“Victory in Christ” by Charles Trumbull
I put this brief article on the Crossroads’ web site to
recommend “Victory in Christ”, a book I’ve recently
read for the second time. Although I wish it had a
different title, the book is worth its weight in gold. It is
truly a winner and is a most helpful book on the "Christ
in you" spiritual intimacy paradigm.
Although the book contains Charlles Trumbull’s testimony,
its value comes from the wide-range of helpful experiences
that Trumbull shares from his journey in search of intimacy.
its value comes from the wide-range of helpful experiences
that Trumbull shares from his journey in search of intimacy.
It is impossible to recommend this book too highly. It can
be purchased from Christian Literature Crusade at their web
site www.CLCUSA.org
To whet the appetites of hungry hearts …..
Special words – The author is a master at calling attention to many well-known, frequently used words that we all know. To discuss just a couple such words: the first word is “IS” and the next two words are “DO” and “DONE”.
The word “IS”– Trumbull’s treatment of this common, everyday word is staggering; he is an exceptional bible-teacher. In probing the word IS, he quotes Paul’s words in II Corinthians 12:9
"My grace IS sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Trumbull points out an obvious truth that I have never heard mentioned before: note, the verb “IS” is simply another form of the biblical phrase, “ I AM”. The point being that God, even Jesus Himself, made much use of this so very powerful two-word designation. If we meditate, however briefly, on this fact, we recall the wide-use Jesus made of the “I AM”descriptive. We all know the extent to which He worked this two-part address into so many different descriptives,of Himself such as “I am the light of the world”; “I am the good shepherd”; “I am the vine” etc. etc. etc . Yet we seldom if ever connect the I AM address with the verb-form IS.
Trumbull’s lucid manner of highlighting what is connoted by this unsophistcated word-pair in II Co 12 is interesting since it’s such a huge truth. Paul clearly states that God’s ALWAYS-AVAILABLE gift of GRACE is forever available for our use. His Grace does not merely come and go, nor is it available only for some special need.
In addition, the thought that this ALWAYS AVAILABLE GRACE is there when we are at our weakest points causes us to focus on a truth that we all should know well. BUT DO WE ??? Trumbull labors to prove his point: we don’t truly understand anything about Grace; because, Grace and Faith are two inseparable life-components that always travel together.
Lastly, I will mention Trumbull’s point concerning the word REST. In his usual, uncomplicated way, Trumbull draws attention to the fact that Christ’s power RESTS on us.
The interesting/helpful point here is this: Christ’s power is vested in the believer in a passive manner: i.e. the believer does nothing. The power simply RESTS ON him. This is a wonderful example of Grace in its purest form. The fact that Jesus’ power comes quietly without fanfare causes us to think immediately about Jesus’s words in Matthew 12:28-30. His power is realized when we come to Him and simply receive it. His grace is indeed sufficient.
The words “DO” and “DONE” – Trumbull’s practical help comes with these equally common words when he draws attention to the fact that we have myriad passages that explain that IT IS NOT WHAT I “DO” that moves the Lord’s Hand; but rather WHAT THE LORD HAS ALREADY “DONE”. I will use a single passage to illustrate this point. See Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Trumbull points out that what the Word instructs me to DO is usually based on something that the Lord has already DONE. Then he calls attention to the fact that we don’t need to pray for freedom – BECAUSE we already have it. Christ has DONE all He will ever DO in this regard; it is our job to DO - i.e. to Stand. This is an example of the Do and Done consideration where our roles and the Lord’s roles are reversed. These are not profound thoughts in and of themselves; but, in meditating on them they become powerful touch-points.
In summary, what this much-loved Christian writer has done in zeroing-in on a few words has certainly been revealing to me. I am guilty of many times hurrying over the nuances of words or phrases without stopping. In my hurriedness I often miss the hidden profundity that is right before me on the page I am reading.
In other articles I will continue to make bold statements about Trumbull’s book, “Victory in Christ”. It is near the top of the list of books that have been most helpful to me in studying the “Christ in you” paradigm.