From Me to You: July 2024

BIBLE DISTRIBUTION

For the first time, we were able to get The Expositor’s Study Bibles into India, and we just thank the Lord for opening the door to this great country. I feel that our monthly Bible-thon is the most effective missions effort in the world today. There’s nothing like the Word of God, and I believe that this is the Bible that helps people to understand the Bible, and there is nothing greater than understanding the Word of God. Whenever we were putting this Bible together, it never one time crossed my mind that the Holy Spirit would use it as He has, but of course the Lord knew it, and we give Him all the praise and all the glory. And I am so grateful for each and every one of you who participates in this important work for God.

JSBC SUMMER INTENSIVES

The week of July 8-12, Dr. Jimmy DuPree will be teaching the third installment of our summer intensive courses here at Jimmy Swaggart Bible College. His course deals with the practical aspects of Christian ministry, especially pastoring the local church. In May, Loren Larson taught on the book of Ruth, and in June Dr. Dave Watts presented an in-depth approach on how to study the Bible. This is our second year offering these weeklong courses to anybody who wants to take them, and let me tell you, the response has been phenomenal—not an empty chair to be had. Next year, we just might have to use a larger space to accommodate all those interested in these courses. 

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE (IYC)

Later this month, we have our International Youth Conference, which takes place July 24-28. We’ve decided to bring back IYC, and we’re doing it bigger and better than ever before. There will be two events, one designed for younger children aged six to twelve, and one for the older kids, aged thirteen to eighteen. But all of it is in the same location. Young people today are facing the powers of darkness as never before. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance to get your children and grandchildren in these services with worship, preaching, and teaching anointed by the Spirit of God. Plus, your kids will enjoy it, that I guarantee. We want the adults here as well—moms, dads, grandparents—so come on down to Baton Rouge and experience what the Lord has for the entire family.

What I’m about to say next is extremely important. 

THE OBJECT OF OUR FAITH​

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Rom. 8:11).

The same power of the Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in believers and is available for our use. This is what Paul is saying.

The idea is that there is no temptation so black, so binding, or so destructive that the Spirit of God cannot handle it, that is, if we know the truth respecting the finished work of Calvary. The same resurrecting power is available to all believers.

THE OBJECT OF OUR FAITH

The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us, and that we must understand. To think of such power is beyond comprehension and amazing to realize that it is at our disposal. 

However, for that power to be manifested on our behalf (and it is intended to be), the Holy Spirit demands one thing in particular, and that is that our faith be in the correct object. What is the correct object?

That which must be the object of our faith at all times is Christ and the cross (Gal. 6:14; Col. 2:10-15; I Cor. 1:18; 2:2). The believer must understand that the cross opens the door for the Lord to give us anything and everything that we need. It is so simple because all sin was atoned for at the cross. And I mean all sin—past, present, and future—at least for all who will believe (John 3:16). Somehow most Christians seem to have a problem believing what I’ve just said and,above all, doing what I’ve just said, which is to anchor their faith in Christ and the cross.

WHY?

Perhaps the reasons are many, but I think the greatest reason of all comes twofold. First, it is unbelief, meaning that the believer simply does not believe what I’ve said about Christ, the cross, and the Holy Spirit. Second, the cross of Christ exposes all the efforts of man and makes them look foolish, which does not sit well with religion. In other words, it exposes the flesh. 

If you, as a believer, will put your faith in Christ and the cross and nothing else, meaning that you do not place it in yourself, not even the church, but only in Christ and the cross, then youwill see your Christian experience turn around, and you will see problems in your life that you have struggled with for years begin to fall off. 

Jesus paid a terrible price for what we have today in Christ. We must understand that. And it doesn’t sit well with Him when we make other things the object of our faith and not Christ and Him crucified. While Jesus went to the cross that we might have salvation, He also went to the cross that we might have victory in our everyday walk before the Lord, and I mean victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. 

It is yours now, take advantage of it, use it, allow the Holy Spirit to have His way, and when your faith is properly placed and maintained, the Holy Spirit, who is God and who can do anything, will begin to work on your behalf to give you victory like you’ve never known before.

In the Master’s service, yours, 
Jimmy Swaggart