Newsletter August 2026

Dear Saints,
   Jesus spoke to his disciples saying, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33. Paul later said, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ." Galatians 1:6–7. Jesus emphasized "in me" vs "in the world". In the world there is tribulation and from that tribulation some "are offended." Mark 4:17. Peter spoke of it this way, "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord" 2 Peter 1:2.

   The Old Testament uses three words to illustrate Grace for us. The initiating movement is Ḥēn – turning a bright, favorable face toward someone, the opposite of wrath or abandonment. Next is the exercise of power, Ḥesed – action, deliverance or protection, on behalf of someone who has broken the relationship outright: it is God choosing to restore and to rebuild, instead of annihilating or terminating. Finally comes rescue, Raḥûm – where the strong move toward the weak, with mercy or compassion, bringing restoration and not just goodwill.

   The New Testament uses the word charis. This is not just an attribute of God, but the definition of what God began to do through Jesus Christ. He gave us the gift of salvation "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8. But this Grace does more than separate us from our past: "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21. The Grace extended to us in Jesus Christ, not only separates us from sin, but also breaks sin's power: "sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace" Romans 6:14.

   Freedom from sin, means we have Peace with God, which is "perfect well-being. All necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears, agitating passions and moral conflicts" 2 Peter 1:2 (AMP). The Hebrew root šālôm (from a root meaning "to be whole, complete") describes a condition of sufficiency – physically, relationally, and spiritually. It means not only that you lack nothing, but that all is finished, fulfilled, and completed. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6. Through him, "we have peace with God" Romans 5:1.

   The use of the Hebrew word multiply, begins at creation. God's blessing to "Be fruitful and multiply" Genesis 1:22, Genesis 1:28, and over Noah and his family, Genesis 9:1, 7. Later, it becomes a specific covenant promise with Abraham: God swears "in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven" Genesis 22:17. Also to Hagar, Genesis 16:10, Isaac Genesis 26:4, and to Jacob Genesis 28:3, 35:11, 48:4. These were not vague words, but they were from God, binding himself by oath and exercising his power, to bring these things to pass.

   “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27. This peace comes to us by "his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him." 2 Peter 1:3. This knowledge and peace comes to us from God, through the Holy Spirit: "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." 1 Corinthians 2:12.

   Paul distinguishes between gnōsis – the natural knowledge we gain through our senses – and epignōsis, which emphasizes spiritual comprehension. This knowledge of God, implies experiential and relational understanding, of God's will. Also, the authority given to us, just as it was given to Jesus Christ, as He walked among us. "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of him. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" Ephesians 1:17–18. "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" Colossians 1:10. Grace and Peace are multiplied to us as we fully know the nature of Christ. "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" Ephesians 4:13. "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:8.

   We currently need your support. God loves a cheerful giver. Thank you for cheerfully giving to this ministry. We are doing the Great Commission through TV, Radio, and ministering in Churches. Go to youtube.com/newhopeinthelord, watch our TV shows, and please subscribe. Please make your tax-deductible check payable to The Master’s Hand Christian Fellowship and send it to the above address, or by PayPal at https://paypal.me/Cohen727 or by Zelle at rev.joseph@aol.com.

Serving our King together, Please Pray for us.

Rev. Joseph & Eric Ross