For the past 40 years, Victory In Grace has been dedicated to reaching out, not only to the lost, but also to believers in need of spiritual refreshment. One of the ways we do this is through our annual Grace Conference. We encourage you to join us for a time of renewal and learning as we immerse ourselves in the Word of God through sound preaching.

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.

This coming September marks the 40th anniversary of Quentin Road Bible Baptist Church. After 40 faith-filled years of watching God keep His promises, I can honestly say: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

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

Question — Can I achieve holiness on my own?

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.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth . . .” Romans 1:16.

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

Today, can you buy anything truly exceptional with $50? If you register now for our 7th annual Grace Conference, for only $50 per person you can receive: Two days filled with life-changing preaching, lunch and dinner provided on Thursday, breakfast and lunch on Friday, an elaborate banquet Friday evening prepared by Chicago’s top chef, Dean Jaramillo, admission to Friday night’s Greater Vision Concert, and free mp3 discs of the main sessions and workshops.

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.