Voice of Truth International, Volume 81

Page 1

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Volume Eighty-one

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Work for the Master and great fellowship on delivery days!

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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).

Editorial

The Judgment %\URQ 1LFKROV ,W DSSHDUV WKDW PDQ\ SHRSOHÂśV FRQFHSW RI -XGJPHQW 'D\ LV GLIIHU HQW IURP ZKDW LV UHYHDOHG WR XV LQ WKH 6FULSWXUHV /HWÂśV JLYH VRPH DW WHQWLRQ WR DW OHDVW SDUW RI ZKDW *RGÂśV :RUG WHOOV XV DERXW WKDW GD\ RI ILQDO -XGJPHQW :KR :LOO %H WKH -XGJH" 0RVW SHRSOH ZKR EHOLHYH WKHUH ZLOO EH D -XGJPHQW 'D\ WKLQN DQG VSHDN LQ WHUPV RI *RG WKH )DWKHU EHLQJ WKH RQH EHIRUH ZKRP DOO PDQNLQG ZLOO DSSHDU RQ WKDW ODVW JUHDW GD\ ,W LV QRW GLIILFXOW WR VHH ZK\ WKDW LV D VRPHZKDW QDWXUDO DVVXPSWLRQ 5RPDQV FOHDUO\ UHIHUV WR *RG DV WKDW RQH ZKR ZLOO GR WKH MXGJLQJ EXW LW LV LPSRUWDQW WKDW ZH UHDG WKH HQWLUH YHUVH ² â€œâ€Śin the day when GOD WILL JUDGE the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.â€? 3DXO VWDWHG LQ $FWV “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which HE WILL JUDGE the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.â€? 1RWLFH LQ ERWK RI WKHVH UHIHUHQFHV WKDW WKH DFWXDO MXGJLQJ ZLOO EH GRQH E\ -HVXV WKH 6RQ EXW LQ FRUUHODWLRQ ZLWK *RG WKH )DWKHU ,Q $FWV ZH UHDG DERXW 3HWHUÂśV HQFRXQWHU ZLWK &RUQHOLXV D *HQWLOH ,Q YHUVH WKH DSRVWOH VSHDNV RI -HVXV DQG VD\V “And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead.â€? $OO RI WKH DERYH VHUYHV WR H[SODLQ ZK\ 3DXO VDLG ZKDW KH GLG LQ &RULQWKLDQV “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.â€?

6RPH RI :KDW ,V .QRZQ $ERXW WKH -XGJPHQW 7KH %LEOH GRHV QRW WHOO XV HYHU\WKLQJ WKDW ZH PLJKW OLNH WR NQRZ DKHDG RI WLPH DERXW WKH -XGJPHQW EXW ZH GR NQRZ VRPH WKLQJV WKDW DUH RI WKH XWPRVW LPSRUWDQFH (YHU\ SHUVRQ ZKR KDV HYHU OLYHG RU HYHU ZLOO OLYH EHIRUH WKH UHWXUQ RI -HVXV ZLOO EH SUHVHQW EHIRUH WKH -XGJPHQW 6HDW RI &KULVW 1R RQH ZLOO EH DEVHQW 7KLV LV PDGH FOHDU LQ &RULQWKLDQV “we must all appear‌â€? +HEUHZV WHOOV XV “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.â€? $ORQJ ZLWK QXPHURXV RWKHU UHIHUHQFHV &RULQWKLDQV DOVR WHDFKHV WKDW WKH EDVLV IRU RXU MXGJPHQW ZLOO EH “the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.â€? 3DXO DOVR ZDUQHG “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting lifeâ€? *DODWLDQV :H UHDG LQ 5RPDQV WKDW HDFK RQH ZLOO EH MXGJHG “according to his deeds.â€? ,Q WKH PDMHVWLF %RRN RI 5HYHODWLRQ WKH DSRVWOH -RKQ ZDV JLYHQ VRPH JOLPSVHV RI ZKDW WKH -XGJPHQW ZLOO EH OLNH DQG ZKDW ZLOO IROORZ +LV REVHUYDWLRQ UHFRUGHG LQ 5HYHODWLRQ VKRXOG PDNH DQ LQGHOLEOH LPSUHVVLRQ RQ HYHU\ SHUVRQ ZKR UHDGV LW “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.â€? -XGJPHQW ZLOO EH VWULFWO\ RQ DQ LQGLYLGXDO EDVLV +RSHIXOO\ ZH KDYH DOUHDG\ EHHQ LPSUHVVHG E\ WKH ZRUGV RI WKH 6FULSWXUHV TXRWHG WKXV IDU WKDW ZH “will all appear before the judgment seat of Christâ€? LQGLYLGXDOO\ DQG QRW DV SDUW RI D JURXS 7KHUH ZLOO EH QR MXGJLQJ RQ WKH EDVLV RI PHPEHUVKLS LQ D QDWLRQDOLW\ D VRFLDO HFRQRPLF FODVV D SDUWLFXODU UDFH D IDPLO\ RU HYHQ PHPEHUVKLS LQ D VSHFLILF FRQJUHJDWLRQ RI WKH /RUGÂśV FKXUFK ² QRQH RI WKHVH ZLOO KDYH DQ\ UHOHYDQFH ZKDWVRHYHU 7KHUH ZLOO QRW EH ÂłRQH ODVW VHUPRQ´ SUHDFKHG LQ DQ HIIRUW WR FRQYHUW WKH ORVW WKHUH ZLOO QRW EH ÂłRQH ODVW LQYLWDWLRQ VRQJ´ VXQJ LQ KRSHV RI SHUVXDGLQJ WKH ORVW WR REH\ WKH *RVSHO :H ZLOO KDYH DOUHDG\ KDG RXU OLIHWLPH LQ ZKLFK WR PDNH RXU HWHUQDO FKRLFHV :KDW LI WKH HQG ZRXOG FRPH 5,*+7 12:" $UH \RX UHDOO\ UHDG\ WR KHDU \RXU HYHUODVWLQJ IDWH GHFODUHG E\ &KULVW" =

Associate Editorial *RG KDV DOZD\V GHPDQGHG UHSHQ WDQFH 7KH FRPPDQG WR UHSHQW ZDV DW WKH KHDUW RI WKH PHVVDJH RI HYHU\ SURSKHW )RU H[DPSOH LQ (]HNLHO (]HNLHO FRPPDQGHG WKH SHRSOH RI ,VUDHO WR “Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations.� :H ILQG QR ZULWWHQ FRPPDQG IRU 1LQHYHK WR UHSHQW QHYHUWKHOHVV WKH FLW\ UHSHQWHG DW WKH SUHDFKLQJ RI -RQDK ZKLFK LPSOLHV -RQDK SUHDFKHG UHSHQWDQFH 7KH PHVVDJH RI -HVXV DV ZHOO DV -RKQ WKH %DSWLVW was “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand� 0DWWKHZ -H VXV HPSKDVL]HG WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI HYHU\ SHUVRQ UHSHQWLQJ ZKHQ KH VDLG “I tell you

Is Pride Preventing You From Repenting? -HUU\ %DWHV no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perishâ€? /XNH ,Q RWKHU ZRUGV &KULVW SODFHG D FKRLFH EHIRUH WKH SHRSOH UHSHQW RU SHULVK 7KH DSRVWOHV DOVR SUHDFKHG UHSHQWDQFH )RU LQVWDQFH 3HWHU ZURWH “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentanceâ€? 3HWHU , KDYH UHDG WKDW WKH KDUGHVW FRPPDQG LQ WKH %LEOH LV WKH FRPPDQG WR UHSHQW - : 0F*DUYH\ ZURWH Âł7KH JUHDWHVW REVWDFOH WR WKH VDOYDWLRQ RI PHQ LV WKH REVWLQDF\ RI WKH KXPDQ ZLOO ´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Associate Editorial

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proverbs 17:22 +XPRU

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God

God Forgets 'DQQ\ %RJJV ³This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds …I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more´ +HEUHZV +H KDV QHYHU HQWHUHG D VSHOOLQJ EHH SDUWLFLSDWHG LQ D NQRZOHGJH ERZO RU DSSHDUHG RQ D WULYLD JDPH VKRZ EXW *RG NQRZV HYHU\WKLQJ ³Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite´ 3VDOP ³Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!´ 5RPDQV *RG NQRZV WKH HQG IURP WKH EHJLQQLQJ ,VDLDK +H QXPEHUV WKH VWDUV DQG NQRZV WKH SOLJKW RI HYHU\ ELUG 3VDOP 0DWWKHZ 1R KXPDQ HYHU HVFDSHV +LV DWWHQWLRQ 3VDOP 3URYHUEV +H NQRZV WKH QXPEHU RI KDLUV RQ RXU KHDGV 0DWWKHZ +H NQRZV PRUH DERXW XV WKDQ ZH NQRZ DERXW RXUVHOYHV ³For God is greater than our heart and knows all things´ -RKQ *RG QHYHU IRUJHWV D VLQJOH JRRG WKLQJ WKDW ZH GR ³For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints´ +HEUHZV 7KHQ KRZ IDQWDVWLF LV LW WR KHDU +LP VD\ RI &KULVWLDQV ³Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more´" 7KDW WUXWK LV VR LQFUHGLEOH WKDW WKH +RO\ 6SLULW SXW LW LQ WKH ERRN RI +HEUHZV twice IRU HPSKDVLV FI 2QO\ D VKHHU DFW RI PHUFLIXO GLYLQH ZLOO FRXOG HUDVH WKH PDUNV RI RXU JXLOW IURP +LV PHPRU\ 6LQFH *RG LV RPQLVFLHQW ³IRUJHWWLQJ´ LV QRW DQ LQWHOOHFWXDO PDWWHU ZLWK +LP ,W LV D IXQFWLRQDO LVVXH 2I FRXUVH +H NQRZV ZKDW ZH GLG EXW ZKHQ ZH UHSHQW +H FDQ DFW MXVW OLNH LW QHYHU KDSSHQHG :KDW FRPIRUW ,I ZH DFFHSW WKH FRPIRUW WKHQ ZH PXVW DFFHSW WKH FKDOOHQJH WRR ³Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you´ (SKHVLDQV = 'DQQ\ %RJJV SUHDFKHV IRU WKH +LOOFUHVW FKXUFK RI &KULVW LQ 1HRVKR 0LVVRXUL 86$

Only a sheer act of merciful, divine will could erase the marks of our guilt from His memory.

God

What is a True Friend? 0LNH %HQVRQ :KDW PDNHV IRU D WUXH IULHQG" $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH %LEOH +H DOZD\V ORYHV \RX “A friend loves at all times‌â€? 3URYHUEV D $ IULHQG LV RQH ZKR NQRZV DOO DERXW \RX DQG ORYHV \RX MXVW WKH VDPH +H VWLFNV E\ \RX “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brotherâ€? 3URYHUEV FI *DODWLDQV $ WUXH IULHQG LV OLNH LY\ WKDW DGKHUHV WR WKH WUHH LQ LWV GHFD\ 6DP 'DYLV ZDV D &RQIHGHUDWH VS\ H[HFXWHG DW 3XODVNL 7HQQHVVHH IRU KLV FULPH :KHQ FDSWXUHG E\ WKH 8QLRQ DUP\ KH KDG LQ KLV SRVVHVVLRQ VRPH SDSHUV RI YLWDO LPSRUWDQFH $IWHU H[DPLQLQJ WKH FDVH FORVHO\ WKH RIÂż FHUV LQ FKDUJH NQHZ KH PXVW KDYH KDG DQ DFFRPSOLFH LQ VHFXULQJ WKH SDSHUV +H ZDV FRXUW PDUWLDOHG OHG RXW EHIRUH WKH Âż ULQJ VTXDG DQG EOLQGIROGHG 7KHQ WKH RIÂż FHU LQ FKDUJH SXW IRUZDUG D SURSRVLWLRQ Âł,I \RX ZLOO JLYH XV WKH QDPH RI WKH PDQ ZKR IXUQLVKHG \RX WKLV LQIRUPD WLRQ \RX PD\ JR IUHH ´ 'DYLV GLG QRW KHVLWDWH LQ KLV UHSO\ Âł,I , KDG D WKRXVDQG OLYHV , ZRXOG JLYH WKHP DOO EHIRUH , ZRXOG EHWUD\ D IULHQG ´ +H WHOOV \RX ZKDW \RX QHHG WR KHDU “Faithful are the wounds of a friend‌â€? 3URYHUEV D FI (SKHVLDQV $ IULHQG LV RQH ZKR VWDQGV XS IRU \RX LQ SXEOLF DQG VLWV GRZQ ZLWK \RX LQ SULYDWH +H KHOSV \RX E\ RIIHULQJ KLV LQVLJKW “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counselâ€? 3URYHUEV +H EULQJV RXW WKH EHVW LQ \RX “As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friendâ€? 3URYHUEV FI 6DPXHO +H LV WKHUH ZKHQ \RX QHHG KLP “Do not forsake your own friend‌for better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far awayâ€? 3URYHUEV $ IULHQG LV WKH RQH ZKR FRPHV LQ ZKHQ WKH ZKROH ZRUOG KDV JRQH RXW +RUURU JULSSHG WKH KHDUW RI WKH ::, VROGLHU DV KH VDZ KLV OLIHORQJ IULHQG IDOO LQ EDWWOH &DXJKW LQ D WUHQFK ZLWK FRQWLQXRXV JXQÂż UH ZKL]]LQJ RYHU KLV KHDG WKH VROGLHU DVNHG KLV OLHXWHQDQW LI KH PLJKW JR RXW LQWR WKH Âł1R 0DQÂśV /DQG´ EHWZHHQ WKH WUHQFKHV WR EULQJ KLV IDOOHQ FRPUDGH EDFN Âł<RX FDQ JR ´ VDLG WKH OLHXWHQDQW ÂłEXW , GRQÂśW WKLQN LW ZLOO EH ZRUWK LW <RXU IULHQG LV SUREDEO\ GHDG DQG \RX PD\ WKURZ \RXU RZQ OLIH DZD\ ´ 7KH

God OLHXWHQDQWÂśV ZRUGV GLGQÂśW PDWWHU DQG WKH VROGLHU ZHQW DQ\ZD\ 6RPHKRZ KH PDQDJHG WR UHDFK KLV IULHQG KRLVW KLP RQWR KLV VKRXOGHU DQG EULQJ KLP EDFN WR WKHLU FRPSDQ\ÂśV WUHQFK $V WKH WZR RI WKHP WXPEOHG LQ WRJHWKHU WR WKH ERWWRP RI WKH WUHQFK WKH RIÂż FHU FKHFNHG WKH ZRXQGHG VROGLHU WKHQ ORRNHG NLQGO\ DW KLV IULHQG Âł, WROG \RX LW ZRXOGQÂśW EH ZRUWK LW ´ KH VDLG Âł<RXU IULHQG LV GHDG DQG \RX DUH PRUWDOO\ ZRXQGHG ´ Âł,W ZDV ZRUWK LW WKRXJK 6LU ´ WKH VROGLHU VDLG Âł+RZ GR \RX PHDQ ÂľZRUWK LW"ϫ UHVSRQGHG WKH /LHXWHQDQW Âł<RXU IULHQG LV GHDG ´ Âł<HV 6LU ´ WKH SULYDWH DQVZHUHG Âł%XW LW ZDV ZRUWK LW EHFDXVH ZKHQ , JRW WR KLP KH ZDV VWLOO DOLYH DQG , KDG WKH VDWLVIDFWLRQ RI KHDULQJ KLP VD\ Âľ-LP , NQHZ \RXÂśG FRPH ϫ ,W RFFXUV WR PH WKDW -HVXV SRVVHVVHV WKHVH YHU\ VDPH FKDUDFWHULVWLFV +H LV D WUXH IULHQG +H DOZD\V ORYHV \RX “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are my friends‌â€? -RKQ D FI 5RPDQV +H VWLFNV E\ \RX â€œâ€ŚI will never leave you nor forsake youâ€? +HEUHZV E FI /XNH +H WHOOV \RX ZKDW \RX QHHG WR KHDU â€œâ€ŚI have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to youâ€? -RKQ E FI -RKQ 3HWHU 7LPRWK\ ([RGXV +H KHOSV \RX E\ RIIHULQJ +LV LQVLJKW “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to himâ€? -DPHV +H EULQJV RXW WKH EHVW LQ \RX “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens meâ€? 3KLOLSSLDQV FI -RKQ +H LV WKHUH ZKHQ \RX QHHG +LP “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is lightâ€? 0DWWKHZ FI /XNH ,I D JRRG IULHQG FDPH NQRFNLQJ DW \RXU GRRU ZKDW ZRXOG \RX GR" -HVXV LV NQRFNLQJ RQ WKH GRRU RI \RXU KHDUW 5HYHODWLRQ DW WKLV YHU\ PRPHQW :LOO \RX DQVZHU DQG OHW +LP LQ" :LOO \RX EH +LV IULHQG LQ UHWXUQ -RKQ " = 0LNH %HQVRQ LV D *RVSHO SUHDFKHU OLYLQJ LQ +DWWLHVEXUJ 0LVVLVVLSSL 86$

Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart (Revelation 3:20) at this very moment. Will you answer and let Him in?

God

The Fool, CE 3DXO +ROODQG

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The Word Of God

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The Word Of God 8QLQIRUPHG PHQ DVN XV WR SUHDFK -HVXV DQG ÂłOHDYH RII´ SUHDFKLQJ WKH FKXUFK WKH FRPPDQGV RI &KULVW VXFK DV EDSWLVP DQG WKH HVVHQWLDOLW\ RI WKH QDPH RI &KULVW 2QH FDQQRW SUHDFK &KULVW DSDUW IURP +LV ZRUGV :KHQ RQH SUHDFKHV -HVXV KH PXVW VWUHVV WKH REHGLHQFH WR WKH *RVSHO :KHQ RQH SUHDFKHV DFFXUDWHO\ DQ\ SRUWLRQ RI WKH :RUG KH LV SUHDFKLQJ WKH *RVSHO RI &KULVW :( 0867 35($&+ $ )8// *263(/ 6LQFH ZH NQRZ ZKDW WR SUHDFK ZH VKRXOG UHDOL]H WKDW LW LV RXU IHDUIXO UHVSRQVLELOLW\ WR SUHDFK D full *RVSHO :H PXVW QRW SODFH D VWUDLQHG LQWHUSUHWDWLRQ RQ D SDVVDJH ,W LV GDQJHURXV WR RXU VRXOV WR PXWLODWH WKH *RVSHO 3DXO FKDUJHV XV QRW WR SUHDFK DQ\ RWKHU *RVSHO ÂłBut though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed´ *DODWLDQV :H PXVW QRW DGG VXEWUDFW VXEVWLWXWH PRGLI\ RU GH HPSKDVL]H DQ\ SDUW RI WKH *RVSHO :H VKRXOG ORRN XSRQ WKH %LEOH DV “the word of Godâ€? DQG QRW DV “the word of menâ€? 7KHVVDORQLDQV :H VKRXOG QRW SUHDFK RQO\ RXU ÂłIDYRULWH´ YHUVHV RU VXEMHFWV $OO WRSLFV VKRXOG UHFHLYH SURSHU WUHDWPHQW 6HFWDULDQLVP LV WKH UHVXOW RI RQHÂśV EHLQJ HFOHFWLF ZLWK WKH 6FULSWXUHV EHFDXVH VXFK DQ DSSURDFK WR WKH %LEOH EXLOGV D V\VWHP RI GHQRPLQDWLRQDO GRFWULQH RQ LW 3DXO WROG WKH (SKHVLDQ HOGHUV WKDW KH KDG SUHDFKHG D IXOO *RVSHO GXULQJ KLV WHQXUH RI WKUHH \HDUV +H VDLG ÂłWherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of Godâ€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Âł3DXO WKDW ZDV D ZRQGHUIXO VHUPRQ DQG , ZLVK WKDW DOO PHQ FRXOG VHH WKH HPSKDVLV \RX JDYH ´ +RZHYHU 3DXO FKRVH PDWWHUV WKDW WKH JRYHUQRU QHHGHG WR KHDU :LWK KLP KH Âłreasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to

The Word Of God come´ $FWV 7KH UHVXOW ZDV WKDW Âł)HOL[ WUHPEOHG´ -HKRYDK FDOOHG RQ ,VDLDK WR SURSKHV\ DJDLQVW WKH VLQV RI +LV SHRSOH DQG “spare notâ€? 7UDQVJUHVVLRQ PXVW EH UHEXNHG +H ZDV LQVWUXFWHG WR FU\ DORXG “like a trumpetâ€? ² LQ FOHDU SODLQ DQG IRUFHIXO PDQQHU :H ZLOO GR ZHOO WR DSSURSULDWH LQ RXU SUHDFKLQJ WKLV FKDUJH ÂłCry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins´ ,VDLDK ,W LV QRW DOZD\V SOHDVDQW WR WKH VSHDNHU RU WR WKH KHDUHUV WR SUHDFK RQ VRPH WKHPHV EXW LW LV QHYHUWKHOHVV QHHGIXO DQG HVVHQWLDO %\ SUHDFKLQJ ZKDW LV QHHGHG RQH PD\ ORVH IULHQGV 3DXO XQGHUVWRRG WKLV ZKHQ KH UDLVHG WKH TXHVWLRQ ÂłAm I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?´ *DODWLDQV Âł$ &52:1 2) 5,*+7(2861(66´ $IWHU ZH KDYH GLVFKDUJHG RXU GXW\ LQ SUHDFKLQJ DQG VHUYLQJ WKH /RUG ZH KDYH DVVXUDQFH RI VKDULQJ LQ WKH VDPH JUHDW UHZDUG ZLWK WKH EHORYHG 3DXO 6DLG KH ÂłFor I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing´ 7LPRWK\ $5( :( Âł5($'<´" :H KDYH VR PDQ\ ÂłRSHQ GRRUV´ IRU HQODUJLQJ WKH LQIOXHQFH RI WKH FKXUFK DQG IRU VDYLQJ VRXOV LQ RXU GD\ :H VKRXOG SUD\ WKDW RXU KHDUW PD\ EH SUHSDUHG WR DFFHSW WKH ZHLJKW\ UHVSRQVLELOLWLHV WKDW EHIDOO XV DV &KULVWLDQV WR SUHDFK WKH *RVSHO :H VKRXOG LPLWDWH 3DXO ZKR VDLG ÂłSo, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel‌´ 5RPDQV $UH ZH ÂłUHDG\´" = ( &ODXGH *DUGQHU LV 3UHVLGHQW (PHULWXV RI )UHHG +DUGHPDQ 8QLYHUVLW\ LQ +HQGHUVRQ 7HQQHVVHH 86$

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The Word Of God

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The Word Of God

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Source *RG LV WKH VRXUFH RI DOO WKLQJV 6LQFH *RG UHPDLQV WKH 6RYHUHLJQ RI WKH ZKROH XQLYHUVH DOO QHHG WR DFFHSW +LV LQIDOOLEOH XQOLPLWHG DQG LQILQLWH QDWXUH +LV EHLQJ LV LQFRPSDUDEOH WR PDQÂśV IDOOLEOH OLPLWHG DQG ILQLWH QDWXUH

Examples 6FULSWXUDO WKRXJKWV KDYH DOZD\V EHHQ PLVVHG PLVXQGHUVWRRG E\ KXPDQ ZLVGRP DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH 6FULSWXUHV &RULQWKLDQV ,Q -RKQ ZKHQ -HVXV VSRNH RI +LV ERG\ DV WKH WHPSOH WKH -HZV PLVVHG WKH PDUN E\ VXSSRVLQJ +H ZDV UHIHUULQJ WR WKH 7HPSOH LQ -HUXVDOHP $QRWKHU -HZLVK OHDGHU 1LFRGHPXV PLVVHG WKH PDUN ZKHQ KH WKRXJKW WKDW -HVXVÂś UHIHUHQFH WR EHLQJ ERUQ DJDLQ PHDQW UH HQWHULQJ WKH ZRPE RI KLV

The Word Of God PRWKHU -RKQ :KDW -HVXV UHDOO\ PHDQW ZDV EDSWLVP LQ ZDWHU IRU IRUJLYHQHVV DQG WKH JLIW RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW $FWV 3HWHU 7KH ZRPDQ RI 6DPDULD PLVVHG WKH PDUN ZKHQ VKH VDLG “…Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. From whence then hast thou that living water?” -RKQ 6KH WKRXJKW -DFRE ZDV JUHDWHU WKDQ -HVXV &KULVW ,Q -RKQ -HVXV SURYHG WKDW +H ZDV JUHDWHU WKDQ -DFRE -RKQ VD\V “The Jews therefore strove among themselves saying, ‘How can this man give us His flesh to eat?’” 7KLV UHVXOWHG LQ PDQ\ GLVFLSOHV WXUQLQJ IURP -HVXV DOO EHFDXVH WKH\ PLVXQGHUVWRRG WKH\ PLVVHG WKH PDUN

Application 7KRXVDQGV RI SHRSOH LQ DOO ZDONV RI OLIH DUH PLVVLQJ WKH PDUN ZKHQ LW FRPHV WR WKH SODQ RI VDOYDWLRQ *RG KDV JLYHQ WR PHQ WR EH UHVSHFWHG DQG REH\HG /HW¶V JLYH *RG WKH GXH KRQRU IRU +LV WKRXJKWV DQG ZD\V ZKLFK DUH IDU VXSHULRU WR RXUV ,VDLDK *RG¶V SODQ RI VDOYDWLRQ VKRXOG EH FDUHIXOO\ IROORZHG DV +LV GLYLQH RUGHU KROGV 3HWHU Hear the Gospel &RULQWKLDQV Believe -RKQ ) “If ye believe not that I am He, ye shall perish in your sins´ Repent $FWV Confess Christ DV WKH 6RQ RI WKH OLYLQJ *RG $FWV Be Baptized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

The Word Of God 7KH DXWKRULW\ WR EXLOG WKH FKXUFK EHORQJHG RQO\ WR &KULVW +H HVWDEOLVKHG WKH FKXUFK 7KH ZD\ WKH /RUG EXLOW +LV FKXUFK LV WKH ZD\ ZH VKRXOG OHW LW EH 0DWWKHZ 7KH ZRUG ³EXLOG´ PHDQV WR SXW WRJHWKHU +HQFH WKH SKUDVH “I will build My church” PHDQV +H &KULVW -HVXV ZDV WR GLH WR UHFRQFLOH ERWK -HZV DQG *HQWLOHV *DODWLDQV DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH ULFKHV RI +LV JUDFH (SKHVLDQV -RKQ “And He is the propitiation for our sins. And not for our sins only, but also for the sins of the whole world” -RKQ 0\ GHDU UHDGHU WKH %LEOH WHDFKHV WKDW *RG KDV JLYHQ XV DOO WKLQJV SHUWDLQLQJ WR OLIH DQG JRGOLQHVV 3HWHU 7KH ZD\ WR EHKDYH RXUVHOYHV SURSHUO\ LV RXWOLQHG IRU DOO WR IROORZ LQ +LV :RUG 7KH IROORZLQJ DUH VRPH SRLQWV RI FRQFHUQ LI RQH ZRXOG OLNH WR SOHDVH *RG WKURXJK &KULVW z WKH FKXUFK DQG LWV RUJDQL]DWLRQ DQG ZRUVKLS z WHDFKLQJV WR VWUHQJWKHQ EUHWKUHQ ZKDW WR SUHDFK WR WKH ZRUOG z DQG KRZ WR HQWHU LQWR &KULVW WKURXJK WKH SDWWHUQ WKDW +H KDV VHW E\ +LV FKRVHQ DSRVWOHV 0DWWKHZ -RKQ /XNH ,I ZH UHVSHFW WKH /RUG¶V WHDFKLQJV LW LV SRVVLEOH IRU DOO RI XV WR EH XQLWHG 0DWWKHZ %XW PLVVLQJ WKH PDUN ZLOO EH WKH UHVXOW LI ZH IDLO WR DELGH E\ WKH GRFWULQH RI &KULVW -RKQ 3HWHU RQFH DVNHG -HVXV “declare unto us the meaning” RI D FHUWDLQ SDUDEOH 0DWWKHZ -HVXV WRRN +LV WLPH WR H[SODLQ ,I ZH DGRSW VXFK DQ DWWLWXGH RI KRQHVW LQTXLU\ ZH FDQ FRPH QHDUHU WR WKH WUXWK DQG DYRLG PLVVLQJ WKH PDUN DV VR PDQ\ GR /HW¶V EHJLQ WR KDYH DQ LQYHVWLJDWLYH VSLULW DQG VHDUFK WKH 6FULSWXUHV OLNH WKH KHDUHUV LQ %HUHD $FWV -HVXV PDGH LW SODLQ WR WKH LJQRUDQW 6DGGXFHHV “that ye do err because ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God” 0DUN /HW¶V GR RXU EHVW WR SOHDVH +LP E\ SURYLGLQJ ZKDW LV KRQHVW 7KHVVDORQLDQV = 6DPXHO 2VHL <RXQJ LV D *RVSHO SUHDFKHU LQ $FFUD *KDQD :HVW $IULFD

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Why Do People Live as If They Will Live Forever

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Working Without a Net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³7HPSWLQJ )DWH 'DLO\ ´ 7KH WKUHDW RI GDQJHU LV RI JUHDW HQWHUWDLQPHQW YDOXH /HW¶V IDFH LW ²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“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” 7LWXV (YHU\RQH LV JRLQJ WR IDOO LQ VLQ 1R RQH ZLOO VXUYLYH WKDW IDOO RQ KLV KHU RZQ *RG¶V ³QHW´ RI JUDFH LV DYDLODEOH EXW LW UHTXLUHV D GHOLEHU DWH FKRLFH RQ RXU SDUW WR DYDLO RXUVHOYHV RI WKDW QHW $FWV LV D FODVVLF H[DPSOH RI D JURXS RI SHRSOH EHLQJ PDGH WR UHDOL]H WKHLU VLQ DQG LWV FRQVHTXHQFHV 7KH\ ZDQWHG WR NQRZ ZKDW WKH\ PXVW GR 3HWHU¶V ZHOO NQRZQ UHVSRQVH ZDV “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” $FWV 6RPHWLPHV WKRXJK HYHQ WKRVH ZKR UHFRJQL]H WKH QHFHVVLW\ RI VDOYDWLRQ LQ &KULVW LQDGYHUWHQWO\ FKRRVH WR ZRUN ZLWKRXW D QHW )RU VRPH UHDVRQ LW LV KDUG WR RYHUFRPH WKH LGHD RI KDYLQJ WR ZRUN WR HDUQ IRUJLYHQHVV RI VLQV 7KLV LV RIWHQ VHHQ LQ SHRSOH ZRQGHULQJ LI WKH\ KDYH EHHQ ³JRRG HQRXJK´ WR EH VDYHG 7KH DQVZHU WR WKDW TXHVWLRQ LV DOZD\V WKH VDPH IRU HYHU\RQH ³1R ´ ,W FDQQRW EH GRQH ,I LW FRXOG WKHUH ZRXOG EH QR QHHG IRU -HVXV (YHQ DV &KULVWLDQV ZH KDYH WKH QHW RI *RG¶V JUDFH )RU WKH RQH “walking in the light as He Himself is in the light,” WKH EORRG RI

Salvation -HVXV “cleanses us from all sin” -RKQ 7KLV FOHDQVLQJ LV ³SUHVHQW DQG FRQ WLQXRXV´ 0 5 9LQFHQW -HVXV¶ EORRG QRW RXU JRRGQHVV LV ZKDW VDYHV /LIH LV WRR WUHDFKHURXV WR EH ZRUNLQJ ZLWKRXW D QHW *RG GRHV QRW LQWHQG IRU XV WR GR VR 7KHUH LV QR UHDVRQ WR WHPSW IDWH GDLO\ ,QVWHDG ZK\ QRW ZDON LQ WKH VXQVKLQH DQG VHFXULW\ RI +LV ORYH DQG +LV JUDFH" = 'DYLG 'HIIHQEDXJK SUHDFKHV IRU WKH 6RXWKZHVW FRQJUHJDWLRQ LQ 2NODKRPD &LW\ 2NOD KRPD 86$

A NEW LIFE %UHQW 6PLWK 7KRVH ZKR KDYH NQRZQ WKH JUHDWHVW GDUNQHVV DQG VHOI GHVWUXFWLRQ RI VLQ DSSUHFLDWH WKH PRVW WKH EOHVVLQJV RI QHZ OLIH LQ &KULVW -HVXV -HVXV VDLG ³but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little´ /XNH :KHWKHU D SURVWLWXWH D GUXQNDUG DQ DGXOWHUHU RU DQ DUURJDQW WURXEOHPDNLQJ JRVVLSHU QR VLQQHU LV EH\RQG WKH UHDFKHV RI *RG¶V DPD]LQJ JUDFH XQOHVV KH RU VKH UHIXVHV WR WXUQ WR *RG :ULWLQJ WR WKH (SKHVLDQV 3DXO QRWHV WKDW EHIRUH &KULVW WKH\ ZHUH “dead in trespasses and sins” (SKHVLDQV 7KHUH DUH WKRVH ZKR IHHO ZRUWKOHVV WKDW WKH\ KDYH WUDYHOHG WKH URDG RI VLQ VR ORQJ WKDW WKH\ FDQ QHYHU EH VDYHG /LVWHQ LI WKH PXUGHURXV PRE WKDW FULHG RXW IRU -HVXV¶ FUXFLIL[LRQ FRXOG EH VDYHG $FWV II VR FDQ , DQG VR FDQ \RX ,W LV SRVVLEOH WR VWDUW DOO RYHU $UHQ¶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¶W HDV\ EXW LW FDQ EH GRQH ,W LVQ¶W HDV\ EXW QHLWKHU LV OLYLQJ D OLIH RI VLQ $QG ZKHQ ZH PDNH WKH GHFLVLRQ DQG WXUQ LQ *RG¶V GLUHFWLRQ +H ZLOO KHOS XV WKURXJK WKH SURFHVV “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye double minded. Be afflicted and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up” -DPHV = %UHQW 6PLWK LV WKH PLQLVWHU RI WKH 7UHQWRQ &KXUFK RI &KULVW LQ 7UHQWRQ 7HQQHVVHH 86$

Salvation

To Rescue the Dead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“dead� /XNH :H “were dead through our trespasses and sins� (SKHVLDQV :H ZHUH KRSHOHVV 7KURXJK RXU RZQ UHFNOHVV DEDQGRQ ZH ZHUH GRRPHG WR HWHUQDO GHDWK SHUPDQHQW VHSDUDWLRQ IURP *RG 5RPDQV 7KHQ D 6DYLRU VWHSSHG IRUZDUG QRW RQO\ WR ULVN +LV OLIH EXW WR VXUUHQGHU LW :DV LW IRU SHRSOH ZKR ZHUH G\LQJ RU ZKR ZHUH OLNHO\ GHDG" 0XFK PRUH +H NQHZ ZH ZHUH DOUHDG\ GHDG “But God, being rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and made us to sit with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus� (SKHVLDQV “Truly, truly, I assure you, He that hears My word, and believes Him that sent Me, has eternal life, and comes not into judgment, but has passed out of death into life� -RKQ :H ZHUH GHDG -HVXV VDYHG XV &DQ D WKDQNIXO KHDUW KHOS EXW SUDLVH +LP" &DQ ZH IDLO WR WHOO RWKHUV VWLOO GHDG LQ VLQ DERXW WKH 2QH ZKR UHVFXHV" = 'DQQ\ %RJJV SUHDFKHV IRU WKH +LOOFUHVW &KXUFK RI &KULVW LQ 1HRVKR 0LVVRXUL 86$

The Church

Marks of a Growing Church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³And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and breaking of bread, and in prayers” $FWV 7KLV VKRZV WKDW WKH FKXUFK KDG PDQ\ GLIIHUHQW DVVHPEOLHV ZKLFK SURYLGHG RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU &KULVWLDQV WR JURZ LQ NQRZOHGJH RI *RG¶V :RUG DQG VWUHQJWKHQ WKH UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK HDFK RWKHU DQG ZLWK WKH /RUG 7KH PHPEHUV ZHUH SUHVHQW HYHU\ WLPH WKH FKXUFK DVVHPEOHG ZKHWKHU LW ZDV IRU WHDFKLQJ IHOORZVKLS JDWKHULQJV WDNLQJ WKH /RUG¶V 6XSSHU RU SUD\HU PHHWLQJV &DQ ZH LPDJLQH KRZ SRRUO\ D IRRWEDOO FOXE ZRXOG SHUIRUP LI LWV SOD\HUV RQO\ WXUQHG XS IRU WKH JDPH DQG QHYHU DWWHQGHG SUDFWLFH VHVVLRQV RU RWKHU FRPPXQDO DFWLYLWLHV RI WKH FOXE" ,Q WKH VDPH ZD\ KRZ FRXOG ZH HYHU H[SHFW D FKXUFK WR JURZ ZKRVH PHPEHUV RQO\ WXUQ XS IRU PRUQLQJ ZRUVKLS DQG QHYHU RU UDUHO\ IRU %LEOH FODVV DQG RWKHU DVVHPEOLHV" 7KH DVVHPEO\ LV WKH ³KHDUW WKURE´ RI WKH FKXUFK (QWKXVLDVWLF DVVHPEOLHV DUH WKH PDLQ VSULQJERDUG RI HYDQJHOLVP

The Church )($5)8/ “And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles´ $FWV 7KH FKXUFK FDQQRW JURZ ZLWKRXW HDFK PHPEHU KDYLQJ D KHDOWK\ IHDU RI *RG “For we know Him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto Me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge His people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living Godâ€? +HEUHZV :H RIWHQ WKLQN RI RQO\ WKH SHRSOH RI WKH ZRUOG EHLQJ MXGJHG EXW WKHVH YHUVHV FRQFHUQ WKH MXGJHPHQW RI Âł+LV SHRSOH´ *RGÂśV ZUDWK ZDV D SRZHUIXO PRWLYDWRU WR 3DXO LQ KLV HYDQJHOLVP +H VDLG “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men‌â€? &RULQWKLDQV &KXUFKHV ZLOO RQO\ JURZ ZKHQ PHPEHUV KDYH D KHDOWK\ IHDU RI *RG &$5,1* “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need“ $FWV 7KH FKXUFK LV PRUH WKDQ DQ LQVWLWXWLRQ LW LV D IDPLO\ 7KH -HUXVDOHP FKXUFK KDG DQ DFXWH LQWHUHVW LQ WKH ZHOIDUH RI LWV PHPEHUV %HQHYROHQFH DORQH ZLOO QRW FRQYHUW VRXOV EXW ZLWKRXW LW D FKXUFK LV GHDG -RKQ 5HYHODWLRQ -DPHV *DODWLDQV 81,7(' ÂłAnd they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heartâ€? $FWV 'DYLG VDLG ORQJ DJR “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unityÂł 3VDOP 7KHUH LV QRWKLQJ WKDW VWLIOHV FKXUFK JURZWK PRUH TXLFNO\ WKDQ GLVXQLW\ ,1)/8(17,$/ “Praising God, and having favour with all the peopleâ€? $FWV D 7KH FKXUFK FDQQRW JURZ LQ LVRODWLRQ LWV OLJKW PXVW EH VHHQ E\ WKH FRPPXQLW\ 0DWWKHZ 7KH -HUXVDOHP FKXUFK ZDV OLYLQJ DV ÂłSHFXOLDU´ SHRSOH LQ WKH FRPPXQLW\ 3HWHU VKRZLQJ &KULVW WR WKH ORVW ZRUOG (9$1*(/,67,& “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be savedâ€? $FWV E 7KH PHPEHUV ZHUH EXVLO\ SUHDFKLQJ WKH *RVSHO (YHQ DIWHU EHLQJ VFDWWHUHG E\ SHUVHFXWLRQ WKH PHPEHUV RI WKH FKXUFK ZHUH VWLOO VRXO FRQVFLRXV SODQWLQJ FKXUFKHV DQG SUHDFKLQJ DQG WHDFKLQJ *RGÂśV :RUG $FWV ,I WKH FKXUFK ZDQWV WR JURZ WRGD\ WKHVH VDPH WKLQJV WKDW PRWLYDWHG WKH -HUXVDOHP FKXUFK PXVW PRWLYDWH XV 0LOOLRQV DUH G\LQJ HDFK GD\ ZLWKRXW WKH *RVSHO = ,DQ 0F3KHUVRQ ZRUNV IRU WKH /RUG LQ $XVWUDOLD

Although the culture and mind-set of people today may not be as conducive to church growth, the characteristics that caused Jerusalem to grow and multiply apply to all time.

The Church

Behold How Pleasant to Dwell Together in Unity 7KH 3VDOPLVW LQ WKH ORQJ DJR VDLG “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in 'HPDU unity!â€? ,W KDV ZHOO EHHQ (ODP VDLG WKDW ÂłXQLW\ LV WKDW SULFH OHVV LQJUHGLHQW ´ %UHWKUHQ ZH PXVW QRW DOORZ DQ\ PDQ RU ZRPDQ WR GHVWUR\ WKH XQLW\ RI WKH /RUGÂśV SHRSOH 3DXO L Q V W U X F W H G WKH VDLQWV DW (SKHVXV “I therefore, t h e prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.â€? (SKH VLDQV Âł(QGHDYRULQJ´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ÂśV PLQGV DERXW WKH WUXWKV RI *RG RU DERXW WKH EUHWKUHQ 7KHUH LV D QHHG IRU SHDFH WRGD\ LI ZH DUH WR ZLQ WKH ORVW IRU &KULVW 3HDFH LV D UHTXLVLWH RI XQLW\ “So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace,

The Church being edified, and walking in the fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy Spirit was multipliedâ€? $FWV 7KH UHVXOW RI WKH SHDFH WKDW SUHYDLOHG ZDV WKDW WKH FKXUFK ZDV ÂłHGLILHG´ DQG ÂłPXOWLSOLHG ´ ,Q $FWV ZH UHDG “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul.â€? ,Q RUGHU WR KDYH VXFK WRGD\ ZH PXVW â€œâ€Śfollow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one anotherâ€? 5RPDQV 2QH ZKR “soweth discord among brethrenâ€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“Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of Godâ€? 0DWWKHZ $OO &KULVWLDQV VKRXOG VSHQG WKHLU WLPH SURPRWLQJ XQLW\ $UH \RX D SHDFHPDNHU RU D GLYLVLYH HOHPHQW ZLWKLQ WKH FKXUFK" /HW HDFK WUXH FKLOG RI *RG HQGHDYRU WR NHHS WKH XQLW\ RI WKH 6SLULW LQ WKH ERQG RI SHDFH %H FDUHIXO WR QHYHU DOORZ \RXUVHOI WR EHFRPH D SDUW RI DQ\ HOHPHQW WKDW VRZV GLVFRUG *RG +$7(6 â€œâ€Śhe that soweth discord among brethrenâ€? 3URYHUEV <HV LW LV HYHQ DQ $%20,1$7,21 72 +LP = 'HPDU (ODP LV 3UHVLGHQW RI 3KLOLSSLQHV 7KHRORJLFDO &ROOHJH DQG OLYHV LQ $WKHQV $ODEDPD 86$

The Church

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Where is the man [men] who will rise up with fervor and zeal, speaking out with a loud voice to awaken the church, to stand in the gap so that we don’t have to face God’s wrath?

Doctrine To Live By

The Value of Truth &KDUOHV ( %XUFK

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Doctrine To Live By

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Make your destiny as sure as you can. You will live eternally in one of two worlds one is heaven; one is hell. The choice is yours.

Doctrine To Live By

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Christianity In Action

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Christianity In Action tiles, and sing to Your name.’” DQG DJDLQ +H VD\V “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people!” DQG DJDLQ “Praise the Lord all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!” 5RPDQV . %HFDXVH +LV FKXUFK ZLOO JURZ $IWHU WKH SHUVHFXWHG &KULVWLDQV ZHQW “everywhere preaching the word” $FWV , DQG DIWHU WKH FRQYHUVLRQ RI 6DXO WKH FKXUFKHV ZHUH HGL¿ HG “And walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied” $FWV &KULVW LV WKH VXSUHPH H[DPSOH RI RQH ZKR VDLG “Here am I, send me” +H OHIW KHDYHQ WR GR WKH ZLOO RI WKH )DWKHU “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me” -RKQ , DQG ³«He who sent me is with Me. The Father has not left me alone, for I always do those things that please Him” -RKQ /HW XV DOVR JR WKDW ZH PD\ SOHDVH WKH )DWKHU LQ WKRVH WKLQJV WKDW +H KDV FRPPLWWHG LQWR RXU KDQGV = &ROLQ 0F.HH KDV EHHQ LQYROYHG LQ PLVVLRQ ZRUN LQ ,QGRQHVLD IRU PDQ\ \HDUV

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Christianity In Action

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Christianity In Action $ VRXO ZLQQHU KDV DQ HQODUJHG KHDUW $ VRXO ZLQQHU JLYHV KLV EHVW VSDULQJ QR H[SHQVH %HFRPLQJ VRXO FRQVFLRXV ZLOO FRVW XV “So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the Gospel, to strengthen and encourage you in your faithâ€? 7KHVVDORQLDQV (YHQ WKH FDVXDO %LEOH VWXGHQW NQRZV WKDW 3DXO QHHGHG 7LPRWK\ ZLWK KLP LQ $WKHQV 7KH PLVVLRQ HIIRUW LQ (XURSH KDG QRW EHHQ HDV\ ,W KDG WDNHQ LWV WROO RQ 3DXO EXW KH ZDV ZLOOLQJ WR JLYH XS 7LPRWK\ÂśV FRPSDQLRQVKLS IRU WKH VDYLQJ RI RWKHUV 1RWH WKH SKUDVH “to be left by ourselves in Athens.â€? 7KH *UHHN ZRUG WUDQV ODWHG “to be leftâ€? LV VWURQJ ,W LV VRPHWLPHV XVHG WR GHVFULEH WKRVH OHIW EHKLQG GXH WR WKH GHDWK RI D FRPSDQLRQ 6HQGLQJ 7LPRWK\ EDFN WR 7KHVVDORQLFD ZDV QRW HDV\ IRU 3DXO ,W ZDV OLNH ORVLQJ D ORYHG RQH 7KHQ WKHUH LV WKH PDWWHU RI WUDYHOLQJ H[SHQVH 7KLV ZDV WRXJK EXW VDFULILFHV ZHUH PDGH WR NHHS WKH VDYHG RI 7KHVVDORQLFD VDYHG $ VRXO ZLQQHU KDV DQ HQ ODUJHG KHDUW D VDFULILFLDO KHDUW $ VRXO ZLQQHU KDV D KHDUW RI IDLWK “You know quite well that we are destined for trials. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you knowâ€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“How can we thank God enough for you, all the joy we have in the presence of God because of youâ€? 7KHVVDORQLDQV " :H KDYH VRPH LQ WKH FKXUFK ZKR KDYH D SUREOHP ZLWK MR\ DQG UHMRLFLQJ 1RW 3DXO 6HULRXVQHVV DQG ORQJ IDFHV DUH QRW D VLJQ RI SLHW\ “Rejoice and I say again, rejoice. Put a smile on your face‌ A song in your heartâ€? 3KLOLSSLDQV (SKHVLDQV &RORVVLDQV

We need to learn to celebrate when we win over Satan. A soul-winner has a heart of joy.

Christianity In Action 6RXOV ZRQ VRXOV VDYHG VRXOV UHVFXHG ² WKLV FDOOV IRU MR\ DQG UHMRLFLQJ LQ RXU FKXUFKHV +HDYHQ UHMRLFHV VR VKRXOG ZH :H QHHG WR OHDUQ WR FHOHEUDWH ZKHQ ZH ZLQ RYHU 6DWDQ $ VRXO ZLQQHU KDV D KHDUW RI MR\ $ VRXO ZLQQHU KDV D SUD\LQJ KHDUW “Now may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May He give you inner strength that you may be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy onesâ€? 7KHVVDORQLDQV ,Q WKLV SUD\HU ZH VHH WKDW DV D VRXO ZLQQHU ZH PXVW EH JHQXLQHO\ FRQFHUQHG DERXW RXU FRQYHUWV :H PXVW ORYH WKHP WHDFK WKHP WR ORYH RQH DQRWKHU WHDFK WKHP WR SUD\ IRU LQQHU VWUHQJWK VR WKDW WKH\ EH IRXQG EODPHOHVV DQG KRO\ DV WKH\ ORRN IRUZDUG WR WKH FRPLQJ RI -HVXV +RZ DUH ZH GRLQJ" 'R ZH KDYH WKH KHDUW RI D VRXO ZLQQHU"

Lead me to some soul today, Teach me, Lord, just what to say; Friends of mine are lost in sin And cannot Âżnd their way. Few there are who seem to care, And few there are who pray, Melt my heart and Âżll my life, Give me one soul today. :LOO + +RXJKWRQ = 5DQGDOO &DVHOPDQ SUHDFKHV IRU WKH FKXUFK LQ %HOOD 9LVWD $UNDQVDV 86$

In this prayer we see that, as a soul-winner, we must be genuinely concerned about our converts. We must love them, teach them to love one another, teach them to pray for inner strength, so that they be found blameless and holy as they look forward to the coming of Jesus.

How Do You Measure Up? My God shall be My strength: Indeed He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth� (Isaiah 49:5,6) 7KHVH ZRUGV ZHUH VSRNHQ E\ WKH )DWKHU WR &KULVW &KULVWLDQV DUH WKH FRPSOHWLRQ RI WKH WUXVW FRPPLWWHG WR RXU /RUG +H KDV VDLG “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel....� $UH ZH EHLQJ WKDW OLJKW WR WKH *HQWLOHV "

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Daily Christian Living

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Daily Christian Living

On Sonship 5H[ %DQNV -RKQ UHFRUGV WKDW DV DQ DZHVWUXFN 0DU\ FOXQJ WR KHU ULVHQ /RUG -HVXV LQVWUXFW HG KHU â€œâ€ŚGo to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My father and My God and your God’â€? -RKQ 1RZ ZK\ GLGQÂśW -HVXV VLPSO\ VD\ Âł2XU )DWKHUÂŤ RXU *RG"´ /LNHO\ $XJXVWLQH ZDV FRUUHFW ZKHQ KH FRPPHQWHG Âł+H VDLWK QRW Âľ2XU )DWKHU Âś LQ RQH VHQVH WKHUHIRUH LV +H PLQH LQ DQRWKHU VHQVH \RXUV E\ QDWXUH PLQH E\ JUDFH \RXUVÂŤP\ *RG XQGHU ZKRP , DOVR DP DV D PDQ \RXU *RG EHWZHHQ ZKRP DQG \RX , DP PHGLDWRU ´ ,Q IDFW QRZKHUH LQ WKH *RVSHO DFFRXQWV GLG -HVXV DGGUHVV *RG DV ÂłRXU )DWKHU ´ 7UXH LQ 0DWWKHZ FI /XNH ZKHQ -HVXV JLYHV WKH PRGHO SUD\HU +H WHDFKHV WKH GLVFLSOHV WR SHWLWLRQ *RG DV “Our Fatherâ€?, EXW WKLV ZDV DQ H[DPSOH IRU WKHP WR IROORZ &OHDUO\ EHLQJ VLQOHVV -HVXV QHHG QHYHU +LPVHOI PDNH WKH UHTXHVW “forgive us our debtsâ€? 0DWWKHZ ,Q IDFW VRPH FRPPHQWDWRUV RQ WKH WH[W SRLQW RXW WKDW ZKHQ -HVXV VSHDNV RI WKH GLVFLSOHV DVNLQJ LQ SUD\HU +H XVHV D WHUP ZKLFK LV SURSHU XSRQ WKH OLS RI DQ LQIHULRU DVNLQJ D IDYRU RI D VXSHULRU EXW ZLWK UHVSHFW WR +LV RZQ UHTXHVWV +H HPSOR\V D WHUP ZKLFK VXJJHVWV +LV HTXDOLW\ ZLWK WKH )DWKHU 3RVVHVVLQJ WKH YHU\ QDWXUH RI *RG -HVXV LV SURSHUO\ GHVFULEHG DV “the only begotten from the Fatherâ€? -RKQ L H *RGÂśV 6RQ LQ D XQLTXH ZD\ SRVVHVVLQJ QR VXFK QDWXUH VRQVKLS LQ RXU FDVH LV D PDWWHU RI DGRSWLRQ 5RPDQV *DODWLDQV (SKHVLDQV %XW QRW ZLWKVWDQGLQJ WKH GLVWLQFWLRQ ZKLFK WKH /RUG PDNHV LQ -RKQ WKH IDFW LV WKDW -HVXV UHIHUV WR WKH GLVFLSOHV ZKR MXVW GD\V EHIRUH KDG “left Him and fled!â€? DV ÂłEUHWKUHQ ´ $PD]LQJO\ “He is not ashamed to call them brethrenâ€? +H EUHZ $VWRQLVKLQJO\ WKH /RUG RI WKH XQLYHUVH LV QRW VLPSO\ Âł0\ )DWKHU´ EXW DOVR Âł\RXU )DWKHU ´ /DWHU RQ 3DXO ZLOO UHPLQG KLV EUHWKUHQ DW 5RPH DQG XV “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’â€? 5RPDQV Âł$EED´ ZDV YHU\ PXFK D ÂłIDPLO\´ ZRUG VSHDNLQJ RI IDPLOLDULW\ DQG LQWLPDF\ :KDWÂśV PRUH “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of Godâ€? 5RPDQV $QG MXVW KRZ GRHV WKH +RO\ 6SLULW ÂłEHDU ZLW QHVV´ WR WKLV IDFW" :HOO WKH VDPH ZD\ WKDW +H ÂłEHDUV ZLWQHVV´ FRQFHUQLQJ WKH QHZ FRYHQDQW LQ &KULVW ² E\ PHDQV RI WKH :RUG FI +HEUHZV ,W JHWV HYHQ EHWWHU VWLOO $V “children of Godâ€? ZH DUH “heirs also, heirs of God and fellow-heirs with Christâ€? 5RPDQV :H DUH KHLUV EHFDXVH ZH DUH VRQV DQG ZH DUH VRQV EHFDXVH RI XQLRQ ZLWK &KULVW *RGÂśV IDYRU LV RXUV ZKLOH

Daily Christian Living RQ HDUWK DQG RXU %URWKHU KDV SUHSDUHG D SODFH IRU XV ZLWK RXU )DWKHU LQ KHDYHQ -RKQ 7KHUH LV RI FRXUVH WKDW RWKHU DVSHFW RI VRQVKLS ZKLFK LV VWURQJO\ EURXJKW RXW E\ WKH +HEUHZV ZULWHU QDPHO\ “Whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receivesâ€? +HEUHZV 7KHVH ZRUGV UHPLQG WKRVH ZKR ZRXOG EH WUXO\ ZLVH WKDW ZKHQ KDUGVKLS LV WKHLU ORW WKH\ VKRXOG DFFHSW LW DV *RGÂśV PHWKRG RI WUDLQLQJ DQG GLVFLSOLQLQJ WKHP DQG DV D WRNHQ WKDW WKH\ DUH UHDOO\ +LV EHORYHG VRQV DQG GDXJKWHUV DQG \HV KHLUV RI *RG â€œâ€ŚHe disciplines us for our good that we may share His holinessâ€? YHUVH $V WKH EHORYHG FKLOGUHQ RI *RG OHWÂśV VWULYH WR UHPHPEHU DOZD\V WKDW â€œâ€Śto those who have been trained by it L H GLVFLSOLQH afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousnessâ€? YHUVH <HV 6RQVKLS LV D FRVWO\ EXVLQHVV ² ORRN DW &DOYDU\ = 5H[ %DQNV ZRUNV ZLWK WKH FKXUFK LQ +DPLOWRQ 1HZ =HDODQG

Jesus’ Deity Was Confirmed by the Father *DU\ & +DPSWRQ 2Q WZR VHSDUDWH RFFDVLRQV WKH )DWKHU WHVWLILHG WR -HVXVÂś 6RQVKLS $IWHU -HVXVÂś EDSWLVP “a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’â€? 2Q WKH PRXQW RI WUDQVILJXUDWLRQ DIWHU 3HWHU VXJJHVWHG PDNLQJ WDEHUQDFOHV IRU 0RVHV (OLMDK DQG -HVXV “a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’â€? 0DWWKHZ 7KH -HZV FOHDUO\ XQGHUVWRRG WKDW -HVXV EHLQJ WKH 6RQ RI *RG PDGH KLP SDUWDNH RI *RGÂśV YHU\ QDWXUH LQ RWKHU ZRUGV WKH )DWKHU ZDV VD\LQJ -HVXV LV *RG 7KH ZULWHU RI +HEUHZV DOVR VKRZV XV WKH )DWKHU WKRXJKW RI -HVXV DV *RG “Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on highâ€? +HEUHZV 9LQH LQGLFDWHV WKLV PHDQV WKDW -HVXV ZDV WKH VKLQLQJ IRUWK RI *RGÂśV JORU\ DQG WKH YHU\ LPDJH RI +LV VXEVWDQFH ,Q YHUVH WKH +HEUHZV ZULWHU TXRWHV 3VDOP DQG VD\V WKDW *RG WKH )DWKHU FDOOHG -HVXV *RG =

Daily Christian Living

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Daily Christian Living

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The Christian Home

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The Christian Home Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the Ă€ock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood. I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the Ă€ock; and from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish every one night and day with tears $FWV %HFDXVH VR PDQ\ FKXUFK OHDGHUV KDYH QRW KHHGHG WKLV ZDUQLQJ WKH FKXUFK KDV H[SHULHQFHG PDQ\ VHULRXV DLOPHQWV ÂłTake heed unto yourselvesâ€? LV MXVW DQRWKHU ZD\ RI VD\LQJ ÂłSXW \RXU RZQ PDVN RQ ILUVW ´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Âł1R , DP QRW ZKDW , QHHG WR EH ´ WKHQ XQOHVV VRPH FKDQJHV DUH PDGH KRZ FDQ WKHUH EH KRSH RI VXFFHVV LQ DQ\ HQGHDYRU RI KHOSLQJ RWKHUV" 7KLV GRHV QRW PHDQ WKDW ZH PXVW EH SHUIHFW LQ HYHU\ ZD\ $Q DVVXPSWLRQ OLNH WKDW FDQ RQO\ UHVXOW LQ GLVDSSRLQWPHQW DQG GHVSDLU 6WLOO ZH PXVW PDNH HYHU\ HIIRUW WR FRUUHFW DQ\WKLQJ LQ RXU OLIH WKDW QHHGV FRUUHFWLQJ , KDYH KDG WKLV ELW RI SRHWU\ RQ P\ KHDUW IRU D ORQJ WLPH

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The Christian Home

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The Christian Home

Commit ted Christian Fathers 'DQ 5 2ZHQ 2XU FRPPXQLW\ QHHGV FRPPLWWHG &KULVWLDQ IDWKHUV 7RR PDQ\ IDPLOLHV LQ RXU WURXEOHG QDWLRQ GR QRW KDYH IDWKHUV DQG WRR PDQ\ IDWKHUV ZKR VWLOO OLYH ZLWK WKHLU IDPLOLHV KDYH QRW VKRXOGHUHG WKHLU UHVSRQVLELOLWLHV DV *RG KDV FRPPDQGHG :H DUH FKDOOHQJLQJ WKH PHQ WR ULVH XS DQG FRPPLW WKHPVHOYHV WR EHLQJ WKH NLQG RI IDWKHUV *RG LV FDOOLQJ WKHP WR EH Fathers should commit themselves to bless their children by giving them a secure, positive, spiritually healthy relationship with their father. 7KH SUHVHQFH RI FRPPLWWHG &KULVWLDQ IDWKHUV LV FUXFLDO WR PRUDO VRFLDO DQG VSLULWXDO SURJUHVV &RPPLWWHG &KULVWLDQ IDWKHUV ILUVW FRPPLW WKHPVHOYHV WR *RG %HIRUH *RGÂśV ODZ LQVWUXFWV SDUHQWV WR WHDFK WKHLU FKLOGUHQ LW VD\V “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mindâ€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

The Christian Home &RPPLWWHG &KULVWLDQ IDWKHUV WUDLQ WKHLU FKLOGUHQ LQ WKH FRQWH[W RI DQ RQJRLQJ SRVLWLYH UHODWLRQVKLS *RG¶V ODZ VD\V WR WHDFK RXU FKLOGUHQ GLOLJHQWO\ “when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” 'HXWHURQRP\ 2XU UHDO WHDFKLQJ LV GRQH DPLG WKH RQJR LQJ DFWLYLWLHV RI OLIH ,Q RUGHU WR GR WKLV NLQG RI WHDFKLQJ ZH QHHG WR EH LQYROYHG ZLWK RXU FKLOGUHQ :H QHHG WR ZRUN ZLWK WKHP VWXG\ ZLWK WKHP HDW ZLWK WKHP DQG SOD\ ZLWK WKHP ,Q PDQ\ IDPLOLHV GDG¶V ILVKLQJ RU JROI FRPELQHG ZLWK WKH NLGV¶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

*RG¶V 'LUHFWLRQV WR &KLOGUHQ DQG WR )DWKHUV Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. :KDW ZRUGV RI ZLVGRP 7KH SURPLVH WR FKLOGUHQ LV WKDW if WKH\ KRQRU DQG REH\ WKHLU SDUHQWV WKLQJV ZLOO EH ZHOO ZLWK WKHP LQ WKLV OLIH $QG WKH LQVWUXFWLRQ WR SDUHQWV LV WKDW WKH\ DUH WR EULQJ XS WKHLU FKLOGUHQ LQ WKH nurture >WKH FDUH DQG SURYLVLRQ@ RI *RG DQG DOVR LQ +LV instructions, LQ D ORYLQJ UHODWLRQVKLS UDWKHU WKDQ RQH WKDW FDXVHV IULFWLRQ DQG FRQIOLFW *RG¶V ZLVGRP QHYHU IDLOV DQG LI SDUHQWV DQG FKLOGUHQ ZLOO IROORZ +LV JXLGDQFH SLWIDOOV ZLOO EH DYRLGHG %%&

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The New and Living Way & DUUOH &K HV &D &DVK VK “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body� +HEUHZV 7KH ZULWHU RI WKH ERRN RI +HEUHZV JLYHV D SDQRUDPD RI ZKDW LV DYDLODEOH WR XV DOO D “new and living way.�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“confidence� “boldness� DXWKRULW\ WR “enter the Most Holy Place.� %HIRUH &KULVW GLHG WKHUH ZDV QR VXFK DFFHVV WR *RG DV PDQ GHVSHUDWHO\ QHHGHG 0DQ KDG QR RIIHULQJ ZKLFK KH FRXOG EULQJ WR *RG WKDW ZRXOG SDUGRQ KLV VLQV “Because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins� +HEUHZV 7KRVH VDFULILFHV VHUYHG RQO\ DV “an annual reminder of sins� YHUVH %XW QRZ WKH ZD\ LV RSHQ DQG IUHH WR DOO WKDW DOO PD\ FRPH ZLWK WKH XWPRVW

Textual Studies IUHHGRP E\ REH\LQJ WKH *RVSHO RI &KULVW (QWUDQFH LQWR WKH 0RVW +RO\ 3ODFH RI WKH 7DEHUQDFOH DQG WKH 7HPSOH ZDV IRUELGGHQ WR DOO EXW WKH +LJK 3ULHVW 7KH 0RVW +RO\ 3ODFH ZDV D IRUHUXQQLQJ W\SH RI KHDYHQ :H KDYH DFFHVV DQG HQWHU LQWR KHDYHQ “by the blood of Jesus” RXU +LJK 3ULHVW +RZ LV WKDW IRU VXSHULRULW\" 7KH ZD\ LV OLYLQJ ,W LV ³OLYLQJ´ LQ DW OHDVW WKUHH VHQVHV ,W LV OLYLQJ LQ LWV HIIHFWV VSLULWXDO OLIH KHUH RQ WKH HDUWK DQG OLIH HWHUQDO LQ WKH KHUHDIWHU “Living water” LV XVHG LQ WKH VDPH VHQVH RI VSLULWXDO OLIH DQG HWHU QDO OLIH IRXQG LQ &KULVW¶V FRQYHUVDWLRQ ZLWK WKH 6DPDULWDQ ZRPDQ UHFRUGHG LQ -RKQ 1R GRXEW WKHUH LV DQ DOOXVLRQ KHUH WR WKH IDFW WKDW XQGHU WKH /DZ RI 0RVHV WKH EORRG RI VDFUL¿ FHV ZDV WR EH RIIHUHG DV VRRQ DV LW ZDV VKHG LW ZDV QRW ¿ W IRU VDFUL¿ FLDO SXUSRVHV ZKHQ LW ZDV FROG DQG FRDJXODWHG 7KH ZD\ RI &KULVW LV KRZHYHU DOZD\V RSHQ DQG +LV EORRG IUHVK DQG UHDG\ IRU FOHDQVLQJ DV LI LW KDG MXVW EHHQ VKHG 7KH ZRUG “living” RIWHQ KDV WKH VHQVH RI EHLQJ SHUSHWXDO DQG LV DSSOLHG WR D IRXQWDLQ DOZD\V UXQQLQJ DV RSSRVHG WR D SRRO WKDW ZLOO GU\ XS 7KLV “way” LV SHUSHWXDO DQG FRQVWDQW OLNH D IRXQWDLQ WKDW DOZD\V À RZV ,Q WKH ZRUGV RI :LOOLDP &RZSHU ³7KHUH LV D IRXQWDLQ ¿ OOHG ZLWK EORRG GUDZQ IURP (P PDQXHO¶V YHLQV $QG VLQQHUV SOXQJHG EHQHDWK WKDW EORRG ORVH DOO WKHLU JXLOW\ VWDLQV ´ 7KDW IRXQWDLQ LV QHHGHG QRW MXVW DW FRQYHUVLRQV EXW WKURXJKRXW RXU &KULVWLDQ ZDON ZLWK WKH 6DYLRU $V WKH DSRVWOH -RKQ SXW LW “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, puri¿es us from all sin” -RKQ 7KH “way” LV WUXO\ D ³OLYLQJ ZD\´ 7KH OLYLQJ ZD\ LV WKURXJK WKH FXUWDLQ RU YHLO 7KH QHZ DQG OLYLQJ ZD\ LV “through the curtain, that is, His body.” 7KH -HZLVK +LJK 3ULHVW HQWHUHG LQWR WKH 0RVW +RO\ 3ODFH WKURXJK D FXUWDLQ RU YHLO ZKLFK VHSDUDWHG LW IURP WKH +RO\ 3ODFH 7KH ZD\ IRU XV WR KHDYHQ LV WKURXJK WKH PHGLXP RI -HVXV¶ ERG\ WKDW ZDV VDFULILFHG RQ WKH FURVV LQ WKH VKHGGLQJ RI +LV EORRG -XVW DV WKH 0RVW +RO\ 3ODFH LQ WKH 7DEHUQDFOH ZDV HQWHUHG WKURXJK D OLWHUDO FXUWDLQ KHDYHQ LV HQWHUHG “through the curtain, that is, His body.” -HVXV LV WKH “new and living way” WKDW IXUQLVKHG XV DFFHVV WR *RG DQG +LV ERXQWLIXO VSLULWXDO EOHVVLQJ LQFOXGLQJ HWHUQDO OLIH 7KHUH LV QR RWKHU DFFHVV ,W ZDV -HVXV ZKR VDLG “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” -RKQ 7KH ZD\ LV QHZ WKH ZD\ LV OLYLQJ = &KDUOHV &DVK ZRUNV ZLWK WKH %HOOD 9LVWD &KXUFK RI &KULVW LQ %HOOD 9LVWD $UNDQVDV 86$

Textual Studies

A Text That Meets Needs 3HWHU $UGURQ +LQWRQ &KULVWLDQV 1HHG 7R %H 5HPLQGHG “Beloved, I now write to‌stir up your pure minds by way of reminderâ€? 5HPLQGHG RI WKH PHVVDJH RI WKH DSRVWOHV DQG RI WKH ,VUDHOLWH SURSKHWV EHIRUH WKHP ZKR SUHGLFWHG WKH IDFWV RI WKHLU PHVVDJH 5HPLQGHG RI WKH SURPLVHG UHWXUQ RI &KULVW DQG WKH FHUWDLQW\ RI LW 5HPLQGHG RI WKH IDFW WKDW *RG PHDQV ZKDW +H VD\V 5HPLQGHG RI WKH SURVSHFW RI D IDU EHWWHU ZRUOG &KULVWLDQV 1HHG 7R %H :DUQHG “I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tearsâ€? $FWV :DUQHG WKDW WKH ZRUOG SURPLVHV D ÂłIUHHGRP´ LW GRHV QRW HYHQ KDYH :DUQHG WKDW WKH ÂłZDVKHG´ FDQ EHFRPH XQFOHDQ DJDLQ :DUQHG WKDW EDFNVOLGLQJ PDNHV \RX ZRUVH WKDQ WKH XQFRQYHUWHG :DUQHG WKDW WKHUH ZLOO EH VFRIIHUV WR IDFH DQG WR UHVLVW :DUQHG WKDW VDPHQHVV LQ KXPDQ DIIDLUV ZLOO EH XVHG WR PLVOHDG :DUQHG WKDW WKH SUHVHQW ZRUOG LV DOUHDG\ GHVWLQHG IRU GHPROLWLRQ :DUQHG WKDW &KULVWÂśV UHWXUQ ZLOO EH XQH[SHFWHG DQG VXGGHQ :DUQHG WKDW MXGJPHQW LV FHUWDLQ DQG LWV VWDQGDUGV VHWWOHG :DUQHG WKDW SK\VLFDO WKLQJV DUH QRW HWHUQDO QRW WR EH WUXVWHG &KULVWLDQV 1HHG 7R %H ,QIRUPHG “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of Godâ€? 0DUN " ,QIRUPHG FRQFHUQLQJ WKH SDWWHUQ DQG WDFWLFV RI HUURU ,QIRUPHG FRQFHUQLQJ WKH /RUGÂśV YLHZ RI WLPH ,QIRUPHG FRQFHUQLQJ WKH UHDVRQ IRU GHOD\LQJ +LV UHWXUQ ,QIRUPHG FRQFHUQLQJ WKH QDWXUH RI WKH HQG WLPH ,QIRUPHG FRQFHUQLQJ WKH SURSHU UHDFWLRQ WR WKHVH IDFWV â€œâ€Śthat all should come to repentance.â€? â€œâ€Śwhat manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.â€? â€œâ€Ślooking for and hastening the coming of the day of God‌â€?

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Textual Studies

Walking in the Light -RKQ

'HDQ )XJHWW “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” -RKQ ,W LV HVVHQWLDO WKDW ZH ZDON LQ WKH OLJKW ,I ZH GR QRW “walk in the light” ZH FDQQRW EH LQ IHOORZVKLS ZLWK *RG -RKQ VDLG LQ WKH SUHYLRXV YHUVH WKDW LI ZH VD\ WKDW ZH KDYH IHOORZVKLS ZLWK *RG DQG VWLOO “walk in darkness, we lie”. +H WKHQ VD\V WKDW WKH DSRVWOHV KDYH IHOORZVKLS ZLWK *RG DQG ZLWK -HVXV &KULVW DQG KH VWDWHV WKDW KH LV ZULWLQJ WKHVH WKLQJV WR WKRVH EUHWKUHQ VR WKDW WKH\ PLJKW DOVR KDYH IHOORZVKLS ZLWK WKH DSRVWOHV LQ WKHLU UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK *RG DQG WKH /RUG +RZHYHU WKDW IHOORZVKLS LV FRQWLQJHQW XSRQ walking LQ WKH OLJKW ,W LV SRVVLEOH WR ZDON LQ WKH OLJKW -RKQ ZDV WHOOLQJ “my little children” WKDW WKH DSRVWOHV ZHUH ZDONLQJ LQ WKH OLJKW DQG WKDW WKH\ PXVW IROORZ WKHLU H[DPSOH ,Q IDFW LI WKH\ GLG QRW ZDON LQ WKH OLJKW WKH\ FRXOG QRW PDLQWDLQ WKH IHOORZVKLS WKDW WKH\ KDG ,I WKH\ ZHUH ZDONLQJ LQ WKH OLJKW ² DQG LW ZDV HVVHQWLDO WKDW WKH\ ZDON LQ WKH OLJKW WR KDYH WKDW IHOORZVKLS ² WKHQ ZH DOVR FDQ ZDON LQ WKH OLJKW DQG KDYH WKDW IHOORZVKLS ZLWK WKHP 7KLV ZDV -RKQ¶V GHVLUH IRU WKHP DQG IRU XV :DONLQJ LQ WKH OLJKW GRHVQ¶W PHDQ OLYLQJ VLQOHVVO\ ,Q IDFW -RKQ WHOOV XV LQ WKH QH[W YHUVHV WKDW LI ZH VD\ ZH KDYH QR VLQ RU WKDW ZH KDYH QRW VLQQHG ZH DUH EHLQJ XQWUXWKIXO DQG DUH GHFHLYLQJ RXUVHOYHV +H FRQWLQXHV E\ VD\LQJ WKDW ZH PDNH *RG D OLDU DQG WKDW +LV :RUG DQG +LV WUXWK DUH QRW LQ XV ,I ZH ORRN FDUHIXOO\ DW WKH WH[W ZH VHH WKDW KH LV WHOOLQJ XV WKDW ZKLOH ZH DUH ZDONLQJ LQ WKH OLJKW ZH DUH KDYLQJ IHOORZVKLS ZLWK RQH DQRWKHU DQG DOVR *RG DQG +LV 6RQ %XW DOVR WKDW ZKLOH ³walking in the light” WKH EORRG RI -HVXV &KULVW LV FOHDQVLQJ XV IURP DOO VLQ :DONLQJ LQ WKH OLJKW GRHV QRW PHDQ “to continue in sin” -RKQ LQIRUPV XV WKDW LI ZH FRQIHVV RXU VLQV UHPHPEHU QRZ -RKQ LV ZULWLQJ WR &KULVWLDQV QRW WR WKRVH ZKR KDYH QHYHU FRPH “into Christ” +H LV IDLWKIXO DQG MXVW WR IRUJLYH XV RXU VLQV :KDW JUHDW DVVXUDQFH -RKQ FRQWLQXHV LQ WKH QH[W IHZ YHUVHV WR UHPLQG XV WKDW LI DQG ZKHQ ZH GR VLQ ZH KDYH DQ $GYRFDWH ZLWK WKH )DWKHU -HVXV &KULVW WKH 5LJKWHRXV 2QH -RKQ ,I ZH DUH WUXO\ OLYLQJ E\ “every word that proceeds from God” 0DWWKHZ ZH ZLOO UHPHPEHU 3DXO¶V DQVZHU WR WKH TXHVWLRQ “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” ,W LV “God forbid!” .-9 “Certainly Not!” 1.-9 “May it

Textual Studies never be!” 1$6% “By no means!” (69 5RPDQV :KDW LV µZDONLQJ LQ WKH OLJKW"¶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

Walking with Wise Men (UQHVW 6 8QGHUZRRG 6RORPRQ VDLG “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed” 3URYHUEV 7KH TXHVWLRQ DULVHV ³:KR DUH WKH ZLVH DQG ZKR DUH WKH IRROLVK"´ -HVXV KDG PXFK WR VD\ RQ WKH VXEMHFW ,Q 0DWWKHZ +H VDLG WKDW WKH ZLVH DUH WKRVH ZKR KHDU +LV ZRUGV DQG GR WKHP +H DOVR VDLG WKDW WKH IRROLVK DUH WKRVH ZKR DOVR KHDU +LV ZRUGV EXW GR QRW GR WKHP With whom are you ,Q /XNH +H VDLG walking? Who are your WKDW WKH IRRO LV RQH ZKR OD\V XS closest companions, the WUHDVXUHV IRU KLPVHOI EXW LV QRW ULFK wise or the foolish? WRZDUG *RG 7KH 3VDOPLVW DV ZHOO DV WKH DSRVWOH 3DXO VWDWHG WKDW RQH LV D IRRO ZKR VD\V WKHUH LV QR *RG $ IRRO ZLOO QRW OLVWHQ WR *RG¶V :RUG EXW D ZLVH PDQ QRW RQO\ OLVWHQV KH DSSOLHV ZKDW KH OHDUQV WR KLV OLIH 7KH DSRVWOH 3DXO DOVR VDLG “Evil companionship corrupts good morals” :LWK ZKRP DUH \RX ZDONLQJ" :KR DUH \RXU FORVHVW FRPSDQLRQV WKH ZLVH RU WKH IRROLVK" =

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Dead Man Speaks 2ZHQ ' 2OEULFKW &DQ D GHDG SHUVRQ VWLOO VSHDN" $EHO GRHV 7KH %LEOH WHOOV RI WZR EURWKHUV *HQHVLV &DLQ GLG ZKDW ZDV ZURQJ DQG $EHO GLG ZKDW ZDV ULJKW (YHQ WKRXJK $EHO GLHG ORQJ DJR KH LV VWLOO VSHDNLQJ WKURXJK KLV DFW RI IDLWK “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks” +HEUHZV $EHO¶V 7HVWLPRQ\ /LVWHQ WR ZKDW $EHO WHOOV XV +LV DFWV RI IDLWK WHOO XV WKDW E\ UHVSRQGLQJ DFFRUGLQJ WR *RG¶V ZD\ *RG DFFHSWHG KLP DQG KLV RIIHULQJ *HQHVLV DQG JDYH WHVWLPRQ\ WKDW KH ZDV ULJKWHRXV $EHO¶V IDLWK FRUUHODWHV ZLWK 1RDK¶V IDLWK WKDW PRWLYDWHG 1RDK WR PDNH D SRVLWLYH UHVSRQVH E\ GRLQJ “according to all the Lord commanded Him” *HQHVLV +HEUHZV x $WWLWXGHV DUH LPSRUWDQW EXW *RG DOVR H[SHFWV FRUUHFW DFWV WR EH WKH UHVXOW RI WUXH IDLWK -DPHV x ,Q WKH /DZ *RG VKRZHG +LV DWWLWXGH WRZDUG RIIHULQJV ZKLFK H[SODLQV WKH UHDVRQ +H DSSURYHG RI $EHO¶V RIIHULQJ x *RG UHTXLUHG WKH RIIHULQJ RI WKH ILUVWERUQ DQLPDOV EHFDXVH WKH\ ZHUH KRO\ DQG EHORQJHG WR +LP ([RGXV /HYLWLFXV 'HXWHURQRP\ $EHO RIIHUHG ZKDW EHORQJHG WR *RG WKH ILUVW ERUQ RI KLV IORFN 6XFK RIIHULQJV ZHUH QRW VLQ RIIHULQJV x *RG UHTXLUHG WKH IDW WR EH EXUQHG LQ WKH VDFULILFHV DQG QRW WR EH HDWHQ ([RGXV /HYLWLFXV $EHO RIIHUHG WKH IDW x %\ RIIHULQJ WKH ILUVWERUQ RI WKH IORFNV DQG RI WKHLU IDW $EHO¶V ULJKW DFWLRQ LV ZKDW GHILQHG KLP DV D ULJKWHRXV SHUVRQ %HIRUH WKH /DZ ZDV JLYHQ RQO\ DQLPDOV DUH PHQWLRQHG IRU VDFULILFH 7KLV LQFOXGHG 1RDK *HQHVLV $EUDKDP >,VDDF DVNHG DERXW D ODPE IRU VDFULILFH ZKLFK VXJJHVWV WKDW $EUDKDP QRUPDOO\ RIIHUHG DQ DQLPDO@ *HQHVLV 0RVHV UHTXHVWHG IORFNV IRU VDFULILFH ([RGXV DQG *RG WROG -RE¶V IULHQGV WR EULQJ DQLPDOV WR EH RIIHUHG E\ -RE IRU WKHLU IRUJLYHQHVV -RE

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Bible Characters

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How Do We Quench the Spirit? -HUU\ $ -HQNLQV %LEOH VWXGHQWV DUH YHU\ NHHQO\ DZDUH WKDW WKH +RO\ 6SLULW GZHOOV LQ WKH &KULVWLDQ LQ WKH VDPH PDQQHU DV WKH )DWKHU DQG WKH 6RQ ,Q DSRVWROLF GD\V WKHUH ZHUH WKRVH ZKR UHFHLYHG +RO\ 6SLULW EDSWLVP $FWV $FWV RU WKH +RO\ 6SLULW E\ WKH PLUDFXORXVO\ LPSDUWHG PDQQHU UHFHLYHG E\ WKH ³OD\LQJ RQ´ RI WKH DSRVWOHV KDQGV $FWV 7RGD\ &KULVWLDQV DUH LQIOXHQFHG QRW LQGHSHQGHQWO\ EXW WKURXJK WKH :RUG :KHQ 3DXO ZURWH WR WKH &KULVWLDQV LQ 7KHVVDORQLFD KH DGPRQLVKHG WKHP “Quench not the Spirit” 7KHVVDORQLDQV 7KH ZRUG ³TXHQFK´ sbennumi PHDQV ³WR H[WLQJXLVK ´ $ IRUP RI WKH ZRUG ZDV HPSOR\HG E\ WKH IRROLVK YLUJLQV WR GHVFULEH ZKDW ZDV KDSSHQLQJ WR WKHLU ODPSV EHFDXVH RI LQVXIILFLHQW RLO 0DWWKHZ 2QH ZRXOG TXHQFK D ILUH E\ WKURZLQJ D ZHW EODQNHW RYHU LW ,W LV SRVVLEOH WR H[WLQJXLVK WKH LQIOXHQFHV RI WKH +RO\ 6SLULW LQ RXU KHDUWV 7KH FRQWH[W RI 3DXO¶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“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days” 'DQLHO :H TXHQFK WKH 6SLULW E\ QRW UHMRLFLQJ LQ HYHU\ FLUFXPVWDQFH RI OLIH 2XU UHMRLFLQJ LV QRW WR EH OLPLWHG WR VRPH VSHFLDO RFFDVLRQ RU ZKHQ D QRWHZRUWK\ FRPSOLPHQW RU JLIW LV JLYHQ $ &KULVWLDQ FRQVWDQWO\ ILQGV MR\ WKDW KLV VLQV

Bible Questions KDYH EHHQ IRUJLYHQ DQG WKDW KH KDV D 6DYLRU OLNH -HVXV ,W LV WKH SULYLOHJH RI D &KULVWLDQ WR UHMRLFH +H KDV PRUH VRXUFHV RI MR\ WKDQ DQ\ RWKHU PDQ ² VRXUFHV ZKLFK GR QRW IDLO ZKHQ DOO RWKHUV IDLO $ IRXUWK PDQQHU LQ ZKLFK RQH PD\ TXHQFK WKH 6SLULW LV E\ D IDLOXUH WR DEVWDLQ IURP HYHU\ IRUP RI HYLO 3DXO VWDWHG “Abstain from every form of evil” 7KHVVDORQLDQV 7KH .LQJ -DPHV 9HUVLRQ VWDWHV WKDW RQH LV WR DEVWDLQ HYHQ IURP WKH DSSHDUDQFH RI HYLO 1R &KULVWLDQ LV WR IUHTXHQW XQJRGO\ SODFHV HYHQ WKRXJK KH PD\ QRW SHUVRQDOO\ EH LQYROYHG LQ WKH DFWLYLWLHV WKHUH = -HUU\ $ -HQNLQV ZDV WKH SUHDFKHU IRU PDQ\ \HDUV IRU WKH 5RHEXFN 3DUN ZD\ &KXUFK RI &KULVW LQ %LUPLQJKDP $ODEDPD 86$

What Attitude Should the Christian Have toward Racism?” 0DUN 1 3RVH\ &KULVWLDQLW\ ZDV ERUQ LQWR D ZRUOG ILOOHG ZLWK UDFLDO SUHMXGLFH ,W RFFXUUHG PDQ\ WLPHV EXW WKH PRVW REYLRXV ZDV WKH DWWLWXGH RI WKH -HZV WRZDUG WKH *HQWLOHV *RGOLQHVV DEKRUV DQ\ DVVXPHG UDFLDO VXSHULRULW\ 7KH %LEOH SURYLGHV XV ZLWK DQ ³HTXDOL]DWLRQ IDFWRU´ IRXQG LQ 5RPDQV “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” 7KLV ELEOLFDO SULQFLSOH LV WUXH UHJDUGOHVV RI UDFH 7KH HOHPHQW RI VLQ LQ RXU OLYHV FXWV DFURVV HFRQRPLF UDFLDO DQG LQWHOOHFWXDO ERXQGDULHV &KULVW EURXJKW HTXDOLW\ WKH EDVLV RI ZKLFK LV REHGLHQFH QRW VNLQ FRORUDWLRQ &KULVW KDV EURNHQ GRZQ WKH ZDOO EHWZHHQ XV (SKHVLDQV GUDZLQJ PDQ NLQG LQWR RQH ERG\ E\ +LV GHDWK RQ WKH FURVV $FWV *RG LV QR “respecter of persons” EXW +H H[DPLQHV PDQ RQ WKH EDVLV RI KLV ULJKWHRXVQHVV $FWV *RG PDNHV QR GLVWLQFWLRQ RQ WKH EDVLV RI UDFH DQG IRUELGV WKH VDPH LQ XV ,Q IDFW +H PDGH D FRQQHFWLRQ EHWZHHQ HYHU\ KXPDQ EHLQJ DW FUHDWLRQ DV SURFODLPHG LQ $FWV “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.” -DPHV WDXJKW “Hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect of persons” ,Q Y KH ODEHOHG GLVFULPLQDWLRQ DV VLQ 7KH EORRG RI &KULVW LV FRQWDFWHG LQ EDSWLVP ZKHUHLQ DOO EDUULHUV DUH GH VWUR\HG EHLQJ PDGH RQH LQ &KULVW *DODWLDQV 3HWHU YLRODWHG WKLV SULQFLSOH DQG ZDV UHSULPDQGHG E\ 3DXO *DODWLDQV 2EVHUYH KRZ -HVXV UHVSRQGHG WR DOO SHRSOH /XNH DQG EH PRWLYDWHG WR DFWLYDWH WKH ³*ROGHQ 5XOH´ E\ WUHDWLQJ RWKHUV DV ZH ZDQW WR EH WUHDWHG 0DWWKHZ +XPLOLW\ ZLOO QRW DOORZ XV WR WUHDW DQ\ KXPDQ EHLQJ DV LQIHULRU 3KLOLSSLDQV :H PXVW DVVXPH WKH GLVSRVLWLRQ RI -HVXV 3HWHU 7KH PDWWHU FRXOG FRVW XV RXU HWHUQDO VDOYDWLRQ =

Bible Questions

Is It a Sin for a Christian to be Depressed? :D\QH -DFNVRQ &RXOG DQ[LHW\ EH VLQIXO" <HV LI ZH DFFHSW WKH WHVWLPRQ\ RI -HVXV DQG ZH UHVSHFW WKH DSRVWROLF FRPPDQG RI 3DXO %XW WKH %LEOH FHUWDLQO\ DFNQRZOHGJHV WKDW OLIHÂśV FRPSOLFDWLRQV FDQ EH GHSUHVVLQJ WKH ZRUG LV XVHG VR HODVWLFDOO\ :H DUH HYHQ FRPPDQGHG WR “weep with those who weep.â€? 7KLV PHDQV WKDW ZH V\PSDWKL]H ZLWK JULHI UDWKHU WKDQ WU\LQJ WR FRQYLQFH WKHP WKDW VXFK VRUURZ LV VLQIXO :KDW &KULVWLDQV GR KRZHYHU ZLWK JULHI PD\ GHPRQVWUDWH HLWKHU VWURQJ IDLWK RU LW PD\ UHVXOW LQ GHELOLWDWLQJ GHSUHVVLRQ 7KHUHIRUH ZH PXVW JLYH VHULRXV WKRXJKW WR WKLV TXHVWLRQ 7KHUH LV QR VLPSOH Âł\HV´ RU ÂłQR´ DQVZHU

1RZ KHUH DUH 3DXOÂśV FRPPHQWV RQ WKH PDWWHU “Do not be anxious about anything 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 your minds in Christ Jesusâ€? 3KLOLSSLDQV

Bible Questions 6R PDQ\ WKLQJV DUH HDVLHU VDLG WKDQ GRQH 7KH DGYLFH ³'RQ¶W ZRUU\´ LV VXUHO\ LQ WKDW FDWHJRU\ 7KDW SHFXOLDULW\ KRZHYHU GRHV QRW QXOOLI\ WKH FRXQVHO ³'RQ¶W ZRUU\´ LV QRW RQO\ JRRG DGYLFH LW LV D ELEOLFDO FRPPDQG +RZ FDQ ZH EH FRPPDQGHG QRW WR ZRUU\" ,V DQ[LHW\ QRW DQ LQHYLWDEOH KXPDQ HPRWLRQ WKDW ZH KDYH ZKHQ FHUWDLQ WKLQJV KDSSHQ WR XV" /HW XV GH¿ QH WKLV VWDWH RI PLQG ³$Q[LHW\ LV D SDLQIXO RU DSSUHKHQVLYH XQHDVLQHVV RI PLQG XVXDOO\ RYHU DQ LPSHQGLQJ RU DQWLFLSDWHG LOO«DQ DEQRUPDO DQG RYHUZKHOPLQJ VHQVH RI DSSUHKHQVLRQ DQG IHDU RIWHQ PDUNHG E\ SK\VLRORJLFDO VLJQV DV VZHDWLQJ WHQVLRQ DQG LQFUHDVHG SXOVH E\ GRXEW FRQFHUQLQJ WKH UHDOLW\ DQG QDWXUH RI WKH WKUHDW DQG E\ VHOI GRXEW DERXW RQH¶V FDSDFLW\ WR FRSH ZLWK LW´ Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary 6SULQJILHOG 0HUULDP S $Q RYHUZKHOPLQJ VHQVH RI VHOI GRXEW DERXW RQH¶V DELOLW\ WR FRSH VKRXOG QRW RYHUFRPH WKH &KULVWLDQ ZKR KDV EHHQ WROG “If God is for us, who can be against us?” 5RPDQV /HW XV FRQVLGHU WKH ELEOLFDO FRXQVHO WKDW KHOSV XV PDQDJH DQ[LHW\ DQG SUHYHQWV LW IURP RYHUZKHOPLQJ XV 7KH DSRVWOH 3DXO¶V SURKLELWLRQ DJDLQVW DQ[LHW\ LV “Do not be anxious about anything” 3KLOLSSLDQV D 1RWLFH WKDW 3DXO¶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“But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” 3KLOLSSLDQV E ,QVWHDG RI PHUHO\ WDONLQJ WR \RXUVHOI DQG RWKHUV WDON WR *RG ,QVWHDG RI ZRUU\LQJ DERXW DQ\WKLQJ WDON WR WKH /RUG DERXW HYHU\WKLQJ 7KLV LV WKH DQWLGRWH WR EHLQJ RYHUO\ DQ[LRXV DQG ZH PD\ QRW WDNH DGYDQWDJH RI LW EHFDXVH ZH ZRUU\ WKDW LW ZLOO QRW KHOS 3DXO VD\V WKDW WKLV SUHYHQWLRQ IRU DQ[LHW\ LQYROYHV UHDO FRPPXQLFDWLRQ L H SUD\HU ZLWK WKH &UHDWRU ZKR LV D SHUVRQDO %HLQJ ZKR OLVWHQV FDUHV DQG UHVSRQGV

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Charts and Outlines All Spiritual Blessings Are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)

.HQ 7\OHU 3XUSRVH 7R HPSKDVL]H WKH QHFHVVLW\ RI HYHU\ SHUVRQ EHLQJ ³LQ &KULVW´ , 6DOYDWLRQ LV LQ &KULVW $ ³Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory´ 7LPRWK\ 6HH DOVR $FWV :LWKRXW &KULVW ² :LWKRXW KRSH (SKHVLDQV $UH \RX LQ &KULVW" ,, <RX DUH D QHZ FUHDWXUH LQ &KULVW $ ³Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new´ &RULQWKLDQV 6HH DOVR 5RPDQV 7KHUH LV D ELJ GLIIHUHQFH EHWZHHQ WKH ROG DQG WKH QHZ (SKHVLDQV &RORVVLDQV $UH \RX D QHZ FUHDWXUH LQ &KULVW" ,,, 3UHSDUDWLRQ IRU GHDWK LV LQ &KULVW $ ³And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their words do follow them´ 5HY HODWLRQ 6HH DOVR 3KLOLSSLDQV &RULQWKLDQV 'HDWK LV UHDO ² :H PXVW IDFH WKLV IDFW +HEUHZV +DYH \RX PDGH SUHSDUDWLRQ IRU GHDWK" ,9 $ KRPH LQ +HDYHQ LV LQ &KULVW $ ³Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also´ -RKQ 6HH DOVR 7KHVVDORQLDQV &RULQWKLDQV +HDYHQ LV UHDO DQG VR LV KHOO 0DWWKHZ $UH \RX JRLQJ WR KHDYHQ" &RQFOXVLRQ ,I \RX DUH QRW LQ &KULVW \RXU OLIH LV LQ D WUDJLF VWDWH :KDW DUH \RX

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As a team of co-workers we call ourselves “World Evangelism”.... What do we do? Under the oversight of individual sponsoring elderships, we fund radio/TV and literature programs for mass evangelism in India and other Asian countries. We make overseas trips, teaching in Bible training schools operated by brethren and helping with follow-up work. In seminars we offer studies and training beyond the basic first principles of the Gospel. Being on the lookout for new opportunities, we work with local brethren in numerous countries to expand the growth of the Kingdom. Here in the States we report to supporting congregations, we print and distribute The Voice of Truth International [our quarterly teaching magazine, printed in seven languages and distributed to many thousands free of charge], Global Harvest [a mission news magazine], Gospel Gazette [an online monthly magazine], and more than 200 book titles. Thousands of these books are sent free of charge to brethren overseas each year. We print and distribute more than 100 full-color tri-fold tracts. We are now in the early stages of developing a complete line of graded Bible class materials for the church, “Into God’s World”. Often we need help here in our office in Winona, MS. We are grateful to those who share our vision and come to the rescue....

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