Editor’s Note
In this issue of The Intercessor we dive right into some of Paul’s weightiest topics. In our lead article, “Roman’s Seven Puts Me Straight,” Norman Grubb references Paul in answering what it means to be dead to the law. Being unable to keep God’s law reveals to us that “self-relying self is an illusion.” Just as Jesus said that he came to fulfill the law (Matt. 5:17), so Norman elaborates that “my inner Christ is the whole law in spontaneous operation, and I am totally out of range of the outer law. I am dead to it, and it to me.”
Next, we continue with Part Three of Page Prewitt’s booklet, “Life: The What, The Who, The Why.” Here, she tackles head-on an explanation of what it means to be “crucified with Christ.” This piece is especially wonderful in that it breaks down into everyday language the scriptures that Paul gives us in Romans 6-8. So, if you want a clear understanding of what Christ’s death and resurrection really means for us–this is where to get it. Furthermore, this issue’s edition of “Crossword” goes hand-in-hand with the corresponding excerpt from “Life: The What, The Who, The Why.” Find scripture that will reinforce this all-important message.
We have also included a piece from Norman’s The Liberating Secret titled “Romans Tells Us How.” “How to what?” you might ask–how to go from a simple outward understanding of Christ as saviour to a deeper inner understanding of spiritual death and life. Again, referencing Paul in Romans, Norman answers “What does it mean that ‘we are dead?.'”
Both our “Bible Bedrock” and “Words To Live By” segments also feature ideas from the writings of the apostle Paul. “Bible Bedrock” expounds on Galatians 2:19: “Through the law I died to the law, so that I might live for God.” And in “Words To Live By,” Norman shares his thoughts on why we can still experience the bondage Paul describes in Romans 7.
Satan loves to deceive us into thinking that what we feel is really who we are. Read on, as Norman helps his friend come to the truth in a “Letter From Norman.” Fear, especially, is seen as a negative in our world, but Norman tells his friend to accept it! Feel the fear, then move on in faith that Christ is in you to live out.
On that same train of thought, our “Q & A” addresses a question about faith and feelings. It highlights that trusting God doesn’t mean that our feelings of fear and doubt go away. Don’t confuse the two!
As always, “Faith Illustrations” gives a concise and visually appealing delivery of scripture. This edition gives an account of Noah’s descendants and the Tower of Babel, from the book of Genesis.
And finally, for something a little different, we’ve included the lyrics to a musical piece found in Norman Grubb’s book Yes, I Am–“If The Lord Says I Am, Yes, I Am.” As Norman says, “It’s no great poetry…, but great truth.” He has listed a corresponding Bible verse for each line of the song. Enjoy.
Thank you, once again, for reading The Intercessor and helping support the message of “Christ in you…the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).”
