Voice of Truth International, Volume 81

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Volume Eighty-one

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oice of Truth

International

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&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śin the day when GOD WILL JUDGE the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.â&#x20AC;? 3DXO VWDWHG LQ $FWV â&#x20AC;&#x153;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&#x20AC;? 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;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&#x20AC;? $OO RI WKH DERYH VHUYHV WR H[SODLQ ZK\ 3DXO VDLG ZKDW KH GLG LQ &RULQWKLDQV â&#x20AC;&#x153;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&#x20AC;?

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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;we must all appearâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? +HEUHZV WHOOV XV â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.â&#x20AC;?

$ORQJ ZLWK QXPHURXV RWKHU UHIHUHQFHV &RULQWKLDQV DOVR WHDFKHV WKDW WKH EDVLV IRU RXU MXGJPHQW ZLOO EH â&#x20AC;&#x153;the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.â&#x20AC;? 3DXO DOVR ZDUQHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;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&#x20AC;? *DODWLDQV :H UHDG LQ 5RPDQV WKDW HDFK RQH ZLOO EH MXGJHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;according to his deeds.â&#x20AC;?

,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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;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&#x20AC;?

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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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations.â&#x20AC;? :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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;repent for the kingdom of heaven is at handâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ -H VXV HPSKDVL]HG WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI HYHU\ SHUVRQ UHSHQWLQJ ZKHQ KH VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;I tell you

Is Pride Preventing You From Repenting?

-HUU\ %DWHV no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perishâ&#x20AC;? /XNH ,Q RWKHU ZRUGV &KULVW SODFHG D FKRLFH EHIRUH WKH SHRSOH UHSHQW RU SHULVK 7KH DSRVWOHV DOVR SUHDFKHG UHSHQWDQFH )RU LQVWDQFH 3HWHU ZURWH â&#x20AC;&#x153;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&#x20AC;? 3HWHU

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Evidences *RG ,V *DU\ & +DPSWRQ $IWHU 7KHLU .LQG 'DYLG (YHUVRQ

The Word Of God 3UHDFKLQJ WKH *RVSHO ( &ODXGH *DUGQHU -HVXV¶ %LEOH -RKQ *LSVRQ 0DQ 0LVVLQJ WKH 0DUN 6DPXHO 2 <RXQJ

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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 â&#x20AC;¦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

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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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;A friend loves at all timesâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? 3URYHUEV D $ IULHQG LV RQH ZKR NQRZV DOO DERXW \RX DQG ORYHV \RX MXVW WKH VDPH +H VWLFNV E\ \RX â&#x20AC;&#x153;A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brotherâ&#x20AC;? 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Faithful are the wounds of a friendâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friend springs from his earnest counselâ&#x20AC;?

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+H EULQJV RXW WKH EHVW LQ \RX â&#x20AC;&#x153;As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friendâ&#x20AC;? 3URYHUEV FI 6DPXHO

+H LV WKHUH ZKHQ \RX QHHG KLP â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do not forsake your own friendâ&#x20AC;Śfor better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far awayâ&#x20AC;? 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life for his friends. You are my friendsâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ D FI 5RPDQV

+H VWLFNV E\ \RX â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;ŚI will never leave you nor forsake youâ&#x20AC;? +HEUHZV E FI /XNH

+H WHOOV \RX ZKDW \RX QHHG WR KHDU â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;ŚI have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to youâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ E FI -RKQ 3HWHU 7LPRWK\ ([RGXV

+H KHOSV \RX E\ RIIHULQJ +LV LQVLJKW â&#x20AC;&#x153;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&#x20AC;? -DPHV

+H EULQJV RXW WKH EHVW LQ \RX â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can do all things through Christ who strengthens meâ&#x20AC;? 3KLOLSSLDQV FI -RKQ

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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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SUHDFKHG “the word” $FWV E LQ 6DPDULD 3KLOLS “preached Christ” $FWV F LQ $FWV LW LV VDLG WKDW WKH GLVFLSOHV “preached the gospel” G 3KLOLS SUHDFKHG “things concerning the kingdom” $FWV DQG H “the name of Jesus Christ” $FWV ,Q WKLV RQH FKDSWHU WKHVH ILYH H[SUHVVLRQV FRQQRWH WKH FRQWHQW RI WKH SURFODPD WLRQ :H REVHUYH WKDW WR SUHDFK &KULVW LV WKH VDPH DV SUHDFKLQJ WKH :RUG RI WKH NLQJGRP RU FKXUFK

The Word Of God 8QLQIRUPHG PHQ DVN XV WR SUHDFK -HVXV DQG ³OHDYH 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 ³But 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

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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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;spare notâ&#x20AC;? 7UDQVJUHVVLRQ PXVW EH UHEXNHG +H ZDV LQVWUXFWHG WR FU\ DORXG â&#x20AC;&#x153;like a trumpetâ&#x20AC;? 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 ³Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?´ *DODWLDQV

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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\

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The Word Of God

Man Missing the Mark 6DPXHO 2 <RXQJ ,Q 3URYHUEV WKH %LEOH SODLQO\ VWDWHV WKDW â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a way which seemeth right unto man but the end thereof are ways of death.â&#x20AC;? *RG KDV H[SOLFLWO\ FRQYH\HG WKH LGHD LQ +LV SUHFHSWV WR PDQ QRW WR WUDQVJUHVV +LV WUXWK RU PDNH +LV FRPPDQG ZLWKRXW HIIHFW 0DUN

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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

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*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 *DODWLDQV &RORVVLDQV 5RPDQV IRU &KULVW WR DGG \RX WR WKH &KXUFK $FWV

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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

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Salvation

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5DLVHG :LWK &KULVW WKH (OHFW RI *RG :D\QH %DUULHU $ VLPSOH VXPPDU\ RI VHYHUDO HVVHQWLDO DQG SUDFWLFDO FKDUDFWHULVWLFV RI RQH ZKR LV UDLVHG ZLWK &KULVW DQG LV DPRQJ WKH HOHFW RI *RG LV SURYLGHG LQ &RORVVLDQV 7KLV SDVVDJH UHDGV If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

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Why Do People Live as If They Will Live Forever

Knowing They Will Not? 5RJHU /HRQDUG ,Q -DPHV , EHOLHYH ZH ILQG D SDUWLDO DQVZHU WR RXU TXHVWLRQ Come now, you who say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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. Instead you ought to say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.â&#x20AC;? But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

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Prepare to Meet God — Now! 7LP &KLOGV 5HOLJLRXV WHDFKHUV KDYH FRPH DQG JRQH EXW KDQGV GRZQ -HVXV LV WKH JUHDWHVW WHDFKHU HYHU WR ZDON XSRQ WKH IDFH RI WKH HDUWK 8QOLNH WKH VFULEHV RI +LV GD\ -HVXV VSRNH ZLWK WKH KLJKHVW DXWKRULW\ EHFDXVH +LV PHVVDJH ZDV GLUHFWO\ IURP WKH )DWKHU -RKQ 1R GLYLQH VSRNHVPDQ HYHU VSRNH ZLWK KLJKHU DXWKRULW\ WKDQ *RG¶V 6RQ :KHQ WKH -XGJPHQW 'D\ FRPHV DQG LW VKDOO HYHU\ DFFRXQWDEOH SHUVRQ ZLOO EH MXGJHG -HVXV VDLG “He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” -RKQ FI YV

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Salvation

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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"

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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

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;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 lifeâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ

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Marks of a Growing Church ,DQ 0F3KHUVRQ 2Q WKH 'D\ RI 3HQWHFRVW LQ $FWV ZKHQ WKH FKXUFK EHJDQ ZH VHH DERXW WKUHH WKRXVDQG SHRSOH EHLQJ EDSWL]HG DQG DGGHG E\ WKH /RUG WR WKH FKXUFK )URP WKDW GD\ IRUZDUG ZH VHH UHPDUNDEOH JURZWK WDNLQJ SODFH 7ZR FKDSWHUV ODWHU ZH UHDG KRZ LW JUHZ WR DERXW ILYH WKRXVDQG PHQ $FWV 2Q IRXU GLIIHUHQW RFFDVLRQV DIWHU WKLV ZH VHH WKDW WKH FKXUFK DW -HUXVDOHP PXOWLSOLHG $FWV

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The Church )($5)8/ â&#x20AC;&#x153;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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;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&#x20AC;? +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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade menâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? &RULQWKLDQV &KXUFKHV ZLOO RQO\ JURZ ZKHQ PHPEHUV KDYH D KHDOWK\ IHDU RI *RG &$5,1* â&#x20AC;&#x153;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 needâ&#x20AC;&#x153; $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&#x20AC;? $FWV 'DYLG VDLG ORQJ DJR â&#x20AC;&#x153;Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unityÂł 3VDOP 7KHUH LV QRWKLQJ WKDW VWLIOHV FKXUFK JURZWK PRUH TXLFNO\ WKDQ GLVXQLW\ ,1)/8(17,$/ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Praising God, and having favour with all the peopleâ&#x20AC;? $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,& â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be savedâ&#x20AC;? $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

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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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in 'HPDU unity!â&#x20AC;? ,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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;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&#x20AC;? (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\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;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&#x20AC;? $FWV 7KH UHVXOW RI WKH SHDFH WKDW SUHYDLOHG ZDV WKDW WKH FKXUFK ZDV ÂłHGLILHG´ DQG ÂłPXOWLSOLHG ´ ,Q $FWV ZH UHDG â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul.â&#x20AC;? ,Q RUGHU WR KDYH VXFK WRGD\ ZH PXVW â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śfollow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one anotherâ&#x20AC;? 5RPDQV

2QH ZKR â&#x20AC;&#x153;soweth discord among brethrenâ&#x20AC;? FUHDWHV WKH VRLO WKDW SURGXFHV GLYLVLRQ IURP ZKHQFH VSULQJV LQILGHOLW\ DQG XQEHOLHI LQ WKH ZRUOG 'LYLVLRQ LV FDUQDO &RULQWKLDQV 'LYLVLRQ LV D ZRUN RI WKH IOHVK *DODWLDQV

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The Church

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The Church ,Q WKH VSLULWXDO UHDOP RI WKLQJV WKH FKXUFK QRW WKH EXLOGLQJ VKRXOG EH LQ WKH EX\LQJ REWDLQLQJ EXW QRW LQ WKH VHOOLQJ GLVFDUGLQJ EXVLQHVV UHJDUGLQJ RQH FRPPRGLW\ DQG WKDW LV ÂľWUXWKÂś ,Q 3URYHUEV ZH UHDG WKH IROORZLQJ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.â&#x20AC;? :KDW LV WKH â&#x20AC;&#x153;truthâ&#x20AC;? WKDW ZH DUH WR SXUFKDVH" -HVXV DQVZHUV WKDW TXHVWLRQ LQ +LV SUD\HU DV UHFRUGHG LQ -RKQ ZKHQ +H ZDV SUD\LQJ WR +LV )DWKHU â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sanctify them by your truth, Your word is truth.â&#x20AC;? -HVXV &KULVW LV WKH YHU\ HVVHQFH RI WUXWK EHFDXVH +H LV WKH (WHUQDO :RUG -RKQ 7KH /RUG WDXJKW LQ -RKQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;ŚIf you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.â&#x20AC;? $QG LQ YHUVH -HVXV VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.â&#x20AC;? ,Q -RKQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jesus said to him, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

7R EHOLHYH LQ DQG DFFHSW -HVXV DV WKH 6RQ RI *RG LV DOVR WR DFFHSW +LV :RUG DV 7UXWK 7KH\ DUH LQVHSDUDEOH 7KH +HEUHZV ZULWHU GHFODUHV WKDW *RG SUHVHQWO\ VSHDNV WR XV â&#x20AC;&#x153;by His Sonâ&#x20AC;?

-HVXV &KULVW LQIRUPHG +LV DSRVWOHV WKDW ZKHQ +H OHIW WKHP WR UHWXUQ WR +LV )DWKHU WKH +RO\ 6SLULW ZRXOG JXLGH WKHP LQWR â&#x20AC;&#x153;all truthâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ 7RGD\ ZH KDYH â&#x20AC;&#x153;the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints,â&#x20AC;? WKDW LV WKH LQVSLUHG :RUG RI *RG -XGH 7LPRWK\ 2XU VHQWLPHQW VKRXOG EH WKH VDPH DV WKH DSRVWOH -RKQ ZKR ZURWH â&#x20AC;&#x153;For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truthâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ

+RZ VDG WR UHDOL]H DQG WR NQRZ WKDW HYHQ DPRQJ WKH ERG\ RI &KULVW VRPH DUH IXOILOOLQJ WKH ZRUGV RI 3DXO DV IRXQG LQ 7LPRWK\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but according to their own desires, because they had itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.â&#x20AC;?

7KDW LV WKH YHU\ UHDVRQ ZK\ ZH VKRXOG FRQWLQXH WR â&#x20AC;&#x153;Preach the word!â&#x20AC;? 7KH DSRVWOH 3HWHU VWDWHG WKDW WKH WUXWK VKRXOG DOZD\V EH WDXJKW â&#x20AC;&#x153;For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding youâ&#x20AC;? 3HWHU :H VKRXOG DOO EH VHHNHUV RI 7UXWK DQG REWDLQ LW DW DQ\ FRVW EXW ZH VKRXOG QHYHU ÂłVHOO´ LW LQ WKH VHQVH RI UHMHFWLQJ RU GLVREH\LQJ LW

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The Church

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Ezekiel 8:15-18; 14:21; 22:30 ,I *RG ZHUH VSHDNLQJ GLUHFWO\ WRGD\ DV +H ORRNV DW WKH GLJUHVVLRQ RI RXU VHFXODU JRYHUQPHQW DQG DV +H ORRNV DW WKH DSDWK\ DQG VSLUDOOLQJ DSRVWDV\ LQ WKH FKXUFK ZRXOG +H QRW VD\ DJDLQ ³2 VRQ RI PDQ KDYH \RX VHHQ WKLV"´ 3RZHU ZHDOWK SRVVHV VLRQV HQWHUWDLQPHQW LPPRUDO EHKDYLRU DQG FRXQWOHVV RWKHU HYLOV UHLJQ LQ WKH ZRUOG ,Q WKH FKXUFK VRPH DUH KROGLQJ WR WKH WUXWK VRPH DUH FRPSURPLVLQJ DQG WKH PDMRULW\ FRXQW WKHPVHOYHV DV ³IDLWKIXO´ LI WKH\ RQO\ DWWHQG ZRUVKLS HDFK ZHHN Have we forgotten that our purpose in the world is to carry the Gospel to every soul? :H FDQ OHDUQ IURP *RG¶V FRUUHFWLYH PHDVXUHV LQ WKH SDVW :LOO LW EH QHFHVVDU\ IRU +LP WR EULQJ WKH WKUHDW RI GHDWK LQ RUGHU WR ZDNH XV XS"

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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to face Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrath?

Doctrine To Live By

The Value of Truth &KDUOHV ( %XUFK

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Christianity In Action

The Heart of a Soul-Winner 5DQGDOO &DVHOPDQ 0RVW RI XV KDYH EHHQ WDXJKW D KHUPHQHXWLF ZKLFK VD\V WKDW ZH SUDFWLFH UHOLJLRXV FRQFHSWV EHFDXVH RI GLUHFW FRPPDQG 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW H[DPSOH DQG QHFHVVDU\ LQIHUHQFH ,I WKLV LV D FRUUHFW KHUPHQHXWLF WKHQ HDFK &KULVWLDQ PXVW EHFRPH HYDQJHOLVWLF KDYH D VRXO FRQVFLRXVQHVV :H DUH WR EH VRZHUV RI WKH 6HHG WHDFKHUV RI WKH :RUG SURFODLPHUV RI *RG¶V *RRG 1HZV«6RXO :LQQHUV , DP FRQYLQFHG WKDW VRXO ZLQQLQJ HYDQJHOLVP LQ RXU FKXUFKHV LV D SULRULW\ WR WKH H[WHQW WKDW ZH FDUH 8QWLO ZH KDYH D GHHS SHUVRQDO FRQFHUQ IRU WKH ORVW ZH ZLOO PDNH OLWWOH HIIRUW WR VHUYH WKHP ZLQ WKHP RU NHHS WKHP 7RR PDQ\ RI XV DUH QRW VRXO ZLQQHUV VLPSO\ EHFDXVH ZH DUH VHOILVK :H VSHQG VR PXFK WLPH HQHUJ\ DQG HIIRUW RQ VHOI WKDW ZH KDYH OLWWOH RI OLIH OHIW IRU FRPPXQLFDWLQJ -HVXV WR RWKHUV 3DXO ZDV VRXO FRQVFLRXV /HW¶V ORRN LQWR KLV KHDUW DQG VHH ZKDW ZH FDQ OHDUQ IURP KLV ILUVW OHWWHU WR WKH 7KHVVDORQLDQV LQ FKDSWHUV WZR DQG WKUHH )LUVW D VRXO ZLQQHU PXVW KDYH D IDWKHU¶V KHDUW -XVW KRZ PXFK GR ZH FDUH" “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God who calls you into His kingdom and glory” 7KHVVDORQLDQV &KXUFK LI ZH ORYHG WKH ORVW ZLWK WKH ORYH RI D IDWKHU ZH ZRXOG EH DQ HYDQJHOLVWLF IHOORZVKLS ZRXOGQ¶W ZH" $ IDWKHU¶V ORYH QHYHU VWRSV 3DXO VSRNH RI WKRVH KH OHG WR &KULVW DV KLV FKLOGUHQ VRQV LQ WKH *RVSHO +H IHOW DQ RQJRLQJ UHVSRQVLELOLW\ WR NHHS WKHP LQ &KULVW IDLWKIXO WR WKH :RUG 6RPH LQ WKH FKXUFK REMHFW WR WKH SKUDVH ³VRXO ZLQQHU ´ 7KH\ VD\ LW LQGLFDWHV WKDW ZH GLG WKH ZLQQLQJ 1R 1R *RG JLYHV WKH LQFUHDVH WKURXJK WKH :RUG :H KDYH WKUHH FKLOGUHQ EXW LW ZDV QRW 5DQGDOO DQG *HRUJLD ZKR JDYH WKHP OLIH ,W ZDV *RG 2WKHUV GRQ¶W OLNH WKH ZRUGV ³VRXO ZLQQHU´ EHFDXVH WKH\ VD\ LI \RX FDQ ZLQ D VRXO \RX FDQ ORVH RQH 7KLV LV FRUUHFW &KXUFK ZH QHHG WR IHHO WKH UHVSRQVLELOLW\ IRU VRXOV NHSW DV ZHOO DV VRXOV VDYHG , ZRQGHU KRZ PDQ\ , KDYH DOORZHG WR VOLS RXW RI WKH NLQJGRP EHFDXVH RI P\ ODFN RI IDWKHUO\ ORYH FDUH FRQFHUQ WHDFKLQJ DQG GLVFLSOLQH 6RXO ZLQQHUV FRPH ZLWK D IDWKHU¶V ORYH 6RXO ZLQQHUV KDYH D IDWKHU¶V KHDUW

Christianity In Action $ VRXO ZLQQHU KDV DQ HQODUJHG KHDUW $ VRXO ZLQQHU JLYHV KLV EHVW VSDULQJ QR H[SHQVH %HFRPLQJ VRXO FRQVFLRXV ZLOO FRVW XV â&#x20AC;&#x153;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 Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fellow worker in spreading the Gospel, to strengthen and encourage you in your faithâ&#x20AC;? 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;to be left by ourselves in Athens.â&#x20AC;? 7KH *UHHN ZRUG WUDQV ODWHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;to be leftâ&#x20AC;? 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;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&#x20AC;? 7KHVVDORQLDQV

,W WDNHV IDLWK DQG XQGHUVWDQGLQJ WR NQRZ WKDW WULDOV ZLOO FRPH DQG \HW VWLOO QRW OHW WKH WURXEOHV RI OLIH EORZ \RX DZD\ 6RXO ZLQQHUV QHHG WR WHOO FRQYHUWV WKDW *RG QHYHU SURPLVHG WR UHPRYH WURXEOHV DQG SUREOHPV IURP RXU OLIH EXW +H GRHV SURPLVH WR JLYH XV VWUHQJWK WR RYHUFRPH :H DUH IDPLO\ :H QHHG WR VKDUH RXU IDLWK )DLWK LV FRQWDJLRXV )DLWK LV ZKDW FDXVHV XV WR EH HYDQJHOLVWLF LQ WKH ILUVW SODFH 6KDUH \RXU IDLWK $ VRXO ZLQQHU KDV D KHDUW RI IDLWK $ VRXO ZLQQHU KDV D KHDUW RI MR\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;How can we thank God enough for you, all the joy we have in the presence of God because of youâ&#x20AC;? 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\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rejoice and I say again, rejoice. Put a smile on your faceâ&#x20AC;Ś A song in your heartâ&#x20AC;? 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;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&#x20AC;? 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, â&#x20AC;&#x153;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 earthâ&#x20AC;?

(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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go into all the world and preach the Gospel....â&#x20AC;? $UH ZH EHLQJ WKDW OLJKW WR WKH *HQWLOHV "

worship

The Call of Isaiah and Worship &HFLO 0D\ -U ,Q WKH \HDU WKDW .LQJ 8]]LDK GLHG DERXW % & ,VDLDK UHFHLYHG D FDOO IURP *RG WR EH D SURSKHW DQ LQVSLUHG VSRNHVPDQ IRU *RG WR WKH SHRSOH RI ,VUDHO +H VDZ D YLVLRQ RI WKH /RUG VLWWLQJ RQ +LV WKURQH VXUURXQGHG E\ VHUDSKLP SURFODLPLQJ *RGÂśV KROLQHVV DQG JORU\ &RQIURQWHG E\ VXFK SRZHU DQG PDMHVW\ ,VDLDK FULHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!â&#x20AC;? ,VDLDK

6HHLQJ WKH /RUG FKDQJHG ,VDLDKÂśV OLIH )DFHG ZLWK WKH KROLQHVV RI *RG KH ZDV PDGH WR UHDOL]H ERWK KLV RZQ VLQIXOQHVV DQG XQZRUWKLQHVV â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips´ DQG DOVR WR VHH WKH SOLJKW RI KLV QDWLRQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lipsâ&#x20AC;? *RGÂśV SHRSOH KDYH WKH VDPH SUREOHP DV ,VDLDK EXW KH UHDOL]HV LW DQG WKH\ GR QRW +H LV TXDOLILHG WR GHDO ZLWK WKHLU VLQV EHFDXVH KH KDV UHFRJQL]HG WKH QHFHVVLW\ RI GHDOLQJ ZLWK KLV RZQ $QG WKDW LQ WXUQ LV EHFDXVH â&#x20AC;&#x153;my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!â&#x20AC;?

'DYLG PDGH DZDUH HDUOLHU RI WKH JUDYLW\ RI KLV VLQV ZKHQ FRQIURQWHG E\ 1DWKDQ WKH SURSKHW SOHG ZLWK *RG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!...Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.â&#x20AC;? +DYLQJ DFNQRZOHGJHG KLV VLQ KH FDQ QRZ SURPLVH â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to youâ&#x20AC;? 3VDOP

,VDLDK VD\V â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned forâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? ,VDLDK )LUH IURP WKH DOWDU UHVXOWHG LQ FOHDQVLQJ IRUJLYHQHVV DWRQHPHQW 7KHQ ,VDLDK KHDUG WKH YRLFH RI WKH /RUG VD\LQJ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?â&#x20AC;? ,VDLDK UHVSRQGHG LQ IDLWK â&#x20AC;&#x153;Here am I! Send me.â&#x20AC;? +H LV QRZ UHDG\ WR DFFHSW *RGÂśV FRPPLVVLRQ WR JR WR *RGÂśV SHRSOH ZLWK *RGÂśV PHVVDJH +H

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Wrong Reasons for Following Christ %LOO %HFNHU 'RHV LW VHHP XQOLNHO\ WKHUH FRXOG EH D ZURQJ UHDVRQ WR IROORZ &KULVW" :RXOGQ¶W IROORZLQJ &KULVW IRU DQ\ UHD VRQ EH D JRRG WKLQJ" 1RW QHF HVVDULO\ 7KH GD\ DIWHU -HVXV IHG D FURZG RI ILYH WKRXVDQG ZLWK ILYH ORDYHV DQG WZR ILVKHV +H ZHQW WR &DSHUQDXP :KHQ VRPH RI WKH FURZG IURP WKH GD\ EHIRUH DVNHG ZK\ +H KDG FRPH WKHUH -HVXV VDLG “… you seek Me, not because you saw the signs but because you ate of the loaves and were filled” -RKQ :H FDQ WUXVW WKDW -HVXV ZDV FRUUHFW LQ +LV VWDWHPHQW 7KH\ ZHUH IROORZLQJ +LP EHFDXVH +H IXOILOOHG WKHLU IOHVKO\ GHVLUH IRU IRRG /LNHZLVH WKHUH ZHUH VRPH ZKR SUHDFKHG &KULVW RXW RI D VSLULW RI HQY\ DQG VWULIH WKLQNLQJ LW ZRXOG DGG DIIOLFWLRQ WR 3DXO¶V ERQGV 3KLOLSSLDQV

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Do We Care? %LOO 'LOORQ $ JURXS RI FKLOGUHQ ZHUH FU\LQJ DW D VWUHHW FRUQHU $ PDQ FDPH E\ DQG DVNHG ZKDW ZDV WKH PDWWHU 2QH OLWWOH ODG WHDUIXOO\ UHSOLHG ³:H¶YH JRW D SDLQ LQ %LOO\¶V VWRPDFK ´ :KDW D EHDXWL IXO VWDWHPHQW RI FKLOGUHQ¶V DELOLW\ WR EH FRPSDVVLRQDWH :KHUHYHU WKHUH LV VRUURZ DQG VXIIHULQJ LQ WKH ZRUOG ZKHUHYHU WKHUH LV VSLULWXDO GDUNQHVV DQG GHVSDLU *RG¶V SHRSOH PXVW H[WHQG DUPV RI V\PSDWK\ ,W ZDV D V\PSDWKL] LQJ -HVXV ZKR EHFN RQHG “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden…and I will give you rest” 0DWWKHZ $OVR WKH /RUG VDLG “he that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” -RKQ

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The Christian Home Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the Ă&#x20AC;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&#x20AC;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

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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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mindâ&#x20AC;? 'HXWHURQRP\

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The New and Living Way & DUUOH &K HV &D &DVK VK â&#x20AC;&#x153;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 bodyâ&#x20AC;? +HEUHZV 7KH ZULWHU RI WKH ERRN RI +HEUHZV JLYHV D SDQRUDPD RI ZKDW LV DYDLODEOH WR XV DOO D â&#x20AC;&#x153;new and living way.â&#x20AC;? ,W LV DOO DERXW -HVXV LW LV DOO DERXW WKH EORRG RI -HVXV 7KH OLYLQJ ZD\ LV VXSHULRU 7KH ZULWHU KDV DOUHDG\ WKURXJK GLYLQH LQVSLUDWLRQ GRQH D PDVWHUIXO MRE RI VKRZLQJ WKH VXSHULRULW\ RI &KULVW RYHU WKH SURSKHWV +HEUHZV

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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

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No one comes to the Father except through Me” -RKQ

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Textual Studies

A Text That Meets Needs 3HWHU $UGURQ +LQWRQ &KULVWLDQV 1HHG 7R %H 5HPLQGHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beloved, I now write toâ&#x20AC;Śstir up your pure minds by way of reminderâ&#x20AC;?

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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

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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?

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Why Did Demas Forsake Paul?

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Are You “Called” of God? 'HQQLV *XOOHGJH 7KHUH ZDV D WLPH ZKHQ *RG FDOOHG PHQ DXGLEO\ DQG LQ SHUVRQ 6DPXHO +HEUHZV 6RPH SHRSOH VWLOO WKLQN WKDW WKH\ KHDU WKH /RUG¶V YRLFH FDOOLQJ WKHP *RG VWLOO VSHDNV EXW QRZ +H VSHDNV WKURXJK +LV 6RQ +HEUHZV

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How Do We Quench the Spirit?

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What Attitude Should the Christian Have toward Racism?”

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:H DUH HYHQ FRPPDQGHG WR â&#x20AC;&#x153;weep with those who weep.â&#x20AC;? 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;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&#x20AC;?

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$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)

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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....