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The Voice of Truth International

Staff:

Byron Nichols Jerry Bates Louis Rushmore Layout Editors: Betty Burton Choate Bonnie Rushmore Typesetting: Gay Nichols Computer Consultant: Bradley S. Choate Editor: Associate Editors:

Spanish Edition:

Managing Editor: Rafael Barrantes

Telugu Edition:

Managing Editor, Translator:

Joshua Gootam

Tamil Edition: Managing Editor, Translators:

Benny Martin, S. Rajanayagam

English Edition in India and Braille Edition:

Managing Editors, Philemon Rajah

and Kingsly Rajah

Hindi Edition

Managing Editor, Earnest Gill

Paite Edition

Managing Editor, Thang Lien

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Staff Writers: George Akpabli Felix O. Aniamalu Rex Banks Wayne Barrier Paula Bates Roy Beasley Mike Benson Maxie B. Boren Ron Bryant Charles Burch Kyle Butt Ron Carter Frank Chesser Betty Burton Choate Glenn Colley Lance Cordle Sunny David Jerry L. Davidson Hans Dederscheck David Deffenbaugh Clarence DeLoach, Jr. Bill Dillon Bobby G. Dockery Hershel Dyer Earl Edwards Demar Elam Raymond Elliott Reuben Emperado David Everson Royce Frederick E. Claude Gardner Alex Gibson Joe D. Gray Gary C. Hampton

Jack Harriman Parker Henderson Gordon Hogan Mike Ireland Wayne Jackson Ancil Jenkins Jeff Jenkins Jimmy Jividen John Kachelman, Jr. Dayton Keesee Dalton Key Michael L. King Mack Lyon Joe Magee J. Randal Matheny Cecil May, Jr. Colin McKee Hollis Miller Loy Mitchell Stan Mitchell Kevin L. Moore Owen D. Olbricht David Pharr Neal Pollard Bonnie Rushmore Rebecca Rushmore David A. Sargent Stanley Sayers David Tarbet J.J. Turner Ken Tyler Allen Webster R.H. Tex Williams

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The churches of Christ salute you (Romans 16:16).

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Godly Leaders and Followers: Both Are Essential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¶V ZRUGV LQ -RKQ “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you…But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your

remembrance all things that I said to you.” 2WKHU SHUWLQHQW YHUVHV LQFOXGH -RKQ DQG 7KHLU WDVN ZRXOG QRW EH HDV\ EXW LW ZRXOG EH PDGH SRVVLEOH DV ORQJ DV WKH\ ZHUH DWWHQWLYH WR WKH 6SLULW¶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¶V FKXUFK DV HOGHUV 4XDOLILHG OHDGHUV DUH FULWLFDO WR WKH IDLWKIXOQHVV DQG VXFFHVV RI WKH ERG\ RI &KULVW ,W LV D VLPSOLVWLF EXW WUXH VWDWHPHQW WKDW LQ RUGHU IRU OHDGHUV WR OHDG WKHUH PXVW RI QHFHVVLW\ EH WKRVH ZKR ZLOO IROORZ +RSHIXOO\ ZH FDQ DOO VHH WKDW WKH FKXUFK FDQQRW EH ZKDW &KULVW ZDQWV LW WR EH LI LW LV ODFNLQJ LQ FDSDEOH DQG TXDOLILHG OHDGHUV +RZHYHU ZH PXVW DOVR VHH WKDW LW LV LPSHUDWLYH WKDW WKH FKXUFK EH ILOOHG ZLWK PHPEHUV ZKR DUH FRQILGHQW WKDW WKH\ WRR FDQ EH TXLWH SOHDVLQJ WR WKH /RUG E\ EHLQJ KXPEOH VHUYDQWV ZKR ZLOOLQJO\ VXEPLW WR WKH OHDGHUVKLS RI WKH HOGHUV DV WKH\ DOVR VXEPLW WR WKH JXLGDQFH RI WKH /RUG DQG +LV :RUG 7KH HDUO\ FKXUFK KDG LWV FRXUDJHRXV DQG JLIWHG OHDGHUV EXW LW DOVR WKULYHG EHFDXVH RI WKH PHQ DQG ZRPHQ ZKR ZHUH MXVW DV GHGLFDWHG WR WKH /RUG EXW ZKR ZHUH QRW LQ OHDGHUVKLS SRVLWLRQV &DQ \RX LPDJLQH WKH GHJUHH RI VWUHQJWK DQG VXFFHVV WKDW WKH LQIDQW FKXUFK ZRXOG KDYH KDG LI LW KDG DOO EHHQ OHIW XS WR WKRVH OHDGHUV WKH DSRVWOHV DQG WKH HOGHUV" 7KH FKXUFK JUHZ QXPHULFDOO\ DQG VSLULWXDOO\ EHFDXVH RI WKH VDFULILFLDO VHUYLFH RI &KULVWLDQV RI OLWWOH SURPLQHQFH PHQ DQG ZRPHQ VXFK DV (SDSKUDV 3KRHEH &RUQHOLXV 3HUVLV $TXLOD DQG 3ULVFLOOD (SKDSKURGLWXV 6WHSKDQDV /\GLD 'RUFDV DQG 'HPHWULXV SOXV WKH KRVW RI IDLWKIXO IROORZHUV ZKRVH QDPHV DUH NQRZQ RQO\ E\ *RG $OWKRXJK WKH %LEOH FOHDUO\ VKRZV WKDW WKH FKXUFK LV WR EH PDGH XS RI ERWK OHDGHUV DQG IROORZHUV WKHUH DUH VRPH LQWHUHVWLQJ IDFWV WR EH QRWLFHG )LUVW QR RQH FDQ WUXO\ EH D OHDGHU LQ &KULVW¶V FKXUFK LI KH UHIXVHV WR DOVR EH D IROORZHU 6HFRQG E\ WKH VDPH WRNHQ IROORZHUV IUHTXHQWO\ DOVR SURYLGH PDUYHORXV OHDGHUVKLS DV RWKHUV DUH LQIOXHQFHG SRVLWLYHO\ E\ WKHLU GLVSOD\ RI KXPLOLW\ DQG MR\IXO VHUYLFH ,W LV LQGHHG HVVHQWLDO WKDW WKH /RUG¶V FKXUFK KDYH ERWK JRGO\ OHDGHUV DQG IROORZHUV

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Associate Editorial

The Temple of God -HUU\ %DWHV 0DQ\ &KULVWLDQV WKLQN ZH QR ORQJHU KDYH D WHPSOH ZKLFK LV WUXH DV IDU DV D SK\VLFDO EXLOGLQJ LV FRQFHUQHG +RZHY HU ZH GR KDYH D WHPSOH DOEHLW D VSLULWXDO WHPSOH ,Q &RULQWKLDQV 3DXO ZURWH “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you.â€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“In whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.â€? â€œâ€Ś For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My peopleâ€? (2 Corinthians 6:16). *RG ZDQWV WR KDYH IHOORZVKLS ZLWK PDQ DQG ZH VKRXOG ZDQW WR KDYH IHOORZVKLS ZLWK *RG +RZHYHU LI ZH DUH JRLQJ WR KDYH IHOORZVKLS ZLWK *RG WKHQ DJDLQ ZH PXVW EH LQ WKH FKXUFK 7KH FKXUFK LV DOVR D SODFH RI ZRUVKLS ,Q 3HWHU 3HWHU ZURWH “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up

spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.� ,W ZDV LQ WKH WHPSOH WKDW WKH -HZV ZHQW WR ZRUVKLS *RG DQG WR RIIHU WKHLU VDFULILFHV /LNHZLVH ZH ZRU VKLS *RG DQG RIIHU VSLULWXDO VDFULILFHV LQ WKH FKXUFK “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him� -RKQ *RG ZDQWV +LV VHUYDQWV WR ZRUVKLS +LP \HW LQ RUGHU WR ZRUVKLS +LP ZH PXVW EH LQ WKH FKXUFK 1RWLFH WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI WKH FKXUFK ,I ZH DUH JRLQJ WR PHHW *RG KDYH IHOORZVKLS ZLWK *RG RU WUXO\ ZRUVKLS *RG WKHQ ZH PXVW EH LQ WKH FKXUFK 7KLV PDNHV WKH FKXUFK H[WUHPHO\ LPSRUWDQW GRHV LW QRW" +RZ GR ZH HQWHU WKH FKXUFK" “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and have all been made to drink into one Spirit’’ &RULQWKLDQV 7KH ERG\ LV WKH FKXUFK (SKHVLDQV

WKXV ZH DUH EDSWL]HG LQWR WKH FKXUFK WKH SODFH ZKHUH ZH PHHW *RG :H DOVR PXVW UHDOL]H WKDW “If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, whose temple you are� &RULQWKLDQV

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:KHQ ZH GHILOH WKH WHPSOH *RG ZLOO QR ORQJHU GZHOO LQ LW DQG ZH DUH OHIW DORQH ZLWK QR SODFH WR PHHW *RG 6XUHO\ ZH GR QRW ZDQW WKDW WR KDSSHQ WKHUH IRUH ZH PXVW EH FHUWDLQ WKDW QRWKLQJ XQKRO\ HQWHUV WKH FKXUFK â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because it is written, Be holy for I am holy.â&#x20AC;? (1 Peter 1:16) =

Associate Editorial

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UHOHJDWLQJ LW PHUHO\ WR FRPSDVVLRQOHVV SK\VLFDO DFWLYLW\ ZLWK QR PRUDO VLJQLILFDQFH ZKLFK IXUWKHUPRUH KDV DV LWV RQO\ REMHFW FDUQDO SOHDVXUH 7KURXJK SRUQRJUDSK\ PHQ DQG ZRPHQ DQG FKLOGUHQ DUH GHJUDGHG WR WKH VWDWXV RI WRROV DV WKRXJK WKH\ ZHUH PHUH LQDQLPDWH REMHFWV ZLWK QR JUHDWHU YDOXH 3RUQRJUDSK\ FKDQJHV LQGLYLGXDOV DGYHUVHO\ DQG KDV VFDQGDORXVO\ DOWHUHG ZHVWHUQ FXOWXUH WRR 6RPH HVWLPDWHV VWDWH WKDW XS WR RI WKH ,QWHUQHW LV FRPSULVHG RI SRUQRJUD SK\ DQG WKDW RI ZHE VHDUFKHV GDLO\ DUH IRU SRUQRJUDSK\ +LJK SHUFHQWDJHV RI PHQ DQG ZRPHQ WR D OHVVHU GHJUHH HQJDJH LQ SRUQRJUDSK\ UHJXODUO\ WKURXJK YDULRXV PHGLD DQG ILQG QRWKLQJ ZURQJ ZLWK FRQVXPLQJ LW DQG EHLQJ FRQVXPHG E\ LW 7KH SODJXH RI SRUQRJUDSK\ FXWV DFURVV DOO GHPRJUDSKLFV H J UDFH SROLWLFV UHOLJLRQV HGXFDWLRQ OHYHOV HFRQRPLF EUDFNHWV HWF QR RQH LV LPPXQH IURP LWV DOOXUHPHQWV RU IURP LWV SHUYDVLYHQHVV )UHTXHQWO\ SUHSXEHVFHQW FKLOGUHQ HQFRXQWHU VRPH IRUP RI SRUQRJUDSK\ LQQRFHQWO\ ZKLFK KDSSHQVWDQFHV FDQ QHYHU EH HQWLUHO\ XQGRQH 3RUQRJUDSK\ LV DQ DQFLHQW YLFH ZLWK SLFWXUHV VWDWXWHV KXJH URFN FDUYLQJV

DQG ZULWLQJ GHSLFWLQJ QXGLW\ LQWHUFRXUVH DQG VH[XDO SHUYHUVLRQV 2QO\ FRQWHPSRUDU\ WHFKQRORJ\ DQG PHGLD KDYH PRGHUQ L]HG WKH YHQXHV DQG WKH HDVH ZLWK ZKLFK SRUQRJUDSK\ LV YLHZHG 7KH GHYLFHV KDYH FKDQJHG EXW PDQNLQG LV WKH VDPH²FRUUXSWHG WKURXJK WKH VDPH WKUHH DY HQXHV RI VLQ E\ ZKLFK PHQ KDYH DOZD\V EHHQ DOOXUHG -RKQ 3RUQRJUDSK\ LV LQIHFWLRXV DQG UHVLVWDQW WR H[SXOVLRQ LW GXOOV WKH SHUFHSWLRQ RI UHDOLW\ DQG KDV DOWHUHG WKH FRQVFLHQFH RI WKH ZRUOG %LEOLFDO SULQFLSOHV ZRXOG KDYH XV H[SXQJH IURP RXU OLYHV SRUQRJUDSK\ DQG EH RQ JXDUG DJDLQVW LWV DSSHDO )RU LQVWDQFH -HVXV VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you;

for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hellâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ

2XU /RUGÂśV ZRUGV VWULNH DW WKH KHDUW RI SRUQRJUDSK\²â&#x20AC;&#x153;lustâ&#x20AC;? +H DOVR LQGLFDWHG WKH QDWXUH RI YLHZLQJ ZRPHQ LQ VXFK D ZD\ LW LV D SUHFXUVRU WR WKH SK\VLFDO VLQ RI DGXOWHU\ 7KHQ -HVXV XQGHU VFRUHG WKH VHULRXVQHVV RI OXVW ZLWK WKH K\SHUEROH H[DJJHUDWLRQ LQ VXFK LQVWDQFHV RI JRXJLQJ RXW RQHÂśV RZQ H\H LI WKDWÂśV ZKDW LW WDNHV WR DYRLG WKDW VLQ 9LVXDO VH[XDO H[FLWHPHQW RXWVLGH RI PDUULDJH LV IRUELGGHQ )URP WKH ZRUGV RI RXU /RUG LQ 0DWWKHZ DERYH DV ZHOO DV IURP 0DUN LW EHFRPHV FOHDU WKDW RQH GRHV QRW KDYH WR SHUIRUP H[SOLFLW SK\VLFDO DFWV WR FRPPLW VLQ EXW RQH FDQ FRPPLW VLQ LQWHUQDOO\²ZLWKLQ KLV RU KHU RZQ PLQG â&#x20AC;&#x153;For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.â&#x20AC;? +RZHYHU ZH DOVR FRPPLW VLQ ZKHQ ZH DSSURYH WKH VLQIXO DFWLYLWLHV RI RWKHUV 5RPDQV DQG QR WUXO\ SLRXV SHUVRQ ZRXOG GLVPLVV DV VSLULWXDOO\ LQFRQVHTXHQWLDO YDULRXV JUDGDWLRQV RI SXEOLF XQGUHVV WR IRUQLFDWLRQ DGXOWHU\ DQG HYHU\ FRQFHLYDEOH PDQLIHVWDWLRQ RI FDUQDO GHEDXFKHU\ :H FDQQRW DSSURYH RI VLQ DQG UHPDLQ LQQRFHQW RXUVHOYHV :H PXVW â&#x20AC;&#x153;flee sexual immoralityâ&#x20AC;? &RULQWKLDQV ZKLFK LPSOLFLWO\ ZRXOG SUHFOXGH RXU DSSUHFLDWLRQ RI LW DFWHG RXW E\ RWKHUV :H PXVW EULQJ â&#x20AC;&#x153;every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christâ&#x20AC;? &RULQWKLDQV DQG ZH PXVW FKRRVH WR â&#x20AC;&#x153;mediateâ&#x20AC;? RQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;anything praiseworthyâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; meditate on these thingsâ&#x20AC;? 3KLOLSSLDQV

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Measures of the Spirit - & &KRDWH 'HFHDVHG

7KH DSRVWOH -RKQ VDLG RI &KULVW â&#x20AC;&#x153;For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Himâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ

:KDW GRHV -RKQ PHDQ ZKHQ KH WDONV DERXW *RG JLYLQJ WKH 6SLULW WR &KULVW ZLWKRXW PHDVXUH" 0HDVXUH ZRXOG LPSO\ OLPLWDWLRQ ,Q RWKHU ZRUGV KDG *RG JLYHQ &KULVW RQO\ ÂłD PHDVXUH´ RI WKH 6SLULW WKDW ZRXOG KDYH PHDQW WKDW +H ZRXOG KDYH EHHQ OLPLWHG DV WR ZKDW +H FRXOG GR HYHQ WKURXJK WKH SRZHU RI WKH 6SLULW %XW *RG GLG QRW JLYH +LP WKH 6SLULW â&#x20AC;&#x153;by measureâ&#x20AC;? EXW ÂłZLWKRXW´ PHDVXUH 7KDW PHDQV WKDW QHLWKHU *RG QRU WKH 6SLULW ZRXOG SODFH DQ\ UHVWULFWLRQV RQ +LP ZKHQ LW FDPH WR WKH XVH RI WKH SRZHU RI WKH 6SLULW &RQWLQXLQJ LI *RG JDYH WKH 6SLULW WR &KULVW ZLWKRXW PHDVXUH WKDW ZRXOG RI QHFHVVLW\ LPSO\ WKDW WKH 6SLULW ZDV JLYHQ WR RWKHUV ÂłE\ PHDVXUH´ $QG LQGHHG WKLV LV ZKDW KDSSHQHG 7KHVH LQFOXGHG WKH DSRVWOHV WKH RQHV RQ ZKRP WKH\ ODLG WKHLU KDQGV DQG DOO ZKR KDYH EHHQ EDSWL]HG LQWR &KULVW 2XU /RUG UHFHLYLQJ WKH 6SLULW ZLWKRXW PHDVXUH ZDV DEOH WR GR PLUDFOHV LQFOXGLQJ FDVWLQJ RXW GHYLOV DQG UDLVLQJ WKH GHDG FDOPLQJ WKH VWRUP\ VHDV WXUQLQJ ZDWHU LQWR ZLQH ZDONLQJ XSRQ ZDWHU HWF ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR DOO RI WKHVH -RKQ ZURWH â&#x20AC;&#x153;And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His nameâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ

%XW SHUKDSV HYHQ EH\RQG HYHU\WKLQJ HOVH ZDV WKH IDFW WKDW -HVXV KDG WKH DXWKRULW\ WR EHVWRZ WKH SRZHU RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW RQ RWKHUV +H DORQH FRXOG baptize WKH DSRVWOHV ZLWK WKH +RO\ 6SLULW 7KH DSRVWOHV ZHUH JLYHQ WKH SRZHU WR lay their hands upon certain disciples WKDW WKH\ PLJKW KDYH a miraculous measure RI WKH 6SLULW EXW WKH\ FRXOG QRW baptize DQ\RQH ZLWK WKH 6SLULW )XUWKHUPRUH WKRVH ZKR UHFHLYHG WKH OD\LQJ RQ RI KDQGV PHDVXUH RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW E\ WKH DSRVWOHV FRXOG

God QRW SDVV WKDW SRZHU RQ WR RWKHUV +RZ GR ZH NQRZ WKHVH WKLQJV" 7KH 6FULSWXUHV FOHDUO\ WHOO XV LI ZH SD\ DWWHQWLRQ WR ZKDW LV ZULWWHQ 6R OHWÂśV WDNH D ORRN DW WKRVH ZKR UHFHLYHG WKH PHDVXUHV RI WKH 6SLULW 7KHUH DUH PDQ\ ZKR EHOLHYH WKDW DOO RI WKH /RUGÂśV SHRSOH IURP WKH DSRVWOHV ULJKW RQ GRZQ WR WKH &KULVWLDQV RI RXU GD\ UHFHLYHG RU VKRXOG UHFHLYH the baptismal measure RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW 0DQ\ HYHQ SUD\ IRU WKDW EDSWLVP :H DUH JRLQJ WR VHH WKDW WKLV LV QRW D YDOLG H[SHFWDWLRQ )LUVW RI DOO NHHS LQ PLQG WKDW &KULVW SURPLVHG WR VHQG WKH &RPIRUWHU RU WKH +RO\ 6SLULW XSRQ WKH DSRVWOHV RQO\ +H GLG QRW PDNH WKLV SURPLVH WR DOO RI +LV IROORZHUV RI WKDW GD\ RU WR DOO ZKR ZRXOG IROORZ +LP LQ WKH IXWXUH :KHQ ZH WXUQ WR WKH ERRN RI -RKQ ZH UHDG â&#x20AC;&#x153;But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginningâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ

$JDLQ +H VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto youâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ

*RLQJ RQ +H VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth; for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak; and He will shew you things to comeâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ 1RZ WR ZKRP ZDV WKH /RUG VSHDNLQJ LQ WKHVH YHUVHV" ,I \RX ZLOO UHDG WKH FRQWH[W DQG QRWLFH ZKDW -HVXV LV VD\LQJ LW LV YHU\ REYLRXV WKDW +H LV VSHDNLQJ WR +LV DSRVWOHV WR WKRVH ZKR KDG EHHQ ZLWK +LP IURP WKH EHJLQQLQJ -RKQ 7KH TXHVWLRQ WKHQ LV WKLV 'LG WKH /RUG NHHS +LV SURPLVH" %HIRUH ZH VHH ZKDW ILQDOO\ KDSSHQHG SOHDVH FRQVLGHU WKHVH VWDWHPHQWV &KULVW PDGH WR WKH DSRVWOHV MXVW SULRU WR +LV UHWXUQ WR WKH )DWKHU LQ KHDYHQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on highâ&#x20AC;? /XNH &RXOG WKLV VWDWHPHQW DSSO\ WR DQ\RQH OLYLQJ WRGD\" 2I FRXUVH QRW /XNH ZURWH WKLV DOVR â&#x20AC;&#x153;The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: to whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God; and being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me. For John truly

God baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days henceâ&#x20AC;? $FWV

7KHQ -HVXV VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earthâ&#x20AC;? $FWV

6XUHO\ ZH FDQ VHH LQ WKHVH VWDWHPHQWV WKDW -HVXV SURPLVHG WKH DSRVWOHV WKH SRZHU RI WKH +RO\ *KRVW 7KDW EHLQJ WUXH ZKR UHFHLYHG LW" 7KH DSRVWOHV RQO\ RU DOO EHOLHYHUV LQ JHQHUDO" ,Q $FWV ZH UHDG â&#x20AC;&#x153;And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utteranceâ&#x20AC;? $FWV 5HDGLQJ RQ WKURXJK WKDW FKDSWHU ZH VHH WKH DSRVWOHV SUHDFKLQJ WR D ODUJH FURZG RI SHRSOH $SSUR[LPDWHO\ RI WKHP REH\HG WKH *RVSHO DQG RQ EHLQJ VDYHG WKH\ ZHUH DGGHG E\ WKH /RUG WR WKH FKXUFK $FWV

:H DOVR KDYH WKLV VWDWHPHQW â&#x20AC;&#x153;And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done by the apostlesâ&#x20AC;? $FWV

&RQWLQXLQJ WR UHDG WR WKH ILIWK FKDSWHU RI $FWV YHUVH WKH VSHFLILFDWLRQ LV DJDLQ PDGH FRQFHUQLQJ WKRVH ZKR ZHUH GRLQJ PLUDFOHV â&#x20AC;&#x153;And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people.â&#x20AC;? 7KH FRQFOXVLRQ WKHQ LV WKDW RQO\ WKH DSRVWOHV UHFHLYHG WKH EDSWLVPDO PHDVXUH RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW %XW WKH\ ZHUH RQO\ WZHOYH LQ QXPEHU DQG WKHUH ZDV PXFK WR GR ,Q WKH QH[W FKDSWHU $FWV WKH DSRVWOHV DVNHG WKH GLVFLSOHV WR FKRRVH IURP DPRQJ WKHP VHYHQ PHQ RI KRQHVW UHSRUW IXOO RI WKH +RO\ *KRVW DQG ZLVGRP 7KH IDFW WKDW WKH\ ZHUH ÂłIXOO RI WKH +RO\ *KRVW´ DQG \HW WKDW WKH\ GLG QRW KDYH WKH SRZHU WR GR DQ\ PLUDFOHV VKRZV XV WKDW LW ZDV D QRQ PLUDFXORXV PHDVXUH RI WKH 6SLULW WKDW ZDV JLYHQ WR HDFK SHUVRQ DW WKH WLPH RI KLV EDSWLVP LQWR &KULVW $V ZH FRQWLQXH RXU VWXG\ ZH ZLOO OHDUQ DERXW WKLV PHDVXUH WKDW DOO &KULVWLDQV UHFHLYH XSRQ WKHLU EDSWLVP :KHQ WKHVH VHYHQ PHQ ZHUH VHOHFWHG E\ WKH FKXUFK WKH DSRVWOHV SUD\HG DQG ODLG WKHLU KDQGV RQ WKHP WKDW WKH\ PLJKW UHFHLYH WKH PLUDFXORXV SRZHU RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW 1RZ UHPHPEHU WKHVH PHQ ZHUH DOUHDG\ IXOO RI WKH +RO\ *KRVW RU WKH +RO\ 6SLULW :KDW ZDV WKH GLIIHUHQFH EHWZHHQ ZKDW WKH\ KDG UHFHLYHG DW WKHLU EDSWLVP DV SURPLVHG LQ $FWV [â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then Peter said to them, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and

God you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spiritâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?] DQG ZKDW WKH\ QRZ UHFHLYHG WKURXJK SUD\HU DQG WKH OD\LQJ RQ RI WKH DSRVWOHVÂś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he Voice of Truth International LQ

Measures of the Spirit 7KH XQOLPLWHG PHDVXUH â&#x20AC;&#x153;For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Himâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ 7KHUH ZDV QR OLPLW WR ZKDW &KULVW ZDV DEOH WR GR WKURXJK WKH SRZHU RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW

7KH EDSWLVPDO PHDVXUH but wait for the promise of the Fa-

ther, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days henceâ&#x20AC;? $FWV 7KH 6SLULW HPSRZHUHG WKH $SRVWOHV WR SHUIRUP PLUDFOHV WR VSHDN E\ LQVSLUDWLRQ WR JLYH PLUDFXORXV SRZHUV WR RWKHUV

7KH /D\LQJ RQ RI KDQGV PHDVXUH $FWV WKH DSRVWOHV SUD\HG DQG ODLG WKHLU KDQGV RQ WKHP WKDW WKH\ PLJKW UHFHLYH WKH PLUDFXORXV SRZHU RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW

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Evidences

Physical Evidence for the Flood 'DYLG (YHUVRQ

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Lesson Learned 'DQ -HQNLQV

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The Word Of God

Not By Bread Alone!

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+XQJHU LV RQH RI WKH JUHDWHVW GULYHV IRXQG LQ PDQ “Command that these stones be made bread.” %UHDG LV DQ Satan comes to us with his HVVHQWLDO IRRG WR PDQ¶V SK\VLFDO ZHOO evil whispers, seeking to breathe EHLQJ -HVXV UHFRJQL]HG WKLV LQ +LV doubts into our souls—doubts of UHVSRQVH WR WKH GHYLO EXW +H DOVR the truth of God’s revelation, doubts NQHZ WKDW WKHUH DUH VRPH WKLQJV PRUH of God’s love and power, doubts LPSRUWDQW WKDQ EUHDG ² RXU YLFWRU\ RYHU of our own standing before God. 6DWDQ RXU UHODWLRQVKLS WR *RG “It is written.” +HUH ZH KDYH WKH ILUVW UHFRUGHG ZRUGV RI -HVXV IROORZLQJ +LV EDSWLVP +H ZDV WKH PLJKW\ 6RQ RI *RG WKH &UHDWRU RI WKH XQLYHUVH IXOO RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW +H EHJLQV +LV HDUWKO\ PLQLVWU\ ZLWK WKH SURIRXQG EXW VLPSOH ZRUGV “It is written.” +H PHHWV 6DWDQ KHDG RQ ZLWK WKH VZRUG RI WKH 6SLULW 6R ZH PXVW QRZ 2XU KHDUWV DQG PLQGV PXVW EH VDWXUDWHG ZLWK WKH :RUG RI *RG RXU PHPRULHV ILOOHG ZLWK D “thus saith the Lord”. 7KH :RUG KLGGHQ LQ RXU KHDUWV WKDW ZH PLJKW QRW VLQ DJDLQVW *RG ZLOO EH DW KDQG LQ WKH KRXU RI WULDO DQG WHPSWDWLRQ :H PHHW WKH HYLO RQH DV D ³PDQ´ ZKR GRHV QRW OLYH E\ EUHDG DORQH DQG ZH GHIHDW 6DWDQ EHFDXVH ZH OLYH E\ HYHU\ ZRUG WKDW SURFHHGV RXW RI WKH PRXWK RI *RG )RU WKLV UHDVRQ RXU HOGHUV WHDFKHUV DQG SUHDFKHUV HQFRXUDJH RXU GDLO\ VWXG\ RI *RG¶V :RUG DQG RXU SDUWLFLSDWLRQ LQ DOO RXU %LEOH FODVVHV DQG ZRUVKLS SHULRGV &KULVW LV WKH EUHDG RI OLIH +LV ZRUGV DUH VSLULW DQG WKH\ DUH OLIH :H ZLOO ORVH RXU OLYHV LI ZH VHHN RQO\ WKH HDUWKO\ EUHDG ,I ZH HDW RI +LP ZH ZLOO QHYHU KXQJHU DQG ZLOO OLYH IRUHYHU -RKQ

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The Word Of God

Information â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Inspiration â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or Transformation?

The Bible is for our transformation!

&DUUROO 6LWHV 0DQ\ ERRNV KDYH EHHQ ZULWWHQ 6RORPRQ ZURWH â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of making of many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the fleshâ&#x20AC;? (FFOHVLDVWLF 7KHQ WKHUH LV Âł7+( %22.´ WKH %LEOH 6RPH ERRNV DUH IRU RXU LQIRUPDWLRQ VRPH IRU RXU LQVSLUDWLRQ WKH %LEOH LV IRU RXU WUDQVIRUPDWLRQ $OO RI RXU OLYHV QHHG WR EH WUDQVIRUPHG 3DXO ZULWHV WR WKH 5RPDQ &KULVWLDQV â&#x20AC;&#x153;I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but WUDQVIRUPHG by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of Godâ&#x20AC;?

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The Tree of Bible Facts

The Word Of God

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Salvation

Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Faithful Children 'DOH *ULVVRP â&#x20AC;&#x153;Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saintsâ&#x20AC;? 3VDOP

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Heaven is so wonderful that, once we get there, we will never want to return to this old world of sorrow and sin.

Salvation

Casual Seekers at the Narrow Gate &HFLO 0D\ -U

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Salvation

Time )UDQN &KHVVHU )URP RXW RI WKH ERVRP RI HWHUQLW\ FDPH WLPH *RG “inhabiteth eternity” ,VDLDK ZKLOH PDQ GZHOOV LQ WLPH (WHUQLW\ JDYH ELUWK WR WLPH DV D WHPSRUDU\ DUUDQJHPHQW IRU WUDQVLHQW KXPDQLW\ “One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” 3HWHU LV 3HWHU¶V ZD\ RI VD\LQJ WKDW WLPH PHDQV QRWKLQJ WR *RG *RG ZDV QRW \RXQJHU ZKHQ WLPH EHJDQ QRU ZLOO +H EH ROGHU ZKHQ WLPH HQGV “In the beginning” PDUNV WKH FRPPHQFHPHQW RI WLPH WKH XQLYHUVH DQG PDQ *HQHVLV $W WLPH¶V LQFHSWLRQ WKHUH ZDV QR EDFNZDUG ORRN IRU SULRU WR WLPH LV HWHUQLW\ (YHU\WKLQJ PDWHULDO LV OLPLWHG E\ WLPH DV LV WLPH LWVHOI IRU WLPH¶V ILQDO VXQVHW ZDV SUHGHVWLQHG LQ HWHUQLW\ 7LPH LV QRW HWHUQLW\¶V LQWHUOXGH IRU HWHUQLW\ LV ZLWKRXW EHJLQQLQJ RU HQG ,I WLPH¶V GXUDWLRQ LV D ELOOLRQ \HDUV LW ZLOO RQO\ EH D PLFURVFRSLF SHEEOH RQ WKH XQHQGLQJ VKRUHV RI HWHUQLW\ :KHQ HWHUQLW\ ELGV JRRGE\H WR WLPH WLPH ZLOO QRW EH PLVVHG 7KHUH ZLOO EH QR YRLG WR ILOO 0DQ¶V ERG\ LV ELUWKHG IRU WLPH KLV VSLULW IRU HWHUQLW\ 7KH PRPHQW KH HQWHUV WKH GRRU PDUNHG ³/LIH ´ KH FRPPHQFHV D KDVW\ H[LW WRZDUG WKH GRRU PDUNHG ³'HDWK´ +LV GD\V RQ HDUWK SDVV ZLWK PRUH VZLIWQHVV WKDQ D “weaver’s shuttle” -RE D IOHHLQJ “shadow” -RE RU D GLVVLSDWLQJ “vapor” -DPHV

7LPH PDUNV KLP DW ELUWK DQG FODLPV KLP DW GHDWK 7LPH UXVKHV RQ XQFKHFNHG DQG XQDOWHUHG FDUU\LQJ HYHU\ PDWHULDO REMHFW WR LWV LQHYLWDEOH HQG 5XVW GHFD\ DQG GHDWK DUH LWV SHUSHWXDO FRPSDQLRQV :H DUH DOO UXQQLQJ RXW RI WLPH 7KH RQO\ WKLQJ WKDW UHDOO\ PDWWHUV LV DUH \RX SUHSDUHG WR PHHW *RG" $UH \RX UHDG\ WR JR" :KHQ WLPH LV VZDOORZHG XS LQ HWHUQLW\ ZKHUH ZLOO \RX EH" “Behold, now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation” &RULQWKLDQV

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We are all running out of time. The only thing that really matters is, are you prepared to meet God?

Salvation

%OHVVHG ,QVXUDQFH 3DWULFN 0RUULVRQ , KDYH EHHQ VXUURXQGHG E\ &KULVWLDQV P\ ZKROH OLIH )URP WKH WLPH , HQWHUHG LQWR WKLV ZRUOG P\ OLIH KDV UHYROYHG DURXQG FKXUFK UHODWHG DFWLYLWLHV ² IHOORZVKLS ZRUVKLS VLQJLQJ HWF 3UDLVLQJ *RG LQ VRQJ KDV DOZD\V EHHQ RQH RI WKH IRQGHVW PHPRULHV RI P\ FKLOGKRRG DV ZHOO DV RQH RI P\ IDYRULWH WKLQJV WR GR HYHQ QRZ $V D OLWWOH IHOORZ VRPHWLPHV , GLGQ¶W NQRZ RU XQGHUVWDQG WKH PHDQLQJ RU WKH LPSRUW RI WKH ZRUGV RI WKH VRQJV WKDW ZH ZRXOG RIWHQ VLQJ 2QH RI WKRVH JUHDW ROG K\PQV WKDW , PLVKHDUG ZDV WKH VRQJ “Blessed Assurance.” , DOZD\V WKRXJKW ZH ZHUH VLQJLQJ WKH ZRUGV ³EOHVVHG insurance ´ (YHQ WKRXJK , PD\ QRW KDYH IXOO\ XQ GHUVWRRG WKH ZRUGV , DP QRW VR VXUH WKDW , ZDV UH DOO\ DOO WKDW IDU RII LQ ZKDW , ZDV VLQJLQJ 7KLQN DERXW LW :H EX\ LQVXUDQFH LQ RUGHU WR SXW RXU PLQGV DW HDVH :H KDYH OLIH LQVXUDQFH KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH DXWR PRELOH LQVXUDQFH GLV DELOLW\ LQVXUDQFH KRPH RZQHU¶V LQVXUDQFH DQG RQ DQG RQ WKH OLVW FRXOG JR 7KHUH LV SUREDEO\ LQVXUDQFH IRU RXU LQVXU DQFH :K\ GR ZH VSHQG VR PXFK PRQH\ LQVXULQJ RXU OLYHV DQG RXU SRVVHVVLRQV" ,W¶V EHFDXVH ZH ZDQW UHDVVXUDQFH *RG KDV JLYHQ

Salvation XV VSLULWXDO LQVXUDQFH DVVXUDQFH WKURXJK WKH RIIHULQJ RI -HVXV &KULVW IRU RXU VLQV +LV SURPLVHV DUH VXUH 3HWHU â&#x20AC;&#x153;And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the endâ&#x20AC;? +HEUHZV â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance foreverâ&#x20AC;? ,VDLDK %HFDXVH RI *RGÂśV IDLWKIXOQHVV WR NHHS +LV SURPLVHV ZH FDQ GUDZ QHDU ZLWK D WUXH KHDUW LQ IXOO DVVXUDQFH RI IDLWK +HEUHZV

:KHQ ZDV WKH ODVW WLPH \RX GLG DQ LQVXUDQFH FKHFN XS" (YHU\ RQFH LQ D ZKLOH LW LV JRRG WR WDNH LQYHQWRU\ RI RXU OLYHV DQG WDNH QRWH RI DQ\ FKDQJHV LQ RUGHU WR PDNH VXUH WKDW ZH KDYH SURSHU FRYHUDJHV LQ RXU SROLFLHV 6R WRR PXVW ZH GRXEOH FKHFN WR PDNH VXUH WKDW ZH KDYH WKH ULJKW VSLULWXDO LQVXUDQFH &RULQWKLDQV +RZ LV \RXU VSLULWXDO LQVXUDQFH"

When you choose to stand with God, you have the assurance that He is on your side. Though all the world may forsake us, Jesus will stand with us. :KHQ \RX JLYH \RXU OLIH RYHU WR *RG \RX FDQ UHVW DVVXUHG WKDW \RXÂśUH LQ JRRG KDQGV -HVXV UHPLQGV XV RI WKH YDOXH RI SODFLQJ RXU VRXOV LQ WKH KDQGV RI *RG â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ

:KHQ \RX FKRRVH WR VWDQG ZLWK *RG \RX KDYH WKH DVVXUDQFH WKDW +H LV RQ \RXU VLGH 7KRXJK DOO WKH ZRUOG PD\ IRUVDNH XV -HVXV ZLOO VWDQG ZLWK XV 7LPRWK\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;If God be for us, who can be against usâ&#x20AC;? 5RPDQV " :KHQ \RX SOHGJH \RXU OLIH RI VHUYLFH WR WKH /RUG \RX KDYH WKH SURPLVH WKDW OLNH D JRRG QHLJKERU DQG HYHQ PRUH WKDQ D JRRG QHLJKERU *RG ZLOO EH WKHUH +H OLYHV ZLWKLQ XV &RULQWKLDQV DQG ZRUNV ZLWKLQ XV 3KLOLSSLDQV :H FDQQRW HVFDSH WKH SUHVHQFH RI *RG 3VDOP

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Salvation

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Sadly, there are some in the church and perhaps in the family who want to get lost. They have purposely wandered away.

The Church

What Does the Bible Teach?

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$V &KULVWLDQV ZH DUH DOVR UHVSRQVLEOH WR RXU IHOORZ EHLQJV &KULVW WDXJKW “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” 0DWWKHZ :H ZDQW RWKHUV WR VSHDN ZHOO RI XV DQG WR GR JRRG IRU XV DQG VR ZH VKRXOG GR OLNHZLVH WRZDUGV RWKHUV :H GRQ¶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“Repay no one evil for evil.

Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’

The Church says the Lord. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with goodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? 5RPDQV

$V &KULVWLDQV ZH EHOLHYH WKH JRYHUQPHQW LV GLYLQHO\ RUGDLQHG RI *RG 7KLV PHDQV ZH DUH WR GLVFKDUJH RXU GXW\ DV ODZ DELGLQJ FLWL]HQV HYHQ LI HYLO PHQ DUH VHUYLQJ LQ KLJK SODFHV :H EHOLHYH WKDW *RG LV VXSUHPH DQG QRWKLQJ LV KLGGHQ IURP +LV H\HV $V REHGLHQW FKLOGUHQ RI *RG ZH WU\ WR OLYH SHDFHDEO\ ZLWK DOO PHQ WDNLQJ QR WKRXJKW RI YHQJHDQFH RU UHYHQJH :H WUXVW LQ *RG DQG HYHQ LI D W\UDQW LV RQ WKH WKURQH ZH PXVW IROORZ ZKDW *RG KDV WDXJKW XV LQ +LV %LEOH 5RPDQV VD\V â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.

For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same for he is God`s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God`s minister, and avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscienceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ministers attending continually to this very thing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.â&#x20AC;? $JDLQ ZH UHDG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord`s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the kingâ&#x20AC;?

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The Church

Spiritual Leaders â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Essential Characteristics 5RQDOG ' %U\DQW

Spiritual leaders are sensitive to the fact that they are to lead, not drive. They talk to the congregation in a manner that serves to honor God and strengthen the body. Instead of working to control people and events, they endeavor to mold the hearts and lives.

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Doctrine To Live By

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3DXO JDYH WKH NH\ WR OLYLQJ LQ &RULQWKLDQV â&#x20AC;&#x153;That ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written.â&#x20AC;? 6HULRXV ZDUQLQJ DERXW DGGLQJ WR DQG WDNLQJ IURP WKH :RUG LV JLYHQ DW WKH FORVH RI WKH %LEOH LQ 5HYHODWLRQ +2: 7+,6 $33/,(6 72 86 :+(1 '2 :( ($7 7+( /25'Âś6 6833(5" 7KH TXHVWLRQ LV QRW Âł:KHQ GR WKH PDMRULW\ GR LW"´ ,W LV QRW Âł:KHQ GR , IHHO OLNH GRLQJ LW"´ 6LQFH ZH DUH JR LQJ WR OHW WKH %LEOH EH WKH ILQDO VWDQGDUG ZKDW GRHV LW WHDFK XV WR GR" â&#x20AC;&#x153;And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnightâ&#x20AC;? $FWV 7KH RQO\ WHDFKLQJ ZH KDYH DERXW HDWLQJ WKH /RUGÂśV 6XSSHU LV IRU HDWLQJ LW RQ WKH ILUVW GD\ RI WKH ZHHN 6HFXODU FKXUFK KLVWRU\ WHOOV XV WKH FKXUFK DWH WKLV 6XSSHU WKH ILUVW GD\ RI HYHU\ ZHHN :+2 :+< $1' +2: $5( ,03257$17 48(67,216 5(/$7(' 72 %$37,60 $JDLQ ZH GR QRW VHHN WKH DQVZHUV RI WKH PDMRULW\ EXW WKH DQ

Doctrine To Live By VZHUV IURP WKH LQVSLUHG ZRUG RI *RG :+2" 7KRVH ROG HQRXJK WR KHDU XQGHUVWDQG EHOLHYH UHSHQW DQG FRQIHVV &KULVW DUH SURSHU VXEMHFWV RI EDSWLVP ,Q RWKHU ZRUGV WKRVH ZKR DUH JXLOW\ RI VLQ $FWV 0DUN $FWV 5RPDQV

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+2:" &RPH WR WKH ZDWHU JR GRZQ LQWR WKH ZDWHU EH EXULHG LQ ZDWHU EH UDLVHG DQG FRPH XS RXW RI WKH ZDWHU $FWV 5RPDQV

:+$7 ,6 7+( 758( 67$1 '$5' 2) :256+,3" 3HRSOH FDQ ZRUVKLS DQG EH LJQRUDQW RI WUXH ZRU VKLS 7KH PDQ\ LGROV DW $WKHQV ZHUH HYLGHQFH WKDW WKH SHRSOH ZHUH KLJKO\ UHOLJLRXV “For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with the inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you” $FWV

-HVXV GLG QRW FRPH WR PDNH SHRSOH UHOLJLRXV IRU WKH\ ZHUH DOUHDG\ UHOL JLRXV +H GLG QRW FRPH WR JHW SHRSOH WR ZRUVKLS EXW WR VHW WKHP ULJKW LQ WKHLU ZRUVKLS +H WROG WKH ZRPDQ DW WKH ZHOO DERXW WUXH ZRUVKLS “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” -RKQ

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But how do we arrive at truth in religion? Can we vote on it? Can we go by feelings? Is it right if everyone does it?

Doctrine To Live By

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A Call for Change &KDG (]HOOH “He must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me”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± QRW MXVW D FRXSOH RI WKHP" =

Doctrine To Live By

“The Whole Counsel of God” 6WHYH 9LFH ,Q $FWV 3DXO VDLG “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” 3DXO ZDQWHG SHRSOH WR KDYH D FRPSOHWH DQG WKRURXJK XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI WKH ZLOO RI *RG 7ZR UHDVRQV WKDW -HVXV VHQW WKH +RO\ 6SLULW WR WKH DSRVWOHV ZHUH WR EULQJ WR WKHLU UHPHPEUDQFH DOO WKLQJV WKDW +H KDG VDLG WR WKHP -RKQ DQG WR JXLGH WKHP LQWR DOO WUXWK -RKQ

,Q WKH FRXUWV RI RXU ODQG WKH RDWK LV RIWHQ UHSHDWHG ³'R \RX VZHDU WR WHOO WKH WUXWK WKH ZKROH WUXWK DQG QRWKLQJ EXW WKH WUXWK VR KHOS \RX *RG"´ ,W LV DOVR UHFRJQL]HG E\ KRQRUDEOH SHRSOH WKDW D KDOI WUXWK LV WKH VDPH DV D OLH 7KHUHIRUH LW LV HYLGHQW WKDW LQ RUGHU IRU MXVWLFH WR EH IXOILOOHG WKH ZKROH WUXWK PXVW EH WROG ,W LV FRPPRQ WRGD\ IRU UHOLJLRXV SHRSOH WR VD\ ³$OO \RX QHHG WR GR LV WR UHFHLYH -HVXV LQWR \RXU KHDUW DQG \RX ZLOO EH VDYHG ´ 7KLV VRXQGV JRRG EXW WKH %LEOH GRHV QRW WHDFK LW -RKQ GRHV VSHDN DERXW UHFHLYLQJ -HVXV %XW LW GRHV QRW VD\ WKDW WKH SHUVRQ ZKR UHFHLYHV -HVXV ZLOO EH VDYHG ,W VD\V WKDW WKH SHUVRQ ZKR UHFHLYHV -HVXV KDV “the right to become children of God…” IXWXUH WHQVH

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0RVW RI XV FDQ TXRWH WKH JROGHQ WH[W RI WKH %LEOH ² -RKQ %XW ZKHQ \RX TXRWH LW GR \RX LQVHUW WKH ZRUG “shall” LQVWHDG RI “should” LQ WKLV YHUVH" ,I D SHUVRQ LQVHUWV WKH ZRUG “shall” WKHQ LW PDNHV -HVXV D OLDU EHFDXVH LQ WKLV VDPH ERRN LQ DQG WKHUH ZHUH SHRSOH ZKR EHOLHYHG LQ -HVXV EXW WKH\ ZHUH QRW VDYHG 7KH YHUVH WUXO\ VD\V ³«should not perish.´ ,Q RWKHU ZRUGV WKH SRVVLELOLW\ RI SHULVKLQJ VWLOO UHPDLQV 'RHV -RKQ WHOO DOO WKDW D SHUVRQ QHHGV

Doctrine To Live By WR NQRZ DERXW VDOYDWLRQ" $Q\RQH ZKR WHDFKHV VR KDV VXUHO\ IDLOHG WR WHDFK WKH ZKROH FRXQVHO RI *RG RQ WKLV VXEMHFW -HVXV +LPVHOI VDLG WKDW D SHUVRQ PXVW EHOLHYH LQ +LP -RKQ &RQIHVVLRQ LV DOVR QHFHVVDU\ IRU VDOYDWLRQ 0DWWKHZ -HVXV SODLQO\ VDLG WKDW XQOHVV \RX UHSHQW \RX ZLOO DOO OLNHZLVH SHULVK /XNH ,W ZDV DOVR -HVXV ZKR VDLG ÂłHe who believes and is baptized will be savedâ&#x20AC;? 0DUN 6KDOO ZH QHJOHFW WKH FRXQVHO RI -HVXV &KULVW WKH 6DYLRU LQ WKLV PDWWHU" â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by himâ&#x20AC;? /XNH ,W LV D VHULRXV PDWWHU WR UHMHFW RU QHJOHFW WKH ZKROH FRXQVHO RI *RG RQ DQ\ VXEMHFW DQG VDOYDWLRQ LV WKH PRVW LPSRUWDQW VXEMHFW RI DOO = 6WHYH 9LFH LV DQ HOGHU LQ WKH FKXUFK RI &KULVW LQ )RUHVW 3DUN *HRUJLD 86$

Making the Right Choices (UQHVW 6 8QGHUZRRG -RVKXD FDOOHG XSRQ WKH SHRSOH WR â&#x20AC;&#x153;Choose you this dayâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? 7KHUH DUH VRPH JRRG ELEOLFDO H[DPSOHV RI PHQ DQG ZRPHQ ZKR ZHUH IDFHG ZLWK FKRLFHV ZKR PDGH WKH ULJKW RQH 0RVHV â&#x20AC;&#x153;came to yearsâ&#x20AC;? LQ (J\SW 7KH +HEUHZV ZULWHU WHOOV XV WKDW 0RVHV FKRVH WR IRUVDNH DOO WKDW (J\SW ZDV WR KLP DQG FKRVH WR VHUYH ZLWK WKH SHRSOH RI *RG UDWKHU WKDQ WR HQMR\ WKH SOHDVXUHV RI VLQ IRU D VHDVRQ -RVKXD LQ KLV IDUHZHOO DGGUHVV DQG DIWHU FDOOLQJ RQ WKH SHRSOH WR PDNH WKHLU FKRLFHV VWDWHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.â&#x20AC;?

'DYLG KDG D FKRLFH WR PDNH +H OLNH 0RVHV DQG -RVKXD PDGH WKH ULJKW RQH ,Q 3VDOP KH VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.â&#x20AC;?

0DU\ WKH VLVWHU RI /D]DUXV PDGH WKH ULJKW FKRLFH DQG -HVXV VWDWHG WKDW WKLV ZRXOG QRW EH WDNHQ DZD\ IURP KHU ,Q /XNH ZH UHDG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; feet and heard His word. When Martha complained, Jesus said to her, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? :KDW FKRLFHV DUH \RX PDNLQJ" :LOO WKH\ JHW \RX WR KHDYHQ" =

My “Enemy” %HWW\ %XUWRQ &KRDWH How often is it true for all of us: “I am my own worst enemy.”?

No outside force can hurt me As I hurt myself…

I am the one Allowing the attitudes That close the longed-for doors; It is my pessimism That darkens my sunny days; I waste the hours of my life Procrastinating, Intending to do But never buckling down; It is my smallness That limits vision, My jealousies stunting friendships, My mouth that causes trouble, My lack of perception That never sees me as I am, My good intentions That this “enemy” neglects.

I am what I am.

I cannot be bigger than myself.

I cannot be what I am not.

Yes, as Pogo said, “We have met the enemy, And he is us.”

I am my own worst enemy.

I must take myself with me Wherever I may go And be with others only what I am…

The lesson I must learn: If I want my world to be improved, I must improve myself.

Christianity In Action

THE SHINING &ROLQ 0F.HH

,Q D KRUURU ILOP FDOOHG Âł7KH 6KLQLQJ´ ZDV SURGXFHG DQG RIIHUHG WR DXGLHQFHV DFURVV WKH ZRUOG ,W KDG WR GR ZLWK JKRVWV RU VSLULWV ZKR ZHUH GLVWXUELQJ PRUWDOV WKDW ZHUH RFFXS\LQJ D KRWHO Âł7KH 6KLQLQJ´ ZDV WKH VXSSRVHG PDQLIHVWDWLRQ RI RFFXOW SRZHU LQ WKH ILOP DQG RI FRXUVH DOO RI LW ZDV WKH IDQFLIXO LQYHQWLRQ RI ZULWHUV DQG SURGXFHUV %XW D UHDO WUXH VKLQLQJ LV GHVFULEHG LQ *RGÂśV :RUG *RG SURPLVHG WR VKLQH RQ PDQ DQG LQ WXUQ GHPDQGHG D VKLQLQJ IURP PDQ ,Q ,VDLDK *RG LVVXHG +LV SURPLVH IRU WKDW VKLQLQJ DQG FDOOHG RQ +LV SHRSOH WR VKLQH +LV OLJKW WR RWKHUV The Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,â&#x20AC;? says the Lord. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As for me,â&#x20AC;? says the Lord, â&#x20AC;&#x153;this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and my words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s descendants,â&#x20AC;? says the Lord, â&#x20AC;&#x153;from this time and forevermore.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arise , shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. ,VDLDK

*RG WKH 5HGHHPHU SURPLVHG WR FRPH DQG PDNH D FRYHQDQW ZLWK WKRVH ZKR WXUQHG IURP WUDQVJUHVVLRQV 7KDW FRPLQJ ZDV WKH OLJKW RI +LV VDOYDWLRQ DQG +H SURPLVHG WR ÂłDULVH´ RYHU WKRVH ZKR UHFHLYHG LW 7KLV LV SDUDOOHO WR 3DXOÂśV ZULWLQJ LQ &RULQWKLDQV â&#x20AC;&#x153;For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.â&#x20AC;? ,Q VKRUW WKDW ZDV WKH OLJKW RI WKH *RVSHO 6LQFH *RG JDYH WKH OLJKW +H WKHQ FDOOHG XSRQ WKH UHFLSLHQWV WR JHW XS DQG VKLQH :KR DUH WKH ÂłVKLQHUV´ WKDW DUH ÂłVKLQLQJ´" z 7KRVH ZKR DUH VSLULWXDOO\ ZLVH â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmamentâ&#x20AC;? 'DQLHO D

z 7KRVH ZKR WXUQ RWKHUV WR ULJKWHRXVQHVV â&#x20AC;&#x153;And those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and everâ&#x20AC;? 'DQLHO E

Christianity In Action z 7KRVH ZKR DUH WXUQHG WR ULJKWHRXVQHVV â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Fatherâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ

z 7KRVH ZKR OLYH MXVWO\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect dayâ&#x20AC;? 3URYHUEV

z 7KRVH ZKR GR WKH JRRG ZRUNV RI *RG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heavenâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ

z 7KRVH ZKR OLYH WKH VHUHQH OLIH â&#x20AC;&#x153;...you will be Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children without fault. But you are living with crooked and mean people all around you, among whom you shine like stars in the dark world. You offer the teaching that gives lifeâ&#x20AC;? 3KLOLSSLDQV 1HZ &HQWXU\ 9HUVLRQ

Âł7KHUHIRUH +H VD\V â&#x20AC;&#x153;Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you lightâ&#x20AC;? (SKHVLDQV +H JLYHV XV OLJKW +LV VKLQLQJ WKDW ZH PD\ JLYH WR RWKHUV â&#x20AC;&#x153;the light of His gloryâ&#x20AC;?. :H VKRXOG WDNH WR KHDUW WKH ZRUGV RI WKH 3VDOPLVW â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with himâ&#x20AC;? 3VDOP

0\ EURWKHU %RE 0F.HH ZURWH D VRQJ WLWOHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;You Will Shine As The Starsâ&#x20AC;?

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Christianity In Action

How Jesus Saw People 1HDO 3ROODUG Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvestâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ

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Do We Dare to Answer Christ’s Question? $UGURQ +LQWRQ “And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others?”

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The Only People

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Daily Christian Living

The Heart/Mind 7RGG 2œ'RQQHOO <RX ZLOO QRWLFH LQ WKH %LEOH WKDW WKH (QJOLVK ZRUGV ³KHDUW´ DQG ³PLQG´ DUH XVHG LQWHUFKDQJHDEO\ RQ D QXPEHU RI RFFDVLRQV :H VHH WKDW WKH ZRUG ³KHDUW´ GRHV QRW DOZD\V KDYH UHIHUHQFH WR WKH RUJDQ WKDW SXPSV EORRG DURXQG RXU ERG\ EXW KDV UHIHUHQFH WR WKDW SDUW RI XV WKDW KDV WKH DELOLW\ WR WKLQN DQG UHDVRQ , GR V H E \ R G H VR GR QRW NQRZ IRU VXUH ZK\ WKH KHDUW LV XVHG WR UHSUHVHQW RXU PLQG , WKLQN SHUKDSV LW KDV VRPHWKLQJ WR GR ZLWK WKH SRVLWLRQ RI RXU KHDUW EHLQJ DW WKH FHQWHU RI RXU ERG\

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Daily Christian Living JRRG WKLQJV 6XQGD\ FODVVHV DQG ZRUVKLS PLG ZHHN FODVVHV GHYRWLRQDOV SHUVRQDO VWXG\ \RXWK JURXSV ODGLHV FODVVHV HWF $UH \RX VWDUYLQJ" $UH \RX XQGHUQRXULVKHG VSLULWXDOO\" 7KHQ ORRN DW \RXU GLHW ² \RX DUH SUREDEO\ QRW HDWLQJ HQRXJK 7KH VHFRQG PDMRU FRQWULEXWRU WR VSLULWXDO XQKHDOWKLQHVV LV ODFN RI H[HUFLVH 3KLOLSSLDQV VD\V â&#x20AC;&#x153;The things you have learned and received and heard from me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.â&#x20AC;? ,W GRHV QR JRRG WR VWXG\ *RGÂśV :RUG DQG KHDU LW SUHDFKHG LI ZH DUH QRW JRLQJ WR SXW LW LQWR SUDFWLFH 7KDW LV ZK\ -DPHV VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.â&#x20AC;? $QG ,Q 3HWHU 3HWHU VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śas long as you practice these things >VSLULWXDO WKLQJV@ you will never stumble.â&#x20AC;?

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Daily Christian Living

The Root of Pride .HYLQ &DXOH\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; So he turned and went away in a rageâ&#x20AC;? .LQJV

, NQRZ D OLWWOH ELW DERXW DQJHU DQG SULGH ,W LV D VHW RI VLQV WKDW , KDYH VWUXJJOHG ZLWK IRU PDQ\ \HDUV , DP IRUWXQDWH WKDW RYHU WKH \HDUV , KDYH KDG VRPH JRRG EURWKHUV KHOS PH ZLWK WKHVH LVVXHV 6RPH KDYH KHOSHG PH RXW RI UHDO FRQFHUQ RWKHUV QRW VR PXFK EXW *RG KDV EHHQ ZRUNLQJ DOO WKDW WLPH DQG , DFFHSW +LV FRUUHFWLRQ LQ ZKDWHYHU IRUP LW FRPHV 7KH URRW RI SULGH LV WKH HJR DQG WKH HJR LV EDVHG LQ WKH IOHVK &RQVLGHU -HVXVÂś ZRUGV LQ 0DUN â&#x20AC;&#x153;For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.â&#x20AC;?

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Daily Christian Living RQO\ FKHDSHQHG KLPVHOI $ SHUVRQ LV VR PXFK PRUH YDOXDEOH WKDQ DQ LPSUHVVLYH VKRZLQJ RU D FOHDQ ULYHU 7KLV LV ZK\ SULGH LV VXFK D SUREOHP LW UHGXFHV SHUVRQV WR WKLQJV DQG FDXVHV XV QRW WR ORYH RXUVHOYHV DV *RG ORYHV XV DQG *RG ORYHV XV PXFK PRUH WKDQ ZH ZLOO HYHU NQRZ $IWHU DOO +H JDYH WKH OLIH RI +LV 6RQ IRU XV -RKQ +RZ PXFK ZDV WKH 6RQ RI *RG ZRUWK" 7HOOLQJ RXUVHOYHV WKDW ZH DUH ZRUWK OHVV WKDQ ZKDW *RG WHOOV XV ZH DUH ZRUWK LV WKH ZRUVW NLQG RI VHOI GHFHLW EHFDXVH ZH FDQÂśW SURSHUO\ ORYH RXU EURWKHU LI ZH GRQÂśW ORYH RXUVHOYHV -HVXV VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyselfâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ :H FDQ PDNH DQ HIIRUW DW LW EXW ZH ZLOO QRW JHW YHU\ IDU EHIRUH ZH EHFRPH GLVFRXUDJHG ZLWK RXUVHOYHV DQG JLYH XS 7KH IOHVK LV GHFHLWIXO PDNLQJ XV WKLQN WKDW ZH DUH ZRUWK VRPH ZRUOGO\ REMHFW 7KLV LV ZK\ WKH DSRVWOH 3DXO WROG XV QRW WR EH GHFHLYHG E\ LW â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlastingâ&#x20AC;? *DODWLDQV 3ULGH VRZV WR WKH IOHVK DQG LW ZLOO GHVWUR\ XV LI LW JRHV XQFKHFNHG , KDYH RIWHQ KDG WKLV TXHVWLRQ DVNHG WR PH RYHU WKH \HDUV Âł,V WKHUH VXFK D WKLQJ DV JRRG SULGH"´ 5HFHQWO\ D IULHQG WROG PH WKDW KH QHYHU UHDG VXFK LQ KLV %LEOH ,ÂśYH QHYHU UHDG VXFK HLWKHU , KDYH UHDG WKLV YHUVH â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fallâ&#x20AC;? 3URYHUEV ,ÂśYH DOZD\V UHDG WKLV YHUVH DV LI WKH ZRUGV ÂłGHVWUXFWLRQ´ DQG ÂłIDOO´ ZHUH YHU\ EDG WKLQJV DQG LW GRHV GHSHQG XSRQ ZKDW NLQG RI GHVWUXFWLRQ DQG IDOO RQH KDV EXW PRUH UHFHQWO\ ,ÂśYH OHDUQHG WKDW ÂłGHVWUXFWLRQ´ DQG ÂłIDOOLQJ´ FDQ EH YHU\ JRRG WKLQJV LI GLUHFWHG LQ WKH ULJKW ZD\ 3DXO ZURWH â&#x20AC;&#x153;And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon meâ&#x20AC;? &RULQWKLDQV 7KHUH LV DOZD\V KRSH EXW OHW XV QRW WKLQN WKDW ZH FDQ VLQ WKDW JUDFH PD\ FRPH 5RPDQV

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Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the lust of the Ă&#x20AC;esh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever. -RKQ

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The Christian Home

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6HYHUDO \HDUV DJR ³0D %DUNHU´ WUDLQHG KHU VRQV WR URE VWHDO DQG WR NLOO ,W ZDV VDLG WKDW WKH LQIDPRXV 1HUR KDG D PXUGHUHVV IRU D PRWKHU +RZHYHU WKH %LEOH LV UHSOHWH ZLWK H[DPSOHV RI JRGO\ PRWKHUV ZKR LQIOXHQFHG WKHLU ORYHG RQHV WR OLYH IRU WKH /RUG -RFKHEHG WKH PRWKHU RI 0RVHV JXLGHG WKDW \RXQJ KHDUW LQ WKH ULJKW ZD\ EHFDXVH ZKHQ KH EHFDPH DQ DGXOW KH “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to share ill treatment

The Christian Home with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a seasonâ&#x20AC;? 1XPEHUV +HEUHZV 1R GRXEW VWXGHQWV RI WKH %LEOH NQRZ RI WKH EHDXWLIXO VWRU\ RI +DQQDK DQG KRZ VKH UHFHLYHG D VRQ IURP WKH /RUG 7KLV ZRQGHUIXO ZRPDQ KDG SURPLVHG WKDW VKH ZRXOG JLYH WKH FKLOG â&#x20AC;&#x153;unto the Lord all the days of his life.â&#x20AC;? +DQQDK QDPHG KHU VRQ 6DPXHO 7KLV \RXQJ ER\ DW D WHQGHU DJH ZDV FDUULHG WR WKH KRXVH RI *RG WR EH WDXJKW DQG WUDLQHG E\ (OL WKH KLJK SULHVW RI *RG 6DPXHO 6DPXHO EHFDPH RQH RI WKH WUXO\ RXWVWDQGLQJ OHDGHUV LQ ,VUDHO VHUYLQJ *RG DQG +LV SHRSOH DV SURSKHW SULHVW DQG MXGJH ,I WKHUH ZHUH PRUH +DQQDKV LQ WKH KRPHV WKHUH ZRXOG EH PRUH SUHDFKHUV LQ WKH SXOSLWV

If there were more Hannahs in the homes there would be more preachers in the pulpits.

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,Q FRQWUDVW WR WKH ZLFNHGQHVV RI KLV IDWKHU LW LV VDLG RI -RVLDK WKDW â&#x20AC;&#x153;he did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah, and walked in all the ways of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left .LQJV :H PXVW FRQFOXGH WKDW KLV JRRG PRWKHU DQG SHUKDSV -HUHPLDK WKH SURSKHW H[HUWHG D JRGO\ LQIOXHQFH XSRQ -RVLDK 7KHQ FRQVLGHU WKH PRWKHU RI -RKQ WKH %DSWLVW (OL]DEHWK ZKR ZDONHG ULJKWHRXVO\ EHIRUH *RG â&#x20AC;&#x153;walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessâ&#x20AC;? /XNH :H DOVR OHDUQ WKDW VKH ZDV GHWHUPLQHG WR QDPH KHU VRQ Âł-RKQ´ /XNH 0DU\ WKH PRWKHU RI -HVXV ZDV EOHVVHG JUHDWO\ E\ KDYLQJ EHHQ FKRVHQ RI *RG WR JLYH ELUWK WR WKH 6RQ RI *RG /XNH 0DU\ ZDV D W\SLFDO PRWKHU LQ PDQ\ ZD\V )RU LQVWDQFH VKH WUHDVXUHG LQ KHU KHDUW WKH WKLQJV VDLG DERXW WKH EDE\ -HVXV DQG ODWHU WKH WKLQJV ZKLFK +H VDLG /XNH

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The Christian Home LV DOVR FRQVLGHUDWH RI WKH QHHGV RI RWKHUV LQ KHU FRPPXQLW\ 'RUFDV ZDV RQH ZKR ZDV Âłfull of good works and almsdeedsâ&#x20AC;? $FWV 7KH ZLGRZ ZKR ZDV WR EH HQUROOHG E\ WKH FKXUFK PXVW KDYH EHHQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;well reported of for good workâ&#x20AC;Śif she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good workâ&#x20AC;?

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Living Together Without Remorse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³DOWHUQDWH OLIHVW\OH´ ZLWKRXW UHPRUVH VKH DVNHG PH ZKDW , WKRXJKW )251,&$7256 ,W PXVW EH DVVXPHG WKDW GXULQJ IRXU \HDUV WKH\ KDG FRKDELWHG RXWVLGH RI PDUULDJH *RG ZDUQV WKDW WKLV DFWLRQ LV IRUQLFDWLRQ “Flee sexual immorality.

Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body” &RULQWKLDQV )RUQLFDWRUV DUH HQJDJHG LQ WKH ZRUN RI WKH IOHVK *DODWLDQV

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The Christian Home DQVZHU LV JLYHQ E\ WKH 3VDOPLVW “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” 3VDOP 7KH ZKROH ZRUOG VKRXOG KHHG WKH ZDUQLQJ = ( &ODXGH *DUGQHU LV 3UHVLGHQW (PHULWXV RI )UHHG +DUGHPDQ 8QLYHUVLW\ LQ +HQGHUVRQ 7HQQHVVHH 86$

Marriage Is Honorable in All 5RGQH\ 1XOSK “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” +HEUHZV 6DGO\ ZH OLYH LQ D WLPH ZKHQ PDQ\ GR QRW VHH PDUULDJH DV DQ KRQRUDEOH MRLQLQJ WRJHWKHU RI PDOH DQG IHPDOH ,Q PDQ\ KRPHV PDUULDJH LV YLHZHG DV D SULVRQ LQVWHDG RI SUHFLRXV +RZHYHU WKH ZULWHU RI +HEUHZV DIILUPHG WKDW PDUULDJH ZDV LQ IDFW DQ KRQRUDEOH XQLRQ ,QWHUHVWLQJO\ WKLV LGHD RI KRQRUDEOH FDUULHV ZLWK LW WKH LGHD RI VRPHWKLQJ ³RI JUHDW SULFH SUHFLRXV HVWHHPHG´ 7KD\HU :K\ ZRXOG WKH +RO\ 6SLULW GHFODUH PDUULDJH WR EH KRQRUDEOH" First, marriage is honorable in its derivation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econdly, marriage is honorable in its duration. 6DGO\ ZH OLYH LQ DQ DJH ZKHUH PDQ\ GR QRW UHYHUH WKLV *RG JLYHQ XQLRQ *RG +LPVHOI RUGDLQHG PDUULDJH DQG +H H[SHFWV XV WR XSKROG WKDW VDFUHG XQLRQ IRU OLIH -HVXV LQ +LV PDVWHUIXO WHDFKLQJ JDYH EXW RQH UHDVRQ RXWVLGH RI GHDWK IRU WKLV KRQRUDEOH LQVWLWXWLRQ WR HYHU EH VHSDUDWHG FI 0DWWKHZ ³8QWLO GHDWK GR XV SDUW´ PXVW QRW EH MXVW D FDWFK\ SKUDVH XWWHUHG DW D ZHGGLQJ FHUHPRQ\ 7KH PDUULDJH ERQG FRQWUDU\ WR ZKDW PDQ\ EHOLHYH LV D OLIHORQJ FRPPLWPHQW 0DUULDJH LV QRW GLVSRVDEOH 2IWHQ $PHULFDQV UHMRLFH ZLWK WKHLU PDWHV XQWLO VRPHWKLQJ ³EHWWHU´ FRPHV DORQJ +RZ VDG DQG KRZ WUDJLF &RQWUDU\ WR ZKDW PDQ\ $PHULFDQV VD\ ZKLFK LQFOXGHV VRPH IDOVH WHDFKHUV DQG SUHDFKHUV RI *RG¶V :RUG

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The Journey of Motherhood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¶V RZQ ERG\ 7KHUH LV D VHQVH RI P\VWHU\ DQG ZRQGHU GXULQJ WKH PRQWKV RI SUHJQDQF\ DV WKH PRWKHU EHFRPHV PRUH DQG PRUH DZDUH RI WKH WLQ\ SHUVRQ LQVLGH KHU 7KHUH LV WKH MR\ DQG DPD]HPHQW RI ELUWK DQG WKH OLIH FKDQJLQJ H[SHULHQFH RI UHFHLYLQJ WKH EOHVVHG FKLOG LQWR RQH¶V DUPV IRU WKH ILUVW WLPH ,W LV WUXO\ D ZRQGHUIXO WKLQJ WR EHFRPH D PRWKHU 7KH MRXUQH\ FRQWLQXHV LQ VHOI VDFULILFH ,Q WKH OLYHV RI PRWKHUV ZH JHW FORVH WR WKH VHOI VDFULILFLQJ QDWXUH RI &KULVW 6XUHO\ PRWKHUV ³OD\ GRZQ WKHLU OLYHV´ IRU WKHLU FKLOGUHQ DV WKH\ VXEPLW WKHPVHOYHV ERG\ DQG VRXO WR WKH QHHGV RI WKH FKLOGUHQ *RG KDV JLYHQ WKHP )URP PLGQLJKW IHHGLQJV WR FDULQJ IRU D VLFN FKLOG WR FKDQJLQJ PXOWLWXGHV RI GLDSHUV WR EDWKLQJ WR FOHDQLQJ XS VSLOOV WR SURYLGLQJ D WD[L VHUYLFH IRU VRFFHU JDPHV OLWWOH OHDJXH DQG J\PQDVWLFV PRWKHUV JLYH WKHPVHOYHV GDLO\ LQ SXUVXLW RI WKHLU FKLOGUHQ¶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¶V SRZHU ZRUNV WKURXJK WKHLU LQIOXHQFH LQ HYHU ZLGHQLQJ FLUFOHV DIIHFWLQJ WKH OLYHV RI DOO WKH\ WRXFK 7KH SRZHU RI KHDYHQ LV LQ WKH KDQGV RI PRWKHUV ,Q WKHLU OLIH¶V MRXUQH\ WKH\ DUH EOHVVHG QXUWXUHUV VHOI VDFULILFHUV VRXO VKDSHUV DQG D VWUHQJWK WR RXU ZHDU\ VRXOV 7KDQN *RG IRU JRGO\ PRWKHUV :H QHYHU VWRS QHHGLQJ WKHP = 'DQ 5 2ZHQ LV WKH SUHDFKHU IRU WKH %URDGZD\ FRQJUHJDWLRQ LQ 3DGXFDK .HQWXFN\ 86$

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Bring Children to Jesus -LP 3RODQG 7KH WRXFK RI -HVXV LV HVVHQWLDO WR WKH \RXQJ &KLOGUHQ WHDFK XV KRZ WR DFFHSW WKH NLQJGRP RI *RG &KULVW -HVXV LV WKH .LQJ 3HRSOH ZHUH EULQJLQJ WKHLU FKLOGUHQ WR -HVXV VR +H FRXOG WRXFK WKHP 0DUN UHFRUGV â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them: but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.â&#x20AC;? :H DUHQÂśW WROG KRZ ROG WKH\ ZHUH EXW ZH DVVXPH WKDW WKH\ ZHUH XQGHU WZHOYH ZKLFK ZDV WKH -HZLVK DJH RI UHOLJLRXV DFFRXQWDELOLW\ 7KHLU SDUHQWV KDG VHHQ DQG KHDUG RI DQG H[SHULHQFHG ZKDW -HVXVÂś WRXFK FRXOG GR +LV WRXFK KHDOHG WKH OHSHU 0DUN KHDOHG DIIOLFWLRQV 0DUN PDGH PDQ\ ZHOO 0DUN DQG PDGH WKH PXWH WR VSHDN DQG WKH GHDI WR KHDU 0DUN

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If young children are kept from Jesus’ touch by our ignorance and neglect of their spiritual training in His Word, then the world will touch them. Satan’s workers will teach them to covet, hate, cheat, lie, sass, curse, deceive, lust, doubt, and distrust.

Hey You Kids!

Purpose in Life $OH[ *LEVRQ +HOOR DJDLQ 7RGD\ , ZDQWHG WR JR RYHU D VXEMHFW , SHUVRQDOO\ VWUXJJOH ZLWK D ORW DFWXDOO\ WKDW EHLQJ a purpose in life. 1RZ WKLV LV D VXEMHFW WKDW KDV D ORW²DQG , PHDQ D ORW ² RI SRWHQWLDO GHSWK VR MXVW EHDU ZLWK PH EHFDXVH ,¶P JRLQJ WR PRYH NLQG RI IDVW RQ WKLV RQH :KHQ PRVW SHRSOH WDON DERXW SXUSRVH LQ OLIH WKH\ XVXDOO\ DUH ORRNLQJ IRU ZKDW WKH\ DUH VXSSRVHG WR GR DQG ILQGLQJ WKHLU FDOOLQJ LQ WKLV ZRUOG :LWK UHVSHFW WKLV LV QRW WKH JUHDW SXUSRVH LQ OLIH /HW¶V WDNH D ORRN DW WKLV IURP D VSLULWXDO SHUVSHFWLYH you are not a body with a soul, \RX have D ERG\ DQG are D VRXO DQG WKDW VRXO LV LPPRUWDO ZKHUHDV \RXU ERG\ LV QRW 6R IRU \RX WR EH ORRNLQJ IRU D FDOOLQJ IRU WKH OLIH RI WKDW ERG\ LV NLQG RI VKRUWVLJKWHG :LWK IHZ H[FHSWLRQV PRVW RI XV DUH QRW JRLQJ WR OHDYH D ODVWLQJ OHJDF\ LQ WKH PDWHULDO VHQVH RQ WKLV HDUWK ,I \RX ILQG \RXU ZD\ LQWR WKH KLVWRU\ ERRNV JUHDW <RX ZLOO EH UHPHPEHUHG IRU D ORQJ WLPH EXW ² IRU WKH UHVW RI XV ² ZHOO FDQ \RX WHOO PH PXFK DERXW \RXU JUHDW JUDQGSDUHQWV RU JUHDW JUHDW JUDQGSDUHQWV" 3UREDEO\ QRW DQG WKH\ DUH your own ancestors! 7KRVH RI \RX ZKR FDQ VKRRVK ,¶P PDNLQJ D SRLQW WKDW LW GRHVQ¶W WDNH ORQJ IRU ZKDW \RX¶YH GRQH LQ WKLV OLIH WR IDGH LQ WHUPV RI LPSRUWDQFH

Hey You Kids! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.â&#x20AC;?

-DPHV -RE H[SODLQHG LW OLNH WKLV â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh, remember that my life is a breath!

My eye will never again see good. The eye of him who sees me will see me no more; While your eyes are upon me, I shall no longer be. As the cloud disappears and vanishes away, so he who goes down to the grave does not come up. He shall never return to his house, nor shall his place know him anymoreâ&#x20AC;?

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Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).

Textual Studies

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Textual Studies

A Charge for the Ephesian Elders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¶V JUHDWHVW FRQFHUQ ZDV QRW IRU KLV VDIHW\ EXW ZLWK FRPSOHWLQJ WKH VSHFLDO PLQLVWU\ -HVXV KDG JLYHQ KLP ² SUHDFKLQJ WKH NLQJGRP +H QHYHU H[SHFWHG WR VHH WKH IDFHV RI WKRVH HOGHUV DJDLQ +H FDOOHG WKHP WR IDLWKIXOO\ ZLWQHVV WKH FRQWHQW RI KLV SUHDFKLQJ DW (SKHVXV +H KDG SUHDFKHG WKH ZKROH WUXWK WKXV UHOLHYLQJ KLPVHOI RI DQ\ UHVSRQVLELOLW\ IRU WKRVH ZKR PLJKW KDYH UHPDLQHG LQ VLQ He charged them to watch out for their own spiritual well-being, as well as to watch out for every sheep in God’s flock at Ephesus.

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Textual Studies

The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth .HYLQ / 0RRUH )URP D PRXQWDLQ QHDU &DSHUQDXP WKH FHOHEUDWHG ³6HUPRQ RQ WKH 0RXQW´ ZDV SUHDFKHG E\ RXU /RUG -HVXV UHFRUGHG LQ FKDSWHUV ± RI 0DWWKHZ¶V *RVSHO ,Q WKH RSHQLQJ ZRUGV EOHVVLQJV ³EHDWLWXGHV´ DUH SURQRXQFHG RQ WKRVH H[KLELWLQJ FHUWDLQ YLUWXHV ZLWK WKH DIILUPDWLRQ LQ “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” 1.-9

7KH WHUP ³EOHVVHG´ LV WUDQVODWHG IURP WKH *UHHN makarios VLJQLI\LQJ WKRVH ZKR DUH ³IRUWXQDWH´ DQG FRQVHTXHQWO\ ³KDSS\´ GXH WR KDYLQJ UHFHLYHG D EOHVVLQJ 7KH EOHVVHG RQHV LQ WKLV YHUVH DUH “the meek” praeis QDPHO\ WKRVH ZKRVH VWUHQJWK LV XQGHU FRQWURO DQG LV H[HUFLVHG LQ D JHQWOH NLQG EHQHYROHQW PDQQHU ,Q ZKDW ZD\ DUH WKH\ EOHVVHG" “For they shall inherit the earth.”

7KLV VWDWHPHQW KDV JHQHUDWHG D JUHDW GHDO RI FRQIXVLRQ DQG GHEDWH RYHU WKH FHQWXULHV HVSHFLDOO\ ZKHQ ZUHQFKHG IURP LWV FRQWH[W DQG LQWHUSUHWHG WKURXJK WKH GLVWRUWHG VHQVH RI SRSXODU SUHPLOOHQQLDO WKHRULHV %XW E\ UHPRYLQJ RXU VW FHQWXU\ VSHFWDFOHV DQG YLHZLQJ WKH ZRUGV RI -HVXV IURP WKH SHUVSHFWLYH RI +LV RULJLQDO DXGLHQFH WKH PHVVDJH EHFRPHV PXFK FOHDUHU 7KH EOHVVLQJV RI YHUVHV DUH EUDFNHWHG EHWZHHQ WKH UHSHDWHG EOHVVLQJ RI YHUVHV DQG “For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 0DWWKHZ DORQH HPSOR\V WKH H[SUHVVLRQ “the kingdom of heaven,” ZKLFK LV V\QRQ\PRXV ZLWK “the kingdom of God” FI XQGHUVFRULQJ WKH KHDYHQO\ RU VSLULWXDO QDWXUH RI *RG¶V NLQJGRP 7KLV VSLULWXDO NLQJGRP HTXDWHG ZLWK WKH FKXUFK WKDW -HVXV SURPLVHG WR EXLOG ZDV WR EH UHDOL]HG ZLWKLQ WKH OLIHWLPHV RI WKH /RUG¶V LPPHGLDWH GLVFLSOHV FI 0DUN 1RW ORQJ DIWHU WKHVH DIILUPDWLRQV ZHUH PDGH WKH FKXUFK RI &KULVW ZDV HVWDEOLVKHG $FWV DQG LWV PHPEHUV DUH UHFRJQL]HG DV FLWL]HQV RI WKH KHDYHQO\ NLQJGRP &RORVVLDQV (SKHVLDQV 3KLOLSSLDQV HWF

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Textual Studies 1RWH KRZ WKH /RUG JRHV RQ WR GHVFULEH WKH IXWXUH GZHOOLQJ SODFH RI +LV IDLWKIXO RQHV “for great is your reward in heaven…” YHUVH L H WKH VSLULWXDO UHDOP ZKHUH WKH KHDYHQO\ )DWKHU UHVLGHV YHUVHV 1RWH DOVR WKH FRQWUDVW -HVXV PDNHV IXUWKHU LQWR WKH GLVFRXUVH “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”

:KDW WKHQ LV PHDQW E\ WKH VWDWHPHQW “For they shall inherit the earth”?

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7KH ULFK \RXQJ UXOHU LV D JUHDW H[DPSOH RI D PDQ ZKR KDG KLV WUHDVXUH XSRQ WKH HDUWK 0DWWKHZ UHFRUGV â&#x20AC;&#x153;And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessionsâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ

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A Young Servant Girl %RQQLH 5XVKPRUH

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How Do You Measure Up? Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men.

The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

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Bible Questions

Are You a Fool?

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+RZHYHU WKH %LEOH FDOOV VRPH PHQ IRROV 7KLV ZH QHHG WR NQRZ )LUVW WKHUH DUH $7+(,67,& )22/6 â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fool has said in his heart, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;There is no Godâ&#x20AC;? 3VDOP $WKH LVP DJQRVWLFLVP DQG VNHSWLFLVP DUH RQ WKH LQFUHDVH %XW ZKHQ DOO PHQ VWDQG EHIRUH *RG DW WKH MXGJPHQW WKH\ ZLOO FRQIHVV +LP 5RPDQV ,W LV IRRO LVK WR GHQ\ +LP QRZ ZKHQ ZH ZLOO VWDQG EHIRUH +LP WKHQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore whoever confesses Me before men him I will confess before My Father who is in heaven.

But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heavenâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ

6HFRQG WKHUH DUH (*27,67,&$/ )22/6 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Professing themselves to be wise, they became foolsâ&#x20AC;? 5RPDQV

,Q WKHLU DUURJDQFH WKHVH WKLQN WKH\ GR QRW QHHG *RGÂśV :RUG 6ROR PRQ ZURWH â&#x20AC;&#x153;The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wiseâ&#x20AC;? 3URYHUEV ,W LV IRROLVK LQGHHG WR DUURJDQWO\ WXUQ IURP *RGÂśV ZD\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man

who walks to direct his own stepsâ&#x20AC;?

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Bible Questions

How Do We Quench the Spirit?

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Bible Questions D &KULVWLDQ WR UHMRLFH +H KDV PRUH VRXUFHV RI MR\ WKDQ DQ\ RWKHU PDQ ² VRXUFHV ZKLFK GR QRW IDLO ZKHQ DOO RWKHUV IDLO

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What Attitude Should the Christian Have toward Racism?”

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Charts and Outlines

Colossians 3:15 .HQ 7\OHU 3XUSRVH 7R HPSKDVL]H RXU QHHG WR KHDU 3DXOÂśV LQVWUXFWLRQV WR WKH &RORVVLDQV I.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;ŚLet the peace of God rule in your heartsâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

A. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesusâ&#x20AC;? 3KLOLSSLDQV

B. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in theeâ&#x20AC;? ,VDLDK

C. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peaceâ&#x20AC;? 1XPEHUV

D. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Great peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend themâ&#x20AC;? 3VDOP

II. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śye are called in one bodyâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? $ 3DXO PDGH LW SODLQ WKDW ZH DUH FDOOHG E\ WKH *RVSHO 7KHVVDORQLDQV

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III. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śand be ye thankful.â&#x20AC;? 6HH DOVR &RORVVLDQV $ ÂłGiving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christâ&#x20AC;? (SKHVLDQV

B. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning youâ&#x20AC;? 7KHVVDORQLDQV

C. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable giftâ&#x20AC;? &RULQWKLDQV

D. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śneither were thankfulâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? 5RPDQV

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who am i in the life of moses?

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where am i in the life of moses?

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From The Heart OF...

On Air or Online Since 1934 -RG\ $SSOH

Does Anyone Really Listen to Radio Any More?

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V.E. Howard began preaching on the radio in 1934, and continued for over 61 years. In 1995 he turned over the work to the West Fayetteville church.

Winford Claiborne began preaching in 1943, and spoke on the radio as early as 1947. He became the voice of International Gospel Hour in 1995.

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Jody Apple began working parttime with International Gospel Hour in August 2013. Currently he focuses on raising funds and maximizing our use of the internet and social media.

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â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;&#x153;about 92% of consumers ages 12 years and older listen to the radio each week.â&#x20AC;? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about 242 million people â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re tuning in an average 2.5 hours per day.

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Radio Is Alive and Well!

Shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we utilize every form of media that has the capacity to reach todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s massive and diverse population? That includes radio.

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On Air or Online Since 1934 Does Anyone Really Listen to Radio Any More?

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