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.

Have you ever experienced the difficulty of attempting to cover all your bases only to find you don’t even know where to begin? Andrew has.

After spending years lost in confusion, Andrew from Tennessee finally called into Victory In Grace. He had watched preacher after preacher on TV. He had done everything they had said, yet he felt emptier than he had before.

Desperate to feel assurance of salvation, Andrew was baptized, twice. He was relying on works to save him—but how many would make him good enough?

Thankfully, Jim, one of our operators, was able to share with Andrew the life-altering truth for which he had been searching. Jim explained salvation could not be merited by good works. It is by God’s grace alone. All that is required is trusting in Christ’s shed blood on the cross as the full, eternal payment for our sins.

For the first time, Andrew understood salvation. All the unclear terminology he had heard in the past was replaced by the freedom of the truth. When he  finished speaking with Jim, Andrew said, “I get it. Jesus paid the price!”

Andrew no longer worries about covering all his bases by believing in good works for salvation. He is covered by the redemptive blood of Christ. Now Andrew knows for sure he’s saved and Heaven-bound.

Please continue to pray for our Victory In Grace volunteers as they share the gospel with those who call in after the programs by Dr. Scudder and Pastor Jim.