When we attempt to use imputed righteousness as a permanent way of relating to God, and do not set aside the sinful nature and walk according to the Spirit of God, righteousness no longer is imputed to us. We have broken the covenant. We will never inherit the Kingdom of God while we are trusting in imputed righteousness but are continuing to walk according to the desires of our flesh and soul.

This is, of course, a major error in Christian thinking of the most extraordinary significance. The moral strength of the Christian churches, as well as of the American secular society who, perhaps without realizing it, look to the churches for moral light, has been all but totally destroyed by the concept that imputed righteousness is a new way in which God relates to man.

It is small wonder the Muslim nations despise us and refer to us as "the great Satan." It is because we are not revealing in our lives the Life of Christ.

So our heart is exposed today because there is no breastplate of righteous behavior protecting us. If we do not begin at once to keep the commandments of Christ and His Apostles so Christ may be formed in us, we never shall stand spiritually in the coming day.

The scepter of Christ's Kingdom is a scepter of righteousness. When we as a Christian are not growing in righteousness each day, becoming a new righteous creation in Jesus Christ, we cannot possibly enter the Kingdom of God. Paul proclaims this very fact in his epistles.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; Idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions And envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21—NIV)

"Will not inherit the kingdom of God."

And will not stand in the day of evil!

Our feet shod with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. During the hour of distress we are approaching, the unbelievers will be in a frenzy of fear and anxiety. There will be no peace.

If we have prepared ourselves today, possessing the peace that passes understanding today, and knowing how to bring this peace to others, we will be a wonderful witness of God in the time of trouble. We will be on the Rock and will be able to help other people.

But if we have wasted the present hour with the lusts and pleasures of the flesh, the pursuit of riches, the variety of entertainments of the American culture including professional athletics, we will not have God's peace when the axe falls and will be of no use to ourselves, our loved ones, or other people.

God enabled Joseph to save his family, Egypt, and the rest of the world. Joseph did this by directing the Egyptians to save corn during the time of abundance.

Today is the hour of spiritual abundance for all who will turn aside from the busy American culture. We are to take full advantage of the present window of spiritual "grain" and store up all we can. The time of the "lean cows" is near. We must be prepared with the gospel of peace, ready to walk wherever the Lord leads us.

To be continued.