dead believers are asleep in Christ, (I Cor. 15:18). Hope in Christ for

    When God had finished creating the earth He was pleased with His handiwork - declaring it to be VERY GOOD, (Gen. 1:31; Psa. 104:24; Eccl. 3:11; Job 38:4-7). As a consequence of man's sin the earth, and all its inhabitants, were subjected to vanity, sorrow and a curse, (Gen. 3:17-19; Eccl. 1:2-8; 2:17, 22-23; Rom. 8:22-23). The time is coming when "All the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord!" (Num. 14:21; Psa. 72:18-19; Isa. 11:9; 40:3-5; 55:12-13).
    Though our Lord commissioned His church to proclaim the Gospel of the kingdom to "every creature", and to "the ends of the earth", the Scriptures make it quite plain that the world will NOT be converted, by the preaching of the Gospel, before the return of Jesus Christ to judge (rule) the earth in righteousness, (Matt. 24:14; 2 Tim. 3:1, 12-13; 2 Pet. 3:3; Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43; Dan. 7:21-22). The earth, now cursed, will be purified by the fire of divine judgment against sin, (Deut. 32:22; Isa. 64:1-2; Mal. 4:1-4; 2 Pet. 3:7, 10, 12). By the power of God, and according to a plan clearly enunciated in the Scriptures, this globe will be renovated, renewed, restored

and made glorious, (Isa. 35:1-2; 65:17, 19; Matt. 19:28; Isa. 51:16; 66:22; Acts 3:19-21; Heb. 2:5; 2 Pet. 3:13-14; Rev. 21:1-5).
    God's promise to Abraham and his seed, of a better country, has not yet been fulfilled; it will not be fulfilled until the time of earth's restoration and the resurrection of the just, ((Gen. 13:14-17; 28:13; Psa. 105:8-12; Rom. 4:13; Gal. 3:29; Heb. 11:8-16, 39- 40; Acts 7:2-5; Ezek. 37:11-14).
    At the pre-millennial return of Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of God will be established on this earth (then renovated). Jesus, the Messianic "Son of Man", will reign with His saints on the renewed earth FOREVER! (Dan. 2:44; 7:13-14, 27; Isa. 9:6-7; 24:23; Jer. 23:5-6; Ezek. 21:26-27; Lk. 1:32- 33; Matt. 25:31-34; 2 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 11:15, 18; Matt. 6:9-10). Thus, the eternal heritage and home of the saints is to be, NOT IN HEAVEN, but ON THE RENEWED EARTH! (Job 19:25-26; Psa. 37:9-11, 22, 29,

34; Prov. 221-22; 11:31; Isa. 60:18, 21; Mal. 4:1-3; Matt. 5:5; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1-7; 5:9-10).
    The rewards awaiting God's faithful people are not to be anticipated IN HEAVEN, when one dies; they will be bestowed by the Christ who brings them with Him when He comes to establish the Kingdom of God on earth, (Isa. 30:18-19; Psa. 17:15; Isa. 40:10; 62:11; Lk. 14:13-14; Matt. 25:31, 34; Jn. 3:3; 13:33; 14:1-3; Acts 2:34; Col. 3:3- 4; 2 Tim. 4:7-8; I Pet. 1:6-7; 4:12-13; 5:4; Rev. 22:12).
    Thus, the return of Jesus Christ in power and great glory, to: 1) establish His kingdom; 2) raise the righteous dead and translate the faithful among the living - conforming them to His own image in glory, and sharing with them of His own power, glory, nature and very deity; THIS is the BLESSED HOPE by which the church of our Lord Jesus Christ is encouraged to "follow on" until we come to know Him in all His glorious fulness! (I Cor. 15:16-18; Rom. 8:22- 23; Phil. 3:20-21; Acts 24:14-15; 26:6-8; 2 Cor. 5:4; Heb. 9:27-28; I Thes. 1:9-10; 2:19; 4:13-18; I John 3:2-3; Lk. 12:35-40; Titus 2:11-15).
    For the sake of "fallen man", the earth was cursed; for the glory of God, and blessing of man restored to His image, the curse will be lifted. The restoration wrought by the Creator-Redeemer will be, as was the original creation, VERY GOOD. And, on the renewed earth, the saints of the ages will find the fulness of life and liberty in loving and loyal service to Him Who is KING OF THE AGES! E.G.

RICHES "IN CHRIST" ... Continued

this present life alone is unsatisfying, (I Cor. 15:19). God establishes us in Christ, and anoints us, (2 Cor. 1:21). He also always leads us in triumph in Christ, (2 Cor. 2:14).
    Paul speaks in Christ as of sincerity, as of God, in the sight of God, (2 cor. 2:17; 16:19). The old veil is done away in Christ, (2 Cor. 3:14). If in Christ, a man is a new creature, (2 Cor. 5:17). God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, (2 Cor. 5:19).
    Paul described himself as "a man in Christ". (2 Cor. 12:2). He speaks of the churches of Judea, which were in Christ, (Gal. 1:22). We are justified by faith in Christ (Gal. 2:16), but He is not the minister of sin, if we are shown to be sinners while seeking or claiming to be justified in Christ, (Gal. 2:17).
    All who are "baptized into Christ put on Christ", (Gal. 3:27). We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (Eph. 1:3). All things are to be summed up in Christ, (Eph 1:10). All who have hoped in Christ will then be to the praise of His glory, (Eph. 1:22). God's working to usward is displayed in Christ, and in what He wrought in Christ in His resurrection and ascension, (Eph. 1:20). Paul's bonds at Rome became manifest in Christ, (Phil. 1:13).
    There is comfort in Christ and consolation of love and fellowship of the Spirit, and tender mercies and compassion are in Him, (Phil. 2:1). Paul found and longed to hold

at last the righteousness which is through faith in Christ, (Phil. 3:9). The Colossian saints and faithful brethren are in Christ, (Col. 1:2). Their faith in Christ was stedfast. The dead in Christ shall rise first when He comes, (I Thes. 4:16). In Christ Paul had boldness to enjoy what was fitting, (Philemon 8). Would not Philemon refresh his heart in Christ? (Philemon 20).
    "Our need", says George Bowen, "is not so much of something that He can give as of Himself. We find our strength, our wisdom, our righteousness in Him ... Nothing in heaven or in earth should possess loveliness or excellence in the eyes of the believer until he is able to see it in Christ Jesus Christ is not the enemy of art or nature - He is not the enemy of anything truly excellent or beautiful; all that is truly estimable or lovely owes its existence to Him. All things were made by Him and for Him. Whatever you lose and cannot find again in Christ is better lost".
--Robt. E. Speer, in "The Man Paul"


    Christian GENTLENESS involves such kindness of spirit as is obviously an activity of genuine Christian love. Christian graciousness is "made known" - NOT by self-advertisement, but by a sweet and considerate reasonableness in dealing with others. How desperately is this particular aspect of Chris-

tian love needed in our homes, our churches and our every-day lives! (Matt. 5:15-16)
    More than simple "restraint"; "gentleness" involves a positive readiness to surrender one's own personal preference (where no important principle is involved) to the reasonable desires of others. The opposite of carnal obstinacy; "gentleness" involves such true graciousness as is manifested in strength and poise of character. So mild is its disposition that it is always FAIR - never guilty of resting in the mere "letter" of the law!
    The apostle Paul coupled "gentleness and meekness" as two of the outstanding characteristics of his Lord, (2 Cor. 10:1). And James declares it to be ESSENTIAL in the life of a bishop, or pastor,

(Jas. 3:17). Is it not, therefore, evident that "gentleness" is a grace in which every child of God should grow?
    Paul insists that "gentleness" is possible for ALL the saints because "the Lord is AT HAND!" He is NEAR - to sustain His own as they lovingly walk in the way of His appointment, (Psa. 145:18; Mat. 28:20). It will eliminate "nit-picking" as one of the greatest possible hindrances to fellowship among the saints. How desperately do we all need to learn that trivial wrongs, in others, should be left for the Lord to adjust. Our business is to get on with the business of serving and honoring Him in our lives and attitudes! (Eccl. 12:14; 2 Cor. 5:10-11; Rom. 12:19).


    It was a distinct privilege and pleasure to have about 60 of my wife's family with us for lunch and a time of Fellowship on July 3. Some arrived in time for the services at Landmark Church, on Sunday, July 2. Bro. Richard Kamerman brought the morning message. Everything went smoothly. The fellowship was great. And everyone who came seemed glad about it!
    Yet, far surpassing the brief enjoyment of friends and loved ones here, is the prospect of being reunited, in the coming kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, with those who have been such an influence in turning our hearts toward Him Who is the Lover of our souls, and the rightful object of our hearts" deepest adoration! WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE! E.G.