Editor’s Note
You may or may not be familiar with a phrase amongst believers in the Total Truth message: “It’s not the what, it’s the who.” How many of us have defined ourselves by the things we do? We think we are bad people because we do bad things, or we think we are good people because we are capable and do good things. Or we simply think we are just ourselves going about our lives. All are lies fed to us by the Great Deceiver! It all comes down to which spirit is the one operating in you, as you. As Norman Grubb wrote, we have to “see through and discard the one thing we humans cling to: that deceived idea that we have a nature of our own and run our own lives.” This issue of The Intercessor will help you see more clearly that you are simply a vessel that contains one of two spirits. Righteousness or Wrath, Christ or Satan.
First off, our lead article is the foreword to Norman Grubb’s final major publication, Yes, I Am. Norman encourages us to go along with him, as he is “bold to say that God has now given [him] many new clarifications,” ranging from the fall of man to what our real nature is. Even if you’ve read his previous works, he’ll leave you wanting to get his fresh insights to the Total Truth message.
Remember, we said “it’s not the what, it’s the who.” Well, Jesus said “apart from Me you can do nothing (Jn 15).” This issue’s Bible Bedrock dives into John 15:1-5 and what it really looks like for us to be a branch to the vine, and to be a vessel–capable only of receiving. It explains that activity–doing acts of any kind–is merely a by-product of receptivity. “What is receptivity?,” you ask…read Bible Bedrock. It is very enlightening.
Next, we have a personal testimony from Kari Mace in “Faith at Work.” Kari walks us through some everyday trials in her job and how it is crucial that she know that Christ is the one living through her. She shares how she reminds herself that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, not because it’s me figuring it out, but because Christ is the doer, I am simply the container for Him.” This practical illustration is one that can be applied across a range of circumstances in everyone’s lives.
Continuing on with the theme of who is doing the doing, is an article titled “Supercharged Action.” Here, Norman teaches us about commissions from God. He shares his personal testimony of God’s commissions to him, as well as examples of C. T. Studd’s commissions to go to inland China and the heart of Africa. These illustrations are all marked by specific and dedicated action. But is it just independent Norman and C. T. setting about to act? Norman says that the word of God comes saying, “This I am going to do, and I’m going to do it by you.” “No one can out-work, out-think, out-pray a man in whom the Spirit of God is.”
And if you need any further insight on the subject, turn to our “Q & A,” which are reprints from our former youth magazine, Z-News. The question is posed: ” I am not a Christian, but I do good things…How can I still be Satan indwelt?” The clear and concise answer is sure to bring clarification to even the youngest seekers.
Another personal testimony we have is that of Scott Prewitt from his college days, “Standing True in a Fraternity.” We all know that for many, college can be a difficult time to a Christian–full of temptations. Scott shares with us a trying situation he faced in his fraternity that put his faith to the test. Thankfully, he was able to take what he knew, that Christ lived out through him, and apply it. He also uses this example to demonstrate how Satan was misusing his fraternity brothers–doing their seeing. Praise God, Christ’s light was shining out to them, whether they knew it or not.
In “Compact Discussion,” Janie Prewitt reviews a six part series of Norman Grubb’s, entitled “The Meaning of Life.” Stating that it is “true to it’s title,” Janie clues us in to the questions at hand: Who are we? Why do we live this life? How do we live this life? It delves into vesselhood and truth of our union relationship, with Biblical teaching and personal testimony. Janie enthusiastically calls it “truth” and “life changing gifts to any who will heed them.”
This issue’s “From the Mission Field,” Field Leader at Thirty-One, highlights the leadership of Jack Harrison, as he succeeded C. T. Studd in the mission in Africa. Not an easy task ahead of him! Read on to see how God prepared him for this life of service.
We have also included not one letter in “Letters From Norman,” but a set of three correspondence letters to his “dearest,” “darling” friend. They are full of insight, but also personal and charming–in a way uniquely Norman!
New to this issue is a piece called “A Letter From a Prisoner.” It is exciting and humbling to see that The Intercessor and Norman Grubb’s teachings are impacting and changing lives, even inside the prisons. This prisoner, now a Brother in Christ, shares how he experienced a revelation from the booklet “Paul’s Key to the Liberated Life: Romans Six to Eight.” Not only is he applying it in his life, but also sharing it with others.
Also, make sure to enjoy our now-regular “Cross Word” puzzle, which is both fun and meaningful. This one highlights God’s scripture that we should commit to memorizing–laying up this treasure in our hearts.
We thank you for reading The Intercessor and trust that God will use it to speak truth to you wherever you are!
