High school sweethearts Jon and Kristin married while attending Dayspring Bible College. They have since been blessed with two beautiful children: Kate, age 5, and Luke, age 2.

While attending Dayspring, both Jon and Kristin were an active part of the ministries of the Quentin Road Bible Baptist Church. Jon worked in the maintenance department and later as a television editor for Victory In Grace. Kristin served in the Christian preschool, finance office, and as the high school volleyball coach.

Today, God continues to use this couple as a shining testimony to His glory. Jon, who is currently studying for a Master’s degree in theology, is now the associate pastor, high school supervisor, and basketball coach at Quentin Road, while Kristin serves as the church secretary.

Pastor Jon and Kristin share,

We are so blessed by having attended Dayspring Bible College. We were both impacted by the clear teaching of God’s Word and the examples of godly faculty members who invested their time in us. We will take with us the experiences and truths we have learned wherever our Lord leads.

Please keep Pastor Jon and Kristin Tanney in your prayers as they further seek to glorify the Lord together.

We are excited that another new school year is underway here at Dayspring Bible College. Fresh faces, exciting events, and new online courses make for an invigorating year of spiritual growth and learning. From our culinary program, taught by Chef Dean Jaramillo, to our media program, you will not find another college more dedicated to applying one’s major to the ministry. Each student is able to make an impact for the cause of Christ and see how a church operates. They graduate equipped to serve the Lord and win souls with their knowledge of the clear gospel.

Perhaps you are considering whether or not to attend college. Now is the time to “start your engine”. Dayspring will equip you with a “hands-on” knowledge of ministry and get you going on the right track.

If you are interested in Dayspring and would like more information, contact us at dayspringbiblecollege. edu.

Article by Pastor Jim Scudder, Jr.

Not long ago, Souad’s friend gave him the phone number for Victory In Grace. Curious about his friend’s faith, Souad called our ministry to get some free “Christian” material. His friend had witnessed to him many times, yet Souad remained skeptical. He desired to know more before accepting this unfamiliar God of Whom his friend so often spoke.

When Nathan, one of our ministry representatives, asked Souad where he would go if he were to die, Souad said he would probably go to Heaven if he trusted Christ as his Savior. Nathan asked if Souad had ever placed his faith in Christ alone to save him, but Souad replied, “No, I want to read more Christian books before I become a Christian.”

Nathan shared with Souad that since we are never guaranteed tomorrow, Souad should take the opportunity to accept Christ’s free gift of salvation today.

Souad did just that. Ecstatic about becoming a child of God, Souad was so grateful that he thanked Nathan and called him his brother.

Now Souad is ready for eternity. He is part of the family of God.

Article by Stephanie Scialabba

As I look back over 40 years of ministry, I am reminded of many moments when it seemed like God delayed His provision. Sometimes it felt as though He would take me right to the edge of difficult circumstances before I could see His hand upholding me.

Friend, that edge is often right where He needs us. By going against all earthly reason and forsaking our own plans of success, God is able to give us blessings far greater than those we originally desired.

When our building was undergoing construction, I saw many unusual ways in which the Lord proved He was with us. One of my favorite memories is of a time when we were about to pour a large amount of concrete for our building. After I had prayed about the matter, we ordered the concrete truck to come on a specific day.

That morning I saw storm clouds gathering overhead. I was faced with the decision to either call off our plan to pour the concrete, which would cause us to lose thousands of dollars of already-mixed cement, or I could go ahead with our plans in faith that the Lord would hold back the rain. Against all human wisdom, I decided to go ahead and pour the concrete. To everyone’s amazement, it rained all around our property except on the concrete. Our building rests on that foundation to this day. To me, it is a testimony of a God Who never fails us.

Believer, you may be struggling with worries about your future or the health of a loved one. Perhaps you just lost your job. Whatever your situation, remember you serve a God Who is always in control. Commit your way to Him. Earthly wisdom and common sense will falter, but Jesus never fails.

Praising a God Who is in Control,

Dr. James A. Scudder

Christy called Victory In Grace to order our 2011 Fear Not Calendar. She spoke with Cameron, one of our operators, who asked if she knew for sure she was going to Heaven. In answer to Cameron’s question, Christy replied:

I don’t think anybody can know for sure they’re going to Heaven. I try my best. I’ve grown up in church. Every day I ask forgiveness for my sins — I’m doing the best I can. I hope I would make it.

Using Romans 3:23 and 6:23, Cameron shared with Christy how she could know for sure. Finally, everything made sense to her. Christy trusted Christ, and — for the first time — was released from the doubts that held her captive.

Christy is now forever free from fear because she knows salvation is only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The nails that held Him to Calvary’s cross set her free for all eternity.

Article by Stephanie Scialabba

We also would love for you to join our church family for our “Old Fashioned Family Day” on Sunday, September 25th. We will be celebrating Dr. Scudder’s 40 years of faithful ministry. From special music to activities for the kids, this event is one we do not want you to miss.

All Victory In Grace viewers and listeners are invited to join us for home-cooked fried chicken and a great time. We will have special tables set aside just for you. Please help us make this celebration one filled with memories and remembrance of God’s goodness. RSVP by calling 1-800-78-GRACE or by emailing: feedback@victoryingrace.org.

I cannot tell you how real that verse has become to me on the path God has led me to take over the past 40 years. There have been so many moments when I could not see the next step, but the greatest blessings came after trusting the Lord.

From building our own buildings and pouring our own cement to starting a preschool and dyslexia program, each step of faith has brought more joy.

To this day, the Lord continues to amaze me with His provision. In 2010, the total expenses of our ministry were $1,404,046. We received $166,660 from our viewers, and God faithfully provided the difference from our church members. We also received 17,732 contacts via phone and email and were able to distribute 7,742 books and 623,789 tracts, which shows me that our outreach has increased greatly since last year.

Little truly is much when God is in it. Who knew He would take a tiny storefront ministry and turn it into what we have today? Because of what the Lord has provided, we have been blessed to see countless souls won to Christ and many people dedicated to serving in full-time Christian ministry.

Dear Friend, the Lord is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask or think when we follow Him in faith. I have seen it in my life and in the lives of those in my congregation. Keep serving Him, and He will give you so much more than just the desires of your heart.

Praising the Almighty,

Dr. James A. Scudder

Answer — No. Christ came to die and satisfy God’s wrath because we violated His holiness. In exchange for Christ’s sacrifice, God credits righteousness to all who believe in His Son’s death, shed blood, and resurrection. Though we may strive for righteousness in our Christian lives after salvation, apart from God, our efforts fall short:

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags . . . (Isaiah 64:6)

God never gives us a command He does not equip us to obey. While holiness is an impossibility for an unbeliever, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, Christians can develop this trait.

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

If God created our new nature in righteousness and holiness after salvation, He can cultivate it so its fruit is later manifested in our service to Him. We must simply allow Him to work.

The moment we trust Christ as Savior we are saved by the power of God. This is the gospel. Since we now know the gospel, we have the power of God within us to reach others for Christ.

If we can understand the gospel enough to be saved, we understand it enough to share it with the lost. As we grow as Christians, we can learn ways to more clearly communicate God’s saving truth, but the power will always remain in His Word. The clear gospel of grace “is the power of God unto salvation.”

What good is power without purpose? We can spend our lives serving the Lord in the local church, helping others, and being a good testimony. Those acts are good, but what was our Lord’s last command? “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel.”

Friends, if we are too afraid to share the truth of salvation with those we meet on the street, on the train, or in the grocery store, we are missing our purpose. God’s Word does not say go ye into all the world and hide your faith under a rock.

If you would like to further your confidence in reaching the lost, join us at this year’s Grace Conference. This event is focused on encouraging us in fulfilling our one powerful purpose: giving the clear gospel of grace. Don’t let this uplifting opportunity to train yourself to better give out the good news of salvation pass you by.

Grateful for God’s Amazing Grace,

Dr. James A. Scudder

For the teens we have horseback riding, paddleboats, and more. Kids ages eight to eleven get to enjoy archery and baseball, while children ages three to seven can enjoy Bible stories and special crafts. We also have a nursery for children two and under.

Our Grace conference is perfect for the whole family to gain spiritual refreshment. Where else can you learn from Dr. Charles Ryrie, Dr. James A. Scudder, Dr. Ron Seecharan, and Dr. Robert Lightner? This is better by far than anything the world has to offer. Don’t let this deal fly away. Grab our early bird special by May 31st! Call 1-800-78-GRACE or visit graceconference.com.

Article by Pastor Jim Scudder, Jr.