9
9ROXPH (LJKW\ 6HYHQ
7KH
RLFH RI 7UXWK
,QWHUQDWLRQDO
God’s Awe-Inspiring World
2XU *RG FLHQWLVWV VSHDN RI VWDUV JDOD[LHV HYHQ RXU 6 VXQ DV EHLQJ VR PDQ\ ³OLJKW \HDUV´ DZD\ IURP XV WKDW LV the number of miles light travels in a second (186,000) multiplied by the number of seconds in a year of time ² PLOOLRQV DQG PLOOLRQV RI PLOHV $IWHU WUDYHOLQJ OLWHUDOO\ 10 billion light years, WKH HQRUPLW\ RI WKH 8QLYHUVH ZRXOG EH ODLG RXW DV D WDSHVWU\ EHIRUH RXU H\HV ZLWK ELOOLRQV RI JDOD[LHV PDGH XS RI KXQGUHGV RI ELOOLRQV RI VWDUV 7KH infinite VL]H RI WKH 8QLYHUVH LWV FRPSOH[LWLHV DQG HYHQ LWV VHFUHWV DUH WRR JUHDW IRU WKH PLQGV RI KXPDQV WR FRPSUHKHQG <HW WKH &UHDWRU WKH (WHUQDO %HLQJ WKH KRO\ DQG PRVW VXSUHPH 6SLULW WKH *RG ZKR IRUPHG DOO RI WKLV E\ WKH SRZHU RI +LV ZRUG KDV WDNHQ WKH WURXEOH WR UHYHDO Himself DQG His mind WR XV WKURXJK WKH ZRQGHUV RI +LV %RRN OLIH QDWXUH DQG WKH 8QLYHUVH LWVHOI 7UXO\ WKH PRUH ZH WKLQN RQ WKH JUHDWQHVV DQG WKH LQFRPSUHKHQVLEOHQHVV RI *RG WKH PRUH ZH VLQN LQWR VLOHQW DZH LQ +LV SUHVHQFH ([FHSW IRU VRPH RI XV 6RPH VSHDN RI ³WKH 2OG 0DQ LQ WKH VN\´ 2WKHUV GHPDQG ³+($/ -HVXV ´ 2WKHUV PDNH HQGOHVV MRNHV DERXW *RG DQG WKHQ ODXJK DW WKH ULGLFXOH WKH\ KDYH KHDSHG RQ WKLV KRO\ (QWLW\ RI OLPLWOHVV SRZHU 7RGD\ , VDZ D ERRN ZLWK WKH VODS LQ WKH IDFH WLWOH ³6LW 'RZQ *2' ,¶P $QJU\´ -XVW ZKR GR ZH KXPDQV WKLQN ZH DUH"
² %%&
7KH SODFH LQ WKH 6FULSWXUH ZKLFK KH UHDG ZDV WKLV ³+H ZDV OHG DV D VKHHS WR WKH VODXJKWHU $QG DV D ODPE EH IRUH LWV VKHDUHU LV VLOHQW 6R +H RSHQHG QRW +LV PRXWK ,Q +LV KXPLOLDWLRQ +LV MXVWLFH ZDV WDNHQ DZD\ $QG ZKR ZLOO GHFODUH +LV JHQHUDWLRQ" )RU +LV OLIH LV WDNHQ IURP WKH HDUWK ´ 6R WKH HXQXFK DQVZHUHG 3KLOLS DQG VDLG ³, DVN \RX RI ZKRP GRHV WKH SURSKHW VD\ WKLV RI KLPVHOI RU RI VRPH RWKHU PDQ"´ 7KHQ 3KLOLS RSHQHG KLV PRXWK DQG EHJLQQLQJ DW WKLV 6FULSWXUH SUHDFKHG -HVXV WR KLP 1RZ DV WKH\ ZHQW GRZQ WKH URDG >LQ WKH GHVHUW @ WKH\ FDPH WR VRPH ZDWHU $QG WKH HXQXFK VDLG ³6HH KHUH LV ZDWHU :KDW KLQGHUV PH IURP EHLQJ EDSWL]HG"´ >,VQ¶W LW REYLRXV WKDW ZKHQ 3KLOLS ³SUHDFKHG -HVXV´ WR KLP KH H[SODLQHG WKH QHFHVVLW\ RI EHLQJ EXULHG ZLWK &KULVW LQ EDSWLVP IRU WKH IRUJLYHQHVV RI KLV VLQV" 2WKHUZLVH ZK\ WKLV TXHVWLRQ"@@ 7KHQ 3KLOLS VDLG ³,I \RX EHOLHYH ZLWK DOO \RXU KHDUW \RX PD\ ´ $QG KH DQVZHUHG DQG VDLG ³, EHOLHYH WKDW -HVXV &KULVW LV WKH 6RQ RI *RG ´ 6R KH FRPPDQGHG WKH FKDULRW WR VWDQG VWLOO $QG ERWK 3KLOLS DQG WKH HXQXFK ZHQW GRZQ LQWR WKH ZDWHU DQG KH EDSWL]HG KLP 1RZ ZKHQ WKH\ FDPH XS RXW RI WKH ZDWHU WKH 6SLULW RI WKH /RUG FDXJKW 3KLOLS DZD\ VR WKDW WKH HXQXFK VDZ KLP QR PRUH DQG KH ZHQW RQ KLV ZD\ UHMRLFLQJ
7KH FRQYHUVLRQ RI WKH (WKLRSLDQ PDQ
7+( 7+( FKXUFK LV WKH )$0,/< )$0,/< WKH %5,'( %5,'( RI &KULVW ZKR ZHDUV +,6 1$0(
7+( NLQJGRP 7+( LV 7+( FKXUFK 7+( ZKLFK LV +LV 21( 21( ERG\ RYHU ZKLFK +H LV 7+( 21( 7+( 21( +HDG
,V WKH FKXUFK RI ZKLFK \RX DUH D PHPEHU FDOOHG E\ WKH QDPH RI &KULVW" WKH QDPH RI &KULVW"
³ ³³ , ERZ P\ NQHHV WR WKH )DWKHU RI RXU /RUG -HVXV &KULVW IURP ZKRP WKH ZKROH IDPLO\ LQ KHDYHQ DQG & &K U HHDUWK LV QDPHG ´ (SKHVLDQV HD UW
³³$QG +H LV WKH KHDG RI WKH ERG\ WKH FKXUFK ZKR LV ³$ $Q UVWERUQ IURP WKH GHDG WKDW LQ DOO WWKH EHJLQQLQJ WKH ¿ WK KH H WWKLQJV +H PD\ KDYH WKH SUHHPLQHQFH´ &RORVVLDQV WK KLQ
³³ $QG +H SXW DOO WKLQJV XQGHU +LV IHHW DQG JDYH +LP ³ $ WWR EH KHDG RYHU DOO WKLQJV WR WKH FKXUFK ZKLFK LV +LV WR RE EERG\ ´ (SKHVLDQV ER RG
³³ E\ RQH 6SLULW ZH ZHUH DOO EDSWL]HG LQWR RQH ERG\´ ³ &RULQWKLDQV & &R RUL
³ RQ WKLV URFN , ZLOO EXLOG 0\ FKXUFK DQG WKH JDWHV RI +DGHV VKDOO QRW SUHYDLO DJDLQVW LW $QG , ZLOO JJLYH \RX WKH NH\V RI WKH NLQJGRP RI KHDYHQ ´ 0DW WWKHZ WK KHZ H
³ XQOHVV RQH LV ERUQ RI ZDWHU DQG WKH 6SLULW KH FDQ QRW HQWHU WKH NLQJGRP RI *RG´ -RKQ
:KDW ,V WKH .LQJGRP LQWR :KLFK 3HRSOH $UH ERUQ" : KDW ,,V W
The V Vo o ice i c e of Truth Tru th I nternatio nte rnat ional nal
Staff:
Byron Nichols Jerry Bates Louis Rushmore Layout: Betty Burton Choate 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
Nepali Edition:
Nepal Center for Biblical Studyl
Paite Edition:
Managing Editor, Thang Lien
Marathi Edition:
Managing Edior, Amul Bansod
3OHDVH VHQG DUWLFOHV IRU SXEOLFDWLRQ DQG FKDQJHV RI DGGUHVV WR %\URQ 1LFKROV LQ 6SULQJ¿ HOG ZLWK ERWK ROG DQG QHZ DGGUHVV HV VR WKDW RXU UHFRUGV FDQ EH FRUUHFWHG
&RVW IRU VLQJOH LVVXHV IRU IRXU LVVXHV IRU HLJKW LV VXHV 3OHDVH PDNH FKHFNV SD\DEOH WR :RUOG (YDQJHOLVP )RXQGDWLRQ DQG PDLO WR %\URQ 1LFKROV (GLWRU 3 2 %R[ 6SULQJ¿ HOG 02 7HOHSKRQH (PDLO E\URQ QLFKROV#DWW QHW
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 Frank Chesser Betty B. 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 John Kachelman, Jr. Dayton Keesee Dalton Key Michael L. King Mack Lyon Joe Magee J. Randal Matheny Cecil May, Jr. Wes McAdams Colin McKee Hollis Miller Stan Mitchell Kevin L. Moore Owen D. Olbricht David Pharr Neal Pollard Mark Posey Rebecca Rushmore David A. Sargent David Tarbet J.J. Turner Ken Tyler Allen Webster R.H. Tex Williams
The Voice of Truth International LV SXEOLVKHG E\ FKXUFKHV RI &KULVW DV D QRQ SUR¿ W HIIRUW :ULWH WR XV DW :RUOG (YDQJHOLVP 3 2 %R[ :LQRQD 0LVVLVVLSSL :RUOG (YDQJHOLVP 3 2 %R[ :LQRQD 0LVVLVVLSSL 86$ 3KRQH (PDLO DGGUHVV &KRDWH#:RUOG(YDQJHOLVP RUJ 86$ 3KRQH (PDLO DGGUHVV &KRDWH#:RUOG(YDQJHOLVP RUJ
T he c The chu hu rches rc he s of Christ Chr ist salute salut e yo u (Romans 16:16).
E ditorial dit or ial
“The Pattern of Sound Words” %\URQ 1LFKROV 7KH ZRUG ³sound” LV JHQHUDOO\ XVHG LQ WKH %LEOH DV DQ DGMHFWLYH WR GHVFULEH VRPHWKLQJ DQG LWV W\SLFDO PHDQLQJ KDV WR GR ZLWK JRRG KHDOWK ZKHWKHU SK\VLFDO RU VSLULWXDO 7KLV LV QRW WKH W\SLFDO ZD\ WKDW ZH XVH WKH ZRUG ³sound” WRGD\ EXW LW LV FRPPRQO\ XVHG LQ WKLV PDQQHU LQ WKH /RUG¶V :RUG /HW¶V ORRN DW VRPH H[DPSOHV RI WKH XVH RI WKLV ZRUG LQ WKH 6FULSWXUHV DOVR PDNLQJ VRPH SUHVHQW GD\ DSSOLFDWLRQV WR WKH SURSHU XVH RI WKLV ZRUG ³sound” 6RPH ([DPSOHV RI WKH 8VH RI WKH :RUG ³SOUND” :RUG ³ SOUND” LQ *RG¶V :RUG LQ *RG¶V :RUG 6DIH DQG 6RXQG ,¶P FRQILGHQW WKDW PRVW RI XV KDYH XVHG WKH H[SUHVVLRQ ³VDIH DQG VRXQG´ 6RPHRQH PD\ KDYH EHHQ UHSRUWHG DV ³PLVVLQJ´ EXW IRUWXQDWHO\ WKH SHUVRQ LV ODWHU IRXQG XQKDUPHG DQG LQ VDWLVIDFWRU\ FRQGLWLRQ ,Q VXFK VLWXDWLRQV LW LV FRPPRQO\ VDLG WKDW KH VKH ZDV IRXQG ³VDIH DQG VRXQG´ 7KLV YHU\ H[SUHVVLRQ LV XVHG E\ -HVXV LQ /XNH DV +H WROG RI WKH UHWXUQ KRPH E\ WKH ZD\ZDUG VRQ 3URGLJDO 6RQ DQG WKH VRQ LV GHVFULEHG DV EHLQJ “safe and sound” 7KH LGHD EHLQJ H[SUHVVHG LV WKDW WKH VRQ DUULYHG KRPH LQ DSSDUHQWO\ JRRG FRQGLWLRQ 6RXQG :LVGRP 3URYHUEV VD\V “He stores up sound wisdom for the upright…” $OO TXRWDWLRQV DUH IURP WKH 1HZ .LQJ -DPHV 9HUVLRQ :H UHDG LQ 3URYHUEV “Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom…” 7KH DGPRQLWLRQ WR “…Keep sound wisdom and discretion” LV IRXQG LQ 3URYHUEV
6RXQG +HDUW â&#x20AC;&#x153;A sound heart is life to the bodyâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?, DFFRUGLQJ WR 3URYHUEV 7KH VHFRQG SDUW RI WKLV SURYHUE FRQWUDVWV WKDW E\ SRLQWLQJ RXW WKDW â&#x20AC;&#x153;envy is rottenness to the bonesâ&#x20AC;?. 2XU VSLULWXDO KHDUW FDQ KDYH D YHU\ GHILQLWH HIIHFW RQ RXU SK\VLFDO ERG\ 6RXQG 6SHHFK ,Q WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW 3DXO LQVWUXFWV 7LWXV WR XVH â&#x20AC;&#x153;sound speech that cannot be condemnedâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? 7LWXV -DPHV FKDSWHU WKUHH LVVXHV D VWURQJ ZDUQLQJ WKDW RXU VSHHFK ZKLFK LV VR RIWHQ QRW sound FDQ JHW XV LQWR PRUH WURXEOH WKDQ ZH FDQ VXFFHVVIXOO\ KDQGOH 6RXQG 'RFWULQH ,Q 7LPRWK\ EHJLQQLQJ LQ YHUVH 3DXO OLVWV VHYHUDO VLQV DQG LQ YHUVH KH FRQFOXGHV E\ VD\LQJ â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śand if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrineâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? ,Q KLV VHFRQG OHWWHU WR 7LPRWK\ 3DXO ZDUQV WKH \RXQJ SUHDFKHU WKDW â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śthe time will come when they will not endure sound doctrineâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? *RG PDGH XV EXW +H GRHVQÂśW GHVHUYH WKH EODPH IRU WKH FKRLFHV ZH VRPHWLPHV PDNH WKDW GHPRQVWUDWH WKH IROO\ DFFRPSDQ\LQJ RXU IDLOXUH WR HPEUDFH WKH GRFWULQH WKDW FDQ EULQJ DERXW VSLULWXDO YLJRU DQG VWUHQJWK ,W LV LPSHUDWLYH WKDW ZH UHDOL]H WKDW QRW DOO GRFWULQH LV ÂłFUHDWHG HTXDO´ 6RPH LV IDOVH DQG SURPRWHV D IDOVH VHQVH RI VSLULWXDO ILWQHVV EULQJLQJ RQ D OLNHO\ FRQWLQXLQJ VSLULWXDO GHFOLQH $V ZH VWXG\ WKH TXDOLILFDWLRQV DQG GXWLHV RI HOGHUV LQ WKH FKXUFK ZH DUH PDGH DZDUH E\ 3DXO WKDW DQ HOGHU PXVW â&#x20AC;&#x153;hold fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradictâ&#x20AC;? 7LWXV :H DUH DOO UHVSRQVLEOH IRU NQRZLQJ DQG SUDFWLFLQJ VRXQG GRFWULQH WKDW ZKLFK SURPRWHV VSLULWXDOLW\ DQG LV DEOH WR KHOS XV ZDUG RII ZRUOGOLQHVV EXW RXU VKHSKHUGV KDYH WKH DZHVRPH UHVSRQVLELOLW\ RI EHLQJ VR NQRZOHGJHDEOH WKDW WKH\ FDQ DSSURSULDWHO\ DLG XV LQ WKLV DUHD DQG DOVR GLYHUW DQG GHIHDW WKRVH ZKR PLJKW DWWHPSW WR HQWLFH DQ\ RI WKH IORFN WR VXFFXPE WR GRFWULQH WKDW ZRXOG EH GHWULPHQWDO WR VSLULWXDO ILWQHVV 3DWWHUQ RI 6RXQG :RUGV 7KHUH LV D WK XVH RI â&#x20AC;&#x153;soundâ&#x20AC;? WKDW ZH QHHG WR EH DZDUH RI â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesusâ&#x20AC;? 7LPRWK\ 3DXO ZDV WHOOLQJ 7LPRWK\ DQG XV WKDW ZH DUH WR EH FDUHIXO UHJDUGLQJ ERWK what LV VDLG DQG how LW LV VDLG ,Q $FWV 5RPDQV DQG +HEUHZV ZH UHDG RI WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI WKH â&#x20AC;&#x153;oraclesâ&#x20AC;? VD\LQJV 6FULSWXUHV RI *RG :H WKH FKXUFK DUH WR VSHDN LQ D PDQQHU WKDW LV LQ NHHSLQJ ZLWK WKH â&#x20AC;&#x153;oraclesâ&#x20AC;? RI *RGÂŤWKH :RUG RI
*RG 7KLV DOO PHDQV WKDW ZH DUH WR VSHDN VRXQG ZRUGV ZRUGV WKDW DUH LQ NHHSLQJ ZLWK *RG¶V :RUG WKH %LEOH EHFDXVH WKHVH DUH WKH ZRUGV WKDW FRQWULEXWH WR VSLULWXDO KHDOWK DQG ZHOO EHLQJ :KDW :H 6KRXOG 127 6D\ DQG :KDW :H 6+28/' 6D\ 9HU\ OLNHO\ ZH ZRXOG DOO DJUHH WKDW LW LV PXFK HDVLHU WR speak first DQG think second ,W LV VR HDV\ WR VD\ WKLQJV RU XVH H[SUHVVLRQV ZLWKRXW JLYLQJ YHU\ PXFK WKRXJKW DKHDG RI WLPH /HW PH DVN \RX WR WKLQN VHULRXVO\ ZLWK PH DERXW VRPH WKLQJV WKDW ZH VRPHWLPHV KHDU &KULVWLDQV ² PHPEHUV RI WKH FKXUFK ² VD\ WKDW DUH 127 LQ NHHSLQJ ZLWK WKH RUDFOHV RI *RG WKH LQVSLUHG :RUG RI *RG ,I ZH DUH QRW FDUHIXO ZH PD\ ILQG RXUVHOYHV XVLQJ WKH WHUP ³FKXUFK RI &KULVW´ LQ D GHQRPLQDWLRQDO ZD\ ZKLFK FDQQRW EH SOHDVLQJ WR WKH /RUG +HUH DUH VRPH WKLQJV &KULVWLDQV VRPHWLPHV VD\ WKDW QHHG VRPH FRUUHFWLRQ 'R 1RW 6D\
6XJJHVWHG $OWHUQDWLYHV
³&KXUFK RI &KULVW SUHDFKHU´
³*RVSHO SUHDFKHU´ RU ³SUHDFKHU RI WKH *RVSHO´ ³7KH *RVSHO´ RU ³1HZ 7HVWDPHQW WHDFKLQJ´ ³&RPH KHDU ZKDW WKH %LEOH WHDFKHV´
³&KXUFK RI &KULVW GRFWULQH´ ³&RPH KHDU ZKDW WKH &KXUFK RI &KULVW WHDFKHV´ ³,¶P WU\LQJ WR FRQYHUW KHU WR WKH &KXUFK RI &KULVW´ ³, DP &KXUFK RI &KULVW´ ³, DP D &KXUFK RI &KULVW´ ³, DP D &KXUFK RI &KULVWHU´ ³7KH &KXUFK RI &KULVW LV ULJKW´ ³:H DUH &KXUFK RI &KULVW SHRSOH´ ³, DP WU\LQJ WR WHDFK KLP RXU SRVLWLRQ RU GRFWULQH ´ ³7KH &KXUFK RI &KULVW WHDFKHV«´
³, DP WU\LQJ WR FRQYHUW KHU WR &KULVW´ ³, DP D &KULVWLDQ´
³7KH :RUG RI *RG LV ULJKW´ ³:H DUH &KULVWLDQV´ ³, DP WU\LQJ WR WHDFK KLP WKH :RUG RI *RG´ ³7KH %LEOH WHDFKHV«´
*RG LV SHUIHFW«*RG¶V :RUG LV SHUIHFW«&KULVW LV SHUIHFW«%87 7+( &+85&+ ,6 127 3(5)(&7 /HW¶V UHVROYH WR PDNH D GLOLJHQW HIIRUW WR ³VSHDN DV WKH %LEOH VSHDNV´ DQG WR ³FDOO %LEOH WKLQJV E\ %LEOH QDPHV´ ,Q GRLQJ VR ZH ZLOO VSHDN VRXQGO\ DQG ZH ZLOO EH “holding fast the pattern = of sound words” 7LPRWK\ =
A ssociate ss oci ate E ditorial dit or ial
The Servant Elder -HUU\ %DWHV )URP WKH YHU\ EHJLQQLQJ RI WKH FKXUFK *RG RUGDLQHG WKDW VKH EH OHG E\ HOGHUV DQG GHDFRQV 7KURXJKRXW WKH FHQWXULHV PDQ KDV SHUYHUWHG WKLV GLYLQH SODQ RI RUJDQL]DWLRQ LQWR VHYHUDO DOWHUQDWLYH V\VWHPV 1HYHUWKHOHVV WKRVH FKXUFKHV WKDW GHVLUH WR IROORZ *RG¶V SODQ FRQWLQXH WR EH OHG E\ WKH VLPSOH SODQ RI HOGHUV DQG GHDFRQV 7KH TXHVWLRQ ZH ZDQW WR FRQVLGHU LQ WKLV WUHDWLVH LV ³+RZ DUH HOGHUV WR OHDG WKH FKXUFK"´ , VXEPLW WKDW PRVW HOGHUV DUH YHU\ FRQVFLHQWLRXV DERXW WKHLU GXWLHV DQG VLQFHUHO\ GR WKHLU EHVW WR OHDG DQG RYHUVHH WKHLU UHVSHFWLYH FRQJUHJDWLRQV LQ WKH ZD\ WKDW *RG ZRXOG KDYH WKHP WR JR 2Q WKH RWKHU KDQG VRPH OHDG LQ ZURQJ ZD\V RU ZLWK ZURQJ PRWLYHV /HDGHUVKLS LV DQ DZHVRPH UHVSRQVLELOLW\ 6RPH RI WKH KDUVKHVW ZRUGV LQ WKH %LEOH DUH UHVHUYHG IRU PHQ ZKR VKRXOG KDYH EHHQ OHDGHUV EXW ZHUHQ¶W $ SLFWXUH RI WKH EDG VKHSKHUG LV SDLQWHG LQ (]HNLHO DQG ,VDLDK GHVFULEHG ,VUDHO¶V OHDGHUV DV EOLQG ZDWFKPHQ DQG GRJV ZKR GR QRW EDUN ,VDLDK &RQVLGHU WKH ZRUGV RI -HVXV LQ 0DWWKHZ WR WKH VFULEHV DQG 3KDULVHHV LQ ZKLFK ZH ILQG D VHULHV RI ZRHV 7KHVH -HZLVK OHDGHUV VKRXOG KDYH EHHQ H[DPSOHV RI ULJKWHRXVQHVV ,QVWHDG -HVXV FDOOHG WKHP K\SRFULWHV HLJKW WLPHV LQ WKDW RQH FKDSWHU &OHDUO\ WKDW LV QRW WKH PRGHO RQH VKRXOG IROORZ 6RPH VHH EXVLQHVV DV WKH PRGHO E\ ZKLFK DQ HOGHU VKRXOG OHDG (OGHUV DWWHPSW WR PDQDJH WKH FRQJUHJDWLRQ OLNH D ERDUG RI GLUHFWRUV DQG DFW DV WKH ERVVHV PDNLQJ GHFLVLRQV WKDW WKH UHVW RI WKH FRQJUHJDWLRQ PXVW
IROORZ 7KH\ KLUH YDULRXV VWDII PHPEHUV WR GR WKH ZRUN DQG LI WKH\ GR QRW SURGXFH WKH GHVLUHG UHVXOWV UHSODFHPHQWV DUH IRXQG ZKR ZLOO +RZHYHU WKH DERYH PRGHO LV QRW ELEOLFDO 7KH GRPLQDQW PHWDSKRU XVHG LQ WKH %LEOH IRU VSLULWXDO OHDGHUVKLS LV WKH VKHSKHUG DQG KLV UHODWLRQVKLS WR KLV IORFN ,W LV XVHG PRUH WKDQ WLPHV -HVXV LV WKH &KLHI 6KHSKHUG DQG WRGD\¶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³:KHQ D SHUVRQ QHHGV WR DVVHUW KLV DXWKRULW\ LW
XVXDOO\ PHDQV KH KDV YHU\ OLWWOH RI LW ´ :KHQ DQ HOGHU LV WKH ULJKW H[DPSOH RWKHUV DUH XVXDOO\ JODG WR IROORZ KLV OHDGHUVKLS 7KHLU ZRUN LV QRW PHUHO\ WHOOLQJ RWKHUV ZKDW WR GR ,QVWHDG WKH\ DUH WR VKRZ RWKHUV KRZ WR OLYH DQG ZRUN IRU *RG 7KHLU ZRUN LV RQH RI PHQWRULQJ VLPLODU WR KRZ -HVXV UHODWHG ZLWK +LV GLVFLSOHV -HVXV VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to be great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave -- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for manyâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ 0HQWRUV PRGHO WKH ZD\ WKDW RQH VKRXOG OLYH 3DXO VDLG VRPHWKLQJ YHU\ VLPLODU LQ &RULQWKLDQV ZKHQ KH ZURWH â&#x20AC;&#x153;Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.â&#x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â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śsavage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among ourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? $FWV 7KH GXW\ RI HOGHUV LV WR SURWHFW WKH IORFN IURP IDOVH WHDFKLQJ IURP ERWK ZLWKLQ DQG ZLWKRXW 7KLV UHTXLUHV D JUHDW GHDO RI FRXUDJH DV ZHOO DV NQRZOHGJH DQG ZLVGRP WR EH DEOH WR GLVWLQJXLVK IDOVH GRFWULQH IURP RSLQLRQ RU VLPSO\ D GLIIHUHQW ZD\ RI GRLQJ WKLQJV 7R SHUIRUP DOO RI WKH DERYH IXQFWLRQV LV DQ LPPHQVH MRE DQG DQ DZHVRPH UHVSRQVLELOLW\ +RZHYHU WKHUH LV QR JUHDWHU ZRUN WKDW RQH FDQ GR IRU WKH /RUG â&#x20AC;&#x153;If a man desires the position of a bishop he desires a good workâ&#x20AC;? 7LPRWK\ DQG KH LV ZRUWK\ RI JUHDW KRQRU DQG HQFRXUDJHPHQW = =
A ssociate ss oci ate E ditorial dit or ial
The Church in Prophecy /RXLV 5XVKPRUH 7KH RQO\ FKXUFK RI ZKLFK HYHU\RQH QRZ OLYLQJ GHVSHUDWHO\ QHHGV WR EH D PHPEHU LV WKH VLQJOH FKXUFK DERXW ZKLFK RQH FDQ UHDG LQ ERWK WHVWDPHQWV RI WKH %LEOH (VSHFLDOO\ LQ WKH 2OG 7HVWDPHQW WKH %LEOH VWXGHQW FDQ UHDG DERXW the church in prophecy +RZHYHU LQ WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW WKH VDPH WUXWK VHHNHU ILQGV WKH IXOILOOPHQW RI WKRVH SURSKHFLHV XSRQ WKH HVWDEOLVKPHQW RI WKH FKXUFK WKDW -HVXV &KULVW GLHG WR HVWDEOLVK DQG RYHU ZKLFK +H DORQH LV WKH +HDG 7KURXJKRXW WKH FHQWXULHV SUHFHGLQJ WKH FRPPHQFHPHQW RI &KULVWLDQLW\ WKRXJK *RGÂśV SODQ IRU PDQNLQGÂśV UHGHPSWLRQ DQG WKDW LW LQYROYHG WKH FKXUFK UHPDLQHG D FXULRXV P\VWHU\ 3HWHU <HW WKH LQWHUUHODWLRQ RI *RGÂśV VFKHPH IRU KXPDQ UHGHPSWLRQ WKH FKXUFK DQG -HVXV &KULVW LV QR ORQJHU KLGGHQ IURP HDUQHVW SXSLOV RI WKH +RO\ 6FULSWXUHV VLQFH WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW FRPSOHWHV GLYLQH UHYHODWLRQ RI WKH PLQG RI *RG WR PRUWDOV :KDW ZDV IRUPHUO\ D ÂłP\VWHU\´ LV QRZ UHFRJQL]HG DV WKH *RVSHO RI -HVXV &KULVW and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lordâ&#x20AC;? (SKHVLDQV 1.-9
,I WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW FKXUFK LV WKH UHVXOW RI 2OG 7HVWDPHQW SURSKHFLHV ZH VKRXOG H[SHFW WR ILQG FKXUFK SURSKHFLHV LQ WKH 2OG 7HVWDPHQW *RG KDG D SODQ WKDW LQYROYHG WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ ,Q IDFW WKHUH DUH VHYHUDO KXQGUHG SURSKHFLHV LQ WKH 2OG 7HVWDPHQW DERXW WKH FKXUFK DV ZHOO DV DERXW WKH 0HVVLDK 2EYLRXVO\ ZH FDQQRW RQ WKLV RFFDVLRQ YLVLW DOO RI WKHP EXW ZH GR ZDQW WR QRWLFH VRPH RI WKHP KHUHLQ ,QWHUHVWLQJO\ PDQ\ RI WKHVH SURSKHFLHV DSSHDU LQ FKDSWHU WZR RI
YDULRXV %LEOH ERRNV 3VDOP ,VDLDK 'DQLHO -RHO ² $FWV 3VDOP FHUWDLQO\ ZDV QXPEHUHG E\ GLYLQH LQVSLUDWLRQ EXW WKH EDODQFH RI WKH %LEOH ERRNV ZHUH GLYLGHG LQWR FKDSWHUV DQG YHUVHV E\ PDQ WR IDFLOLWDWH HDVLHU XVH DQG UHIHUHQFH <HW LW LV SRVVLEOH WKDW *RG DOVR LQGLUHFWO\ WKURXJK SURYLGHQFH SDUWLFLSDWHG LQ WKRVH ODWWHU FKDSWHU GHVLJQDWLRQV WRR 7KHVH &KDSWHU ¶V DQG DGGLWLRQDO FLWDWLRQV IRUWKFRPLQJ LQ WKLV DUWLFOH UHSUHVHQW VDPSOHV RI WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ ,PSRUWDQWO\ EHIRUH RQH FDQ VHH WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ LQ WKH 2OG 7HVWDPHQW D GHILQLWLRQ RI WHUPV LV QHFHVVDU\ 1DPHO\ RIWHQ WKH NLQJGRP RI SURSKHF\ DQG WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ UHIHU WR WKH VDPH GLYLQH LQVWLWXWLRQ 7KLV EHFRPHV FOHDU ZKHQ RQH UHDOL]HV WKDW -HVXV &KULVW XVHG WKH ZRUGV ³NLQJGRP´ DQG ³FKXUFK´ LQWHUFKDQJHDEO\ LQ WKH VDPH FRQYHUVDWLRQ 0DWWKHZ /LNHZLVH WKH DSRVWOHV 3DXO &RORVVLDQV DQG -RKQ 5HYHODWLRQ DOVR XVHG UHIHUHQFHV WR WKH FKXUFK DQG WR WKH NLQJGRP LQWHUFKDQJHDEO\ WR UHIHU WR WKH VDPH GLYLQH LQVWLWXWLRQ 7KH NLQJGRP RI SURSKHF\ DQG WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ UHIHU WR WKH VDPH GLYLQH RUJDQL]DWLRQ $ORQH DQG ZLWKRXW LQVSLUHG 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW FRPPHQWDU\ VRPH 2OG 7HVWDPHQW SURSKHFLHV DERXW WKH FKXUFK PD\ VHHP DPELJXRXV DQG XQFOHDU LQ WKHLU DSSOLFDWLRQ “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, You are My Son, Today I have begotten You” 3VDOPV )URP $FWV RQH VHHV WKDW WKH 3VDOP SDVVDJH UHIHUUHG WR WKH HVWDEOLVKPHQW RI WKH FKXUFK WKURXJK -HVXV &KULVW “God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You’” $FWV +HEUHZV DQG IXUWKHU YHULI\ WKH SURSKHWLF DSSOLFDWLRQ RI 3VDOP WR WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW FKXUFK ,QFLGHQWDOO\ 3VDOP LQGLFDWHV WKH ZKHUH RI WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ E\ UHIHUHQFH WR ³0\ KRO\ KLOO RI =LRQ ´ RQH RI WKH IRXU KLOOV DWRS WKH FHQWUDO PRXQWDLQ UDQJH RQ ZKLFK -HUXVDOHP ZDV EXLOW 7RJHWKHU WKH 2OG 7HVWDPHQW SDVVDJH DQG WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW FRXQWHUSDUWV DOVR LGHQWLI\ WKH :KR RI WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\²-HVXV &KULVW 2QH RI WKH PRVW GHVFULSWLYH 2OG 7HVWDPHQW SURSKHFLHV UHJDUGLQJ WKH HVWDEOLVKPHQW RI WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW FKXUFK LV ,VDLDK Now it shall come to pass in the latter days >last days .-9@ That the mountain of the Lord’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall
Àow to it. Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 7KH HWHUQDO VSLULWXDO NLQJGRP ZDV SURSKHVLHG WR EH IRXQGHG LQ WKH ³ODWWHU´ RU ³ODVW GD\V ´ 7KH SK\VLFDO PDQLIHVWDWLRQ RI WKLV NLQJGRP RU FKXUFK ZDV WR DSSHDU LQ WKH PRXQWDLQV IRUPHUO\ RFFXSLHG E\ -DFRE DQG VSHFLILFDOO\ DW =LRQ RU -HUXVDOHP +HUH ZH ILQG +HEUHZ SDUDOOHOLVP ZKHUH LQ WZR FRQVHFXWLYH SKUDVHV HPSOR\LQJ GLIIHUHQW ZRUGV WKH VDPH GHFODUDWLRQ DSSHDUV IRU WKH VDNH RI HPSKDVLV ³=LRQ´ DQG ³-HUXVDOHP´ DUH GLIIHUHQW ZD\V RI UHIHUULQJ WR WKH VDPH SLHFH RI UHDO HVWDWH DQG ³ODZ´ DQG ³ZRUG RI WKH /RUG´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¶V PLQLVWU\ WKH NLQJGRP RU FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ ZDV HVWDEOLVKHG 'DQLHO VD\V LQ SDUW ³$QG LQ WKH GD\V RI WKHVH NLQJV WKH *RG RI KHDYHQ ZLOO VHW XS D NLQJGRP ZKLFK VKDOO QHYHU EH GHVWUR\HG« DQG LW VKDOO VWDQG IRUHYHU ´ 2QFH PRUH RQH GLVFRYHUV WKH ZKHQ RI WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ -RHO ² LV D UHPDUNDEOH SDVVDJH DERXW WKH HVWDEOLVKPHQW RI WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ ZKLFK WKH DSRVWOH 3HWHU TXRWHG RQ WKH ELUWKGD\ RI WKH FKXUFK DQG DSSOLHG WR WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ $FWV 3KUDVHV RI SDUWLFXODU LPSRUWDQFH IRU WKLV VWXG\ LQFOXGH ³ZKRHYHU FDOOV RQ WKH QDPH RI WKH /RUG VKDOO EH VDYHG )RU LQ 0RXQW =LRQ DQG LQ -HUXVDOHP WKHUH VKDOO EH GHOLYHUDQFH´ DQG ³WKH 9DOOH\ RI -HKRVKDSKDW ´ +HUHLQ ZH QRWLFH WKH SXUSRVH DQG WKH ZKHUH RI WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ 3HWHU SUHIDFHG WKH TXRWDWLRQ RI -RHO E\ VD\LQJ “this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God…” 7KH NLQJGRP RU FKXUFK RI
SURSKHF\ ZDV WR EH HVWDEOLVKHG LQ ³WKH ODVW GD\V ´ DQG LW ZDV 0DQNLQG KDV EHHQ OLYLQJ LQ WKH ODVW GD\V VLQFH WKH ILUVW FHQWXU\ RI $FWV 7RJHWKHU -RHO DQG $FWV DQQRXQFH WKH ZKHQ RI WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ 7KH DSRVWOH 3HWHU HPSKDVL]HG LQ KLV UHFLWDWLRQ RI -RHO WKDW “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” $FWV 7KH *RVSHO RU WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW VSHDNV RI WZR YDULHWLHV RI VDOYDWLRQ²VDOYDWLRQ IRU WKH QRQ &KULVWLDQ DV KH RU VKH EHFRPHV D &KULVWLDQ DV ZHOO DV VDOYDWLRQ IRU WKH &KULVWLDQ LQ ZKRVH OLIH VLQ KDV HQWHUHG 6XPPDUL]HG -HVXV &KULVW +LPVHOI DQQRXQFHG WKH ZD\ LQ ZKLFK RQH FDQ KDYH VLQV IRUJLYHQ DQG EHFRPH D FKLOG RI *RG LQ WKH &KULVWLDQ $JH “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” 0DUN 6LQFH LW LV EHIRUH -HVXV &KULVW HYHU\RQH PXVW HYHQWXDOO\ DSSHDU &RULQWKLDQV LW EHKRRYHV HDFK VRXO WR RSW IRU KRZ -HVXV GHFODUHG RQH FDQ EH VDYHG UDWKHU WKDQ RSWLQJ IRU D PDQPDGH SODQ ZKLFK ZLOO PLVHUDEO\ IDLO WR GHULYH HWHUQDO GLYLQH IDYRU 0DWWKHZ 2Q WKH RWKHU KDQG &KULVWLDQV FDQ UHFHLYH UHQHZHG VDOYDWLRQ IURP VLQV E\ REVHUYLQJ ZKDW 3HWHU VWDWHG “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you” $FWV FI -RKQ 6DOYDWLRQ IRU WKH QRQ &KULVWLDQ DQG IRU WKH &KULVWLDQ FRUUHVSRQGV WR WKH SXUSRVH RI WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ $QRWKHU 2OG 7HVWDPHQW SURSKHF\ UHODWLYH WR WKH HVWDEOLVKPHQW RI WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ LV IRXQG LQ 'DQLHO :RUGV RI VSHFLDO QRWLFH DQG DSSOLFDWLRQ DUH “a kingdom…an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.” 8QOLNH HDUWKO\ NLQJGRPV WKLV VSLULWXDO NLQJGRP WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ ZLOO HQGXUH ³IRUHYHU´ 6DPXHO 7KH GXUDWLRQ RI WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ LV WDXJKW KHUH ,Q FRQFOXVLRQ WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ ZDV SODQQHG E\ *RG 7KHUH DUH KXQGUHGV RI SURSKHFLHV DERXW WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ 2IWHQ WKH ZRUGV ³NLQJGRP´ DQG ³FKXUFK´ UHIHU WR WKH VDPH GLYLQH LQVWLWXWLRQ 7KHUHIRUH -HVXV &KULVW LV WKH .LQJ RI WKH NLQJGRP DQG +H LV WKH +HDG RI WKH FKXUFK 7KH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ ZDV IRXQGHG QHDUO\ \HDUV DJR LQ WKH PRXQWDLQV RI -XGHD 7KH SXUSRVH RI WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ LV WR VDYH KXPDQ VRXOV )LQDOO\ WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ ZLOO ODVW IRUHYHU -HVXV &KULVW LV FRPLQJ EDFN WR UHWULHYH WKH FKXUFK RI SURSKHF\ -RKQ 7KHVVDORQLDQV 7KH PRVW FUXFLDO TXHVWLRQ WKDW HDFK SHUVRQ PXVW DVN KLPVHOI RU KHUVHOI LV ³+DYH , EHHQ DGGHG WR WKH FKXUFK RI = SURSKHF\ E\ -HVXV &KULVW"´ $FWV =
T ab le of Conten ts God 7R %H 3OHDVLQJ WR *RG 0DUN 3KLOOLSV *RG ,V ,Q &RQWURO 5RQDOG ' %U\DQW 7KH )XOOQHVV RI &KULVW &KDUOHV &DVK
E vi den ces Evidences 7KH 0XVFOH 6\VWHP 'DYLG (YHUVRQ ,QYLVLEOH (YLGHQFHV :H &DQQRW 'HQ\ %HWW\ %XUWRQ &KRDWH
The Word Wor d Of God $ :DON 7KURXJK WKH %LEOH 3DXO +ROODQG +RZ WKH :RUOG :LOO (QG 'DYLG $ 6DUJHQW ³«%XW (VSHFLDOO\ WKH 3DUFKPHQWV´ 'DOWRQ .H\ *RG¶V :RUG *UHJ 7LGZHOO
Sa lvation Salvation 7KH %LJJHVW 7RPEVWRQH LQ WKH &HPHWHU\ &KDUOHV %R[ 7KLQJV 7HPSRUDU\ 7KLQJV 3HUPDQHQW -RH : 1LFKROV 5LS 9DQ 3LQNLH 0LNH +LQWRQ )UHHGRP LQ &KULVW 9DQFH +XWWRQ
The Church Chu rch +RZ &DQ :H *HW %DFN WR WKH 2ULJLQDO &KXUFK" .HQ 7\OHU :KHUH :RXOG -HVXV :RUVKLS" $OOHQ :HEVWHU ³, /RYH 7K\ .LQJGRP /RUG´ -LPP\ <RXQJ :KHQ D %ULGH )RUJHWV +HU +XVEDQG *OHQQ &ROOH\
Do ct rine To Doctrine T o Live By By 2XW RI WKH 6WURQJ &DPH WKH 6ZHHW 0LFKDHO / .LQJ 3UHDFK -HVXV« .HYLQ / 0RRUH 3UHGHVWLQHG 1HDO 3ROODUG 4XLFN )L[ 5HOLJLRQ 5DQGDOO &DVHOPDQ
Chr istia ni ty In Action Christianity 2SHQ 'RRUV - & &KRDWH
Worship 6SHFLDO &RPPHPRUDWLYH :RUVKLS :RUVKLS 0XVLF 'DQ 5 2ZHQ 7LPH WR ³*R WR &KXUFK´ 6WHYH +LJJLQERWKDP 7XUQLQJ :RUVKLS LQWR 6SRUW« 3DWULFN 0RUULVRQ
Daily Christian Chr is tian Living 8QZDQWHG 2FFXSDQWV 'DQ :KHHOHU :KR $UH WKH 0HHN" *UHHO\ .LUNSDWULFN ³:KDW 'RHV ,W &RVW"´ &ODUHQFH 'H/RDFK -U $IWHU <HDUV .HLWK 3DUNHU
Prover b s 17:22 Proverbs +XPRU
The Christian Chr is ti an Home Hom e )RXQGDWLRQ )DFWV RI 0DUULDJH 'ZLJKW )XTXD $ 6XLWDEOH +HOSHU 6XVLH )UHGHULFN
Hey You Y ou Kids 6WDQGLQJ $ORQH -DVRQ =XHKONH $GYLFH IRU 1HZ &KULVWLDQV -RQDWKDQ ([XP
Textual Studies S tudies ³7KH 'XH 2UGHU´ 0D[LH % %RUHQ
Bible Characters Char acter s 1HLWKHU LQ WKH 3DVW QRU 6LQFH -RKQ *LSVRQ 'DQLHO $UGURQ +LQWRQ
Bible Questions Ques tion s :KDW 'R <RX 7KLQN RI &KULVW" &KDUOHV 5 5RVH $ 3DLU RI 4XHVWLRQV IRU &RQVLGHUDWLRQ 'HQQLV *XOOHGJH
Charts & Outlines Ou tlin es 'LVFHUQPHQW 0DUN 1 3RVH\ ³3LOJULPV RI +RSH´ %REE\ 'RFNHU\
Fea tures, Poems And Features, An d Fillers Fille rs ³7KH 3DWWHUQ RI 6RXQG :RUGV´ %\URQ 1LFKROV 7KH 6HUYDQW (OGHU -HUU\ %DWHV 7KH &KXUFK LQ 3URSKHF\ /RXLV 5XVKPRUH 9HUVH 6HDUFK -HUU\ %DWHV %LEOH )LQG /RXLV 5XVKPRUH 4XLFN &RPPHQWDU\ %HWW\ %XUWRQ &KRDWH +RZ 'R <RX 0HDVXUH 8S" %HWW\ %XUWRQ &KRDWH :H /HDYH +LV 0DUN &DWKHULQH -DQVVHQ ,V <RXU +RPH IRU 6DOH" $UOLV ' 5LFKDUGVRQ 0HGLWDWLRQ 0RPHQWV 'HO %UDQWOH\ 0LQXWH %LEOH 6WXG\ 3DXOD %DWHV 6FDYHQJHU +XQW 5HEHFFD 5XVKPRUH
G od God
To Be Pleasing to God 0DUN 3KLOOLSV 6RPHWLPHV LW LV LQWHUHVWLQJ WR WKLQN DERXW D WRSLF LQ WKH %LEOH DQG WR ORRN LQ D FRQFRUGDQFH WR ILQG DOO WKH YHUVHV WKDW FRQWDLQ WKDW ZRUG 7KLV FDQ KHOS \RX WR OHDUQ DERXW WKDW WRSLF IURP WKH IXOO VFRSH RI WKH %LEOH , ZDV WKLQNLQJ DERXW WKH WRSLF RI EHLQJ SOHDVLQJ WR *RG VR , WRRN P\ FRQFRUGDQFH DQG EHJDQ ORRNLQJ XS WKH YHUVHV WKDW ZHUH OLVWHG 1RWLFH D IHZ RI WKH SDVVDJHV WKDW WDON DERXW SOHDVLQJ *RG ,Q *DODWLDQV WKH DSRVWOH 3DXO ZULWHV â&#x20AC;&#x153;For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.â&#x20AC;? 3DXO LQ WKLV SDVVDJH ZULWHV DERXW WKH FKDOOHQJH RI HLWKHU SOHDVLQJ RWKHU SHRSOH RU EHLQJ SOHDVLQJ WR *RG :KLFK LV EHWWHU" 0DQ\ SHRSOH ZLOO DWWHPSW WR EH SOHDVLQJ WR PHQ DQG LQ WKHLU DWWHPSW WR EH SOHDVLQJ WR PHQ WKH\ ZLOO QRW EH SOHDVLQJ WR *RG 3DXO LQ GHDOLQJ ZLWK VRPH RI WKH SUREOHPV IDFHG E\ WKH FKXUFKHV LQ *DODWLD ZDQWV WKHP WR NQRZ WKDW KH LV QRW FRQFHUQHG DERXW EHLQJ SOHDVLQJ WR PDQ EXW UDWKHU 3DXOÂśV FRQFHUQ LV WR EH SOHDVLQJ WR *RG $VN \RXUVHOI Âł:KDW LV P\ SULRULW\" 'R , GHVLUH WR EH SOHDVLQJ WR PDQ RU GR , GHVLUH WR SOHDVH *RG"´ 7R WKH FKXUFK DW 7KHVVDORQLFD 3DXO ZULWHV LQ 7KHVVDORQLDQV â&#x20AC;&#x153;but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we
G od God never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed ² God is witness.â&#x20AC;? ,Q WKHVH YHUVHV 3DXO LV VSHDNLQJ RI EHLQJ HQWUXVWHG ZLWK WKH *RVSHO RI &KULVW DQG DV VXFK ZH DUH QRW WR VSHDN DV SOHDVLQJ PDQ EXW UDWKHU WR SOHDVH *RG 3DXO ZDQWV KLV UHDGHUV WR XQGHUVWDQG WKDW KH LV VSHDNLQJ WKH WUXWK RI *RG DQG DV VXFK KH LV QRW FRQFHUQHG DERXW IODWWHULQJ SHRSOH +H LV QRW FRQFHUQHG DERXW JDLQLQJ D ILQDQFLDO DGYDQWDJH EXW KLV FRQFHUQ LV WR EH SOHDVLQJ WR *RG $VN \RXUVHOI WKHVH TXHVWLRQV Âł:KDW LV P\ PDLQ FRQFHUQ" 'R , ZDQW WR EH SOHDVLQJ WR PDQ RU *RG" :KDW LV P\ PDLQ FRQFHUQ"´ $QRWKHU ZD\ LQ ZKLFK ZH DUH WR EH SOHDVLQJ *RG LV WR OLYH D PRUDOO\ SXUH OLIH 3DXO ZULWHV LQ 7KHVVDORQLDQV II â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you.â&#x20AC;? :H OLYH LQ DQ DJH RI PRUDO UHODWLYLW\ ZKHUH HDFK SHUVRQ KDV KLV RU KHU RZQ PRUDO VWDQGDUG 0DQ\ SHRSOH GR QRW EHOLHYH WKDW WKH PRUDO VWDQGDUG WKH\ OLYH E\ ZLOO KDYH DQ HIIHFW XSRQ WKHLU UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK *RG DQG XSRQ ZKHUH WKH\ ZLOO VSHQG HWHUQLW\ :H QHHG WR XQGHUVWDQG WKDW *RGÂśV :RUG GRHV QRW FKDQJH *RGÂśV VWDQGDUG GRHV QRW FKDQJH 7KLV FDQ EH LOOXVWUDWHG E\ WKH IDFW WKDW *RGÂśV 6RQ -HVXV &KULVW GRHV QRW FKDQJH 7KLV LV VHHQ LQ +HEUHZV â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.â&#x20AC;? :H QHHG WR XQGHUVWDQG WKDW MXVW DV -HVXV LV WKH VDPH \HVWHUGD\ WRGD\ DQG IRUHYHU *RGÂśV :RUG DQG *RGÂśV VWDQGDUG GR QRW FKDQJH QR PDWWHU ZKDW RXU VRFLHW\ PD\ VD\ = = 0DUN 3KLOOLSV OLYHV LQ /RYHODQG 2KLR DQG SUHDFKHV IRU WKH *URHVEHFN FKXUFK RI &KULVW LQ &LQFLQQDWL 2KLR 86$
G od God
God Is In Control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
FKRRVH ZKDW KH ZLOO GR +H LV DEOH WR FKRRVH EXW KH LV QRW VRYHUHLJQ +H FDQ DFW EXW LV QRW DEOH WR RYHU UXOH WKH FRQVHTXHQFH RI KLV DFWLRQV :KHQ PHQ UHDS WKH FRQVHTXHQFHV RI WKHLU DFWLRQV ² ZKHQ ULJKWHRXVQHVV SURGXFHV LWV EHQHILWV WKDW LV EXW DQ LOOXVWUDWLRQ RI WKH IDFW WKDW *RG LV LQ FRQWURO $V GLVFRPILWLQJ DV LW PD\ EH WR DGPLW LW LV VWLOO WUXH ZKHQ VLQ SURGXFHV LWV FRQVHTXHQFHV ² FRQVH TXHQFHV SUHGHWHUPLQHG DQG RUGHUHG E\ *RG ² WKRVH FRQVHTXHQFHV VWDWH ORXGO\ WKDW *RG LV VWLOO LQ FRQWURO “God is not mocked” OLW µRXWZLW WHG¶ µWUHDWHG ZLWK FRQWHPSW¶ Arndt & Gingrich Lexicon S 0DQ FDQ EH FRQWHPSWXRXV DQG FDQ FRQWHPS WXRXVO\ WKLQN WKDW KH KDV RXWZLWWHG *RG EXW LQ GRLQJ VR KH SXUVXHV DQ LPSRVVLEOH DJHQGD *RG LV LQ FRQWURO DQG FDQQRW EH RXWZLWWHG :KDW LV SUHVHQWO\ KDSSHQLQJ LQ RXU ZRUOG WKH GHFOLQH RI PRUDOLW\ WKH LQFUHDVH RI FULPH WKH JURZWK RI HYLO LV DOO WKH FRQVHTXHQFH RI LQ GLIIHUHQFH WRZDUG WKH JRRG DQG WKH KRO\ RI GLVUHJDUG IRU VDFUHG YRZV
G od God DQG FRYHQDQWV RI WKH DEDQGRQPHQW RI KRO\ UHODWLRQVKLSV DQG SULQFLSOHV 7R ERUURZ D ILJXUH RI VSHHFK ZH WKH SHRSOH RI WKLV DJH KDYH “sown the wind and we are reaping the whirlwind”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
WR H[SHULHQFH WKH FRQVHTXHQFHV RI XQULJKWHRXVQHVV VHHNLQJ WR GULYH XV DZD\ IURP WKDW FRXUVH +H LV LQ FRQWURO DQG LV ZLOOLQJ WR FOHDQVH DQG PDNH ZKROH DJDLQ DOO WKRVH ZKR FRPH WR +LP DEDQGRQLQJ HYLO DQG \LHOGLQJ LQ REHGLHQFH WR &KULVW +H LV LQ FRQWURO DQG ORQJV WR EHVWRZ EOHVVLQJV (SKHVLDQV II
%OHVVLQJV FRPH IURP D ORYLQJ 6RYHUHLJQ ZKR LV ZLOOLQJ DQG DEOH WR EHVWRZ EOHVVLQJ 'HVWUXFWLRQ DQG UXLQ DQG RWKHU FRQVHTXHQFHV RI HYLO FRPH QRW IURP PHUH LQH[RUDEOH ODZV 7KH\ FRPH IURP D ORYLQJ 6RYHUHLJQ ZKR ORQJV IRU XV WR EH ZLVH SHQLWHQW DQG REHGLHQW EXW +H ZLOO DOORZ XV WR NQRZ WKH ELWWHU IUXLW RI WKDW HYLO ZH KDYH ORRVHG LQ RXU OLYHV *RG LV ZLVH DQG DOO NQRZLQJ *RG LV ORYH HYHU VHHNLQJ WR WXUQ XV IURP VLQ = = 5RQDOG ' %U\DQW SUHDFKHV IRU WKH &HQ WUDO &KXUFK RI &KULVW LQ *DGVGHQ $OD
G od God
The Fullness of Christ &KDUOHV &DVK )RXQG LQ D WK FHQWXU\ FKXUFK EXLOGLQJ LQ +DPSVKLUH (QJODQG LV WKLV LQVFULSWLRQ YOU ENTER THIS CHURCH, NOT AS A STRANGER, BUT AS A GUEST OF GOD. COME, THEN, WITH JOY IN YOUR HEART AND THANKS UPON YOUR LIPS, OFFERING GOD YOUR LOVE AND SERVICE. BE GRATEFUL TO THE STRONG AND LOYAL MEN AND WOMEN AND CHILDREN WHO IN THE NAME OF GOD BUILDED THIS PLACE OF WORSHIP, AND TO ALL WHO HAVE BEAUTIFIED IT AND HALLOWED IT WITH THEIR PRAYERS AND PRAISES. MAY ALL WHO LOVE THIS HOME OF FAITH FIND THE INSPIRATION OF THIER LABOR AND REJOICE IN THE POWER AND LOVE OF GOD, THAT HIS BLESSING MAY REST ON YOU BOTH IN YOUR GOING OUT AND YOUR COMING IN. *UDQW LW WKLV LQVFULSWLRQ ZDV RULJLQDOO\ ZULWWHQ DERXW WKH FKXUFK EXLOGLQJ EXW LW ZLOO ILWWLQJO\ DSSO\ WR WKH ³DVVHPEO\´ WKH FKXUFK 7KH FKXUFK LV WKH SHRSOH EURXJKW WRJHWKHU LQ FRPPXQLW\ E\ WKHLU VXUUHQGHU FRPPLWPHQW DQG REHGLHQFH WR WKH /RUG -HVXV &KULVW ZKR HQMR\ +LV EOHVVLQJV WR WKH IXOOHVW ,Q KLV ERRN Reversed Thunder (XJHQH 3DWWHUVRQ ZURWH ³7KH OLIH RI IDLWK« LQ WKH ELEOLFDO QDUUDWLYHV LV KLJKO\ SHUVRQDO EXW QHYHU PHUHO\ LQGLYLGXDO DOZD\V WKHUH LV D IDPLO\ D WULEH D QDWLRQ« FKXUFK *RG¶V ORYH DQG VDOYDWLRQ DUH UHYHDOHG DQG H[SHULHQFHG LQ WKH FRQJUHJDWLRQ RI WKH SHRSOH ‘who know the festal shout’ 3VDOP QRW µin the garden, alone.’” ,Q NHHSLQJ ZLWK WKLV WKHPH SOHDVH QRWLFH WKHVH LQVSLUHG ZRUGV RI 3DXO “And God placed all things under His >&KULVW¶V@ feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way” (SKHVLDQV &KULVW
G od God LV QRW RQO\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;the head of the body, the churchâ&#x20AC;? &RORVVLDQV KDYLQJ DXWKRULW\ DV WKH +HDG EXW +H LV DOVR WKH â&#x20AC;&#x153;head over everything for the churchâ&#x20AC;? ,Q RWKHU ZRUGV +H LV WKH +HDG RI HYHU\WKLQJ WKDW KDV DQ\WKLQJ WR GR ZLWK WKH FKXUFK +LV SHRSOH $JDLQ WKH FKXUFK LV â&#x20AC;&#x153;the fullness of Him who fills everything in every wayâ&#x20AC;? %ULHIO\ WKLV â&#x20AC;&#x153;fullnessâ&#x20AC;? LQFOXGHV )LUVW WKH â&#x20AC;&#x153;fullnessâ&#x20AC;? LV ZKDW &KULVW UHSUHVHQWV â&#x20AC;&#x153;For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity >*RGKHDG@ lives in bodily formâ&#x20AC;? &RORVVLDQV 7KH IXOOQHVV RI DOO WKH GHVLJQV SXUSRVHV DQG JRDOV IRU PDQ ZHUH ZUDSSHG XS LQ &KULVW 2WKHQKHLPHU WKH DWRPLF VFLHQWLVW RQFH VDLG Âł:KHQ \RX KDYH DQ LGHD WR JHW DFURVV ZUDS LW XS LQ D PDQ DQG VHQG WKH PDQ ´ 7KDWÂśV H[DFWO\ ZKDW *RG GLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;according to His divine purposeâ&#x20AC;? 3KLOOLSV FDOOHG &KULVW Âł*RGÂśV FHOHVWLDO UHVFXH SDUW\ ´ 6HFRQG WKH â&#x20AC;&#x153;fullnessâ&#x20AC;? RI ZKDW *RG VXSSOLHV IRU +LV SHRSOH LV WKURXJK &KULVW â&#x20AC;&#x153;Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christâ&#x20AC;? (SKHVLDQV *RGÂśV SODQ LV â&#x20AC;&#x153;that you may be filled to all the measure of the fullness of Godâ&#x20AC;? (SKHVLDQV 7KLUG WKH â&#x20AC;&#x153;fullnessâ&#x20AC;? RI &KULVWÂśV SUHVHQFH LV LQ RXU OLYHV 2XU /RUGÂśV ELRJUDSK\ FORVHV ZLWK WKHVH ZRUGV â&#x20AC;&#x153;And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the ageâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ 7KH +HEUHZV ZULWHU DVVXUHV XV â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and foreverâ&#x20AC;? +HEUHZV %DFN XS WKUHH YHUVHV IRU *RGÂśV SURPLVH â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never will I leave you; never will I forsake youâ&#x20AC;? 9HUVH ,VQÂśW *RG JUHDW" 3DXO VXPV XS RXU OLIH LQ WKH FKXUFK WKLV ZD\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in >WKURXJK@ the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amenâ&#x20AC;? (SKHVLDQV ,Q OLYLQJ RXU OLYHV IRU *RG ZH JLYH JORU\ WR +LP WKURXJK WKH FKXUFK ZKHUH ZH HQMR\ WKH IXOOQHVV RI &KULVW = = &KDUOHV &DVK ZRUNV ZLWK WKH %HOOD 9LVWD &KXUFK RI &KULVW LQ %HOOD 9LVWD $UNDQVDV 86$
E v idences ide nc es
The Muscle System 'DYLG (YHUVRQ :LWKLQ WKH ERG\ RI PDQ DQG PRVW DQLPDOV *RG KDV FUHDWHG D JURXS RI RUJDQV WKDW FDXVHV D XQLTXHO\ DQLPDO FKDUDFWHULVWLF WKDW RI PRYHPHQW 7KH PRUH WKDQ PXVFOHV LQ RQH¶V ERG\ DOORZ DPRQJ RWKHU WKLQJV JUDFH IXO PRYHPHQWV PRYHPHQW RI IRRG DQG HYHQ FDXVH RXU SDVVDJH LQWR WKLV SK\VLFDO ZRUOG DW ELUWK /HW¶V H[DP LQH KRZ PRYHPHQW LV PDGH SRVVLEOH E\ WKH PXVFOHV RI RXU ERGLHV 7KHUH DUH WKUHH GLVWLQFW W\SHV RI PXVFOHV WKH skeletal PXVFOHV WKH cardiac PXVFOH DQG smooth PXVFOHV (DFK RI WKHVH KDV EHHQ GHVLJQHG ZLWK D YHU\ VSHFLILF W\SH RI PDNHXS WKDW DOORZV WKHP WR IXQFWLRQ LQ YHU\ GLI IHUHQW ZD\V 7KH RYHUDOO IXQFWLRQV RI WKH PXVFOH V\VWHP LQFOXGH PRYHPHQW KHDW SURGXFWLRQ VWDELOL]DWLRQ RI ERG\ SRVLWLRQ DQG SURWHFWLRQ 7KH VNHOHWDO PXVFOHV DUH DOVR FDOOHG voluntary RU striated PXVFOH 7KLV UHIHUV WR KRZ WKH\ DUH FRQWUROOHG DQG KRZ WKH\ ORRN XQGHU PLFURVFRSLF H[DPLQDWLRQ %DVLFDOO\ WKH\ DWWDFK WR ERQHV DQG FDXVH WKH VNHOHWDO V\VWHP WR PRYH 7KH\ DUH FRQWUROOHG E\ GLUHFW VLJQDOV IURP WKH EUDLQ ZKHQ ZH ZDQW WR PRYH LQ D FHUWDLQ ZD\ 7KH\ FRQWDLQ WZR YHU\ GLVWLQFW W\SHV RI SURWHLQV² RQH WKLFN DQG RQH WKLQ 7KLV DUUDQJHPHQW FDXVHV D VWULSHG DSSHDUDQFH JLYLQJ LW WKH QDPH striated PXVFOH 7KHVH PXVFOHV FDQ SURGXFH VRPH WUHPHQGRXV IRUFHV DV LQ WKH FDVH RI ³K\VWHULFDO VWUHQJWK´ ZKHUH KXPDQV KDYH GRQH VXSHUKXPDQ IHDWV 7KLV LV SUREDEO\ SRVVLEOH EHFDXVH WKH PXVFOH ILODPHQWV
E v idences ide nc es DOO IXQFWLRQ DW WKH VDPH WLPH LQVWHDG RI DOWHUQDWLQJ RQ DQG RII 7KH smooth PXVFOHV DUH DOVR FDOOHG involuntary RU visceral PXVFOHV 7KLV UHIHUV DJDLQ WR KRZ WKH\ DUH FRQWUROOHG DQG ORRN 7KHVH PXVFOHV DUH IRXQG LQ RUJDQV VXFK DV WKH GLJHVWLYH V\VWHP H\HV XULQDU\ V\VWHP DQG PDQ\ RWKHU SODFHV ZKHUH ZH KDYH PXVFOHV WKDW DUH FRQWUROOHG E\ RXU DXWRQRPLF QHUYRXV V\VWHP 7KH\ RSHUDWH DV WKH\ DUH QHHGHG DQG DUH FRQWUROOHG E\ QHUYH LPSXOVHV IURP WKH RUJDQV WR WKH EUDLQ DQG WKH\ FDQ EH WXUQHG RQ DQG RII 2XU IRRG LV PRYHG WKURXJK WKH GLJHVWLYH V\VWHP ZLWKRXW RXU WKLQNLQJ DERXW LW 7KH cardiac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³ILQH WXQHG´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³1R SDLQ QR JDLQ ´ 7KLV UHIOHFWV WKDW ZH PXVW SK\VLFDOO\ PRYH RXU PXVFOHV LQ RUGHU WR JHW VWURQJHU 2XU ERGLHV DUH LQGHHG “the temple of God” :H VKRXOG PDNH HYHU\ HIIRUW WR NHHS WKDW WHPSOH LQ WKH EHVW SK\VLFDO FRQGLWLRQ VR WKDW LW FDQ EH XVHG E\ *RG IRU VHUYLFH WR +LP = = 'DYLG (YHUVRQ LV DQ HOGHU LQ WKH FKXUFK RI &KULVW LQ %HOLQJWRQ :HVW 9LUJLQLD DQG KH KDV PDQ\ \HDUV RI HGXFDWLRQ LQ ELRORJ\
E v idences ide nc es
Invisible Evidences We Cannot Deny %HWW\ %XUWRQ &KRDWH &KULVWLDQV DUH FRQVWDQWO\ EHLQJ FKDOOHQJHG ZLWK WKH DFFXVDWLRQ ³<RX OLYH E\ D EOLQG IDLWK ´ ,V RXU IDLWK EOLQG EXLOW RQ QRWKLQJ EXW KRSH" 1R RXU HYHU\ H[SHFWDWLRQ LV EXLOW RQ *RG¶V ZRUG DQG ZH KDYH ² buried within each of us as individuals ² XQGHQLDEOH HYLGHQFH RI *RG RI RXU RZQ VRXOV DQG RI HWHUQLW\ 6RPH ZRXOG FKDOOHQJH IXUWKHU ³7KRVH DUH LQYLVLEOH WKLQJV \RX FDQ¶W SURYH 1R RQH KDV HYHU VHHQ *RG <RX FDQ¶W VHH \RXU VRXO 1R RQH FRPHV EDFN IURP WKH GHDG DV SURRI RI LPPRUWDOLW\ ´ /HW PH VKRZ \RX WKH HYLGHQFH +XPDQV KDYH OLYHG WKURXJK VL[ WKRXVDQG \HDUV RI KLVWRU\ 7KHUH DUH FRXQWOHVV HWKQLF JURXSV VFDWWHUHG DOO RYHU WKLV KXJH ZRUOG VLQFH WKH IDOO RI WKH 7RZHU RI %DEHO $PRQJ PRUH WKDQ VHYHQ ELOOLRQ SHRSOH FXUUHQWO\ OLYLQJ WKHUH DUH DOO NLQGV RI UHOLJLRXV EHOLHIV VXSHUVWLWLRQV P\WKV DQG FXOWXUHV +XPDQLW\ LV GLYHUVH DQG PHVVHG XS LQ ORWV RI ZD\V ,W¶V DQ DJH ROG VWRU\ WKDW KDVQ¶W FKDQJHG %XW WKLQN DERXW WKLV *HQHVLV GHFODUHV “In the beginning, God...” *HQHVLV VD\V “Let Us make man in our image...” 7KHVH DUH YHU\ UHYHDOLQJ VWDWHPHQWV How DUH KXPDQV SDWWHUQHG DIWHU *RG¶V OLNHQHVV" ,Q ERG\" 1R EHFDXVH *RG LV 6SLULW 7KH DFFRXQW RI FUHDWLRQ VD\V WKDW DIWHU *RG KDG IRUPHG $GDP IURP WKH GXVW RI WKH JURXQG +H “... breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” *HQHVLV 7KLV VWDWHPHQW GHFODUHV WKDW WKH SDUW WKDW JLYHV OLIH WR WKH KXPDQ ERG\ LV WKH LPPRUWDO VSLULW LQKDELWLQJ HDFK RQH RI XV +RZ GR ZH NQRZ WKH VRXO LV UHDO DQG QRW D ILJPHQW RI LPDJLQDWLRQ" /RRN DW KXPDQV WKURXJKRXW WLPH KLVWRU\ DQG WKH ZRUOG 8QLYHUVDOO\ WKHUH LV ² and always has been ² WKH H[SHFWDWLRQ WKDW WKH EXULDO RI WKH ERG\ LV QRW WKH HQG RI OLIH $UWLIDFWV EXULHG ZLWK WKH GHDG WHVWLI\ WR WKH EHOLHI WKDW WKH VRXOV OLYH RQ LQ DQ XQVHHQ SODFH z 6LQFH QRW D VLQJOH SHUVRQ KDV HYHU VHHQ D soul, FRXOG VXFK D XQLYHUVDO EHOLHI KDYH SHUVLVWHG WKURXJK WKH DJHV LI LW ZHUH QRW D IDFW WKDW *RG SODFHG LQ RXU FRQVFLRXVQHVV D FRQYLFWLRQ RI LPPRUWDOLW\" z /RRN DJDLQ DW KXPDQLW\ $OZD\V KXPDQV KDYH EHHQ ZRUVKLSIXO
E v idences ide nc es EHLQJV :KHUH WKHUH ZDV NQRZOHGJH RI WKH &UHDWRU *RG +H KDV EHHQ ZRUVKLSHG EXW ZKHQ LJQRUDQFH DQG P\WKV FURZG RXW WUXWK ³JRGV´ DUH LQYHQWHG PROGHG IURP FOD\ RU SHUKDSV FDUYHG LQ VWRQH :K\" $JDLQ QR RQH KDV HYHU VHHQ *RG VR ZK\ ZRXOG all KXPDQV IHHO FRPSHOOHG WR EHOLHYH LQ DQG ZRUVKLS D %HLQJ WKH\ KDYH QRW VHHQ" 2EYLRXVO\ WKHUH LV D JUHDW HPSW\ VSDFH LQ WKH VRXO RI HDFK LQGLYLGXDO FU\LQJ RXW WR EH ILOOHG ZLWK DFFHSWDQFH DQG DGRUDWLRQ RI LWV &UHDWRU 7KHUH LV QR RWKHU H[SODQDWLRQ IRU WKLV KLVWRULFDO DQG XQLYHUVDO FRPSXOVLRQ WR ZRUVKLS z :KDW HOVH LV FRPPRQ WR DOO KXPDQV" $ NQRZOHGJH RI ULJKW DQG z ZURQJ ,Q VSLWH RI WKH LQIOXHQFH RI HYLO WKDW VRPHWLPHV KDV WXUQHG WKLQJV XSVLGH GRZQ LW LV XQLYHUVDOO\ DFFHSWHG WKDW LW LV ZURQJ WR NLOO WR VWHDO WR OLH DQG WR OLYH LPPRUDOO\ ,W LV DOVR ODXGHG DV ³JRRG´ ZKHQ SHRSOH DUH NLQG WR RQH DQRWKHU FRPSDVVLRQDWH IRUJLYLQJ ORYLQJ VHOI VDFULILFLQJ ZLWK WKH ZHDNHU GHIHQGHG E\ WKH VWURQJ :K\ ZRXOG KXPDQV LQ JHQHUDO FULPLQDOLVH HYLO DQG SURPRWH JRRGQHVV WRZDUG HDFK RWKHU HYHQ WR WKH SRLQW RI VHOI VDFULILFH" *R EDFN WR *HQHVLV ZKHUH *RG VWDWHG WKDW WKH KXPDQV +H ZRXOG PDNH ZRXOG EH “in His image”. 7KH EOXHSULQW IRU WKH PRUDOV DQG YDOXHV RI KXPDQLW\ DUH HPEHGGHG LQ WKH KXPDQ VRXO ZULWLQJ *RG¶V VWDQGDUGV RQ HDFK RQH RI XV ,Q WKH SHUIHFWLRQ RI $GDP¶V LQLWLDO H[LVWHQFH KH KDG WKH EOHVVLQJ RI ZDONLQJ DQG WDONLQJ ZLWK *RG 7KHUH ZDV QR GHDWK QR VLFNQHVV QRWKLQJ EXW XWWHU SHUIHFWLRQ LQ KLPVHOI LQ (YH RU LQ WKH HQWLUH ZRUOG DURXQG WKHP 7KHLU HYHU\ WKRXJKW ZDV LQ KDUPRQ\ ZLWK WKH DWWLWXGHV DQG HPRWLRQV RI WKH 2QH LQ :KRVH LPDJH WKH\ KDG EHHQ IRUPHG %XW WKH FKDOOHQJH LV RIIHUHG ³,I ZH DUH PDGH LQ *RG¶V LPDJH LQ WKHVH ZD\V WKHQ ZKDW H[SODQDWLRQ GR \RX KDYH IRU DOO WKDW LV ZURQJ ZLWK KXPDQLW\"´ z 7KDW DQVZHU WRR LQYROYHV DQ XQGHQLDEOH EXW LQYLVLEOH EHLQJ 6DWDQ WKH IDOOHQ RQH ZKR DFFRUGLQJ WR (]HNLHO ZDV “the seal of perfection, the anointed one, and was in Eden the garden of God.” %XW KH KDG WKH GUHDP RI H[DOWLQJ KLPVHOI DERYH *RG DQG VR KH ZDV FDVW RXW ,VDLDK :H DUH ZDUQHG WKDW KH QRZ URDPV WKH ZRUOG OLNH D URDULQJ OLRQ ³VHHNLQJ ZKRP KH PD\ GHYRXU´ 3HWHU
E v idences ide nc es 'RHV 6DWDQ UHDOO\ H[LVW" 1R RQH KDV HYHU VHHQ KLP EHFDXVH KH WRR LV DQ LQYLVLEOH VSLULW EHLQJ EXW ZH NQRZ WKDW KH H[LVWV EHFDXVH RI WKH EURNHQQHVV DQG HYLO WKDW ZH VHH DOO DURXQG XV -XVW DV WKDW ³DQRLQWHG RQH´ KDG WKH SRZHU RI FKRLFH VR PDQ ZDV JLYHQ WKH IUHHGRP WR REH\ RU WR GLVREH\ *RG +H FKRVH WR GLVREH\ DQG WKH UHVXOW LV D EURNHQ ZRUOG LQ ZKLFK DOO KXPDQV IDOO SUH\ WR WHPSWDWLRQ DQG VLQ 7R WKH H[WHQW WKDW ZH allow LW 6DWDQ¶V HYLO UHSODFHV ORYH FRPSDVVLRQ JRRGQHVV ² DOO WKRVH SHUIHFW DWWULEXWHV RI *RG WKDW ZHUH LPSULQWHG LQ RXU VRXOV ² ZLWK HYHU\ RSSRVLWH 7KH UHVXOW LV D ZDU EHWZHHQ JRRG DQG HYLO ² EHWZHHQ *RG DQG 6DWDQ ² DV SHRSOH YLRODWH WKHLU FRQVFLHQFHV DQG WKH ODZV RI WKH ODQG RYHUZULWLQJ WKH LPSULQW RI *RG LQ WKHLU VRXOV :KR ZLOO ZLQ WKH :DU" 8OWLPDWHO\ *RG ZLQV EXW LQ WKH SURFHVV PDQ\ VRXOV ZLOO VXUUHQGHU WR 6DWDQ¶V RQVODXJKWV EHFRPLQJ ZHDNHU DQG ZHDNHU LQ EHDULQJ WKH LPDJH RI *RG XQWLO ILQDOO\ DOO WKDW ZDV JRRG KDV EHHQ RYHUZULWWHQ E\ 6DWDQ¶V FRUUXSWLRQ :H VHH WKLV GRPLQDQW HYLO LQ XQEHOLHYHUV %XW LI ZH UHVLVW KROGLQJ RQWR WKDW ,PDJH ZLWKLQ XV ZH ZLOO ZLQ = = %HWW\ %XUWRQ &KRDWH LV WKH ZLGRZ RI - & &KRDWH OLYLQJ LQ :LQRQD 0LVVLVVLSSL DQG WKDQNIXO WR EH VWLOO RI XVH LQ *RG¶V ZRUN
the word of god
$ :DON 7KURXJK WKH %LEOH 3DXO +ROODQG 7KH VWRU\ RI WKH %LEOH LQ RQH VHQWHQFH LV 7KH VDOYDWLRQ RI PDQ WKRXJK -HVXV &KULVW WR WKH JORU\ RI *RG 7KDW¶V ZKDW WKH ZKROH %LEOH LV DERXW :H FDQ GLYLGH WKH %LEOH KLVWRU\ XS LQWR SHULRGV PXFK OLNH WKH IDFH RI WKH FORFN :KHQ ZH XQGHUVWDQG WKLV KLVWRU\ WKHQ ZH FDQ VHH ZKHUH HDFK ERRN RI WKH %LEOH WLHV LQ ZLWK WKDW KLVWRU\ ZKHUH HDFK ERRN ILWV LQ $17( ',/89,$1 3(5,2' ³$QWH´ PHDQV ³EHIRUH´ DQG ³GLOXYLDQ´ UHIHUV WR WKH ³GHOXJH´ RU WKH IORRG RI 1RDK 6R WKH ILUVW SHULRG RI %LEOH KLVWRU\ UHIHUV WR WKH ILUVW HLJKW FKDSWHUV RI *HQHVLV 7KLV LV WKH VWRU\ RI WKH ³EHJLQQLQJ ´ WKH PHDQLQJ RI WKH QDPH ³*HQHVLV ´ ,W LV WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI WKH XQLYHUVH RI PDQ RI WKH IDPLO\ RI VLQ RI ZRUVKLS 3267 ',/89,$1 3(5,2' 7KLV SHULRG LV WKH LPPHGLDWH SHULRG MXVW DIWHU WKH IORRG RI 1RDK 7KXV LW FRYHUV IURP FKDSWHUV ,W OHDGV XS WR WKH FDOO RI $EUDKDP 3$75,$5&+$/ 3(5,2' 7KH ZRUG ³SDWULDUFK´ LV DQ ROG (QJOLVK ZRUG EDVHG RQ WZR *UHHN ZRUGV WKDW PHDQV WKH ³UXOH RI WKH IDWKHU ´ ,W UHIHUV WR WKH SHULRG ZKHQ *RG VSRNH GLUHFWO\ WR WKH IDWKHUV $EUDKDP ,VDDF DQG -DFRE 7KH ZRUG ³SDWULDUFK´ LV D ELEOLFDO ZRUG EHLQJ XVHG
the word of god WLPHV LQ WKH 17 7KH ³SDWULDUFKDO´ SHULRG LQ RXU VXUYH\ FRYHUV *HQ HVLV DQG SUREDEO\ WKH ERRN RI -RE (*<37,$1 3(5,2' 7KH QH[W SHULRG RI %LEOH KLVWRU\ SLFNV XS ZLWK -DFRE JRLQJ GRZQ LQWR (J\SW ,W ZDV WKHUH WKDW WKH +HEUHZV EHFDPH SHUVHFXWHG DQG HQVODYHG E\ WKH (J\SWLDQV 7KH\ VWD\HG LQ (J\SW IRU DERXW \HDUV RU VR ZKHQ *RG FDOOHG 0RVHV WR OHDG WKH ,VUDHOLWHV RXW RI (J\SW 7KLV SHULRG FRYHUV *HQHVLV ([RGXV $OVR WKLV ZDV ZKHQ WKH ³+HEUHZV´ VWDUWHG EHLQJ UHIHUUHG WR DV WKH ³,VUDHOLWHV´ DV D ERG\ RI SHRSOH DOWKRXJK WKH QDPH ZDV JLYHQ WR -DFRE ZKHQ KH ZUHVWOHG ZLWK WKH DQJHO EDFN LQ *HQHVLV
Picture used with permission: (c)2006 www.TheGloryStory.com
$W 0RXQW 6LQDL *RG IRUPHG WKLV JURXS RI SHRSOH LQWR D QDWLRQ DQG JDYH WKHP D ODZ ² WKH /DZ RI 0RVHV ,W ZDV SULPDULO\ WR NHHS WKHP PRQRWKHLVWLF VR WKH\ ZRXOG QRW ORVH WKHLU IDLWK LQ WKH RQH WUXH *RG 6R *RG KDV FUHDWHG D SHRSOH DQG D ODZ WR EULQJ -HVXV LQWR WKH ZRUOG :$1'(5,1*6 3(5,2' 7KH ILIWK SHULRG RI %LEOH KLVWRU\ LV ZKHQ WKH ,VUDHOLWHV ZDQGHU DURXQG LQ WKH ZLOGHUQHVV IRU IRUW\ \HDUV 7KH VSHFLILF RFFDVLRQ IRU WKDW LV IRXQG LQ 1XPEHUV 0RVHV VHQW VSLHV LQWR WKH ODQG RI &DQDDQ WR VS\ RXW WKH ODQG 7KH\ FDPH EDFN WR 0RVHV DQG RXW RI WKH VSLHV
the word of god GLG QRW EHOLHYH WKH\ FRXOG WDNH WKH ODQG 6R *RG SXQLVKHG WKHP ZLWK \HDUV RI ZDQGHULQJ LQ WKH ZLOGHUQHVV *RG FKRVH \HDUV EHFDXVH WKH VSLHV KDG EHHQ LQ &DQDDQ IRU GD\V 7KH ³ZDQGHULQJV´ SHULRG ZRXOG FRYHU WKH UHVW RI ([RGXV /HYLWLFXV 1XPEHUV DQG 'HXWHURQRP\ &2148(67 3(5,2' ,Q RUGHU WR IXOILOO *RG¶V SURPLVH WR $EUDKDP WR JLYH KLV IDPLO\ VRPH ODQG *RG OHG -RVKXD WR OHDG WKH LQYDVLRQ RI &DQDDQ 7KLV SHULRG LV FRYHUHG LQ WKH ERRN RI -RVKXD -8'*(6 3(5,2' $V WKH ,VUDHOLWHV VZDUPHG WKURXJK WKH ODQG DQG WRRN SRVVHVVLRQ RI LW WKH\ GLG QRW GULYH RXW DOO RI WKH XQEHOLHYLQJ QDWLRQV ZKR OLYHG WKHUH DV *RG KDG FRPPDQGHG WKHP 6R WKHVH XQEHOLHYLQJ QDWLRQV FDXVHG VSLULWXDO SUREOHPV IRU WKH ,VUDHOLWHV ³-XGJHV´ ZHUH QRW OHJDO DGYLVRUV DV ZH XVH WKH WHUP WRGD\ 7KH\ ZHUH PLOLWDU\ OHDGHUV DQG VRPH RI WKHP ZHUH VSLULWXDO OHDGHUV 7KH MXGJHV EHJDQ ³JRRG ´ (KXG *LGHRQ DQG 'HERUDK EXW ZLWK -HSKWKDK WKH MXGJHV VWDUWHG EHLQJ PRUH VHOI FHQWHUHG FXOPLQDWLQJ LQ 6DPVRQ DQG FLYLO ZDU DPRQJ WKH ,VUDHOLWH IDPLOLHV 6DPXHO ZDV WKH ODVW RI WKH MXGJHV EXW KH DOVR DQRLQWHG WKH ILUVW NLQJ RI ,VUDHO 81,7(' .,1*'20 3(5,2' .LQJ 6DXO VWDUWHG RXW JRRG DQG HQGHG EDGO\ .LQJ 'DYLG ZDV DQRLQWHG QH[W DQG KH ZRXOG EH D JRRG NLQJ HYHQ DV KH FRPPLWWHG VRPH PDMRU VLQV 'DYLG¶V VRQ .LQJ 6RORPRQ ZRXOG EH WKH ODVW WR UXOH DQG UHLJQ RYHU D XQLWHG QDWLRQ RI ,VUDHO .LQJV 'DYLG 6RORPRQ DUH GDWHG DURXQG % & ',9,'(' .,1*'20 3(5,2' .LQJ 6RORPRQ UDLVHG WD[HV RQ ,VUDHO LQ RUGHU WR SD\ IRU KLV EXLOGLQJ SURMHFWV :KHQ 6RORPRQ GLHG KLV VRQ .LQJ 5HKRERDP LQFUHDVHG WKRVH WD[HV ZKLFK OHG WR WKH QDWLRQ VSOLWWLQJ 7HQ WULEHV XQLWHG LQ WKH QRUWK FDOOHG ,VUDHO RU (SKUDLP DIWHU WKH ODUJHVW WULEH ZLWK WKHLU FDSLWDO LQ 6DPDULD 7ZR WULEHV ² -XGDK DQG %HQMDPLQ ² UHPDLQHG LQ WKH VRXWK DQG IRUPHG WKHLU RZQ QDWLRQ RI -XGDK 7KHLU FDSLWDO UHPDLQHG LQ -HUXVDOHP WKH FLW\ RI 'DYLG (YHQWXDOO\ EHFDXVH RI LGRODWU\ QRW RQH NLQJ LQ WKH
the word of god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²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¶YH KHDUG DERXW LQ
the word of god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icture used with permission: +H GLHG RQ WKH (c)2006 www.TheGloryStory.com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
the word of god How the World Will End 'DYLG $ 6DUJHQW $ QHZ UHSRUW FODLPV WR RIIHU ³WKH ILUVW VFLHQFH EDVHG OLVW RI JOREDO ULVNV ZLWK D SRWHQWLDOO\ LQILQLWH LPSDFW ZKHUH LQ H[WUHPH FDVHV DOO KXPDQ OLIH FRXOG HQG ´ 7KH DXWKRUV RI WKH UHSRUW ² OHG E\ 'HQQLV 3DPOLQ RI WKH *OREDO &KDOOHQJH )RXQGDWLRQ DQG 6WXDUW $UPVWURQJ RI WKH )XWXUH RI +XPDQLW\ ,QVWLWXWH ² GHILQH ³LQILQLWH LPSDFW´ WR PHDQ ³ULVNV FDSDEOH RI HLWKHU FDXVLQJ KXPDQ H[WLQFWLRQ RU OHDGLQJ WR D VLWXDWLRQ ZKHUH ¾FLYLOL]DWLRQ FROODSVHV WR D VWDWH RI JUHDW VXIIHULQJ DQG GRHV QRW UHFRYHU œ´ $FFRUGLQJ WR WKHLU UHVHDUFK KHUH DUH
³7KH 7KLQJV 0RVW /LNHO\ WR 'HVWUR\ WKH :RUOG´ &DWDVWURSKLF &OLPDWH &KDQJH 1XFOHDU :DU *OREDO 3DQGHPLF (FRORJLFDO &DWDVWURSKH *OREDO 6\VWHP &ROODSVH 0DMRU $VWHURLG ,PSDFW 6XSHUYROFDQR 6\QWKHWLF %LRORJ\ 1DQRWHFKQRORJ\ $UWL¿ FLDO ,QWHOOLJHQFH )XWXUH %DG *RYHUQDQFH 8QNQRZQ 8QNQRZQV
7R WKH LQVFULSWLRQ RI Âł8QNQRZQ 8QNQRZQV ´ *RG â&#x20AC;&#x153;who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earthâ&#x20AC;? $FWV KDV UHYHDOHG KRZ WKH ZRUOG ZLOO FRPH WR DQ HQG â&#x20AC;&#x153;But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for FIRE, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to
the word of god perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.â&#x20AC;? 3HWHU 1$6%
%HFDXVH +H KDV WROG XV ZH QR ORQJHU QHHG WR ZRQGHU DQG VSHFXODWH 12: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way,â&#x20AC;? the question is: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What sort of people ought you [WE!] to be?â&#x20AC;? 3HWHU *RGÂśV DQVZHU :H QHHG WR EH &KULVWLDQV -XVW DV 1RDK DQG KLV IDPLO\ QHHGHG WR EH LQ WKH $5. WR HVFDSH WKH FRPLQJ GHVWUXFWLRQ E\ :$7(5 \RX DQG , QHHG WR EH ,1 &+5,67 WR HVFDSH WKH FRPLQJ GHVWUXFWLRQ E\ ),5( ² EHFDXVH &KULVW ,6 *RGÂśV VROXWLRQ WR ZKDW ZLOO OHDG XV WR ÂłHWHUQDO GHVWUXFWLRQ´ 0DWWKHZ â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the wages of sin is DEATH, but the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lordâ&#x20AC;? 5RPDQV %HFDXVH RI *RGÂśV ORYH IRU XV &KULVW GLHG RQ WKH FURVV IRU RXU VLQV VR WKDW ZH PLJKW KDYH IRUJLYHQHVV DQG UHFHLYH WKH JLIW RI HWHUQDO OLIH -RKQ (SKHVLDQV $V %UHWW 3HWULOOR KDV QRWHG Âł7R SXW LW VLPSO\ WKH ZRUOG LV JRLQJ WR EH GHVWUR\HG E\ ),5(ÂŤ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â&#x20AC;&#x153;But he who does the will of God abides foreverâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ :RQÂśW <28 ÂłGR +LV ZLOO´ DQG DFFHSW +LV RIIHU RI VDOYDWLRQ DQG HWHUQDO OLIH RQ +LV WHUPV" = = 'DYLG $ 6DUJHQW 0LQLVWHU &KXUFK RI &KULVW DW &UHHNZRRG 0RELOH $ODEDPD 86$ 6RXUFHV Âł7KHVH DUH WKH WKLQJV PRVW OLNHO\ WR GHVWUR\ WKH ZRUOG´ E\ '\ODQ 0DWWKHZV ZZZ PVQ FRP DQG Âł 7KLQJV 0RVW /LNHO\ WR 'HVWUR\ WKH :RUOG´ E\ %UHWW 3HWULOOR LQ 'DLO\ %UHDG DQ H PDLO SXEOLFDWLRQ RI WKH %HDU 9DOOH\ FKXUFK RI &KULVW LQ 'HQYHU &2 6HH ZZZ EHDUYDOOH\FRIF FRP
T he W ord The or d Of O f Go God d
“…But Especially the Parchments” 'DOWRQ .H\ 7KH DJHG DQG EDWWOH VFDUUHG DSRVWOH 3DXO FRQILQHG WR D GDUN GDPS SULVRQ FHOO DQG UHDOL]LQJ KLV PDUW\UGRP DV ERWK FHUWDLQ DQG LPPLQHQW ZULWHV RQH ODVW OHWWHU WR KLV RZQ “son in the faith” 7LPRWK\ 3DXO DVNV WKDW 7LPRWK\ FRPH “before winter” 7LPRWK\ +H DOVR DVNV “The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.” 1R GRXEW VKLYHULQJ IURP WKH FKLOO RI KLV GUDIW\ FHOO 3DXO DVNV IRU KLV FRDW ² DQG DOVR IRU KLV ERRNV $QG ZKLFK WR 3DXO LV PRVW LPSRUWDQW" “…but especially the parchments”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³D PDQ RI WKH %RRN DQG D GLOLJHQW VWXGHQW RI PDQ\ ERRNV ´ +H IXUWKHU VXJJHVWV ³7KH FROOHFWLRQ RI ERRNV RXJKW WR EH D OLIHORQJ SXUVXLW RI WKH DFWLYH *RVSHO SUHDFKHU«+H ZKR TXLWV VWXG\LQJ TXLWV JURZLQJ PHQWDOO\ DQG WKLV OHDGV WR VWDJQDWLRQ DQG VWHULOLW\ LQ SUHDFKLQJ ´ (YHU\RQH ZKR KDV HYHU EHHQ FROG FDQ XQGHUVWDQG 3DXO¶V GHVLUH IRU D FORDN EXW RQO\ D IHZ WKHPVHOYHV LQ ORYH ZLWK WKH ³HPEDOPHG PLQGV RI ZRUWK\ ERRNV ´ FDQ XQGHUVWDQG 3DXO¶V \HDUQLQJ IRU WKH SDUFKPHQWV ² “especially the parchments” = = 'DOWRQ .H\ LV WKH (GLWRU RI Old Paths DQG SUHDFKHV IRU WKH WK DQG 5RFNIRUG FRQJUHJD WLRQ LQ 7XOVD 2NODKRPD 86$
T he W ord The or d Of O f Go God d
Go dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wo r d *UHJ 7LGZHOO â&#x20AC;&#x153;But He answered and said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It is written, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ -HVXV WHPSWHG E\ 6DWDQ LQ WKH ZLOGHUQHVV FRQWLQXDOO\ UHWXUQHG WR 6FULSWXUH DV D ZHDSRQ DJDLQVW WKH WHPSWHUÂśV SRZHU (YHQ DV RXU /RUG IDFHG WKH IRUFHV RI HYLO ZH DOVR DUH FRQIURQWHG ZLWK WHPSWDWLRQV GD\ E\ GD\ ,I ZH ZDQW WR OLYH ZH PXVW WDNH RXU /RUGÂśV H[DPSOH WR KHDUW :H FDQQRW WUXO\ OLYH LI ZH DUH FHQWHUHG RQ PDWHULDO WKLQJV :H FDQQRW OLYH E\ EUHDG DORQH :H QHHG VRPHWKLQJ PRUH 2XU )DWKHU LQ KHDYHQ NQRZV DQG SURYLGHV IRU RXU SK\VLFDO QHHGV EXW DV &KULVW LQVWUXFWV LQ 0DW WKHZ ZH PXVW VHHN WKH NLQJGRP RI *RG DQG +LV ULJKWHRXVQHVV WUXVW â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And LQJ *RG WR SURYLGH IRU lean not on your own understanding; In all RXU QHHGV +RZ WKHQ GR your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall ZH VHHN +LV NLQJGRP DQG direct your pathsâ&#x20AC;? (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV). +LV ULJKWHRXVQHVV" 7UXH OLIH GRHV QRW FRPH IURP PDWHULDO VXVWHQDQFH EXW IURP WKH QRXULVKPHQW IRXQG LQ *RGÂśV :RUG *RG KDV VSRNHQ +LV :RUG SURYLGHV WKH ZD\ RI HWHUQDO OLIH *RGÂśV :RUG EXLOGV RXU IDLWK LQVWUXFWV RXU REHGLHQFH QXUWXUHV RXU FKDUDFWHU DQG FRQILUPV RXU KRSH 2XU FRQILGHQFH LQ 6FULSWXUH LV LQVHSDUDEOH IURP RXU FRQILGHQFH LQ *RG ,Q +LV :RUG ZH ILQG WKH UHVRXUFHV ZH QHHG WR OLYH LQ IXOOQHVV DQG SRZHU FRQIRUPLQJ RXU OLYHV WR +LV UHYHDOHG ZLOO = = *UHJ 7LGZHOO LV WKH SUHDFKHU IRU WKH )LVKLQJHU DQG .HQQ\ &KXUFK RI &KULVW LQ &ROXP EXV 2KLR 86$ DV ZHOO DV VHUYHV DV WKH (GLWRU RI WKH Gospel Advocate.
Ve rs e S e a rc h
1 Corinthians 4:1-21 -HUU\ %DWHV :KDW WZR WKLQJV GLG 3DXO VD\ DOO &KULVWLDQV VKRXOG FRQVLGHU WKHP VHOYHV WR EH"
2I ZKDW GLG 3DXO VD\ ZH DUH VWHZDUGV"
:KDW LV WKH SULPDU\ UHTXLUHPHQW RI D VWHZDUG"
:KR VKRXOG D VWHZDUG EH FRQFHUQHG ZLWK SOHDVLQJ"
:KHQ ZLOO ZH DOO EH MXGJHG"
:KR ZLOO EH WKH MXGJH RQ WKDW GD\"
:KDW ZLOO EH UHYHDOHG RQ WKDW GD\"
:KHUH ZLOO RXU SUDLVH FRPH IURP"
3DXO VDLG WKDW ZH ZHUH QRW WR WKLQN RI RXUVHOYHV EH\RQG ZKDW WKLQJ"
7R ZKRP VKRXOG WKH &RULQWKLDQV ORRN IRU H[DPSOHV"
:K\ GLG 3DXO VD\ ZH VKRXOG QRW EH ERDVWIXO"
+RZ GLG 3DXO VD\ WKDW KH DQG WKH DSRVWOHV ZHUH GLVSOD\HG WR WKH ZRUOG"
³:H DUH BBBBBBBBB IRU &KULVW¶V VDNH EXW \RX DUH BBBBBBBBBB LQ &KULVW :H DUH BBBBBBBBB EXW \RX DUH BBBBBBBBBBB ´
3DXO OLVWHG VHYHUDO KDUGVKLSV WKDW KH KDG VXIIHUHG XQWLO WKH SUHVHQW WLPH )URP ZKHUH GRHV WUXH VWUHQJWK FRPH"
VHH WKH EDFN FRYHU IRU DQVZHUV
V erse ers e S Sea earch rc h /HW D PDQ VR FRQVLGHU XV DV VHUYDQWV RI &KULVW DQG VWHZDUGV RI WKH P\VWHULHV RI *RG 0RUHRYHU LW LV UHTXLUHG LQ VWHZDUGV WKDW RQH EH IRXQG IDLWKIXO %XW ZLWK PH LW LV D YHU\ VPDOO WKLQJ WKDW , VKRXOG EH MXGJHG E\ \RX RU E\ D KXPDQ FRXUW ,Q IDFW , GR QRW HYHQ MXGJH P\VHOI )RU , NQRZ RI QRWKLQJ DJDLQVW P\VHOI \HW , DP QRW MXVWLILHG E\ WKLV EXW +H ZKR MXGJHV PH LV WKH /RUG 7KHUHIRUH MXGJH QRWKLQJ EHIRUH WKH WLPH XQWLO WKH /RUG FRPHV ZKR ZLOO ERWK EULQJ WR OLJKW WKH KLGGHQ WKLQJV RI GDUNQHVV DQG UHYHDO WKH FRXQVHOV RI WKH KHDUWV 7KHQ HDFK RQH¶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¶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¶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¿ OOHG ZLWK WKH SULGH RI WKH *UHFR 5RPDQ FXOWXUH 7R WKHP KXPLOLW\ ZKLFK VKRXOG EH SDUW RI WKH &KULVWLDQ FKDUDFWHU ZDV D ZHDN QHVV DQG D IDXOW ,Q FRQWUDVW WR WKH &KULVWLDQ LW LV D JUHDW VWUHQJWK
Salv ation at i on
The Biggest Tombstone in the Cemetery
&KDUOHV %R[
'HDWK DQG FHPHWHULHV DUH QRWKLQJ QHZ IRU DQ\ RI XV 7KURXJK WKH \HDUV RXU IDPLO\ PHPEHUV IHOORZ &KULVWLDQV QHLJKERUV DQG IULHQGV KDYH GLHG 7KH GHDWK RI D ORYHG RQH LV D YHU\ SDLQIXO H[SHULHQFH 6RPHGD\ OLNH HYHU\RQH HOVH \RXU SK\VLFDO ERG\ ZLOO GLH +RZHYHU SK\VLFDO GHDWK LV QRW RXU HQG :KHQ \RXU SK\VLFDO ERG\ GLHV \RXU VSLULW GRHV QRW GLH $WWHQGLQJ D IXQHUDO RU D ZDON
Salv ation at i on LQ WKH FHPHWHU\ VHUYHV DV D YLYLG UHPLQGHU WKDW ZH DOO ZLOO IDFH GHDWK EHFDXVH RI WKH FXUVH EURXJKW RQ KXPDQLW\ ZKHQ $GDP DQG (YH UHEHOOHG DJDLQVW *RG *HQHVLV 'HDWK LV D UHDOLW\ LW LV QRW MXVW DQ LPDJLQDU\ SURSRVLWLRQ 6RORPRQ ZURWH â&#x20AC;&#x153;I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon themâ&#x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â&#x20AC;&#x153;And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew himâ&#x20AC;? *HQHVLV )URP WKDW GD\ RQZDUG WKHUH KDYH EHHQ JUDYHV JUDYH PDUNHUV RU WRPEVWRQHV RI VRPH NLQG DQG FHPHWHULHV 6DUDK ZDV EXULHG LQ WKH FDYH RI 0DFKSHODK *HQHVLV 5DFKHO ZDV EXULHG DORQJ WKH ZD\ WR %HWKOHKHP â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grave unto this dayâ&#x20AC;? *HQHVLV ,Q .LQJV \RX FDQ YLVLW WKH WRPE RI WKH \RXQJ SURSKHW ZKR ZDV GHFHLYHG E\ DQ ROG SURSKHW DQG ODWHU NLOOHG 7KH JUDYH ZDV PDUNHG ZHOO ZLWK VRPH LQVFULSWLRQ 7KH ROG SURSKHW KDG KHOSHG WR PDNH WKLV JUDYH ZHOO NQRZQ -HVXV ZDV EXULHG E\ -RVHSK RI $UPDWKDHD +H ZUDSSHG +LV ERG\ LQ D FOHDQ OLQHQ FORWK DQG KH â&#x20AC;&#x153;laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departedâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ $ SHUVRQ PLJKW KDYH WKH ELJJHVW WRPEVWRQH LQ WKH FHPHWHU\ EHFDXVH KH RU VKH ZDV ORYHG GHHSO\ ,W LV D ZRQGHUIXO WKLQJ ZKHQ IDPLO\ PHPEHUV DUH ORYHG UHVSHFWHG DQG DSSUHFLDWHG %XW SOHDVH QHYHU IRUJHW WKDW IXQHUDOV IDQF\
Salv ation at i on FHPHWHULHV DQG WRPEVWRQHV DUH IRU WKH OLYLQJ DQG QRW IRU WKH GHDG /RYH DQG KRQRU \RXU IDPLO\ PHPEHUV ZKLOH WKH\ OLYH VR WKH\ FDQ NQRZ DQG EH EOHVVHG E\ \RXU FRQFHUQ 7KH VDPH SULQFLSOHV WKDW -RKQ XVHG WR HQFRXUDJH WKH FKXUFK WR ORYH VKRXOG DOVR HQFRXUDJH WKH IDPLO\ WR ORYH -RKQ ZURWH â&#x20AC;&#x153;For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one anotherâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ 2XU ORYH IRU IDPLO\ PHPEHUV PXVW EH VKRZQ ZKLOH WKH\ DUH DOLYH 3URYLGLQJ WKH ELJJHVW WRPEVWRQH LQ WKH FHPHWHU\ IRU RQHÂś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â&#x20AC;&#x153;bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking.â&#x20AC;? .LQGQHVV IRUJLYHQHVV DQG EHLQJ WHQGHUKHDUWHG PXVW GHVFULEH RXU UHODWLRQVKLS WR RXU IDPLO\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake hath forgiven youâ&#x20AC;? (SKHVLDQV +DYLQJ WKH ELJJHVW WRPEVWRQH LQ WKH FHPHWHU\ GRHV QRW JXDUDQWHH D ULJKW UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK *RG QRU GRHV LW PDNH XS IRU RXU IDLOXUH WR ORYH RXU IDPLO\ PHPEHUV $ SHUVRQ PLJKW KDYH WKH ELJJHVW WRPEVWRQH LQ WKH FHPHWHU\ DQG \HW WKH TXHVWLRQ GRHV QRW KDYH WR GR ZLWK WKH VL]H RI WKH WRPEVWRQH EXW UDWKHU WKH GHSWK RI WKDW SHUVRQÂśV UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK *RG 7KH IDFW WKDW ZH DUH WKH EULGH RI &KULVW PHDQV WKDW ZH PXVW KDYH D GHHS DQG DQ DELGLQJ UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK +LP &KULVWLDQV OLWHUDOO\ EHFRPH RQH ZLWK -HVXV -RKQ
Salv ation at i on 7KLV UHODWLRQVKLS LV VR LQWLPDWH WKDW RXU OLYHV PXVW EH OLYHG LQ WKH LPDJH DQG OLNHQHVV RI RXU /RUG 7KH %LEOH WHOOV XV â&#x20AC;&#x153;Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to youâ&#x20AC;? -DPHV 2XU UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK WKH /RUG GHPDQGV WKDW ZH NHHS RXU DWWHQWLRQ IRFXVHG RQ *RG GDLO\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in theeâ&#x20AC;? ,VDLDK ,I , WHOO WKH SHUVRQ , DP D &KULVWLDQ WKDW VKRXOG GHVFULEH P\ UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK *RG 7KRVH ZKR DUH QRW &KULVWLDQV DUH VHUYLQJ 6DWDQ WKRVH ZKR DUH &KULVWLDQV PDLQWDLQ D VWURQJ UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK WKH /RUG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?â&#x20AC;? 5RPDQV +DYLQJ WKH ELJJHVW WRPEVWRQH LQ WKH FHPHWHU\ GRHV QRW JXDUDQWHH D ULJKW UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK *RG +DYLQJ WKH ELJJHVW WRPEVWRQH LQ WKH FHPHWHU\ KDV QRWKLQJ WR GR ZLWK \RXU VDOYDWLRQ <RX ZRXOG EH PXFK EHWWHU RII WR EH EXULHG LQ VRPH XQPDUNHG JUDYH VRPHZKHUH DQG JR WR KHDYHQ WKDQ WR KDYH WKH ELJJHVW WRPEVWRQH LQ WKH FHPHWHU\ DQG JR WR KHOO 7KH RQO\ DQVZHU WR WKH VLQ SUREOHP LV WKH SUHFLRXV EORRG RI -HVXV â&#x20AC;&#x153;But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for usâ&#x20AC;? 5RPDQV 7R EHFRPH D &KULVWLDQ \RX PXVW KHDU WKH *RVSHO 5RPDQV EHOLHYH LQ -HVXV -RKQ UHSHQW RI VLQV $FWV FRQIHVV &KULVW DV /RUG 0DWWKHZ DQG EH EDSWL]HG LQWR &KULVW *DODWLDQV 7KLV LV WKH %LEOH ZD\ RI VDOYDWLRQ 7KHUH LV QR RWKHU ZD\ WR EH DW SHDFH ZLWK *RG DQG PDQ 7KH RQO\ JURXQG IRU IRUJLYHQHVV LV -HVXVÂś GHDWK ,I ZH KDYH QRW FRQWDFWHG WKH EORRG RI -HVXV WKHQ ZH KDYH QR VDOYDWLRQ = = &KDUOHV %R[ :DOQXW 6WUHHW &KXUFK RI &KULVW :DOQXW 6WUHHW *UHHQYLOOH $ODEDPD 86$
Salv ation at i on
Things Temporary, Things Permanent -RH : 1LFKROV /LIH RQ HDUWK FDQ EH VRPHZKDW IHDUIXO ZKHQ RQH FRQVLGHUV EHLQJ DWWDFKHG WR WKDW ZKLFK LV QRW SHUPDQHQW 7KH SXEOLF LV FRQVWDQWO\ PDGH DZDUH RI WKH GHSOHWLRQ RI WKH R]RQH OD\HU SROOXWLRQ RI WKH HDUWK DQG LWV ZDWHU VXSSO\ D SRVVLEOH FROOLVLRQ ZLWK D PHWHRULWH DQ DOOHJHG JOREDO ZDUPLQJ DQG VRPHWLPH LQ WKH IXWXUH WKH VXQ EXUQLQJ RXW $GGHG WR WKHVH FRQFHUQV LV WKH %LEOH¶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“help meet” IRU PDQ LQ VHUYLQJ +LV SXUSRVH LV WR “replenish the earth” *HQHVLV 0DUULDJH SURYLGHV D VXLWDEOH VHWWLQJ IRU QRXULVKLQJ WKH RIIVSULQJ ERWK SK\VLFDOO\ DQG VSLULWXDOO\ (SKHVLDQV $OO PDUULDJHV LQ GXH WLPH ² EHFDXVH RI GHDWK ² FHDVH IXOILOOLQJ *RG¶V SODQ DV WHPSRUDU\ XQLRQV 5RPDQV :KHQ FRQVLGHULQJ WKH KXPDQ IDPLO\ GHVLJQHG E\ *RG ² WKH IDPLO\ LQWR ZKLFK HDFK SHUVRQ LV ERUQ ² LW HQMR\V RQO\ D VKRUW WHQXUH RQ WKH HDUWK ,Q GXH WLPH LW GLVLQWHJUDWHV JLYLQJ ZD\ WR RWKHU IDPLO\ XQLWV 3K\VLFDO IDPLOLHV DV HYLGHQW DUH QRW HWHUQDO 7KH\ DUH GHVLJQHG E\ *RG WR VHUYH RQO\ D WHPSRUDU\ DUUDQJHPHQW DQG SXUSRVH 0DUN :KHQ FRQVLGHULQJ WKH SUHVHQW KHDYHQV DQG HDUWK WKH\ DUH PDUNHG IRU GHVWUXFWLRQ 7KH %LEOH VD\V “the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up” 3HWHU 6RPHWLPH
Salv ation at i on LQ WKH IXWXUH WKH KHDYHQV DQG HDUWK DQG DOO WKLQJV DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK WKHP ZLOO FHDVH WR H[LVW :KHQ FRQVLGHULQJ WKH UHDO DQG FRQVHTXHQWLDO RXWFRPH RI *RG¶V HWHUQDO SXUSRVH RI FUHDWLRQ D EHDXWLIXO SLFWXUH HPHUJHV 7UXH WKH KHDYHQV DQG HDUWK VKDOO FHDVH EXW *RG KDV ZLOOHG VRPHWKLQJ XQSUHFHGHQWHG IRU WKRVH RI +LV RZQ SRVVHVVLRQ 0DODFKL 7LWXV 7KH 3DWULDUFKV RI ROG “desired a better country, that is, a heavenly” +HEUHZV 0RVHV ORRNHG EH\RQG WKLV OLIH “unto the recompense of reward” +HEUHZV DQG &KULVWLDQV DUH H[KRUWHG “Seeing that these things >KHDYHQV HDUWK HWF @ are thus all to be dissolved” WR ORRN IRU “and earnestly desire the coming of the day of God”«DQG “according to His promise” ORRN IRU “new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness” 3HWHU *RG WKHUHIRUH LV RIIHULQJ D WUDQVLWLRQ IURP WKLV WHPSRUDU\ DWWDFKPHQW WR SK\VLFDO DQG PDWHULDO WKLQJV LQWR VSLULWXDO WKLQJV ,Q UHJDUGV WR WKH IDLWKIXO +H LV SUHSDULQJ WKDW ZKLFK LV VSLULWXDO DQG HWHUQDO ²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
Salv ation at i on *RG :KDW HDUWKO\ WHPSRUDU\ EOHVVLQJ FDQ FRPSDUH WR D QHZ VSLULWXDO HWHUQDO ERG\ ERG\ D QHZ VSLULWXDO HWHUQDO IDPLO\ IDPLO\ D QHZ VSLULWXDO HWHUQDO FLW\ FLW\ DQG D QHZ VSLULWXDO HWHUQDO UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK *RG" UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK *RG" 0RVW DVVXUHGO\ WKH ZLVH GHFLVLRQ ZRXOG EH WR â&#x20AC;&#x153;seek the things above where Christ is seated on the right hand of Godâ&#x20AC;? DQG WR VHW RXU PLQGV RQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;the things above, not on the things that are upon the earthâ&#x20AC;? &RORVVLDQV :KHQ ZH EHJLQ WR YLHZ RXUVHOYHV DV â&#x20AC;&#x153;sojourners and pilgrimsâ&#x20AC;? 3HWHU RQ WKH HDUWK LW ZLOO EH HYLGHQFHG LQ RXU SXWWLQJ â&#x20AC;&#x153;to death >RXU@ members which are upon the earthâ&#x20AC;? DQG SXWWLQJ RQ WKH GLYLQH DWWULEXWHV RI *RG &RORVVLDQV 7KLV SUHVHQW HDUWK DV ZLWQHVVHG E\ DOO LV D ZHOO GHILQHG JUDYH\DUG DV WRPEVWRQHV OLQH WKH URDGV DQG KLJKZD\V 7KLV HDUWK KROGV QR EULJKW IXWXUH IRU XV EXW PHUHO\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;treasures that perish with the usingâ&#x20AC;? 2QO\ *RG WKURXJK +LV 6RQ -HVXV &KULVW DQG WKH FURVV SDLQWV D GHVLUDEOH SLFWXUH IRU XV ,Q YLHZLQJ VXFK D JUDQG SDQRUDPD RI VSLULWXDO DQG HWHUQDO WKLQJV ZH FDQ ZLWKRXW DQ\ KHVLWDWLRQ HDUQHVWO\ DQG KRSHIXOO\ VD\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;heaven holds all for meâ&#x20AC;? = = -RH : 1LFKROV LV D *RVSHO SUHDFKHU OLYLQJ LQ %DVWURS /RXLVLDQD 86$
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:10-13 NKJV)
Salv ation at i on
Rip Van Pinkie 0LNH +LQWRQ $V , DP ZULWLQJ WKLV QLQH PRQWKV KDYH SDVVHG VLQFH P\ ULJKW DUP ZDV FUXVKHG LQ D ZRUN DFFLGHQW $OWKRXJK WKH DUP ZLOO QHYHU IXOO\ UHFRYHU IURP VXFK D PDVVLYH LQMXU\ LW LV VWLOO KHDOLQJ DQG , JHW PRUH XVH RXW RI LW DOPRVW HYHU\ GD\ QRZ 7KHUH ZDV TXLWH D ELW RI QHUYH GDPDJH UHVXOWLQJ LQ ORVV RI IHHOLQJ 0RVW VHYHUHO\ DIIHFWHG ZDV WKH XOQDU QHUYH ZKLFK SDVVHV QHDU WKH HOERZ DQG DPRQJ RWKHU WKLQJV SURYLGHV VHQVDWLRQ WR WKH OLWWOH ILQJHU )RU PRVW RI WKH ODVW QLQH PRQWKV P\ ULJKW ³SLQNLH´ KDV EHHQ QXPE ZKLFK KDV EHHQ VRPHZKDW RI D PL[HG EOHVVLQJ 'XULQJ WKDW WLPH , KDYH EHHQ FDUHIXO WR H[DPLQH LW UHJXODUO\ IRU FXWV DQG EXUQV EHFDXVH ZHUH WKH ZRXQG WR EHFRPH LQIHFWHG , PLJKW QRW QRWLFH LW XQWLO JDQJUHQH VHW LQ :H GRQ¶W HQMR\ SDLQ EXW LW LV RXU ERG\¶V HDUO\ ZDUQLQJ V\VWHP DJDLQVW LQIHFWLRQ DQG WKXV LW LV HVVHQWLDO WR RXU KHDOWK 5HFHQWO\ P\ ³SLQNLH´ KDV EHHQ VORZO\ ZDNLQJ XS DQG , FDQ WHOO \RX LW KDV EHHQ D UXGH DZDNHQLQJ $V LQ WKH VWRU\ RI 5LS 9DQ :LQNOH ZKR VOHSW IRU \HDUV DQG DZRNH WR D FKDQJHG ZRUOG VR P\ ILQJHU LV KDYLQJ D ELW RI WURXEOH DGMXVWLQJ WR WKH SK\VLFDO FKDQJHV EURXJKW RQ E\ WKH LQMXU\ 7KH ³DZDNHQLQJ´ RI D FRQVFLHQFH WKDW KDV EHHQ ³VOXPEHULQJ´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³HDUO\ ZDUQLQJ V\VWHP´ DJDLQVW LQIHFWLRXV VLQ DQG ZLWKRXW LW ZH FDQQRW UHPDLQ VSLULWXDOO\ KHDOWK\ IRU ORQJ 7KH SDLQ RI EHLQJ “cut to the heart” E\ WKH ELWWHU WUXWK PD\ EH KDUG WR HQGXUH EXW VXFK FKDVWHQLQJ LV QHFHVVDU\ LI ZH ZLVK WR SURGXFH WKH “… = peaceable fruit of righteousness…” +HEUHZV = 0LNH +LQWRQ LV D ZRUNHU IRU WKH /RUG LQ /H[LQJWRQ 2NODKRPD 86$
Salv ation at i on
Fr e e d o m in Freedom i n Christ Christ 9DQFH +XWWRQ $UH \RX IUHH" :H DOO HQ MR\ VRPH IRUP RI IUHHGRP 7KLV LV D ZRQGHUIXO EOHVVLQJ DQG SULYLOHJH DQG PDQ\ GR QRW KDYH WKLV EHQHILW 7KHUH LV D IUHHGRP WKRXJK WKDW ZH FDQ DOO FODLP WKDW LV JUHDWHU WKDQ IUHHGRP IURP ERQGDJH WR PDQ RU FRXQWU\ , KDYH LQ PLQG WKH IUHHGRP LQ &KULVW &KULVW RIIHUV IUHHGRP *D ODWLDQV -RKQ VSRNH RI WKH /RUG¶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
Salv ation at i on T he Promise The Pro mi se for Freedom Fr eedo m 6RPH RI WKH PRVW EHDXWLIXO DQG FRPIRUWLQJ RI DOO YHUVHV RI WKH %LEOH KDYH WR GR ZLWK WKH SURPLVH IRU IUHHGRP IURP VLQ DQG LWV GRPLQLRQ 7KLQN RI WKH SURPLVH IRU VLQV WR EH PDGH ZKLWH DV VQRZ ,VDLDK 7KHUH LV WKH SURPLVH WKDW VLQV ZLOO EH FDVW EHKLQG WKH /RUG¶V EDFN ,VDLDK 0LFDK VSRNH RI WKH /RUG FDVWLQJ VLQV LQWR WKH GHSWK RI WKH VHD 0LFDK -HUHPLDK SURPLVHG WKDW WKH /RUG ZRXOG UHPHPEHU VLQV QR PRUH -HUHPLDK 7KLV KDV WR EH DSSHDOLQJ WR DOO EHFDXVH DOO KDYH VLQQHG 5RPDQV 7KLV SURPLVH LV JUHDWHU WKDQ WKH 2OG /DZ ZKLFK UHPHPEHUHG VLQV HDFK \HDU +HEUHZV <RX FDQ EH IUHH -RKQ *RG LV WR EH WKDQNHG IRU VXFK IUHHGRP 5RPDQV :RXOG \RX OLNH WR EH IUHH IURP WKH JXLOW DQG SHQDOW\ RI DOO WKH EDG WKRXJKWV \RX KDYH KDG WKH HYLO ZRUGV \RX KDYH VSRNHQ WKH HYLO GHHGV \RX KDYH GRQH DQG WKH WKLQJV \RX VKRXOG KDYH GRQH WKDW \RX OHIW XQGRQH" 7KDQN *RG IRU WKH SURPLVH RI SDUGRQ DQG IUHHGRP
The Price Pri ce for Freedom Free do m 7KH SULFH IRU IUHHGRP LV QHYHU FKHDS 7KH SULFH IRU WKLV IUHHGRP ZDV WKH EORRG RI -HVXV ,W LV RQO\ WKURXJK -HVXV ZH DUH IUHHG *DODWLDQV +H UHGHHPV XV WKURXJK +LV EORRG 3HWHU O :H DUH PDGH ULJKWHRXV E\ +LV ULJKWHRXVQHVV &RULQWKLDQV +H JDYH +LPVHOI IRU XV WR SXULI\ XV 7LWXV 'HOLYHUDQFH LV WKURXJK -HVXV *DODWLDQV 7KLV IUHHGRP LV RIIHUHG WR DOO -RKQ $UH \RX IUHH"
T he Plan The P lan for Freedom Freedo m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
Bible Find /RXLV 5XVKPRUH
Some Bible Animals
Across
Down
3URYHUEV /HYLWLFXV ([RGXV -HUHPLDK 'HXWHURQRP\ 0DWWKHZ 0DWWKHZ 1HKHPLDK
-HUHPLDK 'HXWHURQRP\ *HQHVLV /HYLWLFXV 3URYHUEV *HQHVLV 6DPXHO /HYLWLFXV
*HQHVLV
Answers inside back cover
T he Church The C hur ch
How Can We Get Back to the Original Church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
VXFK D GHQRPLQDWLRQ QR RQH KDV VXFK DXWKRULW\ IRU LW KDV QRW EHHQ GLYLQHO\ JLYHQ ,Q IDFW ZKHQ ZH WUXO\ REH\ *RG ZH DUH PDGH RQH QRW D SDUW RI DQ\ RU PDQ\ GHQRPL QDWLRQV (SKHVLDQV &RORV VLDQV &RULQWKLDQV $FWV /HW XV VHDUFK RXW WKH ROG ³ODQG PDUNV´ /HW XV KXPEO\ UHWXUQ \HV OHW XV JHW EDFN WR WKDW RQH FKXUFK ZKLFK KDV DOUHDG\ EHHQ HVWDEOLVKHG LQ WKH ILUVW FHQWXU\ DJDLQVW VXFK -H VXV VDLG WKH JDWHV RI KHOO ZRXOG QRW SUHYDLO 0DWWKHZ 7KHUH LV PXFK GLYHVWLQJ DQG UHWXUQLQJ WKDW QHHGV WR EH GRQH $UH \RX XS WR LW" = = .HQ 7\OHU LV D *RVSHO SUHDFKHU ZRUNLQJ ZLWK WKH FKXUFK RI &KULVW LQ $UDE $OD EDPD 86$
Let us humbly return; yes, let us get back to that one church which was already established in the first century.
T he Church The C hur ch
Where Would Jesus Worship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
T he Church The C hur ch FKXUFK QDPHV KRQRU VRPH PDQ RUGLQDQFH RU LWV PHPEHUV 6LQFH &KULVW SDLG IRU WKH FKXUFK ZLWK +LV RZQ EORRG $FWV LW LV ILWWLQJ WKDW LW VKRXOG KRQRU +LP E\ ZKDW LW LV FDOOHG ,Q WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW FRQJUHJDWLRQV ZHUH FDOOHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;churches of Christâ&#x20AC;? 5RPDQV DQG VLPLODU QDPHV 2QH ZRXOG H[SHFW -HVXV WR JR WR ZRUVKLS ZLWK D FKXUFK WKDW KRQRUHG +LP E\ ZKDW ZDV RQ LWV VLJQ RI LGHQWLILFDWLRQ )XUWKHU &KULVW LV KRQRUHG ZKHQ +LV IROORZHUV DUH FDOOHG Âł&KULVWLDQV´ -XVW &KULVWLDQV ² QRW SUHIL[HG DQG K\SKHQDWHG ZLWK VRPH PDQÂśV QDPH RUGLQDQFH RU PDQPDGH WLWOH :KHQ RQH LV DVNHG ZKDW KH LV UHOLJLRXVO\ KLV DQVZHU ZLOO HLWKHU KRQRU RU GLVKRQRU &KULVW :KHQ ZH DUH FDOOHG VLPSO\ Âł&KULVWLDQV´ &KULVW UHFHLYHV WKH KRQRU GXH D FUXFLILHG /RUG DQG .LQJ RI NLQJV 7LPRWK\
7KH %LEOH SODFHV FRQVLGHUDEOH HPSKDVLV RQ WKH QDPH &KULVWLDQ ,VDLDK SURSKHVLHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory; and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall nameâ&#x20AC;? Âł7KH GLVFLSOHV ZHUH FDOOHG &KULVWLDQV ILUVW DW $QWLRFK´ $FWV E â&#x20AC;&#x153;Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be savedâ&#x20AC;? $FWV $V 3DXO WDXJKW $JULSSD KH UHSOLHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christianâ&#x20AC;? $FWV +RZ PD\ &KULVW EH JORULILHG" â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalfâ&#x20AC;? 3HWHU 7KH $69 WUDQVODWHV WKH ODVW SKUDVH â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śglorify God in this nameâ&#x20AC;? :H JORULI\ *RG E\ ZHDULQJ WKH QDPH DQG RQO\ WKH QDPH RI &KULVW -DPHV FDOOV LW â&#x20AC;&#x153;the worthy nameâ&#x20AC;? $OO FDQ DJUHH WKDW &KULVW LV SOHDVHG ZLWK WKLV QDPH :K\ FDQQRW GLYLVLYH SDUW\ QDPHV &RULQWKLDQV EH JLYHQ XS" +H ZRXOG DWWHQG RQH WKDW WDXJKW +LV GRFWULQH 2I FRXUVH DOO FKXUFKHV WHDFK some RI +LV GRFWULQH EXW ZRXOG +H DWWHQG RQH WKDW WDXJKW some HUURU DQG
T he Church The C hur ch some WUXWK" 1R +H WDXJKW RWKHUV WR IROORZ WKH DSRVWOHV¶ WHDFKLQJ 0DWWKHZ -RKQ DQG RQO\ DSSURYHV RI WKRVH ZKR IROORZ all of it $FWV +H VDLG “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” 0DWWKHZ +H DOVR VDLG “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” 0DWWKHZ +H ZRXOG QRW DWWHQG D VHUYLFH ZKHUH WKH %LEOH ZDV QRW EHLQJ IROORZHG 3HWHU RU ZKHUH PHPEHUV ZHUH QRW WDXJKW WR OLYH JRGO\ OLYHV 7LWXV +H ZRXOG DWWHQG RQH WKDW ZRUVKLSHG “in spirit and truth” -RKQ +H SURPLVHG WR EH ZLWK WKRVH ZKR PHW µLQ +LV QDPH¶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¶V JUDFH (SKHVLDQV -HVXV ZRXOG QRW DWWHQG D FKXUFK WKDW WDXJKW VDOYDWLRQ E\ IDLWK RQO\ EHFDXVH +H GLG QRW WHDFK VXFK /XNH 0DUN QRU GLG +LV LQVSLUHG HYDQJHOLVWV -DPHV +H ZRXOG QRW ZRUVKLS ZKHUH EDSWLVP ZDV ULGLFXOHG DQG LWV VDYLQJ SRZHU GHQLHG 3HWHU 6KRXOG ZH QRW DWWHQG WKH FKXUFK -HVXV ZRXOG FKRRVH LI +H UHWXUQHG 6XQGD\" ,QYHVWLJDWH WKH FKXUFK RI &KULVW = = $OOHQ :HEVWHU SUHDFKHV IRU WKH FKXUFK RI &KULVW LQ -DFNVRQYLOOH $ODEDPD ZKLOH DOVR VHUYLQJ DV WKH (GLWRU RI House to House, Heart to Heart
T he Church The C hur ch
“I L ove T h y K Kii n g d om, om, L Lo ord” -LPP\ <RXQJ 7KH NLQJGRP RU FKXUFK RI RXU /RUG LV RQH RI WKH PRVW YLWDO LQVWLWXWLRQV WR HYHU JUDFH WKLV JUHDW HDUWK ,W LV QRW HDUWKO\ LQ QDWXUH ² LW LV KHDYHQO\ LQ RULJLQ DQG PLVVLRQ 7R EH LQ WKH FKXUFK LV WR KDYH RXU FLWL]HQVKLS LQ KHDYHQ (SKHVLDQV ZLWK RXU QDPHV ZULWWHQ LQ WKH /DPE¶V %RRN RI /LIH 5HYHODWLRQ :KHQ ZH NQRZ ZKDW LW LV ZKDW LW VWDQGV IRU ZKDW LW PHDQV WR HDFK &KULVWLDQ ZH ZRXOG EH KHDUWOHVV QRW WR ORYH LW 7DNH D OLWWOH WLPH DQG GR D VWXG\ RI HDFK ZRUG %\ GRLQJ VR LW ZLOO KHOS HDFK RI XV WR WUXO\ ORYH DQG DSSUHFLDWH WKH FKXUFK HYHQ PRUH “I LOVE THY KINGDOM, LORD.” /RYH IRU WKH NLQJGRP WKH FKXUFK FRPHV HDVLO\ ZKHQ ZH UHDOL]H ZKDW *RG KDV GRQH IRU XV 7KHUH DUH WKUHH IDFWV ZKLFK PDNH RQH JUDWHIXO DQG DEOH WR VD\ ³, ORYH LW EHFDXVH , DP PDGH LQ WKH LPDJH RI *RG´ *HQHVLV 6HFRQG ³, ORYH LW EHFDXVH *RG PDGH PH D IUHH PRUDO DJHQW ´ , KDYH WKH *RG JLYHQ ULJKW WR FKRRVH 7KLUG ³, ORYH LW EHFDXVH RI ZKDW , KDYH EHFRPH ´ *RG JDYH PH WKH ³SRZHU´ WR EHFRPH D FKLOG RI *RG -RKQ “I LOVE THY KINGDOM, LORD.” $ JUDWHIXO KHDUW ZLOO KDYH QR WURXEOH LQ H[SUHVVLQJ ORYH IRU WKH FKXUFK ,W KDV EHHQ VDLG ³/RYH LV WKH DIIHFWLRQ RI WKH KHDUW ´ -HVXV VDLG “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” 0DWWKHZ 6RPH GR QRW KDYH D SURSHU XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI ORYH :H PXVW KDYH NQRZOHGJH WKDW ORYH PDNHV GHPDQGV 7DNH WKH SURSHU WLPH WR H[DPLQH DQG VWXG\ WKH IROORZLQJ GHPDQGV ORYH PDNHV x x x x x x x
'HYRWH \RXU KHDUW WR WKH NLQJGRP 6DPXHO 3URYHUEV 3XW WKH NLQJGRP ILUVW 0DWWKHZ 3URWHFW LWV JRRG QDPH E\ JRGO\ OLYLQJ 7LWXV 7LPRWK\ 2EH\ LWV ODZV 0DWWKHZ -RKQ -RKQ 'HIHQG LW -XGH )XOILOO LWV FDXVH 0DWWKHZ 5HPDLQ IDLWKIXO WR LWV .LQJ 5HYHODWLRQ
T he Church The C hur ch “I LOVE THY KINGDOM, LORD.” 7R ORYH WKH /RUG¶V NLQJGRP UHTXLUHV XV WR UHFRJQL]H LW LV His, QRW ours. 6XUHO\ ZH ORYH DOO WKDW SHUWDLQV WR +LP +LV NLQJGRP LV FRPSRVHG RI +LV SHRSOH -RKQ +H LV .LQJ DQG /RUG RYHU +LV NLQJGRP /XNH 7LPRWK\ 5HYHODWLRQ ,QGHHG RXU /RUG LV .LQJ “I LOVE THY KINGDOM, LORD.” ,W LV WKH NLQJGRP RI KHDYHQ 0DWWKHZ &RORVVLDQV ,W ZDV SXUSRVHG (SKHVLDQV SURPLVHG *HQHVLV DQG SURSKHVLHG ,VDLDK 'DQLHO E\ *RG ,W ZDV SUHSDUHG IRU E\ -RKQ WKH %DSWLVW 0DWWKHZ ,W ZDV SXUFKDVHG E\ &KULVW $FWV ,W ZDV SHUIHFWHG E\ WKH +RO\ 6SLULW $FWV /DVWO\ LW ZDV SURPRWHG E\ WKH DSRVWOHV LQ WKHLU SUHDFKLQJ 7KLV LV VHHQ LQ WKH x x x x x
3ODQ RI 6DOYDWLRQ 2UJDQL]DWLRQ 1DPH 0LVVLRQ +RSH , DOVR ORYH LW EHFDXVH
x x x x x
2I LWV GLYLQH DQG HQGXULQJ QDWXUH +HEUHZV 2I ZKDW LW KDV PHDQW WR PH P\ IDPLO\ P\ ZRUN HWF ,W LV JRYHUQHG E\ GLYLQH ODZ ,W KDV WKH JUHDWHVW PLVVLRQ 0DWWKHZ ,W ZLOO QHYHU FKDQJH KHDGV /RUGV RU 6DYLRUV $FWV +HEUHZV 7KXV KHDYHQ LV RXU GHVWLQ\
“I LOVE THY KINGDOM, LORD.” -HVXV LQGHHG LV RXU /RUG $FWV , KDYH DFFHSWHG +LP DV P\ /RUG DQG 6DYLRU LQ REH\LQJ WKH *RVSHO %\ GRLQJ VR HYHU\ LVVXH RI OLIH LV VHWWOHG E\ WKDW IDFW WKDW , REH\HG +LP %UHWKUHQ MXVW WR VD\ ³, /RYH 7K\ .LQJGRP /RUG´ LV QRW HQRXJK :H PXVW WUXO\ ³ORYH´ LW :H PXVW GHPRQVWUDWH VXFK ORYH E\ IDLWKIXOQHVV WR LWV .LQJ DQG LWV PLVVLRQ /RYH LV DOZD\V GHPRQVWUDWHG E\ OLIHORQJ DFWLRQV -RKQ = = -LPP\ <RXQJ ZRUNV ZLWK WKH 1HWWOHWRQ &KXUFK RI &KULVW LQ -RQHVERUR $UNDQVDV 86$
T he Church The C hur ch
W h e n a B r id ide Fo rg rget et s He r H usb us b a nd *OHQQ &ROOH\ .LP DQG .ULFNLWW &DUSHQWHU KDG EHHQ PDUULHG PRQWKV ZKHQ WKH\ ZHUH WUDYHOLQJ RQ ,QWHUVWDWH LQ 0H[LFR DQG KDG D ZUHQFKLQJ DXWRPRELOH DFFLGHQW .ULFNLWW ZDV LQMXUHG WKH ZRUVW DQG WKURXJK JUHDW GHWHUPLQDWLRQ DQG WKH KHOS RI KHU KXVEDQG .LP JUDGXDOO\ PDGH SURJUHVV EDFN WR QRUPDO OLIH 7KHUH ZDV KRZHYHU RQH ELJ KXUGOH WKH DFFLGHQW DQG KHU KHDG LQMXU\ WRRN DZD\ WKH PHPRU\ RI WKH ODVW PRQWKV RI KHU OLIH 6KH GLGQ¶W NQRZ KHU KXVEDQG 6KH ZRXOG VHH KLP GDLO\ EXW IHOW QRWKLQJ IRU KLP 6KH FDOOHG KLP ³WKDW JX\´ $IWHU H[KDXVWLQJ HYHU\ HIIRUW WR PDNH KHU UHPHPEHU .LP ILQDOO\ GHFLGHG WKDW WKH RQO\ ZD\ WR JR DERXW WKLV ZDV WR VWDUW WKH FRXUWVKLS RYHU DJDLQ +H DVNHG KHU RXW IRU D GDWH 7KHQ DQRWKHU $QG DQRWKHU 7R KLV GHOLJKW KLV SODQ ZRUNHG $OWKRXJK VKH GLGQ¶W UHPHPEHU HYHU EHLQJ PDUULHG WR KLP KH VWLOO KDG WKH VDPH JRRG TXDOLWLHV ZKLFK PDGH KHU IDOO LQ ORYH ZLWK KLP WKH ILUVW WLPH +H SURSRVHG DQG VKH DFFHSWHG .LP DQG .ULFNLWW &DUSHQWHU DUH QRZ PDUULHG DJDLQ 7KHUH DUH VHYHUDO WLPHV LQ WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW LQ ZKLFK D &KULVWLDQ¶V UHODWLRQVKLS WR &KULVW LV FRPSDUHG WR WKH PDUULDJH EHWZHHQ D KXVEDQG DQG D ZLIH ,Q (SKHVLDQV 3DXO SODLQO\ GUDZV FRPSDULVRQV EHWZHHQ &KULVW¶V FKXUFK DQG PDQ¶V ZLIH 6XEPLWWLQJ <RXUVHOYHV 2QH WR $QRWKHU LQ WKH )HDU RI *RG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church, and He is the Saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with
T he Church The C hur ch the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.â&#x20AC;? ,Q &RULQWKLDQV 3DXO ZURWH â&#x20AC;&#x153;For I am jealous over you with godly jealously; for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.â&#x20AC;? 7KH ÂłRWKHU PDQ´ ZKR SRVHV WKH WKUHDW RI VSLULWXDO DGXOWHU\ LV WKH VLQIXO ZRUOG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of Godâ&#x20AC;? (-DPHV ,Q 0DWWKHZ &KULVWLDQV DUH OLNHQHG WR WKH JXHVWV LQ WKH ZHGGLQJ RI WKH .LQJÂśV VRQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good; and the wedding was furnished with guests.â&#x20AC;? (Matthew 22:1-3,10) ,Q 0DWWKHZ &KULVWLDQV DUH OLNH YLUJLQV ZKR KDYH FRPH WR JUHHW WKH EULGHJURRP DV +H DUULYHV ZLWK +LV QHZ EULGH $W +LV DUULYDO VRPH DUH SUHSDUHG DQG VRPH DUH QRW â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with themâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x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
T he Church The C hur ch VKH KDGQ¶W VWRSSHG DSSUHFLDWLQJ WKH ZRQGHUIXO TXDOLWLHV ZKLFK .LP FDPH WR RIIHU KHU 6KH IHOO LQ ORYH ZLWK KLP DOO RYHU DJDLQ 6KH ZDV ZRQ EDFN :KHQ D &KULVWLDQ DV WKH EULGH RI &KULVW ³IRUJHWV´ &KULVW WKH /RUG WULHV WR ZLQ KHU EDFN +H RIIHUV WKH ZDUP HPEUDFH RI IRUJLYHQHVV /XNH +H VHQGV D &KULVWLDQ IDPLO\ WR EHJ KHU WR UHWXUQ *DODWLDQV &RULQWKLDQV %XW ZKDW GRHV +H KDYH WR RIIHU" ([DFWO\ WKH VDPH WKLQJV +H SRVVHVVHG DQG RIIHUHG ZKLFK ZRQ KHU WKH ILUVW WLPH 7KH OLJKW RI HWHUQDO WUXWK )RUJLYHQHVV $ IDPLO\ RI *RG¶V SHRSOH 7KH SURPLVH RI WKH PDQVLRQV RI KHDYHQ 7KDW¶V LW 7KH DZHVRPH JUDQGHXU RI LW LV WR IDLWKIXO &KULVWLDQV DOZD\V EUHDWKWDNLQJ %XW VXSSRVH D &KULVWLDQ ZDONV DZD\ IURP &KULVW" 6XSSRVH KH RU VKH OHDYHV WKLV VZHHW PDUULDJH ZLWK &KULVW ZLWK DOO +H KDV JLYHQ" 6XSSRVH WKH EULGH UHMHFWV DQG UHIXVHV WKDW" 7KHQ WKH EULGH ZLOO QHYHU UHWXUQ IRU &KULVW KDV QRWKLQJ PRUH WR RIIHU +HEUHZV UHDGV “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” $UH \RX WKDW VSLULWXDO EULGH ZKR KDV OHIW &KULVW" :HUH \RX RQFH D IDLWKIXO SDUW RI +LV ERG\ WKH FKXUFK EXW KDYH QRZ VOLSSHG DZD\ IURP OLYLQJ ULJKW" 7KHQ TXLFNO\ DVN \RXUVHOI WKH TXHVWLRQ WKDW ZLOO WKLV YHU\ PRPHQW UHYHDO ZKHWKHU RU QRW WKHUH LV KRSH 'RHV IRUJLYHQHVV DSSHDO WR \RX" :KDW DERXW WKH VZHHW IULHQGVKLS RI RWKHU &KULVWLDQV LQ WKH IDPLO\ RI *RG" :KDW DERXW WKH ULJKW WR GUHDP RI HWHUQLW\ LQ WKH ³ODQG WKDW LV IDLUHU WKDQ GD\´ ² KHDYHQ" ,I WKH DQVZHU LV ³<HV´ LI WKHVH WKLQJV DSSHDO WR \RX WKHQ TXLFNO\ WDNH WKH VWHSV WR FRPH EDFN WR &KULVW 3UD\ IRU IRUJLYHQHVV IRU \RXU VLQV 7KHQ UXVK WR WKH QH[W DVVHPEO\ RI WKH /RUG¶V FKXUFK DQG OHW WKHP NQRZ WKDW \RX KDYH WXUQHG DURXQG DQG ZDQW WR EH UHVWRUHG <RX ZHUH RQFH SDUW RI +LV EULGH WKH FKXUFK +H ZDQWV \RX EDFN = = *OHQQ &ROOH\ LV WKH SUHDFKHU IRU WKH :HVW +XQWVYLOOH FKXUFK LQ +XQWVYLOOH $ODEDPD 86$
D octrin oct rine e T o Liv e By
Out of the Strong Came the Sweet 0LFKDHO / .LQJ 0DQRDK ZDV RI WKH 'DQLWH IDPLO\ DQG KDLOHG IURP =RUDK +LV ZLIH ZDV EDUUHQ EXW ORQJHG WR JLYH ELUWK WR KHU RZQ FKLOG $Q DQJHO RI WKH /RUG GHOLYHUHG WKH H[FLWLQJ QHZV WKDW VKH ZRXOG JLYH ELUWK WR D VRQ 6KH ZDV DGYLVHG WKDW WKLV VRQ ZRXOG EH VXEMHFWHG WR WKH 1D]DULWH YRZ “from the womb”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“roared against them” DQG 6DPVRQ SURFHHGHG WR WHDU LW DSDUW ZLWK KLV EDUH KDQGV $V KH ZDV UHWXUQLQJ KRPH
D octrin oct rine e T o Liv e By KH WRRN D EULHI VLGH WULS WR WDNH D ORRN DW KLV NLOO RQFH DJDLQ +H GLVFRYHUHG WKDW WKH FDUFDVV ZDV LQKDELWHG E\ D VZDUP RI KRQH\ EHHV +H DWH WKH IUHVK KRQH\ ZLWK KLV KDQGV DQG WRRN VRPH WR KLV SDUHQWV QRW WHOOLQJ WKHP IURP ZKHQFH LW FDPH 6DPVRQ SXW IRUWK D ULGGOH RIIHULQJ JDUPHQWV DQG VKHHWV WR WKRVH ZKR FRXOG VROYH LW ZLWKLQ VHYHQ GD\V 7KH ULGGOH VWDWHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness.â&#x20AC;? ,W ZDV RQO\ ZKHQ KLV ZLIH WROG WKH 3KLOLVWLQH WKH NH\ WR WKH ULGGOH WKDW WKH\ FRXOG VROYH LW -XGJHV 6DPVRQ YLRODWHG *RGÂśV YRZ WKDW ZDV SODFHG XSRQ KLP RI EHLQJ IUHH RI WKH XQFOHDQ :KHQ KH NLOOHG WKH OLRQ ZLWK KLV KDQGV KH WRXFKHG WKH XQFOHDQ D GHDG FDUFDVV :KHQ KH DWH RI WKH KRQH\ ZKLFK FDPH IURP D GHDG FDUFDVV KH IXUWKHU GLVREH\HG *RGÂśV LQMXQFWLRQV 7KH VZHHW DSSHDUDQFH RI VRPHWKLQJ RIWHQ GLVJXLVHV WKH DZIXO WHUULEOH KXUW DQG ELWWHUQHVV WKDW DUH WR IROORZ ,W LV QR ZRQGHU WKDW 3DXO ZDUQHG WKH 7KHVVDORQLDQV â&#x20AC;&#x153;Abstain from all appearance of evilâ&#x20AC;? 7KHVVDORQLDQV -DPHV FRQILUPHG WKLV WUXWK E\ GHFODULQJ â&#x20AC;&#x153;But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticedâ&#x20AC;? -DPHV 1RWH LQ WKH VDPH FRQWH[W YHUVH WKH SURJUHVVLRQ RI ZURQJ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.â&#x20AC;? 7KH â&#x20AC;&#x153;sweetnessâ&#x20AC;? RI VLQ LQLWLDOO\ KDV D FRPSHOOLQJ SRZHU RYHU WKH KHDUW RI DQ LQGLYLGXDO Âł/XVW LV GHVLUH JRQH ZURQJ ´ )XUWKHU 3DXO ZDUQHG WKH 5RPDQV WR â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lusts thereofâ&#x20AC;? 5RPDQV ,Q WKH YHU\ QH[W YHUVH KH IRUEDGH WKHP WR â&#x20AC;&#x153;yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over youâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? YHUVHV D -DPHV LQIRUPHG KLV UHDGHUV WKDW â&#x20AC;&#x153;sin brings forth deathâ&#x20AC;?, EXW LQ WKH DERYH SDVVDJH 3DXO HPSKDVL]HG WKDW WKRVH ZKR \LHOG WKHPVHOYHV WR *RG DUH â&#x20AC;&#x153;aliveâ&#x20AC;? :KHQ FRQWHQGLQJ ZLWK VLQ ÂłWKH LQWHQWLRQV DUH QRW QHDUO\ DV GDVWDUGO\ DV WKH FRQVHTXHQFHV ´ 7R LOOXVWUDWH WKH SRLQW RI RXU GLVFXVVLRQ OHW PH UHIHUHQFH D SLHFH RI *UHHN P\WKRORJ\ 7KH OHJHQGDU\ 6LUHQV ZHUH VXSSRVHG
D octrin oct rine e T o Liv e By WR EH Q\PSKV OLYLQJ RQ DQ LVODQG OXULQJ SDVVLQJ VDLORUV WR GHVWUXFWLRQ E\ WKH LUUHVLVWLEOH FKDUP RI WKHLU VLQJLQJ 2G\VVHXV ZDV VR GHWHUPLQHG WR QRW IDOO SUH\ WR WKHP WKDW KH VWXIIHG KLV FRPSDQLRQVÂś HDUV ZLWK ZD[ DQG ERXQG KLPVHOI WR WKH PDVW RI KLV VKLS WR DYRLG WKHP 7KLV ZDV PHUHO\ D myth, EXW 6DPVRQ ZDV GHDOLQJ ZLWK real WHPSWDWLRQ :H WRGD\ OLYH LQ D UHDO ZRUOG ZLWK WKH GHYLO DQG KLV GHYLFHV â&#x20AC;&#x153;as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devourâ&#x20AC;? 3HWHU :KDW DUH ZH GRLQJ WR UHVWUDLQ RXUVHOYHV IURP IDOOLQJ SUH\ WR KLP" 7KH LPSOLFDWLRQ LV WKDW WKH &RULQWKLDQV KDG â&#x20AC;&#x153;become unequally yoked with unbelieversâ&#x20AC;? WR ZRUN XQULJKWHRXVQHVV &RULQWKLDQV ZKLFK REYLRXVO\ KDG D GLOXWLQJ HIIHFW XSRQ WKHLU VSLULWXDOLW\ 7KH DGYLFH KH JDYH WKHP LV DSSURSULDWH IRU WKRVH ZKR ZRXOG SOHDVH *RG WRGD\ +H VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive youâ&#x20AC;? YHUVH 6DPVRQ FRXOG KDYH UHPDLQHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;separateâ&#x20AC;? KDG KH OLVWHQHG WR *RGÂśV LQVWUXFWLRQV DERXW SXULW\ +LV ELUWK PLVVLRQ DQG SXUSRVH LQ OLIH ZHUH XQTXHVWLRQDEO\ D JLIW IURP *RG *RG GLG DVN IRU VRPHWKLQJ LQ UHWXUQ ² D SXUH OLIH RI VHUYLFH 7KH VDPH H[SHFWDWLRQ LV PDGH RI XV WRGD\ &KLOGUHQ RI *RG DUH WR EH â&#x20AC;&#x153;a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous lightâ&#x20AC;? 3HWHU :H FDQ EHFRPH DQG UHPDLQ VHSDUDWH E\ EHLQJ VDQFWLILHG VHSDUDWHG SXULILHG E\ REHGLHQFH WR WKH WUXWK RI *RGÂśV :RUG -RKQ 2XU ZRUOG WRGD\ LV ÂłDUWLILFLDOO\ VZHHWHQLQJ´ WKH ELWWHUQHVV RI VLQ ,W PD\ PRPHQWDULO\ KDYH D SOHDVLQJ DIIHFW EXW WKH ILQDO UHVXOW LV DV SRWHQW DV D WR[LF WRQLF â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of deathâ&#x20AC;? 3URYHUEV :H PXVW â&#x20AC;&#x153;search the scripturesâ&#x20AC;? DQG â&#x20AC;&#x153;try the spiritsâ&#x20AC;? 7LPRWK\ -RKQ WR PDNH VXUH WKDW ZH DUH QRW MHRSDUGL]LQJ WKH FRYHQDQW UHODWLRQVKLS LQWR ZKLFK ZH HQWHUHG DW ELUWK VSLULWXDO ELUWK LQ EDSWLVP E\ ZKLFK ZH ZHUH IRUJLYHQ RI RXU WUHVSDVVHV DQG PDGH FRPSOHWH LQ &KULVW &RORVVLDQV = = 0LFKDHO / .LQJ SUHDFKHV IRU WKH /RUGÂśV FKXUFK LQ 1HZ $OEDQ\ 0LVVLVVLSSL 86$
D octrin oct rine e T o Liv e By
Preac h Jesusâ&#x20AC;¦ Preach .HYLQ / 0RRUH $V ZH VHHN WR IXO ILOO WKH *UHDW &RPPLVVLRQ DQG VKDUH WKH *RVSHO ZLWK RXU QHLJKERUV DQG WKH UHVW RI WKH ZRUOG ZKDW LV WKH PHVVDJH WKDW 3LFWXUH XVHG ZLWK SHUPLVVLRQ ZH VKRXOG EH Â&#x2039; ZZZ 7KH*ORU\6WRU\ FRP FRPPXQLFDW LQJ" 2Q PXO WLSOH RFFDVLRQV , KDYH KHDUG VWDWHPHQWV OLNH ³-XVW SUHDFK -HVXV ´ , KDYH DOVR KHDUG WKH FRUUHVSRQGLQJ VHQWLPHQW ³6WRS SUHDFKLQJ WKH FKXUFK DQG MXVW WHOO SHRSOH DERXW -HVXV ´ ,I RQH FRQVLGHUV ³WKH FKXUFK´ WR EH PHUHO\ D PDQPDGH GHQRPLQDWLRQDO VHFW WKHQ , FHUWDLQO\ ZRXOG QRW ZDQW WR HQGRUVH RU SURPRWH VXFK DQ LQVWLWXWLRQ HLWKHU %XW ZKHQ , UHDG ZKDW WKH %LEOH VD\V DERXW WKH FKXUFK DQG WKLQN DERXW WKH FKXUFK DQG WHDFK RWKHUV DERXW WKH FKXUFK , VHH VRPHWKLQJ HQWLUHO\ GLIIHUHQW 7KH FKXUFK RI WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW LV WKH ERG\ RI &KULVW DQG WKH FRPPXQLW\ RI WKH VDYHG +RZ FDQ ZH MXVW SUHDFK ³-HVXV´ ZLWKRXW LQFOXGLQJ WKH FKXUFK ZKLFK +H SXUFKDVHG ZLWK +LV RZQ EORRG $FWV WKH ERG\ RI ZKLFK +H LV ERWK KHDG DQG 6DYLRU (SKHVLDQ " :KHQ 3KLOLS ³SUHDFKHG &KULVW´ WR WKH 6DPDULWDQV $FWV WKLV LQFOXGHG PDWWHUV SHUWDLQLQJ WR WKH NLQJGRP RI *RG WKH DXWKRULW\ RI &KULVW
D octrin oct rine e T o Liv e By DQG EDSWLVP YHUVHV /DWHU DV KH ³SUHDFKHG -HVXV´ WR WKH (WKLRSLDQ HXQXFK $FWV WKH WHDFKLQJ KHOSHG WKH HXQXFK XQGHUVWDQG WKDW KH QHHGHG WR REH\ WKH *RVSHO E\ EHLQJ EDSWL]HG LQWR &KULVW YHUVHV 3DXO VLPSO\ SUHDFKHG “Christ crucified” WR WKH &RULQWKLDQV &RULQWKLDQV EXW WKLV REYLRXVO\ LQFOXGHG EDSWLVP LQWR &KULVW¶V ERG\ $FWV &RULQWKLDQV QRW WR PHQWLRQ DOO WKH RWKHU LQVWUXFWLRQV KH SDVVHG RQ WR WKHP $FWV 7R WHDFK ³-HVXV´ LQ WKH ELEOLFDO VHQVH QRW RQO\ LQYROYHV WUDQVPLWWLQJ WKH GRFWULQH about -HVXV EXW DOVR WKH GRFWULQH from -HVXV LQFOXGLQJ WKDW FRPPXQLFDWHG WKURXJK +LV LQVSLUHG DJHQWV “the whole counsel of God” $FWV 7KLV LV QRW PHUHO\ ³FKXUFK GRFWULQH´ LW LV WKH GRFWULQH RI &KULVW -RKQ -RKQ $V ZH SUHDFK ³-HVXV´ ZH PXVW QHYHU QHJOHFW WR LQIRUP SHRSOH DERXW WKH FRPPXQLW\ RI WKH VDYHG WR ZKLFK WKH /RUG DGGV DOO ZKR REH\ WKH *RVSHO $FWV FI +HEUHZV :KDW LV D EULGHJURRP ZLWKRXW D EULGH 5HYHODWLRQ " &DQ WKHUH EH D NLQJ ZLWKRXW D NLQJGRP &RORVVLDQV " :KDW SXUSRVH GRHV D IRXQGDWLRQ VHUYH ZKHQ WKHUH LV QR EXLOGLQJ &RULQWKLDQV " :LOO ZH VHYHU &KULVW¶V KHDG IURP +LV ERG\ &RORVVLDQV "
-HVXV DQG +LV FKXUFK DUH QRW PXWXDOO\ H[FOXVLYH DQG WR SUHDFK RQH ZLWKRXW WKH RWKHU LV ERWK LQVXIILFLHQW DQG GHWULPHQWDO WR WKH /RUG¶V FDXVH :H DUH QRW LQ WKH EXVLQHVV RI SHUVXDGLQJ SHRSOH WR MRLQ ³RXU´ FKXUFK RU VXEPLW WR ³RXU´ GRFWULQH EXW ZH PXVW GLOLJHQWO\ WHDFK &+5,67¶6 GRFWULQH LQFOXVLYH RI +,6 FKXUFK DQG WKH QHFHVVLW\ RI EHLQJ D IDLWKIXO PHPEHU RI LW 0DWWKHZ (SKHVLDQV &RQJUHJDWLRQV JURZ DQG VRXOV DUH VDYHG ZKHQ WKLV WDVN LV SUD\HUIXOO\ DQG HDUQHVWO\ XQGHUWDNHQ *RG KHOS XV WR EH IDLWKIXO WR WKH WDVN = = .HYLQ / 0RRUH WHDFKHV %LEOH DQG PLVVLRQV DW )UHHG +DUGHPDQ 8QLYHUVLW\ LQ +HQGHU VRQ 71 86$
D octrin oct rine e T o Liv e By
3UHGH VW LQHG 3UHGHVWLQHG 1HDO 3ROODUG 3UHGHVWLQDWLRQ VLPSO\ UHIHUV WR GHFLGLQJ RQ VRPHWKLQJ EHIRUHKDQG RU GHWHUPLQLQJ LQ DGYDQFH -RKQ &DOYLQ¶V HUURQHRXV LGHDV DERXW LW QRWZLWKVWDQGLQJ SUH GHVWLQDWLRQ LV D WKRURXJKO\ ELEOLFDO FRQFHSW 7KH ZRUG LWVHOI LV XVHG D JRRG KDQGIXO RI WLPHV UHIHUULQJ WR WKLQJV *RG GHWHUPLQHG IURP +LV PLQG IURP EHIRUH HWHUQLW\ ,W LV LQWHUHVWLQJ WR VHH WKH WKLQJV *RG KDV SUHGHVWLQHG 7KH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW WHDFKHV a predestined plan $FWV 7KH HDUO\ FKXUFK UHFRJQL]HG WKLV DV LW IDFHG LWV ILUVW LQVWDQFH RI RSSRVLWLRQ $V &KULVWLDQV SHWLWLRQHG IRU GLYLQH KHOS WKH\ DFNQRZOHGJHG KRZ WKH )DWKHU VDZ DV SDUW RI +LV GLYLQH SODQ WKDW +HURG 3LODWH DQG WKH 5RPDQV ZRXOG FUXFLI\ -HVXV 5HDGLQJ SDVVDJHV OLNH (SKHVLDQV DQG DV ZH ORRN DW WKH %LEOH IURP D KLVWRULFDO YLHZSRLQW ZH FDQ VHH WKLV SODQ XQIROG ZLWK -HVXV DV WKH KHUR DQG FHQWUDO ILJXUH RI 6FULSWXUH 7KH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW WHDFKHV a predestined behavior 5RPDQV &KULVWLDQV DUH SUHGHVWLQHG WR EH FRQIRUPHG WR WKH LPDJH RI *RG¶V 6RQ ³&RQIRUPHG´ PHDQV WR KDYH WKH VDPH RU VLPLODU QDWXUH DQG WKH SRLQW RI FRQWH[W LV WKDW *RG¶V SODQ RI UHGHPSWLRQ IHDWXULQJ +LV 6RQ RSHQHG WKH
D octrin oct rine e T o Liv e By GRRU IRU XV WR DOVR EHFRPH FKLOGUHQ RI *RG 7KURXJK &KULVW¶V UHGHHPLQJ ZRUN DW &DOYDU\ *RG ORRNV DW XV DV +H GRHV +LV RQO\ EHJRWWHQ 6RQ %XW FRQIRUPLW\ LV PRUH WKDQ DERXW IRUP ² LW LV DERXW VXEVWDQFH %HLQJ LQ *RG¶V NLQJGRP PHDQV WKDW ZH KDYH D QHZ LGHQWLW\ EXW LW DOVR PHDQV ZH KDYH D QHZ ZD\ RI WKLQNLQJ DQG DFWLQJ :H ZLOO WKLQN DQG DFW OLNH -HVXV *RG GHWHUPLQHG WKDW DV SDUW RI +LV SODQ &KULVWLDQV ZRXOG EHKDYH GLIIHUHQWO\ IURP WKH XQUHGHHPHG 7KH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW WHDFKHV a predestined message &RULQWKLDQV )LUVW &RULQWKLDQV 7ZR VSHDNV RI WKH SURFHVV RI *RG UHYHDOLQJ +LV :RUG WR PDQNLQG 3DXO FDOOHG LW *RG¶V ZLVGRP SRLQWLQJ DJDLQ WR +LV HWHUQDO VFKHPH RI UHGHPSWLRQ SUHGHVWLQHG WR RXU JORU\ *RG¶V PHVVDJH WR XV LQYROYHG WKH PDUYHORXV WKDQNIXOO\ LQWHOOLJLEOH SURFHVV RI UHYHDOLQJ RU XQORFNLQJ +LV PLQG DQG ZLOO WKURXJK VSLULWXDO ZRUGV 6FULSWXUH LV WKH GHOLEHUDWH DQG LQWHQWLRQDO FRPPXQLFDWLRQ IURP KHDYHQ WR HDUWK 7KH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW WHDFKHV a predestined position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¶V ZULWLQJ LQ WKLV HSLVWOH 0D\ ZH QHYHU DOORZ PDQ¶V GLVWRUWLRQ DQG IDOVH WHDFKLQJ RI D VXEMHFW WR FDXVH XV WR FRZHU RU DYRLG WKH WUXWK RQ WKDW VXEMHFW ,W LV D ULFK DQG PDUYHORXV VWXG\ WR ORRN DW WKH WKLQJV DQG SHRSOH &KULVWLDQV GHWHUPLQHG E\ *RG HYHQ EHIRUH WLPH EHJDQ ,W HOHYDWHV WKH ZD\ ZH ORRN DW RXUVHOYHV DQG WKH ZD\ ZH ORRN DW +LP = = 1HDO 3ROODUG LV WKH SUHDFKHU IRU WKH %HDU 9DOOH\ FKXUFK LQ 'HQYHU &RORUDGR 86$
D octrin oct rine e T o Liv e By
Quick Fix Religion 5DQGDOO &DVHOPDQ 2XU FXOWXUH DSSHDUV REVHVVHG ZLWK TXLFN IL[HV ² GHEW FRQVRODWLRQ RYHUQLJKW ZHLJKW ORVV GLHWV XQFRQWHVWHG GLYRUFH JHW ULFK TXLFN VFKHPHV HWF %XW TXLFN IL[HV GR QRW VROYH SUREOHPV WKH\ PHUHO\ WUHDW V\PSWRPV ZLWK FRVPHWLF UHVXOWV 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ ZH KDYH PRYHG WKLV TXLFN IL[ FRQFHSW LQWR UHOLJLRQ VR WKDW ZH FDQ IHHO JRRG IRU WKH PRPHQW ZLWK OLWWOH RU QR HIIRUW :H PXVW NQRZ WKDW WR EH ULJKW ZLWK *RG DQG RWKHUV WDNHV WLPH HQHUJ\ DQG HIIRUW ,W WDNHV conversion: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lordâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? $FWV ,QVWHDG RI FRQYHUVLRQ ZH ZDQW D TXLFN IL[ IDLWK ZLWKRXW IDLWKIXOQHVV EDSWLVP ZLWKRXW FUXFLIL[LRQ RI WKH ROG PDQ IRUJLYHQHVV ZLWKRXW UHSHQWDQFH DQG D 6DYLRU ZLWKRXW GLVFLSOHVKLS /HW PH VXJJHVW WKDW WKHVH FRQFHSWV FDQQRW EH IRXQG LQ WKH %LEOH
Conversion demands that we be changed. 5HSHQWDQFH LV QRW LQFLGHQWDO WR FRQYHUVLRQ UDWKHU LW LV D PXVW â&#x20AC;&#x153;What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We die to sin; how can we live in it any longer?...For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sinâ&#x20AC;? 5RPDQV &RQYHUVLRQ GHPDQGV GHDWK WR WKH ROG OLIH DQG UHVXUUHFWLRQ WR D QHZ OLIH /DWHU LQ WKH FKDSWHU 3DXO FRPPDQGV XV WR EHFRPH LQVWUXPHQWV RI ULJKWHRXVQHVV LQ *RGÂśV KDQGV ,Q 5RPDQV KH WHDFKHV WKDW ZH DUH WR EHFRPH OLYLQJ VDFULILFHV &RQYHUVLRQ LV QRW D TXLFN IL[ WR RXU VLQ SUREOHP LW LV EHFRPLQJ D FKDQJHG SHUVRQ
Conversion is discipleship. 5HOLJLRXV TXLFN IL[ DGYRFDWHV ZDQW D 6DYLRU EXW QRW D /RUG 2XU JHQHUDWLRQ VKXQV WKH LGHD RI D /RUGVKLS *RVSHO :H GRQÂśW ZDQW DQ\RQH WHOOLQJ XV KRZ WR OLYH %XW JHQXLQH FRQYHUVLRQ LV ZDONLQJ DV +H ZDONHG
D octrin oct rine e T o Liv e By OLYLQJ DFFRUGLQJ WR +LV :RUG DQG PDNLQJ +LV DJHQGD RXU DJHQGD &KULVWLDQ FRQYHUVLRQ LV DOORZLQJ -HVXV WR UXOH RYHU HYHU\ DUHQD RI RXU OLYHV â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. The man who says, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I know Him,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in himâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ 3DXO ZULWHV WKDW WKH JUDFH RI *RG â&#x20AC;&#x153;teaches us to say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Noâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hopeâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? 7LWXV &RQYHUVLRQ LV QRW D TXLFN IL[ LW LV D GLVFLSOLQH WR IROORZ GDLO\
Conversion is perseverance. &RQYHUVLRQ LV DQ RQJRLQJ SURFHVV ILJKWLQJ WKH ILJKW UXQQLQJ WKH UDFH ILQLVKLQJ WKH FRXUVH DQG NHHSLQJ WKH IDLWK 7KH FURZQ RI OLIH LV QRW JLYHQ DV D TXLFN IL[ EXW DV D UHZDUG IRU IDLWKIXOQHVV -HVXV LQ +LV GLYLQH DXGLW RI WKH VHYHQ FKXUFKHV RI $VLD UHSHDWHGO\ XVHG SKUDVHV OLNH 5HSHQW DQG GR WKH WKLQJV \RX GLG DW ILUVW ÂŤ%H IDLWKIXO XQWR DQG XQWLO GHDWK ÂŤ5HPDLQ WUXH WR 0\ QDPH ÂŤ, NQRZ \RXU GHHGV ORYH IDLWK VHUYLFH DQG SHUVHYHUDQFH ÂŤ+ROG RQ WR ZKDW \RX KDYH XQWLO , FRPH ÂŤ6WUHQJWKHQ ZKDW UHPDLQV ÂŤ (QGXUH SDWLHQWO\ 5HYHODWLRQ DQG 7KH +HEUHZV ZULWHU VD\V â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we professâ&#x20AC;? +HEUHZV *HQXLQH FRQYHUVLRQ GHPDQGV D OLIH RI FRQWLQXHG IDLWKIXOQHVV
Summary 5HOLJLRXV TXLFN IL[HV DUH OLWWOH PRUH WKDQ FRVPHWLF %DQG $LGV 7KH\ JLYH XV LQVWDQW UHOLHI DQG D PRPHQWDU\ UHOLJLRXV ORRN EXW WKH\ RIIHU QR ODVWLQJ FXUH 7KHUH LV QR TXLFN DQG HDV\ VROXWLRQ WR WKH SUREOHP RI VLQ H[FHSW JHQXLQH ELEOLFDO FRQYHUVLRQ -HVXV VD\V â&#x20AC;&#x153;I came that you might have life and have it more abundantlyâ&#x20AC;ŚAnd when the Son sets you free, you are free indeedâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ ,1'((' ,1'((' = = 5DQGDOO &DVHOPDQ SUHDFKHV IRU WKH /RUGÂśV FKXUFK LQ %HOOD 9LVWD $UNDQVDV 86$
Quick Commentary on Crucial Verses [Matthew 24:29-31; Luke 21:26-32]
,Q 0DWWKHZ WKH DSRVWOHV DVNHG -HVXV WKUHH TXHVWLRQV 7KH VHFRQG RQH FRQFHUQHG ³WKH VLJQV RI +LV FRPLQJ´ +LV DQVZHU LV ODUJH O\ PLVDSSOLHG WRGD\ ZLWK SDUW RI LW DSSOLHG WR WKH ³WULEXODWLRQ´ LQ WKH GHVWUXFWLRQ RI -HUXVD OHP DQG SDUW RI LW WR +LV FRP LQJ DW WKH HQG RI WKH ZRUOG &RQVLGHU LQ FRQWUDVW WKDW the coming they were expecting and the one He was describing was the beginning of His reign in the church. ,W ZDV then WKDW UHGHPSWLRQ ZDV RIIHUHG WR KXPDQLW\ (Y 7KHQ WKH\ ZLOO VHH WKH HU\WKLQJ FRQWDLQHG LQ +LV DQ 6RQ RI 0DQ FRPLQJ LQ D FORXG VZHU ZDV WR WDNH SODFH within ZLWK SRZHU DQG JUHDW JORU\ that generation, QRW DW WKH 1RZ ZKHQ WKHVH WKLQJV EHJLQ HQG RI WLPH WR KDSSHQ ORRN XS DQG OLIW XS )RU PRUH WKDQ D \HDU -H \RXU KHDGV EHFDXVH \RXU VXV KDG EHHQ WHOOLQJ WKH GLV UHGHPSWLRQ GUDZV QHDU ´ FLSOHV WKDW +H ZRXOG EH NLOOHG 7KHQ +H VSRNH WR WKHP +LV WUDXPD LQ WKH *DUGHQ OD\ D D SDUDEOH ³/RRN DW WKH ILJ IHZ KRXUV DKHDG RI +LP DQG WUHH DQG DOO WKH WUHHV :KHQ WKH\ DUH DOUHDG\ EXGGLQJ \RX ZKHQ ² EHWZHHQ WKH WLPH WKLV VHH DQG NQRZ IRU \RXUVHOYHV FRQYHUVDWLRQ WRRN SODFH DQG WKDW VXPPHU LV QRZ QHDU 6R WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI WKH FKXUFK ² \RX DOVR ZKHQ \RX VHH WKHVH ZDV WKH VXQ GDUNHQHG DQG WKH WKLQJV KDSSHQLQJ NQRZ WKDW SRZHUV RI KHDYHQ VKDNHQ ZLWK WKH NLQJGRP RI *RG LV QHDU WKH FUXFL¿ [LRQ RI WKH 6RQ RI $VVXUHGO\ , VD\ WR \RX WKLV *RG" $QG ZKHQ GLG +H VXP JHQHUDWLRQ ZLOO E\ QR PHDQV PRQ WKH KRVW RI KHDYHQ DV SDVV DZD\ WLOO DOO WKLQJV WDNH WKH QHZ .LQJ" 'DQLHO SODFH 5HTXHVW RXU ERRNOHW WUDFW ³5HFRQVLGHU 0DWWKHZ ´ ,PPHGLDWHO\ DIWHU WKH WULEXODWLRQ RI WKRVH GD\V WKH VXQ ZLOO EH GDUNHQHG DQG WKH PRRQ ZLOO QRW JLYH LWV OLJKW WKH VWDUV ZLOO IDOO IURP KHDYHQ DQG WKH SRZHUV RI WKH KHDYHQV ZLOO EH VKDNHQ 7KHQ WKH VLJQ RI WKH 6RQ RI 0DQ ZLOO DSSHDU LQ KHDYHQ DQG WKHQ DOO WKH WULEHV RI WKH HDUWK ZLOO PRXUQ DQG WKH\ ZLOO VHH WKH 6RQ RI 0DQ FRPLQJ RQ WKH FORXGV RI KHDYHQ ZLWK SRZHU DQG JUHDW JORU\ $QG +H ZLOO VHQG +LV DQJHOV ZLWK D JUHDW VRXQG RI D WUXPSHW DQG WKH\ ZLOO JDWKHU WRJHWKHU +LV HOHFW IURP WKH IRXU ZLQGV IURP RQH HQG RI KHDYHQ WR WKH RWKHU
C hristian hr is tia nit ity y I n Action
Open Doors - & &KRDWH 7KH 6FULSWXUHV VSHDN RI RSHQ GRRUV VHYHUDO WLPHV 3DXO RIWHQ PHQWLRQHG WKHP LQ GHVFULELQJ RSSRUWXQLWLHV WKDW ZHUH SUHVHQWHG WR KLP WR SUHDFK WKH *RVSHO 2Q WKH ILUVW PLVVLRQDU\ MRXUQH\ LW LV VDLG WKDW WKH GRRU RI IDLWK ZDV RSHQHG WR WKH *HQWLOHV $FWV :KLOH LQ (SKHVXV 3DXO ZURWH For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversariesâ&#x20AC;? &RULQWKLDQV 2Q DQRWKHU RFFDVLRQ 3DXO ZURWH WKH &RULQWKLDQ EUHWKUHQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedoniaâ&#x20AC;? &RULQWKLDQV 7KH JUHDW $SRVWOH ZDV UHIHUULQJ WR WKH WLPH WKDW D PDQ DSSHDUHG WR KLP LQ WKH QLJKW DVNLQJ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Come over to Macedonia and help us.â&#x20AC;? 3DXO ZHQW DQG SUHDFKHG WKH *RVSHO WR /\GLD DQG KHU KRXVHKROG DQG WR WKH -DLOHU DQG KLV KRXVHKROG DQG ZLWK WKHLU REHGLHQFH WR WKH /RUG WKH FKXUFK ZDV HVWDEOLVKHG LQ WKDW SDUW RI WKH ZRUOG $FWV 3DXO ZURWH WKH &RORVVLDQ EUHWKUHQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speakâ&#x20AC;? &RORVVLDQV %XW ZKLOH GRRUV PD\ EH RSHQ WR WKH SUHDFKLQJ RI WKH *RVSHO RQ RWKHU RFFDVLRQV WKH\ PD\ EH FORVHG RU PD\ appear WR EH FORVHG 7KH GRRUV WR 5XVVLD WKH (DVW (XURSHDQ QDWLRQV PDQ\ RI WKH $UDE FRXQWULHV &KLQD 1RUWK .RUHD DQG YDULRXV RWKHU FRXQWULHV KDYH VHHPHG WR EH FORVHG EHFDXVH YLVDV FRXOG QRW EH REWDLQHG %DFN LQ WKH ÂśV ZH WKRXJKW WKDW WKH GRRU WR ,QGLD ZDV FORVHG DQG ZH ZHUH ILQDOO\ IRUFHG WR WXUQ WR 3DNLVWDQ WR HVWDEOLVK WKH FKXUFK WKHUH /DWHU LW ZDV IRXQG WKDW &DQDGLDQ EUHWKUHQ FRXOG ZRUN LQ ,QGLD VLQFH &DQDGD ZDV D SDUW RI WKH &RPPRQZHDOWK RI
C hristian hr is tia nit ity y I n Action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¶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hat are WE waiting for? = - & &KRDWH SDVVHG IURP WKLV OLIH LQ DIWHU SUHDFKLQJ WKH *RVSHO IRU DOPRVW \HDUV
How Do You Measure Up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
W orship orsh ip
6SHFLDO &RPPHPRUDWLYH :RUVKLS $FWV VD\V ³ RQ WKH ILUVW GD\ RI WKH ZHHN ZKHQ WKH GLVFLSOHV FDPH WRJHWKHU WR EUHDN EUHDG ´ <HV ZH VLQJ DQG SUD\ DQG JLYH DQG VWXG\ D OHVVRQ IURP *RG¶V ZRUG EXW GR ZH UHPHPEHU WKDW our purpose LQ FRPLQJ WRJHWKHU LV WR PHPRULDOL]H WKH /RUG¶V GHDWK LQ WKH ³EUHDNLQJ RI EUHDG´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¶V 6XSSHU 3UD\HU RI WKDQNVJLYLQJ IRU &KULVW 6RQJ +RZ %HDXWLIXO
W orship orsh ip 6FULSWXUH 5HDGLQJ 0DUN WKH 3DVVRYHU )HDVW DQG WKH LQVWLWXWLRQ RI WKH /RUG¶V 6XSSHU 6RQJ /HDG 0H WR &DOYDU\ 6FULSWXUH 5HDGLQJ 0DWWKHZ -HVXV SUD\V LQ *HWKVHPDQH
3UD\HU )RFXV RQ WKH 6DFULILFH 6RQJ :KHQ , 6XUYH\ WKH :RQGURXV &URVV 6FULSWXUH 5HDGLQJ 0DWWKHZ -HVXV RQ WKH &URVV
6RQJ -HVXV 3DLG LW $OO 6FULSWXUH 5HDGLQJ ,VDLDK 6RQJ +DOOHOXMDK :KDW D 6DYLRU 6FULSWXUH 5HDGLQJ 0DWWKHZ -HVXV¶ 'HDWK
3UD\HU 7KDQNVJLYLQJ IRU -HVXV¶ 6DFULILFH 7KRXJKWV EHIRUH &RPPXQLRQ %R 6XUUHOO
³, ZDV UHFHQWO\ GRLQJ VRPH ZRUN LQ P\ EDFN \DUG WKDW UHTXLUHG PH WR XVH ´; ´; ¶ SRVWV 7KRVH WKLQJV ZHUH SUHWW\ KHDY\ DQG E\ WKH WLPH , JRW WR WKH SODFH ZKHUH , ZDV XVLQJ WKHP , ZDV VZHDWLQJ DQG FRPSOHWHO\ RXW RI EUHDWK ³, EHJDQ WR WKLQN DERXW -HVXV +H KDG WR FDUU\ VRPHWKLQJ D ORW KHDYLHU DQG D ORW IXUWKHU WKDQ DFURVV P\ EDFN \DUG &ORVH \RXU H\HV DQG WKLQN ZLWK PH $V -HVXV VWUXJJOHG WR ZDON XQGHU WKH ZHLJKW RI WKDW KHDY\ FURVV ZKLFK ZDV D GLIILFXOW WDVN LQ DQG RI LWVHOI +H GLGQ¶W VLPSO\ KDYH WKH ZHLJKW RI WKH ODUJH FURVV EHDULQJ GRZQ RQ +LP WR GHDO ZLWK +LV EDFN ZDV ULSSHG WR SLHFHV IURP WKH EHDWLQJV +H KDG WDNHQ HDUOLHU +LV IOHVK ZDV ODLG RSHQ PD\EH WR WKH ERQH LQ VRPH SODFHV DQG WKH FURVV ZDV UXEELQJ RQ WKH RSHQ ZRXQGV $V +H WRRN HDFK WRUWXUHG VWHS WKH KXPDQ VLGH RI +LP SUREDEO\ VFUHDPHG µ/RUG LI LW EH <RXU ZLOO OHW WKLV FXS WKLV EXUGHQ SDVV IURP PH ¶ , WUXO\ EHOLHYH WKH SDLQ ZRXOG KDYH EHHQ PRUH WKDQ PRVW ² LI QRW DOO ² KXPDQV FRXOG VWDQG DQG QRW JR LQWR VKRFN %XW -HVXV NHSW JRLQJ DJRQL]LQJ VWHS DIWHU DJRQL]LQJ VWHS
W orship orsh ip ³$V +H QHDUHG WKH KLOO ZKHUH +H ZDV WR EH PXUGHUHG , VXVSHFW WKH *RG VLGH RI +LP VDLG µ1RW 0\ ZLOO )DWKHU EXW <RXU ZLOO EH GRQH ¶ ³$QG DV +H KXQJ RQ WKH URXJK ZRRGHQ FURVV VRPH RI +LV ILQDO ZRUGV ZHUH µ)DWKHU IRUJLYH WKHP IRU WKH\ GR QRW NQRZ ZKDW WKH\ DUH GRLQJ ¶ ³7KLV PRUQLQJ DV ZH IRFXV RQ ZKDW -HVXV GLG IRU XV OHW XV UHIOHFW ILUVW RQ WKH IDFW WKDW +H OHIW KHDYHQ ³&KULVW -HVXV EHLQJ LQ WKH IRUP RI *RG GLG QRW FRQVLGHU LW UREEHU\ WR EH HTXDO ZLWK *RG EXW PDGH +LPVHOI RI QR UHSXWDWLRQ WDNLQJ WKH IRUP RI D ERQGVHUYDQW DQG FRPLQJ LQ WKH OLNHQHVV RI PHQ´ 3KLOLSSLDQV ³+H OLYHG SHUIHFWO\ ZLWKRXW VLQ ³)RU WR WKLV \RX ZHUH FDOOHG EHFDXVH &KULVW DOVR VXIIHUHG IRU XV OHDYLQJ XV DQ H[DPSOH WKDW \RX VKRXOG IROORZ +LV VWHSV â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 3HWHU ³+H GLHG IRU VLQQHUV IRU \RX DQG PH ³ ZKR +LPVHOI ERUH RXU VLQV LQ +LV RZQ ERG\ RQ WKH WUHH WKDW ZH KDYLQJ GLHG WR VLQV PLJKW OLYH IRU ULJKWHRXVQHVV ² E\ ZKRVH VWULSHV \RX ZHUH KHDOHG ³$QG LQ G\LQJ +H WRRN RXU VLQV VR WKDW ZH FDQ VWDQG EHIRUH *RG IDXOWOHVV FOHDQVHG LQ +LV EORRG ´ 7DNLQJ RI WKH /RUG¶V 6XSSHU &ROOHFWLRQ ZLWK +\PQ 7KDQN <RX /RUG IRU /RYLQJ 0H 6RQJ /RZ LQ WKH *UDYH +H /D\ 6FULSWXUH 5HDGLQJ 0DWWKHZ 7KH 5HVXUUHFWLRQ
6RQJ %HFDXVH +H /LYHV &ORVLQJ 3UD\HU 7KDQNIXOQHVV WKDW ZH FDQ VKDUH ZLWK +LP LQ WKH 0HPRULDO 6XSSHU = =
W orship orsh ip
Wo r sshh i p M u ssii c 'DQ 5 2ZHQ 0XVLF KDV EHHQ SDUW RI KXPDQ FXOWXUH VLQFH WKH GD\V RI -XEDO RQH RI WKH GHVFHQGDQWV RI &DLQ 7KH EHDWV UK\WKPV DQG PHORGLHV RI KXPDQ FXOWXUH KDYH VXUURXQGHG FRXUWLQJ ULWXDOV WKH DFWLYLWLHV RI ZDU FHOHEUDWLRQV DQG GHDWKV WKURXJKRXW WKH FHQWXULHV 0XVLF LV D SRZHUIXO IRUFH LQ RXU FXOWXUH DQG LW KDV D PDMRU SODFH LQ SHRSOH¶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¶V ZLOO WKDW VSHFLDO OHYLWLFDO VLQJHUV VLQJ DQG SOD\ WKHLU LQVWUXPHQWV LQ WKDW KRO\ WHPSOH DV WKH SULHVWV FDUULHG RQ WKHLU ZRUVKLS 0HQ OLNH $VDSK +HPDQ -HGXWKDQ DQG WKH VRQV RI .RUDK SURSKHVLHG ZLWK KDUSV O\UHV DQG F\PEDOV ZKLOH WKH SULHVWV EOHZ WKH VLOYHU WUXPSHWV DQG WKH OHYLWHV VDQJ SVDOPV 7KLV ZDV DOO GRQH DV WKH SULHVWV RIIHUHG XS VDFULILFHV DQG LQFHQVH WR WKH *RG RI KHDYHQ DV *RG FRPPDQGHG LQ WKH /DZ 7KLV LV WKH FRQWH[W RI 3VDOP ZKLFK VD\V “Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre…” $ ZRQGHUIXO H[DPSOH RI VXFK D ZRUVKLS DVVHPEO\ FDQ EH VHHQ ZKHQ +H]HNLDK JDWKHUHG WKH OHDGHUV WR ZRUVKLS DQG RIIHU VLQ RIIHULQJV IRU WKHPVHOYHV &KURQLFOHV
W orship orsh ip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¶V :RUG WKURXJKRXW FKXUFK KLVWRU\ UHMHFWHG LW *RG KDV FDOOHG XV WR ZRUVKLS +LP ZLWK YRLFHV DQG KHDUWV QRW ZLWK LQVWUXPHQWV ,I RXU JRDO LQ ZRUVKLS LV VXEPLVVLRQ WR *RG DQG WKH JLYLQJ RI SOHDVLQJ VDFULILFHV ZH ZLOO GR DV *RG FRPPDQGHG , XUJH HDFK RQH WR JLYH *RG RXU EHVW ZLWK D YDULHW\ RI D FDSSHOOD PXVLF /HW XV UHMRLFH H[SUHVV RXU WKDQNV DQG SUDLVH +LV QDPH LQ WKH ZD\ +H KDV FRPPDQGHG VKRZLQJ KRQRU WR +LV QDPH /HW XV QRW IROORZ RXU RZQ GHVLUHV DQG EH SUHVXPSWXRXV LQ *RG¶V SUHVHQFH E\ DWWHPSWLQJ WR ZRUVKLS +LP ZLWK LQVWUXPHQWV RI PXVLF = = 'DQ 5 2ZHQ ZRUNV ZLWK WKH %URDGZD\ &KXUFK RI &KULVW LQ 3DGXFDK .HQWXFN\ 86$
W orship orsh ip
Time Tim e to to “G o to “Go to Ch hu u rch” ! 6WHYH +LJJLQERWKDP “Time to go to church!” 7KRVH ILYH ZRUGV SUREDEO\ UHVRQDWH ZLWK PRVW RI XV ,W PD\ EH WKDW ZH¶YH KHDUG WKRVH ZRUGV VSRNHQ E\ RXU SDUHQWV PDQ\ WLPHV RQ D 6XQGD\ PRUQLQJ RU E\ RXU VSRXVHV DV ZH WU\ WR JDWKHU XS RXU FKLOGUHQ DQG JHW HYHU\RQH WR WKH FDU $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH SURSKHW 0DODFKL ³JRLQJ WR FKXUFK´ KDG EHFRPH D “weariness” WR WKH FKLOGUHQ RI *RG LQ KLV GD\ DQG WLPH 0DODFKL +RZHYHU WKDW ZDV QRW VR ZLWK HYHU\RQH 'DYLG VDLG “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord’” 3VDOP ,Q , VSHQW WKH VXPPHU ZRUNLQJ DV D ³SUHDFKLQJ LQWHUQ´ IRU D FRQJUHJDWLRQ LQ 0LFKLJDQ 2QH RI P\ GXWLHV ZKLOH WKHUH ZDV WR JR WR DQ HOGHUO\ PDQ¶V KRXVH DQG OLWHUDOO\ GUHVV KLP VR KH FRXOG JR WR FKXUFK +H VXIIHUHG IURP VHYHUH DUWKULWLV , KDG WR SXW KLV VKLUW DQG SDQWV RQ KLP EXWWRQ DOO WKH EXWWRQV WLJKWHQ KLV EHOW DQG WLH KLV VKRHV IRU KLP 7R VD\ WKH OHDVW , ZDV RXW RI P\ FRPIRUW ]RQH , UHPHPEHU WKLQNLQJ DW WKH WLPH ³,I DQ\RQH KDG D UHDVRQ WR VWD\ KRPH LW ZRXOG KDYH EHHQ WKLV PDQ *RG ZRXOG FHUWDLQO\ XQGHUVWDQG ´ %XW WKLV PDQ ZRXOG KDYH QRQH RI LW +H ZDVQ¶W DERXW WR VWD\ KRPH +H ZDQWHG WR ³JR WR FKXUFK´ DQG KH SDLG D SDLQIXO SULFH WR GR VR ,W ZDV ZKLOH KHOSLQJ WKLV PDQ JHW UHDG\ IRU ZRUVKLS WKDW VXPPHU WKDW , OHDUQHG DQ LPSRUWDQW WUXWK ³&KXUFK DWWHQGDQFH KDV YHU\ OLWWOH WR GR ZLWK WKH GLVWDQFH RQH OLYHV IURP WKH EXLOGLQJ RU WKH LQFRQYHQLHQFHV DQG GLIILFXOWLHV ZH HQFRXQWHU 5DWKHU FKXUFK DWWHQGDQFH LV PRUH RIWHQ WKDQ QRW GHWHUPLQHG E\ WKH GLVWDQFH EHWZHHQ RQH¶V KHDUW DQG *RG ´ ([FXVHV DERXQG ZKHUH GHWHUPLQDWLRQ LV ODFNLQJ “Time to go to church!” :KHQ \RX KHDU WKRVH ZRUGV DUH \RX ZHDULHG RU WKDQNIXO" *LYH LW VRPH WKRXJKW = = 6WHYH +LJJLQERWKDP SUHDFKHV IRU WKH .DUQV &KXUFK RI &KULVW LQ .QR[YLOOH 7HQQHVVHH 86$
W orship orsh ip
Turning Worship into Sport and Sports into Worship 3DWULFN 0RUULVRQ :RUVKLS LV D SULYLOHJH DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ WR FRPH LQWR WKH YHU\ SUHVHQFH RI *RG WR RIIHU +LP RXU SUDLVH DQG DGRUDWLRQ 7KH GHVLUH WR ZRUVKLS VKRXOG ILOO WKH KHDUW RI HYHU\ FKLOG RI *RG 3VDOP IRU DOO WKDW +H KDV GRQH DQG ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR GR RQ RXU EHKDOI 6DGO\ PDQ\ RI *RG¶V RZQ FKLOGUHQ KDYH WR FRPH WR YLHZ ZRUVKLS DV D ZHDULQHVV DQG D ERUH 0DODFKL ,QVWHDG RI DFWLYHO\ SDUWLFLSDWLQJ LQ WKH ZRUVKLS RI WKH $OPLJKW\ VRPH DUH FRQWHQW WR FRPH LQWR WKH DVVHPEO\ DQG DELGH DV VSHFWDWRUV 7KH\ VLW LGO\ DV WKH SUD\HUV DUH OHG 7KHVVDORQLDQV DV VRQJV RI SUDLVH DUH VXQJ WR *RG +HEUHZV DV WKH :RUG LV RSHQHG DQG SURFODLPHG 7LPRWK\ DV WKH GHDWK RI RXU /RUG LV FRPPHPRUDWHG LQ WKH REVHUYDQFH RI WKH /RUG¶V 6XSSHU &RULQWKLDQV DV ZH KDYH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR JLYH EDFN DV ZH KDYH EHHQ SURVSHUHG &RULQWKLDQV DQG DV VRXOV UHVSRQG LQ REHGLHQFH DQG KXPLOLW\ WR WKH *RVSHO PHVVDJH $FWV 0DQ\ WUHDW ZRUVKLS DQG WKH FKXUFK PXFK OLNH WKH\ GR WKHLU IDYRULWH IRRWEDOO WHDP ,W LQWULJXHV PH WKDW ZKHQ D IRRWEDOO WHDP LV GRLQJ ZHOO ³ZH´ DUH ZLQQLQJ (YHQ WKRXJK WKH VSHFWDWRU LV QRW LQYROYHG LQ SUDFWLFH RU SUHSDUDWLRQ RU LQ WKH DFWXDO JDPH WLPH H[HFXWLRQ RI WKH SOD\V PDQ\ VR DVVRFLDWH WKHPVHOYHV ZLWK WKH WHDP WKDW WKH\ FRQVLGHU WKHPVHOYHV D SDUW RI LW +RZHYHU VKRXOG WKLQJV QRW JR DV ZHOO DV WKHVH VSHFWDWRUV ZRXOG OLNH WKHQ LW LV QR ORQJHU ³ZH´ EXW ³WKHP´ 7KH ZRUVKLS VSHFWDWRUV LQYHVW QR HQHUJ\ RU WLPH LQ SUHSDUDWLRQ IRU ZRUVKLS DQG DUH RQO\ VXSHUILFLDOO\ LQYROYHG LQ WKH DFWXDO ZRUVKLS LWVHOI 7KH\ PD\ YHU\ ZHOO GUDZ QLJK ZLWK WKHLU OLSV DQG KRQRU WKH /RUG ZLWK WKHLU PRXWKV EXW WKHLU KHDUWV DUH IDU IURP WKH $OPLJKW\ 0DWWKHZ :LWK OLWWOH WR QR LQYHVWPHQW RI WKHPVHOYHV LQ ZRUVKLS WR *RG LW LV HDV\
W orship orsh ip IRU WKH VSHFWDWRUV WR JUXPEOH DQG FRPSODLQ DERXW ZKDW ³WKH\´ DUH GRLQJ DW FKXUFK ZKHQ WKLQJV GRQ¶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¶V FKXUFK WHOOLQJ PH WKDW KH GLG QRW WKLQN WKH /RUG ZRXOG KROG LW DJDLQVW KLP LI KH ZHUH WR PLVV VHUYLFHV WR DWWHQG WKH :RUOG 6HULHV IRU DV KH SXW LW LW LV D ³RQFH LQ D OLIHWLPH HYHQW´ :H PXVW JHW RXU H\HV RII WKH WHPSRUDO DQG ORRN WRZDUG WKH HWHUQDO &RULQWKLDQV 7KH JHQHUDO UXOH LV WKDW DV FKLOGUHQ JURZ XS DQG OHDYH KRPH SDUHQWV VWDUW WR JHW PRUH VHULRXV DERXW WKHLU VSLULWXDO OLYHV UHDOL]LQJ WKDW WKH\ DUH GUDZLQJ FORVHU WR WKH HQG RI OLIH $V WKH\ GR WKH\ WDNH D JUHDWHU LQWHUHVW LQ WKH VSLULWXDOLW\ RI WKHLU FKLOGUHQ RQO\ WR VHH WKDW WKHLU FKLOGUHQ KDYH FKRVHQ D OLIH RI WHPSRUDO WULQNHWV DQG ZRUOGO\ SOHDVXUH UDWKHU WKDQ D OLIH RI VHUYLFH WR *RG <RX VHH D ORW RI ³LPSRUWDQW´ WKLQJV FRPH XS WKDW WKH\ FKRRVH RYHU DWWHQGLQJ ZRUVKLS RU %LEOH VWXG\ OLNH MREV YDFDWLRQV UHFUHDWLRQ HWF 3DUHQWV EHJLQ WR ZRQGHU ³ZKHUH WKH\ ZHQW ZURQJ´ Might it be that while they were children, you chose softball and soccer over services, baseball over Bible class, and football over fellowship with the saints? /HW \RXU FKLOGUHQ SOD\ EDOO DQG HQMR\ LW EXW WHDFK WKHP WR EH VHULRXV DERXW WKHLU &KULVWLDQLW\ /HW¶V QRW DOORZ LW WR EH WKH RWKHU ZD\ DURXQG ² VHULRXV DERXW WKHLU EDOO DQG SOD\LQJ &KULVWLDQLW\ = = 3DWULFN 0RUULVRQ SUHDFKHV IRU WKH 6L[WK $YHQXH &KXUFK RI &KULVW LQ -DVSHU $ODEDPD 86$
D a ily Christian Ch ri stian Living Liv ing
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
D a ily Christian Ch ri stian Living Liv ing LQSXW RXU EUDLQ UHFHLYHV 7HOHYLVLRQ PRYLHV DQG WKH ,QWHUQHW DUH WKH ELJJHVW FXOSULWV WKH\ DUH YLVXDO PHGLD ZKLFK PDNH ODVWLQJ LPSUHVVLRQV ,I ZH GRQ¶W ILOO RXU PLQGV ZLWK MXQN WKHUH LV OLWWOH OLNHOLKRRG WKDW EDG WKRXJKWV ZLOO KDXQW XV %XW LI WKH\ GR ZH H[HUFLVH RXU FRQVFLRXV DELOLW\ WR UHSHQW SUD\ DQG WR WKLQN DERXW VRPHWKLQJ HOVH XQWLO WKDW WKRXJKW EHFRPHV OHVV DQG OHVV RI D ERWKHU 7KH EHVW ZD\ WR WUDLQ RQH¶V FRQVFLHQFH LV E\ ILOOLQJ LW ZLWK JRRG WKRXJKWV 7KXV 3DXO¶V DGPRQLWLRQ WR WKH EUHWKUHQ DW 3KLOLSSL LV LPSRUWDQW
-HVXV WDXJKW WKDW EDG WKLQJV LQ RXU OLYHV QHHG WR EH UHSODFHG ZLWK JRRG WKLQJV RU HOVH WKH UHVXOWLQJ YRLG SURYLGHV DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU PRUH HYLO
/LNH 1HKHPLDK ZH VKRXOG QRW WROHUDWH WKH LQYDGHUV LQWR RXU LQQHU VDQFWXDU\ 2XU PLQGV VKRXOG EH DV SXUH DQG DV KRO\ DV *RG UHTXLUHG RI WKH 2OG 7HVWDPHQW 7HPSOH VR WKDW WKH *RG RI SHDFH ZLOO EH ZLWK XV = = 'DQ :KHHOHU SUHDFKHV IRU WKH &RQFRUG 6WUHHW FRQJUHJDWLRQ LQ 2UODQGR )ORULGD 86$
D a ily Christian Ch ri stian Living Liv ing
Who Are the Meek? *UHHO\ .LUNSDWULFN 6RPHRQH KDV VDLG Âł$ JRRG GHVFULSWLRQ RI WKH KXPDQ UDFH LV IRXQG LQ WKH %HDWLWXGHV E\ WXUQLQJ WKHP XSVLGH GRZQ´ $W WLPHV LW VHHPV WKDW WKH TXDOLWLHV WKDW FKDUDFWHUL]H RXU OLYHV DUH WKH RSSRVLWH RI ZKDW -HVXV VDLG LQ WKH %HDWLWXGHV 0DWWKHZ VD\V â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.â&#x20AC;? +RZ PDQ\ SHRSOH LQ RXU VRFLHW\ UHJDUG PHHNQHVV DV D YLUWXH" 0DQ\ VHHP WR FRQVLGHU LW DV OLWWOH PRUH WKDQ D V\QRQ\P IRU ZHDNQHVV +RZHYHU PHHNQHVV LV QRW ZHDNQHVV Âą LW LV VWUHQJWK XQGHU FRQWURO ,Q KLV ERRN HQWLWOHG New Testament Words :LOOLDP %DUFOD\ ZULWHV In Greek praus is used in one special sense. It is usedâ&#x20AC;Śfor a beast which has been tamed. A horse which was once wild but has become obedient to the bit and to the bridle is praus. Now herein lies the secret of the meaning of praus. There is gentleness in praus, but behind the gentleness is the strength of steel, for the supreme characteristic of the man who is praus is that he is the man who is under perfect control. It is not a spineless gentleness, a sentimental fondness, a passive quietism. It is a strength under control. 7KH %LEOH JLYHV XV VRPH H[DPSOHV RI PHHNQHVV 7DNH 0RVHV IRU H[DPSOH D VWURQJ PDQ EXW VDLG WR EH PHHN 7DNH 3DXO IRU H[DPSOH DQRWKHU VWURQJ PDQ EXW RQH ZKR ZDV DOVR PHHN 7KHQ WKHUH LV WKH VWURQJHVW RI DOO -HVXV ZKR ZDV DOVR WKH PHHNHVW RI DOO 7KH TXHVWLRQ IRU HDFK RI XV LV Âł$P , D PHHN SHUVRQ" 'R , KDYH P\ VWUHQJWK XQGHU *RGÂśV FRQWURO" +DYH = , VXUUHQGHUHG P\ OLIH WR WKH ZLOO RI *RG"´ = *UHHO\ .LUNSDWULFN LV D *RVSHO SUHDFKHU OLYLQJ LQ 1L[D 0LVVRXUL 86$
True meekness is strength under Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s control.
D a ily Christian Ch ri stian Living Liv ing
“Wh ha att D o oe e s It I t Cos C o stt ? ” &ODUHQFH 'H/RDFK -U $ FDUWRRQ VKRZV WKH RZQHU RI D ERRNVKRS VD\LQJ WR D FXVWRPHU ³1R ,¶P DIUDLG ZH GRQ¶W KDYH D ERRN RQ &KULVWLDQLW\ PDGH HDV\ ´ ,I WKHUH ZHUH VXFK D ERRN LW ZRXOG EH D EHVWVHOOHU 7KHUH LV QR ³HDV\ FRXUVH´ DYDLODEOH RQ EHLQJ D &KULVWLDQ *RG WDXJKW +LV 2OG 7HVWDPHQW SHRSOH WKH PHDQLQJ RI VDFULILFH :KHQ $EHO EURXJKW KLV RIIHULQJ *RG DFFHSWHG LW EHFDXVH LW ZDV RIIHUHG E\ IDLWK +HEUHZV %\ LPSOLFDWLRQ D SDUW RI ZKDW LW PHDQV WR RIIHU E\ IDLWK LV VXJJHVWHG ZKHQ 0RVHV UHFRUGHG WKDW KH EURXJKW “the firstlings of his flock and the fat thereof” *HQHVLV +H JDYH +LV EHVW ,Q RIIHULQJ KLV VRQ ,VDDF $EUDKDP GHPRQVWUDWHG KLV ZLOOLQJQHVV WR JLYH *RG KLV EHVW *HQHVLV *RG NQHZ +H KDG $EUDKDP¶V WRWDO GHYRWLRQ 'DYLG OHDUQHG ZHOO WKH VSLULW RI VDFULILFH :KHQ KH KDG VLQQHG LQ DUELWUDULO\ QXPEHULQJ ,VUDHO *RG FKDVWLVHG KLP 'DYLG ZDV JLYHQ WKH FKRLFH RI WKUHH SODJXHV $ SODJXH RI SHVWLOHQFH ZDV VHQW XSRQ WKH SHRSOH 2UQDQ RIIHUHG 'DYLG KLV WKUHVKLQJIORRU KLV R[HQ WKH ZRRG DQG WKH ZKHDW IRU D EXUQW RIIHULQJ $ IUHH VDFULILFH %XW WKDW LV D FRQWUDGLFWLRQ +RZ FDQ D VDFULILFH EH IUHH DQG HDV\" 'DYLG VDLG “I will pay the full price. I will not take what is yours to offer the Lord without cost” &KURQLFOHV VR KH SDLG 2UQDQ VKHNHOV RI JROG $UH ZH JLYLQJ *RG OHIWRYHUV" 7KH VFUDSV" ,V RXU JLYLQJ MXVW WRNHQV" 7KH VSLULW RI VDFULILFH LV FRQWLQXHG LQ WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW *RG JDYH +LV EHVW ± +LV 6RQ -RKQ -HVXV JDYH +LV EHVW ² +LV OLIH (SKHVLDQV -HVXV WDXJKW +LV GLVFLSOHV ³WR GHQ\ VHOI´ DQG WDNH XS WKH FURVV DQG IROORZ +LP 0DWWKHZ 3DXO XUJHG WKH 5RPDQ &KULVWLDQV WR “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” 5RPDQV ,Q WKHVH GD\V RI ³DFFRPPRGDWLYH HDV\ DQG FRQYHQLHQW UHOLJLRQ´ WKH VSLULW RI VDFULILFH VHHPV RXW RI WKH TXHVWLRQ ,W LV VWLOO = KRZHYHU WKH YHU\ KHDUW RI VHUYLQJ &KULVW 7KLQN DERXW LW = &ODUHQFH 'H/RDFK -U KDV SUHDFKHG IRU PDQ\ \HDUV DQG QRZ OLYHV LQ &RRNHYLOOH 7HQ QHVVHH 86$
D a ily Christian Ch ri stian Living Liv ing
A f te r 25 After 2 5 Years Ye a rs .HLWK 3DUNHU 0\ PRWKHU¶V FRPPHQW VXUSULVHG PH 6LWWLQJ DW WKH EUHDNIDVW WDEOH D IHZ GD\V DJR VKH EURXJKW XS 6DUDK 6DUDK" 6DUDK *UD\ 6DUDK *UD\ DORQJ ZLWK KHU KXVEDQG 5RQ OLYHV LQ 3RSODU %OXII 0LVVRXUL 6KH LV D PHPEHU RI WKH *UHHQ )RUHVW &KXUFK RI &KULVW WKH FRQJUHJDWLRQ ZKHUH , SUHDFKHG DIWHU , JUDGXDWHG IURP FROOHJH 7KLV ZDV P\ ILUVW FKXUFK DQG , ZDV D NLG SUHDFKHU 3RSODU %OXII ZDV WKH ELUWKSODFH RI 3HWH :KHQ 3HWH FDPH LQWR WKH ZRUOG ZLWK PXOWLSOH SUREOHPV WKH PHPEHUV RI WKH FRQJUHJDWLRQ SRXUHG RXW WKHLU ORYH IRU XV 6DUDK ZDV RQH RI WKRVH SHRSOH $ IHZ GD\V DI WHU 3HWH¶V ELUWK VKH EURXJKW EUHDNIDVW WR RXU KRXVH VHUYHG LW DQG VWD\HG DURXQG WR KHOS FOHDQ XS 0\ PRWKHU KDSSHQHG WR EH WKHUH DQG ZDV WRXFKHG E\ 6DUDK¶V NLQGQHVV ,W¶V EHHQ RYHU WZHQW\ ILYH \HDUV EXW P\ PRWKHU LV VWLOO WDONLQJ DERXW LW $ VPDOO GHHG RI NLQGQHVV PDGH DQ LPSUHVVLRQ RQ KHU $ NLQG GHHG GRHVQ¶W JR XQQRWLFHG $Q LQYLWDWLRQ WR 6XQGD\ GLQQHU $Q HQFRXUDJLQJ QRWH $ ILQDQFLDO JLIW &KDQJLQJ D IODW WLUH 5DNLQJ OHDYHV 0RZ LQJ JUDVV 3URYLGLQJ WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ WR WKH JURFHU\ VWRUH RU WR FKXUFK $ SUD\HU $ YLVLW $ ERXTXHW RI IORZHUV $ ER[ RI FDQG\ $ VPLOH :KR NQRZV ZKHQ \RX PLJKW FKDQJH VRPHERG\¶V OLIH" 3DXO SXW LW OLNH WKLV LQ *DODWLDQV “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” $IWHU \HDUV D EUHDNIDVW FDVVHUROH VWLOO VSHDNV %\ WKH ZD\ , MXVW FDOOHG 6DUDK WR WKDQN KHU DJDLQ = = .HLWK 3DUNHU ZRUNV ZLWK WKH FKXUFK LQ +HQGHUVRQ YLOOH 7HQQHVVHH 86$
We Leave His Mark &DWKHULQH -DQVVHQ
We leave His mark On each kind deed That we bestow On those in need. We leave His mark When we show we care For a lonely soul Who has known despair. We leave His mark On each bright day That we have chosen To pave the way. We sing the praises Of Heaven above As we spread the joys Of hope and love.
prov erb e rb s 17: 17:2 22 2
$IWHU D SDUWLFXODUO\ LQVSLULQJ ZRUVKLS VHUYLFH D FKXUFK PHP EHU JUHHWHG WKH SUHDFKHU +H VDLG ³3UHDFKHU WKDW ZDV D ZRQGHUIXO VHU PRQ <RX VKRXOG KDYH LW SXEOLVKHG ´ 7KH SUHDFKHU UHSOLHG ³$FWX DOO\ ,¶P SODQQLQJ WR KDYH DOO P\ 7KUHH VLVWHUV DJHV DQG VHUPRQV SXEOLVKHG SRVWKXPRXVO\ ´ OLYHG LQ D KRXVH WRJHWKHU 7KH FKXUFK PHPEHU HQWKXVLDV 2QH QLJKW WKH \HDU ROG GUHZ WLFDOO\ VDLG ³7KDW¶V JUHDW DQG WKH KHU EDWK ZDWHU WKHQ SXW KHU IRRW LQ VRRQHU WKH EHWWHU ´ DQG SDXVHG 6KH WKHQ \HOOHG WR WKH RWKHU VLVWHUV ³:DV , JHWWLQJ LQ RU RXW RI WKH EDWK"´ 7KH \HDU ROG \HOOHG EDFN ³, 7KH HGLWRU RI D VPDOO WRZQ GRQ¶W NQRZ ,¶OO FRPH XS DQG VHH ´ QHZVSDSHU IXULRXV RYHU VHYHUDO 6KH VWDUWHG XS WKH VWDLUV DQG WKHQ JRYHUQPHQW ELOOV WKDW KDG UHFHQWO\ SDXVHG ³:DV , JRLQJ XS WKH VWDLUV EHHQ SDVVHG SULQWHG D VFDWKLQJ HGL RU GRZQ"´ WRULDO ZLWK DQ HQRUPRXV KHDGOLQH 7KH \HDU ROG ZDV VLWWLQJ DW ³+$/) 7+( /(*,6/$7256 $5( WKH NLWFKHQ WDEOH KDYLQJ WHD DQG OLV &522.6 ´ WHQLQJ WR KHU VLVWHUV 6KH VKRRN KHU 0DQ\ ORFDO SROLWLFLDQV ZHUH KHDG DQG VDLG ³, VXUH KRSH , QHYHU RXWUDJHG DQG H[HUWHG WUHPHQGRXV JHW WKDW IRUJHWIXO ´ DV VKH NQRFNHG SUHVVXUH RQ WKH HGLWRU WR SULQW D UH RQ KHU ZRRGHQ WDEOH IRU JRRG PHD WUDFWLRQ +H ILQDOO\ JDYH LQ WR WKH VXUH 6KH WKHQ \HOOHG ³,¶OO FRPH XS SUHVVXUH DQG UDQ KLV DSRORJ\ ZLWK DQG KHOS ERWK RI \RX DV VRRQ DV , WKH KHDGOLQH ³+$/) 7+( /(* VHH ZKR¶V DW WKH GRRU ´ ,6/$7256 $5( 127 &522.6 ´
prov erb e rb s 17: 17:2 22 2 $ VL[ \HDU ROG ER\ VXUSULVHG KLV PRWKHU E\ VD\LQJ WKDW KH NQHZ WKH QDPH RI 1RDK¶V ZLIH +LV PRWKHU SRLQWHG RXW WR KLP ³, GRQ¶W WKLQN WKH %LEOH WHOOV XV ZKDW KHU QDPH ZDV ´ 7KH ER\ DQVZHUHG YHU\ FRQIL GHQWO\ ³2K \HV LW GRHV 7KH %LEOH VD\V 1RDK IRXQG *UDFH LQ WKH VLJKW RI WKH /RUG ´ /LIH FDQ FHUWDLQO\ JHW ERULQJ VRPHWLPHV VR KHUH DUH D FRXSOH RI VXJJHVWLRQV WR KHOS EUHDN WKH PR QRWRQ\ 6LW LQ \RXU SDUNHG FDU ZLWK VXQJODVVHV RQ DQG SRLQW D KDLU GU\HU DW SDVVLQJ FDUV 6HH LI WKH\ VORZ GRZQ $V \RX OHDYH DIWHU YLVLWLQJ WKH ]RR VWDUW UXQQLQJ WRZDUGV WKH SDUNLQJ ORW \HOOLQJ ³5XQ IRU \RXU OLYHV«WKH\¶UH ORRVH ´ 5($//< GRJV DUH EHWWHU WKDQ NLGV x 'RJV FDQ¶W OLH x 'RJV QHYHU UHVLVW QDS WLPH x <RX GRQ¶W QHHG WR JHW H[WUD SKRQH OLQHV IRU D GRJ x 'RJV GRQ¶W SHVWHU \RX DERXW JHWWLQJ D NLG x 'RJV DUH KRXVHEURNHQ E\ WKH WLPH WKH\ DUH ZHHNV ROG x <RXU GRJ LVQ¶W HPEDUUDVVHG LI \RX VLQJ LQ SXEOLF
-LP ZDV LQYLWHG WR KLV HOGHUO\ IULHQG¶V KRPH IRU GLQQHU )UHG WKH KRVW SUHFHGHG HYHU\ UHTXHVW WR KLV ZLIH E\ HQGHDULQJ WHUPV FDOO LQJ KHU +RQH\ 0\ /RYH 'DUOLQJ 6ZHHWKHDUW HWF -LP ORRNHG DW )UHG DQG UH PDUNHG ³7KDW LV UHDOO\ QLFH )UHG WKDW DIWHU DOO WKHVH \HDUV WKDW \RX IRONV KDYH EHHQ PDUULHG \RX NHHS FDOOLQJ \RXU ZLIH WKRVH SHW QDPHV ´ )UHG KXQJ KLV KHDG DQG ZKLV SHUHG ³7R WHOO \RX WKH WUXWK , IRU JRW KHU QDPH WKUHH \HDUV DJR ´
Some Points to Ponder x 'U %RE -RQHV 6U VDLG ³,W LV EHW WHU WR GLH IRU VRPHWKLQJ WKDQ LW LV WR OLYH IRU QRWKLQJ ´ x +HOHQ .HOOHU VDLG ³, DP RQO\ RQH EXW VWLOO , DP RQH , FDQQRW GR HYHU\WKLQJ EXW VWLOO , FDQ GR VRPHWKLQJ , ZLOO QRW UHIXVH WR GR WKH VRPHWKLQJ , FDQ GR ´ x ³,W LV PRUH YDOXDEOH WR VHHN *RG¶V SUHVHQFH WKDQ WR VHHN +LV SUHVHQWV ´
T he Christian Ch ri sti an Home
Fo u n d a t ion Facts Foundation Fa cts of Marriage Ma rriage 'ZLJKW )XTXD )RU RXU KRPHV WR EH DOO WKDW *RG ZRXOG KDYH WKHP WR EH RXU PDUULDJHV PXVW EH DOO WKDW *RG ZRXOG KDYH WKHP EH ,Q D GD\ ZKHQ PDUULDJHV DUH FUXPEOLQJ DQG UHODWLRQVKLSV DUH PHUH VKHOOV RI ZKDW *RG LQWHQGHG ZH ZRXOG GR ZHOO WR UHH[DPLQH ZKDW *RG VD\V DERXW PDUULDJH :KDW LV WKH SXUSRVH RI PDUULDJH" 2QH SXUSRVH RI PDUULDJH LV FRPSDQLRQVKLS $IWHU WKH FUHDWLRQ RI PDQ *RG VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make a helper comparable to himâ&#x20AC;? *HQHVLV *RG PDGH WKH ZRPDQ EURXJKW KHU WR WKH PDQ DQG LW ZDV GHFODUHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wifeâ&#x20AC;? *HQHVLV $ VHFRQG SXUSRVH RI PDUULDJH LV UHSURGXFWLRQ *RG EOHVVHG WKH XQLRQ RI WKH PDQ DQG ZRPDQ DQG VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be fruitful and multiplyâ&#x20AC;? *HQHVLV 7KH %LEOH WHOOV XV WKDW â&#x20AC;&#x153;Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cainâ&#x20AC;? *HQHVLV 7KH WKLUG SXUSRVH RI PDUULDJH LV VH[XDO IXOILOOPHQW *RG FUHDWHG WKHP â&#x20AC;&#x153;male and femaleâ&#x20AC;? *HQHVLV *RG UHFRJQL]HG DOO WKDW +H FUHDWHG LQFOXGLQJ KXPDQ VH[XDOLW\ DV EHLQJ â&#x20AC;&#x153;goodâ&#x20AC;? *HQHVLV +XVEDQG DQG ZLIH EHFRPH â&#x20AC;&#x153;one fleshâ&#x20AC;? *HQHVLV 7KH\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamedâ&#x20AC;? *HQHVLV 7KHVH IRXQGDWLRQ IDFWV IURP *HQHVLV DUH UHLQIRUFHG WKURXJKRXW WKH %LEOH %RWK 7HVWDPHQWV 2OG DQG 1HZ DUH ILOOHG ZLWK H[DPSOHV RI JRGO\ FRXSOHV ZKR MRLQHG KDQGV DQG KHDUWV LQ VHUYLQJ WKH /RUG 3HWHU VWUHVVHG WKDW &KULVWLDQ KXVEDQGV DQG ZLYHV DUH WR EH â&#x20AC;&#x153;heirs together of the grace of lifeâ&#x20AC;? 3HWHU 3DXO HQFRXUDJHG \RXQJHU ZRPHQ WR â&#x20AC;&#x153;marry and bear childrenâ&#x20AC;? 7LPRWK\ 'DYLG UHFRJQL]HG WKDW FKLOGUHQ DUH D EOHVVLQJ IURP *RG 3VDOP 7R DYRLG LPPRUDOLW\ WKH KXVEDQG DQG ZLIH DUH WR JLYH WKHLU ERGLHV WR HDFK RWKHU &RULQWKLDQV 6RQJ RI 6RORPRQ SRUWUD\V WKH EHDXW\ RI PDULWDO ORYH 7KH 0DVWHU VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Have you not read that He who made them at the
T he Christian Ch ri sti an Home beginning made them male and female, and said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one fleshâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separateâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ = = 'ZLJKW )XTXD SUHDFKHV IRU WKH )LQGOD\ FRQJUHJDWLRQ LQ 6SDUWD 7HQQHVVHH 86$
Is Your Home for Sale? $UOLV ' 5LFKDUGVRQ 5HFHQWO\ ZKLOH , ZDV GULYLQJ KRPH IURP FKXUFK VHUYLFHV , QRWHG D VLJQ VWDWLQJ Âł+RPH IRU 6DOH´ ,W UHPLQGHG PH RI DQ HYHQW VRPH \HDUV DJR $ SUHDFKHU IULHQG WROG WKH IROORZLQJ VWRU\ Âł, RYHUKHDUG WKH IROORZLQJ DQG LW PDGH PH YHU\ SURXG 0\ IDPLO\ DQG , KDG MXVW PRYHG LQWR D QHZ ZRUN DQG ZH ZHUH EXV\ JHWWLQJ VHWWOHG $ QHZ QHLJKERUÂśV VRQ ZDV WDONLQJ WR P\ VRQ +H DVNHG Âľ:K\ GRQÂśW \RX SHRSOH KDYH D KRPH"Âś 0\ VRQ VWDWHG Âľ:HOO ZHÂśYH JRW D KRPH 'DGG\ MXVW KDVQÂśW IRXQG D SODFH WR SXW LW \HW :HÂśUH MXVW ORRNLQJ DURXQG IRU WKH ULJKW SODFH WR SXW RXU KRPH ϫ &DQ \RX GHDU UHDGHU PDNH VXFK D VWDWHPHQW" 'R \RX WUXO\ KDYH D KRPH DV *RG ZRXOG KDYH LW DOWKRXJK \RXU IDPLO\ LVQÂśW VHWWOHG LQ RQH SODFH" 6RPH WLPHV WKH %LEOH PHQWLRQV ÂłKRPH´ 6HYHUDO RWKHU SDVVDJHV VHW IRUWK WKH UHODWLRQVKLS WKDW VKRXOG SUHYDLO LQ D KRPH WKDW *RG GHVLUHV 7\SLFDO LV &RORVVLDQV ZKLFK HQMRLQV ZLYHV WR EH VXEPLVVLYH XQWR WKHLU KXVEDQGV FKLOGUHQ WR EH REHGLHQW WR SDUHQWV KXVEDQGV WR ORYH WKHLU ZLYHV DQG QRW EH ELWWHU DJDLQVW WKHP DQG IDWKHUV WR QRW SURYRNH WKHLU FKLOGUHQ WR DQJHU â&#x20AC;&#x153;And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by himâ&#x20AC;? &RORVVLDQV :KHWKHU WKH IDPLO\ KDV D SHUPDQHQW GZHOOLQJ RU QRW LW FDQ VWLOO KDYH VXFK D KRPH ,W DOO GHSHQGV RQ DWWLWXGH DQG WKDW DWWLWXGH PXVW EH FHQWHUHG RQ *RG 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ IDU WRR PDQ\ IDPLOLHV GR QRW KDYH VXFK D KRPH HYHQ WKRXJK SHUKDSV KDYLQJ D VHWWOHG GZHOOLQJ SODFH <HW WKH IDLWKIXO PHPEHUV RI WKH &KULVWLDQ KRPH KDYH HYHU\ DVVXUDQFH â&#x20AC;&#x153;knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christâ&#x20AC;? &RORVVLDQV , DP IXOO\ DZDUH WKDW WKH IDPLO\ ZKR OLVWHG WKH KRPH IRU VDOH GLGQÂśW IXOO\ UHDOL]H ZKDW WKDW VLJQ FRXOG EH LPSO\LQJ , SUD\ WKDW WKH\ RQO\ PHDQW WKDW WKH KRXVH ZDV IRU VDOH , WUXO\ KRSH WKDW WKH\ ZLOO NHHS WKH KRPH HYHQ LI WKH\ VXFFHHG LQ VHOOLQJ WKH GZHOOLQJ = =
T he Christian Ch ri sti an Home
A Suitable Helper 6XVLH )UHGHULFN 2Q WKH VL[WK GD\ RI WKLV ZRUOGÂśV H[LVWHQFH *RG FUHDWHG PDQ /DWHU WKDW VDPH GD\ +H FUHDWHG ZRPDQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the LORD God said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable [suitable] to himâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;Ś And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the manâ&#x20AC;? *HQHVLV *RG NQHZ IURP WKH YHU\ FUHDWLRQ RI WKH ZRUOG
T he Christian Ch ri sti an Home WKDW D PDQ ZRXOG QHHG D KHOSHU *RG FUHDWHG ZRPDQ WR ILOO PDQÂśV QHHG +RZ FDQ ZH ZRPHQ ILOO WKH QHHGV RI RXU KXVEDQGV WRGD\" )LUVW RI DOO D ZRPDQ VKRXOG EH LQ VXEMHFWLRQ WR KHU RZQ KXVEDQG ² EHFDXVH PDQ ZDV FUHDWHG ILUVW DQG WKH ILUVW VLQ ZDV FRPPLWWHG E\ ZRPDQ VHH 7LPRWK\ *HQHVLV 7KH FRPPDQG WR EH LQ VXEMHFWLRQ LV QRW JLYHQ ZLWK WKH SXUSRVH RI PDNLQJ D ZRPDQÂśV OLIH PLVHUDEOH DV ZH OHDUQ LQ (SKHVLDQV +HUH ZH DUH WROG WKDW D KXVEDQG VKRXOG ORYH KLV ZLIH DV &KULVW ORYHG WKH FKXUFK ² HYHQ WR WKH SRLQW RI G\LQJ IRU KHU +XVEDQGV VKRXOG FDUH IRU WKHLU ZLYHV WKH ZD\ WKH\ FDUH IRU WKHLU RZQ ERGLHV â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husbandâ&#x20AC;? YHUVH 7KLV LV D EHDXWLIXO UHODWLRQVKLS 6HFRQGO\ D ZLIH VKRXOG PDNH KHU KRPH DV SOHDVDQW DV SRVVLEOH 7KH DSRVWOH 3DXO WROG 7LPRWK\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfullyâ&#x20AC;? 7LPRWK\ :H FDQ PDNH WKH KRPH D SOHDVDQW SODFH WR EH E\ NHHSLQJ LW UHDVRQDEO\ QHDW DQG FOHDQ E\ WUDLQLQJ RXU FKLOGUHQ WR EH NLQG DQG FRXUWHRXV DQG E\ GLVSOD\LQJ D &KULVWLDQ DWWLWXGH LQ HYHU\ VLWXDWLRQ :H ZLOO DOVR EH D EHQHILW WR RXU KXVEDQGV LI ZH DUH KRVSLWDEOH :H VKRXOG EH ZLOOLQJ WR VKDUH WKH WKLQJV ZLWK ZKLFK *RG KDV EOHVVHG XV %\ GRLQJ WKLV ZH PD\ KHOS RXU &KULVWLDQ KXVEDQGV WR EHFRPH TXDOLILHG WR VHUYH DV OHDGHUV LQ WKH /RUGÂśV FKXUFK 7LPRWK\ 7KLUGO\ WKHUH LV D VSHFLDO ZD\ D ZLIH PD\ KHOS KHU KXVEDQG LI KH LV QRW D &KULVWLDQ ,I \RX DUH LQ VXEMHFWLRQ WR \RXU KXVEDQG \RX PD\ ZLQ KLP WR &KULVW E\ \RXU &KULVWLDQ PDQQHU RI OLYLQJ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wives, likewise, be in submission to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wivesâ&#x20AC;? 3HWHU %HLQJ D JRRG H[DPSOH FDQ EH PXFK PRUH FRQYLQFLQJ WKDQ PHUH ZRUGV /HW XV DV ZLYHV VWULYH WR IXOILOO WKH SXUSRVH IRU ZKLFK ZRPDQ ZDV FUHDWHG /HW XV LQ HYHU\ ZD\ EH VXLWDEOH KHOSHUV IRU RXU KXVEDQGV = = 6XVLH )UHGHULFN DQG KHU KXVEDQG 5R\FH )UHGHULFN KDYH EHHQ LQYROYHG LQ PLVVLRQ ZRUN LQ ,QGLD IRU PDQ\ \HDUV 7KH\ OLYH LQ )RUW :RUWK 7H[DV 86$
He y You Hey Yo u Kids Ki ds
Standing Alone -DVRQ =XHKONH +DYH \RX HYHU WKRXJKW DERXW KRZ HDV\ D WDUJHW \RX DUH ZKHQ \RX VWDQG DORQH" ,I ZH VWDQG E\ RXUVHOYHV WKHQ ZH DUH H[SRVHG WR HYHU\WKLQJ DURXQG XV 7KH ZLQG FDQ EORZ XV RYHU RXU DGYHUVDULHV FDQ UXQ XV RYHU WKH ORQHOLQHVV FDQ PDNH XV ZDLYHU 3HWHU VD\V â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.â&#x20AC;? 2XU DGYHUVDU\ VHHNV RXW WKH ZHDN RU ORQHO\ WR GHYRXU ,I ZH VWDQG DORQH ZH PDNH HDV\ SUH\ IRU WKH OLRQ WR GHYRXU 6R KRZ FDQ ZH EHFRPH VWURQJHU" :KDW FDQ ZH GR WR EH DEOH WR VWUHQJWKHQ RXUVHOYHV VR WKH OLRQ GRHVQÂśW VHH XV DV HDV\ SUH\" ,I ZH ORRN DW WKLV WDVN LW FDQ EH D ODUJH RQH ZKHQ ZH FRQVLGHU all things WKDW &KULVW KDV JLYHQ WR WKRVH ZKR ZRXOG IROORZ KLP 'RQÂśW EH VFDUHG DZD\ EHFDXVH WKHUH ZLOO EH ZRUN WR EH GRQH LQVWHDG JHW UHDG\ IRU WKH FRPIRUW RI HWHUQDO OLIH LQ +HDYHQ ZLWK *RG DQG &KULVW 6R KRZ FDQ ZH VWUHQJWKHQ RXUVHOYHV VR ZH FDQ VWDQG XS WR WKH 'HYLO LQ WKLV OLIH" 3DXO JLYHV 7LPRWK\ D ELJ SLHFH RI LQIRUPDWLRQ LQ 7LPRWK\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.â&#x20AC;? %XW HYHQ LI ZH GR DOO RI WKHVH WKLQJV ZH DUH VWLOO VWDQGLQJ DORQH :H KDYH &KULVW RQ RXU VLGH EXW KRZ HDV\ LV LW IRU XV WR ZDLYHU LQ RXU IDLWK" )RU P\VHOI , KDYH IRXQG WKH DQVZHU WR WKLV TXHVWLRQ YHU\ GLVWXUELQJ :KHQ ZH VWDQG DORQH ZH VWDQG H[SRVHG WR DOO WKDW LV DURXQG XV DQG ZH FDQ ILQG RXUVHOYHV ORRNLQJ DZD\ IURP WKH SUL]H HYHQ LI ZH GRQÂśW PHDQ WR 6R KRZ FDQ ZH ILQG DGGLWLRQDO VWUHQJWK" *HQHVLV â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet
He y You Hey Yo u Kids Ki ds for him.”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“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.´ , DP WKDQNIXO IRU WKRVH ZKR KDYH KHOSHG PH LQ EHFRPLQJ D &KULVWLDQ , DP HVSHFLDOO\ WKDQNIXO WR WKRVH ZKR KHOS VWUHQJWKHQ PH E\ NHHSLQJ PH HQFRXUDJHG WR VWD\ RQ WKH SDWK WR +HDYHQ DQG RXW RI 6DWDQ¶V WHPSWDWLRQV $QG , DP WKDQNIXO IRU P\ QHZ &KULVWLDQ PDWH
-XVW 0DUULHG = -DVRQ =XHKONH DQG %HFN\ KDYH EHJXQ D QHZ OLIH WRJHWKHU LQ &KULVW OLYLQJ LQ *UHHQYLOOH 0LVVLV VLSSL 86$
He y You Hey Yo u Kids Ki ds
Advice for New Christians -RQDWKDQ ([XP , UHPHPEHU ZKHQ , EHFDPH D &KULVWLDQ , ZDV RQO\ VL[WHHQ \HDUV ROG , KDG D URXJK WLPH LQ PLGGOH DQG KLJK VFKRRO , ZDV D EDG ER\ LQ WKRVH \HDUV , DOZD\V FDXVHG WURXEOH DQG ZDV WKH FHQWHUSLHFH RI WURXEOH , ZDV SRSXODU ZLWK WKH FRRO NLGV EXW QRW ZLWK *RG , UHPHPEHU FRPLQJ KRPH IURP VFKRRO RQH GD\ DQG P\ JUDQGPRWKHU DVNHG PH Âł$UH \RX JRLQJ WR FKXUFK WKLV 6XQGD\"´ , LJQRUDQWO\ VDLG QR DQG ZHQW WR P\ URRP /DWHU RQ LQ KLJK VFKRRO , VWDUWHG WR UHDOL]H WKDW VRPHWKLQJ ZDV QRW ULJKW LQ P\ OLIH , FDPH KRPH HDUO\ RQH GD\ EHFDXVH RI VRPHWKLQJ WKDW ZDV ERWKHULQJ PH ,W ZDVQÂśW SK\VLFDO EXW UDWKHU VSLULWXDO , ILQDOO\ DVNHG P\ JUDQGPRWKHU IRU KHOS DQG VKH JDYH PH D FRS\ RI Âł,QWR WKH $EXQGDQW /LIH´ , UHDG LW ZLWKLQ D PRQWK DQG RQ WKH GD\ RI 6HSWHPEHU , REH\HG WKH *RVSHO , GLGQÂśW NQRZ PXFK DERXW KRZ KDUG LW LV WR OLYH WKH &KULVWLDQ OLIH , ZDV QHZ DW LW , VWDUWHG VWXG\LQJ DQG DVNLQJ TXHVWLRQV DQG HYHQWXDOO\ , VWDUWHG KDYLQJ D PRUH DFWLYH UROH LQ WKH FKXUFK , VHUYHG RQ WKH WDEOH , UHDG VFULSWXUH , OHG SUD\HU , OHG VLQJLQJ DQG ILQDOO\ VWDUWHG SUHDFKLQJ 1RZ , DP WU\LQJ KDUG WR EH D PLQLVWHU RI WKH *RVSHO 0\ DGYLFH WR QHZ &KULVWLDQV LV WR QHYHU JLYH XS 3HWHU ZULWHV LQ 3HWHU WKDW 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 repentance.â&#x20AC;? *RG QHYHU JLYHV XS RQ XV DQG ZH VKRXOG QHYHU JLYH XS RQ +LP *RG LV SDWLHQW ZLWK XV DV 3HWHU PHQWLRQV LQ 3HWHU +H WHOOV XV WKDW WKH ORQJVXIIHULQJ RI RXU /RUG LV VDOYDWLRQ *RG LV SDWLHQW $V ZH OLYH WKH &KULVWLDQ OLIH ZH PXVW EH SDWLHQW DQG WUXVW LQ *RG , ZRXOG DOVR WHOO QHZ &KULVWLDQV WKDW WKH\ VKRXOG VWXG\ *RGÂśV :RUG RIWHQ 7KH RQO\ ZD\ WR ILJKW DJDLQVW RXU HQHPLHV LV ZLWK 6FULSWXUH :KHQ -HVXV ZDV WHPSWHG E\ 6DWDQ KH UHSOLHG DOO WKUHH WLPHV ZLWK â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is written.â&#x20AC;? 2XU GHIHQVH DJDLQVW WHPSWDWLRQ LV 6FULSWXUH ,Q +HEUHZV WKH %LEOH VD\V â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of
He y You Hey Yo u Kids Ki ds both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.â&#x20AC;? *RGÂśV ZRUG GHIHDWV DOO HYLO :KHQ ZH WKLQN WKDW ZH FDQQRW ZLQ ZH QHHG WR WDNH LW WR *RG 0\ ODVW ZRUG RI DGYLFH ZRXOG EH WR QRW EH DVKDPHG WR VWDQG XS IRU -HVXV 5RPDQV VD\V â&#x20AC;&#x153;For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.â&#x20AC;? ,Q WKLV DJH ZH FRXOG EH IDFLQJ SHUVHFXWLRQ VRRQ :H QHHG WR VWDQG XS IRU -HVXV :H QHHG WR VWDQG XS IRU WKH WUXWK 'RQÂśW EH DVKDPHG RI ZKDW LV WUXH DQG ULJKWHRXV ,I ZH GLH E\ VWDQGLQJ XS ZH ZLOO VWLOO ZLQ LQ WKH HQG 1HYHU JLYH XS RQ *RG +H QHYHU JLYHV XS RQ \RX = = -RQDWKDQ ([XP ZRUNV ZLWK WKH $GHO FKXUFK RI &KULVW LQ $GHO *HRUJLD
0HGLWDWLRQ 0RPHQWV 0HGLWDWLRQ 0RPHQWV 3KLOLSSLDQV
'HO %UDQWOH\ ,Q (]HNLHO ZH UHDG â&#x20AC;&#x153;And they will comfort you, when you see their ways and their doings; and you shall know that I have done nothing without cause that I have done in it,â&#x20AC;? VD\V WKH /RUG *RG ,WÂśV WKH XQGHUOLQHG SRUWLRQ RI WKH YHUVH ZH VKRXOG SDXVH DQG UHIOHFW XSRQ *RG GRHVQÂśW GR DQ\WKLQJ ZLWKRXW WKHUH EHLQJ D FDXVH IRU LW +RZ PDQ\ WLPHV DV D FKLOG GLG , KHDU P\ PRWKHU DVN Âł:K\ GLG \RX GR WKDW"´ RQO\ WR UHVSRQG Âł, GRQÂśW NQRZ ´ 7KLV LV QRW WUXH ZLWK *RG (YHQ EHIRUH +H VDLG Âł/HW WKHUH EH OLJKW´ *RG KDG SXUSRVHG LQ +LV SODQ WR VDYH PH WKURXJK +LV 6RQ DQG +LV FKXUFK >3OHDVH UHDG (SKHVLDQV WKHQ (SKHVLDQV @ Âł)DWKHU WKDQN \RX IRU VHQGLQJ \RXU 6RQ ZKR JDYH +LV OLIH WKDW , PD\ KDYH HWHUQDO OLIH E\ EHLQJ DGGHG WR +LV FKXUFK ´ )URP UHDGLQJ (SKHVLDQV WKH SKUDVH ÂłLQ &KULVW´ LV PHQWLRQHG DV ZHOO DV LQ PDQ\ RWKHU VFULSWXUHV EXW KDYH \RX HYHU DVNHG VRPHRQH WKH TXHVWLRQ Âł+RZ GR \RX JHW LQWR &KULVW"´
5-Minute Bible Study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² , DP VSHDN LQJ WKH BBBBBB LQ &KULVW DQG QRW O\LQJ±D WHDFKHU RI WKH BBBBBBBBBB LQ IDLWK DQG WUXWK 7LPRWK\ 7KLV LV KH ZKR FRPH E\ ZDWHU DQG BBBBBBBB ²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² LQGLJQDWLRQ DQG ZUDWK 5R PDQV 7UXWK FRUUHFWLRQ URFN =LRQ -HUXVDOHP WUXWK $SRVWOH WUXWK *HQWLOHV $QVZHUV
%ORRG VSLULW WUXWK <RXUVHOI FKXUFK WUXWK 'HHGV LPPRUWDOLW\ WUXWK
T extual ext ua l Studies S tudie s
“The Due Order” 0D[LH % %RUHQ 0RVW %LEOH UHDGHUV UHPHPEHU WKH LQFLGHQW LQYROYLQJ 8]]DK DQG WKH $UN RI WKH &RYHQDQW %HFDXVH 8]]DK SXW KLV KDQG WR WKH DUN *RG VWUXFN KLP GHDG 6DPXHO 2Q WKH VXUIDFH WKLV DSSHDUV WR EH YHU\ VWHUQ SXQ LVKPHQW IRU ZKDW VHHPHG WR EH D ZHOO LQWHQWLRQHG JHVWXUH EXW LW WDNHV RQ VSHFLDO VLJQLILFDQFH ZLWK D OLWWOH UHVHDUFK I :H OHDUQ WKDW WKH WULEH RI /HYL ZDV WR FDUU\ WKH DUN 'HX WHURQRP\ PRUH SUHFLVH O\ WKH IDPLO\ RI .RKDWK RI WKH /HYLWHV 1XPEHUV 7KH\ ZHUH WR FDUU\ WKH DUN RQO\ DIWHU WKH VRQV RI $DURQ KDG SURSHUO\ FRYHUHG LW DQG *RG FDXWLRQHG WKHP QRW WR WRXFK WKH DUN ZDUQLQJ RI GHDWK WR DQ\ ZKR GLG 1XPEHUV 7KH DUN ZDV WR EH FDUULHG E\ VWDYHV LQ WKH ULQJV RQ ERWK VLGHV RI WKH DUN ([RGXV 5HDGLQJ WKH FRQWH[WV RI 6DPXHO DQG &KURQLFOHV ZH ILQG WKDW QRW RQO\ KDG 'DYLG DQG KLV PHQ WUDQVSRUWHG WKH DUN LQ D PDQQHU RWKHU WKDQ WKH DSSRLQWHG ZD\ EXW E\ SHUVRQV RWKHU WKDQ WKRVH *RG KDG GHVLJQDWHG 7KH\ SODFHG WKH DUN RQ D QHZ FDUW LQVWHDG RI FDUU\LQJ LW E\ WKH VWDYHV DQG SHUVRQV RWKHU WKDQ WKH /HYLWHV ZHUH WUDQVSRUWLQJ LW 7KH\ KDG
T extual ext ua l Studies S tudie s LJQRUHG *RGÂśV due order 7KH\ WKRXJKW *RGÂśV RUGLQDQFH ZDV XQQHFHVVDU\ $IWHU WKH LQLWLDO VKRFN RI *RGÂśV GHFLVLYH MXGJPHQW KDG VXEVLGHG DQG 'DYLG WRRN WLPH WR UHIOHFW RQ WKH PDWWHU KH VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites; for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of Godâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? &KURQLFOHV ,Q YHUVH 'DYLG JDYH H[SODQDWLRQ RI *RGÂśV DQJHU XSRQ WKHP E\ VD\LQJ â&#x20AC;&#x153;We sought him not after the due order.â&#x20AC;? &RPSOHWH DWWHQWLRQ ZDV WKHQ JLYHQ WR GRLQJ *RGÂśV ZLOO DQG YHUVH WHOOV XV WKDW DIWHUZDUG â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Levites bore the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the Lord.â&#x20AC;? (YHU\WKLQJ ZHQW ILQH ZKHQ WKH\ GHFLGHG WR GR ZKDW *RG KDG WROG WKHP WR GR LQ WKH ILUVW SODFH $QG VR LW LV WRGD\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep itâ&#x20AC;? /XNH %XW SHRSOH JHW LQWR VHULRXV WURXEOH ZKHQ WKH\ WDNH *RGÂśV :RUG OLJKWO\ 1R PDQ KDV WKH ULJKW WR VXSSODQW *RGÂśV GLUHFWLYHV ZLWK KLV RZQ RSLQLRQV RU GHVLUHV 7R GR VR LV WR EH KHDGHG IRU WURXEOH 7KH SOHD ZH PDNH WR GR WKLQJV *RGÂśV ZD\ LV QRW RXWPRGHG ,W LV VWLOO WKH ULJKW ZD\ :H PXVW VHHN *RG DIWHU â&#x20AC;&#x153;the due orderâ&#x20AC;? DQG SHRSOH QHHG WR EH ZDUQHG WKDW WR GR RWKHUZLVH LV WR DFW LQ YDLQ 0DWWKHZ :H SOHDVH *RG E\ REH\LQJ +LP :H PXVW QHYHU DOORZ WUXWK WR EH VDFULILFHG RQ WKH DOWDU RI FRPSURPLVH IRU DQ\ UHDVRQ :H FDQQRW DIIRUG WR IRUJHW WKDW WKHUH LV D â&#x20AC;&#x153;due orderâ&#x20AC;? UHYHDOHG WR XV RQ WKH SDJHV RI *RGÂśV %RRN ,W PXVW QRW EH WDNHQ OLJKWO\ 7R GR VR FRVW 8]]DK KLV OLIH EXW LW FRXOG FRVW XV RXU VRXOV â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures, we might have hopeâ&#x20AC;? 5RPDQV = = 0D[LH % %RUHQ LV D *RVSHO SUHDFKHU DQG DQ HOGHU LQ WKH %URZQ 7UDLO FRQJUHJDWLRQ LQ %HGIRUG 7H[DV 86$ %H %HGIRUG 7H[DV 86$
Scavenger Hunt WKURXJK $FWV
5HEHFFD 5XVKPRUH
$QVZHUV LQVLGH EDFN FRYHU
+RZ PDQ\ -HZV ZHUH EDSWL]HG RQ WKH GD\ WKH FKXUFK EHJDQ" :KDW GLG 3HWHU -RKQ DQG WKH UHVW RI WKH DSRVWOHV SUD\ IRU DIWHU WKH -HZLVK UXOHUV LQVWUXFWHG WKHP WR VWRS SUHDFKLQJ DERXW -HVXV" :K\ GLG *RG VWULNH $QDQLDV DQG 6DSSKLUD GHDG" :KR ZDV HDWHQ E\ ZRUPV" )URP ZKLFK FLW\ GLG 3DXO DQG %DUQDEDV GHSDUW WR EHJLQ WKHLU PLVVLRQDU\ MRXUQH\V" ,Q ZKDW FLW\ GLG 3DXO ILQG DQ DOWDU ³WR WKH XQNQRZQ JRG´" +RZ PDQ\ PHQ IURP (SKHVXV ZHUH ZURQJO\ EDSWL]HG LQWR -RKQ¶V EDSWLVP" :KHUH FDQ RQH UHDG WKH WKUHH DFFRXQWV RI 3DXO¶V FRQYHUVLRQ" :KLFK HYDQJHOLVW KDG VHYHQ GDXJKWHUV ³ZKR SURSKHVLHG´" 7KH FRQYHUVLRQV RI ILYH LQGLYLGXDOV DUH SURYLGHG LQ GHWDLO DQG WKH FRQYHUVLRQV RI WZR RWKHU QDPHG LQGLYLGXDOV EULHIO\ DUH JLYHQ 1DPH WKHP
Bi ble Bib le Characters Cha rac ter s
Neither in the Past nor Since -RKQ *LSVRQ 3RRU 0RVHV +H ZDV RQ WKH VSRW *RG ZDV FDOOLQJ KLP WR GR VRPHWKLQJ KH GLGQÂśW UHDOO\ IHHO TXDOLILHG WR GR , FDQ VHH KLP VTXLUPLQJ DV KH VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;0 Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongueâ&#x20AC;? ([RGXV ,Q HVVHQFH Âł,ÂśP QRW WKH PDQ \RX ZDQW ´ ,Q D PRPHQW LQ WKH WZLQNOLQJ RI DQ H\H *RG FRXOG KDYH JLYHQ 0RVHV DQ HORTXHQW WRQJXH DQG DQVZHUHG 0RVHVÂś H[FXVH EXW +H GLGQÂśW ,QVWHDG *RG VHQW 0RVHV EDFN WR (J\SW ZLWK KLV ZHDNQHVVHV 7KH DSRVWOH 3DXO IHOW WKHUH ZDV D OLPLWDWLRQ LQ KLV OLIH DQG KH DVNHG *RG WR UHPRYH LW $V VWUDQJH DV LW PLJKW VHHP *RG WROG WKH DSRVWOH 3DXO â&#x20AC;&#x153;My power is made perfect in weakness.â&#x20AC;? 8SRQ KHDULQJ WKDW WKH DSRVWOH UHVSRQGHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strongâ&#x20AC;? &RULQWKLDQV ,I 3DXO FRXOG KDYH SRLQWHG WR KLV UHPDUNDEOH SK\VLFDO UHVRXUFHV WKH SRZHU RI *RG LQ KLV OLIH ZRXOG QRW EH REYLRXV ,W PD\ EH WKDW , VKDUH VRPHWKLQJ ZLWK 0RVHV $ FOHDU &KULVWLDQ GXW\ LV VHW EHIRUH PH EXW , IHHO WKDW LI *RG UHDOO\ H[SHFWV PH WR GR LW +H ZRXOG JUDQW PH VSHFLDO DELOLWLHV ² EXW +H GRHVQÂśW , DP VWLOO PH *RG GRHV QRW QHHG WR RYHUFRPH P\ LQDGHTXDFLHV EHIRUH +H FDQ XVH PH 7KH WUXWK LV WKDW *RGÂśV SRZHU LV PDQLIHVWHG LQ ZHDNQHVV 7R EH IXOO RI VHOI FRQILGHQFH LV WR EH HPSW\ RI WKH SRZHU RI *RG 7R TXRWH WKH DSRVWOH 3DXO DJDLQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to usâ&#x20AC;? &RULQWKLDQV = = -RKQ *LSVRQ ZRUNV ZLWK WKH :LQGVRQJ &KXUFK RI &KULVW LQ /LWWOH 5RFN $UNDQVDV 86$
Bi ble Bib le Characters Cha rac ter s
Daniel $UGURQ +LQWRQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the fine foods of the king nor with the wine which he drankâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? 'DQLHO
7KHUH ZHUH VRPH IRRGV WKDW WKRVH ZKR OLYHG XQGHU WKH /DZ RI 0RVHV DV 'DQLHO GLG ZHUH QRW DOORZHG WR HDW &HUWDLQ PHDWV ZHUH QRW DOORZHG IRU H[DPSOH +RZHYHU WKH ZRUG XVHG LQ RXU WH[W PHDQV DQ\ VSHFLDO IRRG ,W ZDV QRW VLPSO\ WKDW 'DQLHO GLG QRW ZLVK WR HDW WKH IRUELGGHQ IRRGV RU GULQN WKH ZLQH :KDW KH ZDV UHDOO\ WU\LQJ WR DYRLG ZDV WKH ZD\ RI OLYLQJ RI WKH NLQJ 7KHVH UXOHUV GLG DV 6RORPRQ VDLG KH KDG GRQH ² OLYHG DFFRUGLQJ WR WKHLU RZQ GHVLUHV VHH (FFOHVLDVWHV 'DQLHO NQHZ WKDW OLYLQJ D OLIH WKDW ZDV FHQWHUHG LQ IXOILOOLQJ IOHVKO\ GHVLUHV DQG DSSHWLWHV ZRXOG OHDG DZD\ IURP *RG 3DXO GHVFULEHG VXFK SHRSOH LQ 3KLOLSSLDQV /LNH 'DQLHO &KULVWLDQ SHRSOH PXVW DYRLG WKLV WUDS 7KH NH\ ZRUG LV â&#x20AC;&#x153;purposedâ&#x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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacriÂżce, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good = and acceptable and perfect will of Godâ&#x20AC;? (Romans 12:1,2).= $UGURQ +LQWRQ ZDV D GHYRXW SURFODLPHU RI WKH *RVSHO DQG OLYHG LQ %ODLU 2NOD KRPD 86$
B ib le Q uestion u est ion s
What Do You Think of Christ? &KDUOHV 5 5RVH :H RIWHQ UHDG 0DW WKHZ ZKHUH -HVXV VSHDNV RI WKH WZR JUHDWHVW FRPPDQG PHQWV RI WKH ODZ QDPH O\ ORYLQJ *RG ZLWK RXU ZKROH EHLQJ DQG ORY LQJ RXU QHLJKERU DV ZH ORYH RXUVHOYHV 7KLV DURVH LQ DQVZHU WR D TXHVWLRQ DVNHG E\ RQH RI WKH 3KDULVHHV WHPSWLQJ +LP 7KH 0DVWHU WKHQ LQ WXUQ DVNHG WKHP D TXHVWLRQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them saying, What do you think about the Christ, whose Son is He?â&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ ,Q UHDGLQJ WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW ZH ILQG RXU /RUG LQWHUDFWLQJ ZLWK PDQ\ GLIIHUHQW HQWLWLHV DQG DOO KDG WKHLU RSLQLRQ RI ZKR &KULVW ZDV ,W LV DOVR LQWHUHVWLQJ WR QRWH WKDW WKH RQO\ ZD\ WKH 3KDULVHHV FRXOG FRQYLFW -HVXV RI EODVSKHP\ ZDV E\ XQVFUXSXORXV SHRSOH ZKR OLHG LQ WKHLU WHVWLPRQLHV 0DUN /HW XV QRWH WKH WKRXJKWV RI WKRVH ZKR ZHUH KRQHVW LQ WKHLU HVWLPDWLRQ RI &KULVW x $1*(/6 ,Q /XNHÂśV DFFRXQW RI WKH YLUJLQ ELUWK ZH KHDU WKH DQJHOV GHFODUH WR FHUWDLQ VKHSKHUGV â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lordâ&#x20AC;? /XNH x *2' 7+( )$7+(5 :KHQ -HVXV FDPH WR WKH -RUGDQ WR EH EDSWL]HG E\ -RKQ +H FDPH XS RXW RI WKH ZDWHU â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śand, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him. And a voice from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleasedâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ
B ib le Q uestion u est ion s x -2+1 7+( %$37,67 -RKQ UHFRJQL]HG WKH GHLW\ RI -HVXV DQG VDLG WR KLV GLVFLSOHV â&#x20AC;&#x153;Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the worldâ&#x20AC;? -RKQ x 3(7(5 :KHQ -HVXV DVNHG +LV GLVFLSOHV ZKR SHRSOH WKRXJKW +H ZDV 3HWHU FRQIHVVHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living Godâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ x '(0216 ,Q +LV DZHVRPH SRZHU -HVXV KHDOHG DOO PDQQHU RI GLVHDVHV DQG FDVW HYLO VSLULWV RXW RI WKRVH SRVVHVVHG E\ VXFK â&#x20AC;&#x153;And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of Godâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? /XNH x +,6 %(75$<(5 )ROORZLQJ -HVXVÂś DUUHVW -XGDV VDZ ZKDW ZDV WDNLQJ SODFH DQG VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent bloodâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ x 3,/$7( :KHQ -HVXV ZDV EURXJKW WR WKH JRYHUQRU KH WRRN +LP WR +HURG ZKR DOVR H[DPLQHG +LP 7KH FRQFOXVLRQ ZDV â&#x20AC;&#x153;I, having examined Him before you, have found no fault in this manâ&#x20AC;Ś No, nor yet Herodâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? /XNH x 3,/$7(Âś6 :,)( +DYLQJ D EDG GUHDP FRQFHUQLQJ -HVXV FRQYLQFHG KHU WKDW +H ZDV D MXVW PDQ 0DWWKHZ x 7+( &(1785,21 +DYLQJ ZLWQHVVHG WKH FUXFLIL[LRQ RI WKH &KULVW DQG KDYLQJ VHHQ WKH HDUWKTXDNH DQG RWKHU WKLQJV WKDW ZHUH GRQH KH FRQIHVVHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Truly this was the Son of Godâ&#x20AC;? 0DWWKHZ x 7+20$6 +DYLQJ GRXEWHG ZKHQ WROG RI WKH /RUGÂśV DSSHDUDQFH EHIRUH KLV IHOORZ DSRVWOHV 7KRPDV ZDV JLYHQ RSSRUWXQLW\ WR WRXFK WKH QDLO VFDUUHG KDQGV DQG WKUXVW KLV KDQG LQWR WKH SLHUFHG VLGH RI WKH &KULVW +LV UHDFWLRQ ZDV WR H[FODLP â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Lord and my God!â&#x20AC;? -RKQ +RZ PDQ\ ZLWQHVVHV DUH QHHGHG WR FRQYLQFH XV RI WKH WUXWK" )ULHQGV HQHPLHV DQG WKRVH ZKR WULHG WR VWDQG QHXWUDO DOO KDG WR IDFH WKH WUXH IDFWV VXUURXQGLQJ WKLV PDQ FDOOHG -HVXV RI 1D]DUHWK :KLOH UHDGLQJ WKLV DUWLFOH WKH VDPH TXHVWLRQ LV EHLQJ DVNHG RI \RX DV ZDV DVNHG RI WKH 3KDULVHHV â&#x20AC;&#x153;What do you think of Christ? Whose Son is He?â&#x20AC;? = &KDUOHV 5 5RVH SUHDFKHV IRU WKH /RUGÂśV FKXUFK LQ /LQFROQ 0LVVRXUL 86$
B ib le Q uestion u est ion s
A Pair o off Q u ue es stio ons ns for C o n ns s i d erat e rat i o n 'HQQLV *XOOHGJH Âł:DV WKHUH IRUJLYHQHVV RI VLQ LQ WKH 2OG 7HVWDPHQW" ,I QRW KRZ FRXOG (QRFK KDYH EHHQ WDNHQ LQWR KHDYHQ"´ 7KH %LEOH VD\V â&#x20AC;&#x153;For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of Godâ&#x20AC;? 5RPDQV 3DXO XVHG D ZRUG IRU â&#x20AC;&#x153;remissionâ&#x20AC;? YHUVH WKDW LV QRW WKH W\SLFDO ZRUG IRU ÂłUHPLVVLRQ´ LQ WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW 7KLV LV WKH RQO\ WLPH LW LV XVHG LQ WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW DQG LW GRHV QRW PHDQ ÂłIRUJLYHQHVV RI ´ OLWHUDOO\ WKH ÂłVHQGLQJ DZD\ RI VLQV´ ,W PHDQV ÂłWKH SDVVLQJ RYHU´ RI VLQV )RU WKLV UHDVRQ WKH UHYLVHUV UHQGHUHG LW ÂłSDVVLQJ RYHU´ WKDW LV ÂłWKH SDVVLQJ RYHU RI WKH VLQV GRQH DIRUHWLPH´ 5RPDQV $69 7KHUHIRUH WKHUH ZDV QRW DEVROXWH IRUJLYHQHVV RI VLQV XQGHU WKH IRUPHU GLVSHQVDWLRQV 6HH +HEUHZV $V WR (QRFK WKH %LEOH QRZKHUH VD\V WKDW KH ZDV WDNHQ LQWR KHDYHQ 7KH %LEOH RQO\ VD\V WKDW â&#x20AC;&#x153;he was not; for God took himâ&#x20AC;? *HQHVLV DQG â&#x20AC;&#x153;by faith Enoch was translated that he should not see deathâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? +HEUHZV
³, DP SX]]OHG E\ /XNH :K\ GLG -HVXV RUGHU +LV GLVFLSOHV WR ³, O G E / N :K GLG G +L GL L O EX\ WZR VZRUGV LI WKH\ ZHUH QRW SHUPLWWHG WR XVH WKHP"´ $ FDUHIXO UHDGLQJ RI WKH SDVVDJH ZLOO VKRZ WKDW -HVXV GLG QRW RUGHU
B ib le Q uestion u est ion s +LV GLVFLSOHV WR EX\ WZR VZRUGV 7ZR VZRUGV DUH PHQWLRQHG LQ YHUVH ZKHUH WKH GLVFLSOHV VDLG “here are two swords” DQG WKH\ FRXOG KDYH EHHQ DOUHDG\ SUHVHQW LQ WKH XSSHU URRP KDQJLQJ RQ WKH ZDOO IRU DOO ZH NQRZ :KDW -HVXV GLG ZDV WR SRLQW RXW D FKDQJH LQ FLUFXPVWDQFHV 7KDW LV ZKHQ +H VHQW WKH GLVFLSOHV RXW RQ ZKDW ZH FDOO ³WKH OLPLWHG FRPPLV VLRQ´ LQ 0DWWKHZ +H GLG QRW SHUPLW WKHP WR WDNH PRQH\ RU VXSSOLHV GLGG QRW SH S UPLW WKHP WR WDNH PRQH\ \ RU VXSSSO S LH LHV EXW WKH\ ZHUH WR UHO\ RQ *RG¶V SURYLGHQWLDO FDUH 1RZ KRZHYHU ZKHQ +H VHQGV WKHP RXW DIWHU +LV UHVXUUHFWLRQ WKLQJV ZLOO EH GLIIHUHQW 7KH\ ZLOO QHHG SURWHFWLRQ HYHQ LI I LW PHDQV VHOOLQJ D JDU PHQW DQG EX\LQJ D VZRUG YHUVH -HVXV GLG QRW RUGHU +LV DSRVWOHV WR EX\ D VZRUG EXW XUJHG WKHP WR H[HUFLVH FRPPRQ VHQVH LQ ODERUV :KHUH ZH KDYH SURE OHPV ZLWK WKLV SDVVDJH LV LQ UHODWLRQ WR VWDWHPHQWV OLNH “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight…” -RKQ -HVXV GLG QRW SHUPLW WKH GLVFLSOHV WR HIIHFW D MLKDG LQ GHIHQVH RI WKH NLQJGRP EXW QR HFW D MLKDG LQ GHIHQVH RI WKH NLQJGRP E W QR ZKHUH GLG +H IRUELG +LV GLVFLSOHV WR GHIHQG WKHPVHOYHV = 'HQQLV *XOOHGJH SUHDFKHV IRU WKH FKXUFK RI &KULVW LQ 0DEHOYDOH $UNDQVDV 86$
Char ts & Outlin Charts O ut lin e s
Discernment +HEUHZV
0DUN 1 3RVH\ Introduction:
7KH &KULVWLDQV WR ZKLFK WKH (SLVWOH RI +HEUHZV ZDV ZULWWHQ ZHUH LQ GDQ JHU RI OHDYLQJ WKH /RUG DQG UHWXUQLQJ WR WKHLU IRUPHU OLIH RI SUDFWLFLQJ -XGDLVP +HEUHZV LV EDVLFDOO\ D ERRN WKDW H[KRUWV GLVFRXUDJHG &KULVWLDQV WR FRQWLQXH RQ VWURQJ ZLWK -HVXV LQ OLJKW RI WKH FRPSOHWH VXSHULRULW\ RI ZKR +H LV DQG ZKDW +H KDV GRQH IRU XV 7KH\ DUH HQFRXUDJHG WR “go on unto perfection >PDWX ULW\@” 7KLV LQVWUXFWLRQ ZDV JLYHQ WR WKRVH WKDW KDG EHFRPH “dull of hearing” DQG ZHUH LQ GDQJHU RI GULIWLQJ DZD\ IURP WKH /RUG 7KH DXWKRU H[SRVHV WKHLU GXOOQHVV RI KHDULQJ DQG IDLOXUH WR PDWXUH KH DOVR GLDJQRVHV WKHLU VSLULWXDO FRQGLWLRQ EDEHV LQ &KULVW DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH WLPH WKH\ KDG EHHQ IROORZHUV RI -HVXV WKH\ VKRXOG KDYH EHHQ PXFK PRUH PDWXUH WKDQ WKH\ ZHUH 7KHLU GLHW RI “milk” VKRXOG KDYH EHHQ D GLHW RI “meat” ,Q WKH RULJLQDO ODQ JXDJH WKH VHQVH RI “for he is a babe” LV ³IRU KH KDV EHFRPH D EDEH´ 7KHUH LV QRWKLQJ PRUH GHOLJKWIXO WKDQ D WUXH EDEH LQ -HVXV %XW WKHUH LV QRWKLQJ PRUH LUULWDWLQJ DQG GHSUHVV LQJ WKDQ VRPHRQH ZKR VKRXOG EH PDWXUH EXW ZKR KDV EHFRPH D EDEH
Char ts & Outlin Charts O ut lin e s 7KHVH &KULVWLDQV GHPRQVWUDWHG LPPDWXULW\ E\ ERWK WKHLU ODFN RI GLVFHUQ PHQW EHWZHHQ JRRG DQG HYLO DQG LQ WKHLU FRQWHPSODWLRQ RI JLYLQJ XS -HVXV 7KHUHIRUH LW FDQ EH VDLG WKDW DOO ILYH KXPDQ VHQVHV KDYH WKHLU VSLULWXDO FRXQWHUSDUWV &RQVLGHU KRZ GLVFHUQPHQW DQG H[HUFLVH UHODWH WR RXU VHQVHV :H KDYH D VSLULWXDO VHQVH RI WDVWH â&#x20AC;&#x153;If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is graciousâ&#x20AC;? 3HWHU â&#x20AC;&#x153;Taste and see that the Lord is goodâ&#x20AC;? 3VDOP :H KDYH D VSLULWXDO VHQVH RI KHDULQJ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hear and your soul shall liveâ&#x20AC;? ,VDLDK â&#x20AC;&#x153;He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churchesâ&#x20AC;? 5HYHODWLRQ :H KDYH D VSLULWXDO VHQVH RI VLJKW â&#x20AC;&#x153;Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your lawâ&#x20AC;? 3VDOP â&#x20AC;&#x153;The eyes of your understanding KHDUW being enlightenedâ&#x20AC;? (SKHVLDQV :H KDYH D VSLULWXDO VHQVH RI VPHOO â&#x20AC;&#x153;He shall be of quick scent in the fear of the Lordâ&#x20AC;? ,VDLDK â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am full, having received fromâ&#x20AC;Ś you, a sweet-smelling aromaâ&#x20AC;? 3KLOLSSLDQV &I &RU LQWKLDQV :H KDYH D VSLULWXDO VHQVH RI WRXFK RU IHHOLQJ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the Lordâ&#x20AC;? .LQJV Âł7KH KDUGHQLQJ RI WKHLU KHDUW ZKR EHLQJ SDVW IHHOLQJ KDYH JLYHQ WKHPVHOYHV RYHU WR OLFHQWLRXVQHVV´ (SKHVLDQV Conclusion:
0DWXUH &KULVWLDQV DUH PDUNHG E\ WKHLU GLVFHUQPHQW DQG E\ WKHLU XQVKDNDEOH FRPPLWPHQW 7KH DELOLW\ WR GLVFHUQ LV D FULWLFDO PHDVXUH RI VSLULWXDO PDWXULW\ %DEHV DUH ZHDN LQ GLVFHUQPHQW DQG ZLOO DFFHSW DQ\ NLQG RI VSLULWXDO IRRG +RZHYHU WKURXJK WKH H[HUFLVH RI RXU VSLULWXDO VHQVHV WUDLQHG E\ SUDFWLFH DQG KDELW RXU GLVFHUQPHQW EHWZHHQ JRRG DQG HYLO ZLOO SURGXFH PDWXULW\ = = 0DUN 1 3RVH\ SUHDFKHV IRU WKH $XVWLQYLOOH FKXUFK RI &KULVW LQ 'HFDWXU $ODEDPD 86$
Char ts & Outlin Charts O ut lin e s
“Pilgrims of Hope” /XNH
%REE\ 'RFNHU\ ,QWURGXFWLRQ $ 2Q WKH HYHQLQJ RI WKH UHVXUUHFWLRQ ZH ¿ QG WZR GLVFLSOHV RI -HVXV WUXGJLQJ KRPH LQ VRUURZ DQG GLVDSSRLQWPHQW % 7KH\ “had hoped” WKDW &KULVW ZDV WKH 5HGHHPHU RI ,VUDHO EXW QRZ LW VHHPHG WKH FDXVH ZDV ORVW DQG WKHLU KRSH PLVSODFHG 7KH ¿ UH RI WKHLU GHYRWLRQ ZDV H[WLQJXLVKHG & 7KHQ -HVXV FDPH DQG HYHU\WKLQJ FKDQJHG ' /XNH¶V DFFRXQW RI WKH PHHWLQJ EHWZHHQ -HVXV DQG +LV WZR GLVFLSOHV LV D EHDXWLIXO PRYLQJ VWRU\ ZLWK WUHPHQGRXV VSLULWXDO LPSOLFDWLRQV %RG\ ,
+RSH 5HQRXQFHG YY
$ 7KH WZR GLVFLSOHV KDG OHIW -HUXVDOHP EHIRUH WKH ZRPHQ¶V VWRU\ RI WKH HPSW\ WRPE KDG EHHQ FRPSOHWHO\ LQYHVWLJDWHG % 7KH\ ZHUH JRLQJ KRPH IURP D IXQHUDO & 7KH\ KDG RQFH VHHQ LQ -HVXV D YLVLRQ RI KRSH 1RZ WKDW ZDV DOO JRQH 7KHLU KRSHV ZHUH EXULHG ² ORVW LQ WKH SDVW
,, +RSH 5HFRQVLGHUHG YY
$ ,W ZDV DW WKLV PRPHQW WKDW -HVXV EHJDQ WUDYHOLQJ ZLWK WKHP “but their eyes were kept from recognizing Him” Y % 3DUWLDOO\ WKLV ZDV GXH WR GLYLQH LQWHUYHQWLRQ EXW SDUW RI WKH SURE OHP PD\ DOVR KDYH EHHQ LQ WKHLU RZQ KHDUWV & -HVXV WRRN WKHP WR WKH 6FULSWXUHV WR VKRZ WKDW WKH FURVV ZDV QRW D GHIHDW RI WUXWK EXW D SOHGJH RI YLFWRU\ ,,, +RSH 5HNLQGOHG YY
$ +RSH LV LPSRVVLEOH ZLWKRXW DQ HQFRXQWHU ZLWK -HVXV % ,W ZDV QRW MXVW WKDW WKHLU KRSH ZDV UHNLQGOHG EXW WKDW WKH\ PHW WKH
Char ts & Outlin Charts O ut lin e s HPERGLPHQW RI WKHLU KRSH Note where they encountered Him ,Q WKH 6FULSWXUHV LQ WKH :RUG RI *RG FI -RKQ
,Q WKH 6XSSHU LQ EUHDNLQJ EUHDG ZLWK +LP 0DWWKHZ &RULQWKLDQV ,Q WKH 6DLQWV LQ WKH DVVHPEO\ DQG OLYHV RI *RG¶V SHRSOH 0DWWKHZ ,9 +RSH 5HYHDOHG YY
$ +RSH VKRZV ,W ZLOO PDNH LWVHOI YLVLEOH Y % 7KH\ KXUULHG EDFN WR -HUXVDOHP WR VKDUH WKHLU KRSH ZLWK RWKHUV 7KH\ FRXOG QRW NHHS WKH JRRG QHZV WR WKHPVHOYHV & 7KHVH SLOJULPV EHJDQ WKHLU MRXUQH\ ZLWK KRSH GHDG DQG ¿ QLVKHG LW ZLWK KRSH DOLYH &RQFOXVLRQ $ 0HUHO\ NQRZLQJ DERXW WKH UHVXUUHFWLRQ ZLOO QRW ¿ OO \RXU KHDUW ZLWK = KRSH = %REE\ 'RFNHU\ LV D ZULWHU DQG D SUHDFKHU OLYLQJ LQ )D\HWWHYLOOH $UNDQVDV 86$ DQG KH KDV EHHQ KHDYLO\ LQYROYHG LQ PLVVLRQ ZRUN IRU PDQ\ \HDUV
3LFWXUH XVHG ZLWK SHUPLVVLRQ Â&#x2039; ZZZ 7KH*ORU\6WRU\ FRP
7+(5( ,6 12 7,0( )25 $3$7+< ,1 7+( &+85&+(6 2) &+5,67 :H HQFRXUDJH \RX WR FRQVLGHU WKHVH JRRG ZRUNV WR VXEVFULEH VXSSRUW SXEOLFL]H EHQH¿ W IURP DQG WDNH DGYDQ WDJH RI ZKDW RXU EUHWKUHQ DUH GRLQJ WR VSUHDG WKH PHVVDJH RI &KULVW *263(/ %52$'&$67,1* 1(7:25.
6XSSRUW WKH VDWHOOLWH FDEOH QHWZRUN EHLQJ GHYHORSHG E\ FKXUFKHV RI &KULVW IRU WKH SUHDFKLQJ RI WKH *RVSHO WKURXJKRXW WKH 86$ DQG XOWLPDWHO\ WR WKH ZRUOG 6HQG \RXU FRQWULEXWLRQ WR *%1 *HUPDQWRZQ 5RDG 2OLYH %UDQFK 06 3KRQH ³&XUUHQW ,VVXHV IURP D 'LVWLQFWO\ &KULVWLDQ 3RLQW RI 9LHZ´ ² WKH WKHPH RI ³7KLQN´ PDJD]LQH 3KRQH HPDLO PDLO#IRFXVSUHVV RUJ :HEVLWH ZZZ IRFXVSUHVV RUJ %UDG +DUUXE .HLWK 3DUNHU -D\ /RFNKDUW :LOOLH )UDQNOLQ DQG -DFN :LONLH RIIHU IDLWK EXLOGLQJ VHPLQDUV )RU SHQQLHV SHU KRXVHKROG \RX FDQ VSUHDG WKH *RVSHO LQ \RXU FLW\ WKURXJK WKLV GRFWULQDOO\ VRXQG EL PRQWK O\ SDSHU ,W ZLOO HYHQ EH SHUVRQDOL]HG ZLWK WKH ORFDO FKXUFK¶V DGGUHVV DQG QHZV 3KRQH HPDLO LQIR#MYLOOHFRF RUJ :HEVLWH ZZZ +RXVHWR+RXVH FRP Are you looking IRU DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ WR EH D EUDQFK EHDULQJ IUXLW WR *RG" World Bible School teachers KDYH WKDW RSSRUWXQLW\ :K\ QRW FDOO WKH :%6 RIILFH RU HPDLO ZEVLQIR#ZEVFKRRO RUJ IRU IXOO LQIRUPDWLRQ 0DNH \RXU WLPH FRXQW IRU VRXOV
3KLO 6DQGHU¶V 6HDUFK 79 SURJUDPV DUH RQ EURDGFDVW 79 VWDWLRQV EURDGFDVW UDGLR VWDWLRQV SXEOLF DQG FDEOH DFFHVV V\VWHPV DQG VDW HOOLWH V\VWHPV 'LVK DQG 'LUHF79 %HQH¿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
$SRORJHWLFV 3UHVV KDV EHHQ WKH YRLFH LQ FKXUFKHV RI &KULVW IRU PDQ\ \HDUV VSHDNLQJ FOHDUO\ ORXGO\ DQG ELEOLFDOO\ RQ VXEMHFWV SHUWDLQLQJ WR &UHDWLRQ (YROXWLRQ WKH *RGKHDG WKH LQVSLUDWLRQ RI WKH 6FULSWXUHV DQG PDQ\ RWKHU YLWDO TXHVWLRQV RI IDLWK $ QHZ OLQH RI %LEOH FODVV FXUULFXOXP ([ SORULQJ *RG¶V :RUG LV DYDLODEOH RQ OLQH DQG PXFK RI LW FDQ EH GRZQORDGHG IUH RI FKDUJH 'DYH 0LOOHU KDV SURGXFHG H[FHOOHQW '9'V RQ 7KH 6LOHQFLQJ RI *RG LQ $PHULFD DQG 7KH 4XUDQ 3KRQH :HEVLWH ZZZ $SRORJHWLFV3UHVV RUJ
:KDW &DQ :KDW &DQ <RX <RX 'R 'R WR WR +HOS +HOS 6SUHDG 6SUHDG WKH WKH :RUG :RUG"" )RU MXVW D PRPHQW SXW \RXUVHOI LQ D YLOODJH LQ $IULFD RU HYHQ LQ D ODUJH FLW\ LQ ,QGLD RU LQ WKH MXQJOHV RI 6RXWK $PHULFD <RX DUH DQ LPPRUWDO VRXO OLYLQJ LQ D SHULVKLQJ ERG\ +RZ ZLOO \RX NQRZOHGJHDEO\ SUHSDUH IRU WKH MXGJPHQW DQG HWHUQLW\ WKDW DZDLWV XV DOO" 'RHV WKH FKXUFK RI &KULVW H[LVW LQ \RXU FRPPXQLW\ VR WKDW \RX FDQ KHDU WKH *RVSHO SUHDFKHG" )RU PRVW SHRSOH LQ WKH ZRUOG WKH DQVZHU LV ³1R´ ,V WKHUH D VRXUFH IRU EX\LQJ %LEOHV LQ \RXU FRPPXQLW\" 7KRXJK WKH %LEOH KDV EHHQ WUDQVODWHG LQWR PRVW ODQJXDJHV YLOODJHV VHOGRP KDYH ERRNVWRUHV )RU PRVW SHRSOH LQ WKH ZRUOG WKH DQVZHU LV ³1R´ ,I \RX KDYH IRXQG WKH 7UXWK DQG DUH D &KULVWLDQ LV WKHUH D ERRNVWRUH IURP ZKLFK \RX FDQ RUGHU DGGLWLRQDO VWXG\ PDWHULDOV" )RU PRVW SHRSOH LQ WKH ZRUOG WKH DQVZHU LV ³1R´
6R \RX DUH ERUQ LQWR DQ XQEHOLHYLQJ KRPH \RX OLYH DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH UHOLJLRQ RI \RXU SDUHQWV \RX JURZ ROG DQG \RX GLH WKUXVW LQWR HWHUQLW\ WR PHHW WKH *RG \RX QHYHU NQHZ :KDW XQVSHDNDEOH WUDJHG\ 7KH VFHQDULR LV /,)( IRU WKH PDMRULW\ RI WKH SHRSOH RI WKH ZRUOG 7KURXJK PDVV PHGLD ² UDGLR SURJUDPV 79 DQG OLWHUDWXUH ² ZH DUH GRLQJ DOO ZH FDQ WR EULQJ *RG¶V :RUG WR SHRSOH ZKR KDYH VR OLWWOH KRSH +DOI RI HDFK LVVXH RI The Voice of Truth International LV VHQW IUHH RI FKDUJH WR FKXUFKHV DQG LQGLYLGXDOV ZKR KDYH IHZ RU QR RWKHU VWXG\ PDWHULDOV WR DLG LQ WKHLU VSLULWXDO JURZWK :H DVN EUHWKUHQ WR KHOS XV ZLWK D PRQWK WR FRYHU WKH SRVWDJH ELOO LQFXUUHG ZLWK HYHU\ LVVXH :LOO \RX SOHDVH KDYH PHUF\ RQ WKHVH VRXOV DQG KHOS XV VKDUH WKH VDYLQJ *RVSHO ZLWK WKHP"
7R KHOS ZLWK WKLV SDUWLFXODU QHHG SOHDVH VHQG \RXU FKHFNV WR 7+( 92,&( 2) 7587+ ,17(51$7,21$/ %R[ :LQRQD 06 7R VSHHG XS \RXU DQQRXQFHPHQW WKDW \RX ZDQW WR KHOS FDOO XV DW RU VHQG \RXU ( 0DLO WR &KRDWH#:RUOG(YDQJHOLVP RUJ :HEVLWH :RUOG(YDQJHOLVP RUJ
'HDU %UHWKUHQ Â&#x2039; , ZDQW WR VXEVFULEH WR WKH TXDUWHUO\ PDJD]LQH The Voice of
Truth International. (QFORVHG LV P\ FKHFN IRU IRU IRXU LVVXHV RU IRU HLJKW LVVXHV VWDUWLQJ ZLWK 9ROXPH BBBB 0\ DGGUHVV LV JLYHQ EHORZ Â&#x2039; , ZDQW WR RUGHU WKH FRPSOHWH VHW RI YROXPHV LQ SULQW LVVXHV IRU WKH UHGXFHG SULFH RI SHU FRS\ 0\ DGGUHVV LV JLYHQ EHORZ Â&#x2039; 3OHDVH VHQG VSHFLDO SULFHV IRU :%6 WHDFKHUV DQG WKHLU VWXGHQWV Â&#x2039; , ZDQW WR 0$.( $ *,)7 VXEVFULSWLRQ RI The Voice of Truth International. (QFORVHG LV P\ FKHFN IRU IRU IRXU LVVXHV RU IRU HLJKW LVVXHV VWDUWLQJ ZLWK 9ROXPH BBBB 7KH DGGUHVV LV JLYHQ EHORZ Â&#x2039; , ZDQW WR VHQG SHU PRQWK RU D PXOWLSOH IRU D ER[ RI FRSLHV RU PXOWLSOHV RI HDFK LVVXH RI WKH PDJD]LQH DV WKH\ DUH SULQWHG &KXUFKHV DUH DOVR XUJHG WR XVH ER[HV LQ WKLV ZD\ 2U \RX PD\ VHQG RQH SD\PHQW RI SHU \HDU IRU IRXU LVVXHV 7KLV ZLOO KHOS XV WR VHQG PRUH FRSLHV WR WKH PLVVLRQ ILHOGV Â&#x2039; :H ZDQW WR JLYH BBBBB HDFK PRQWK WR KHOS VHQG WKLV PDJD]LQH WR PLVVLRQ ILHOGV RI WKH ZRUOG LQFOXGLQJ WKH 86$ Â&#x2039; $V D FRQJUHJDWLRQ ZH ZDQW WR KHOS SULQW DQG FLUFXODWH FRSLHV RI HDFK LVVXH RI WKLV PDJD]LQH E\ PDNLQJ D VSHFLDO FRQWULEXWLRQ WR WKLV HIIRUW :H FDQ VSHFLI\ ZKHUH WKH FRSLHV ZH SD\ IRU ZLOO EH XVHG ZKHWKHU LQ RXU SHUVRQDO ZRUN LQ MDLO PLQLVWU\ RYHUVHDV RU
5HWXUQ WKLV IRUP LQ DQ HQYHORSH DORQJ ZLWK \RXU FKHFN WR WKH IROORZLQJ DGGUHVV VWDWLQJ \RXU ZLVKHV
$WWQ %\URQ 1LFKROV The Voice of Truth Intetnatiional %R[ 6SULQJILHOG 02 1$0( BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB 675((7 BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB &,7< BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB 67$7( BBBBBBB=,3 BBBBBBBBBB
Answ ers er s to t o Puz Pu zz z les le s
Verse Search
(from Page36-37) 6HUYDQWV DQG VWHZDUGV 0\VWHULHV RI *RG )DLWKIXO *RG DV KLV PDVWHU :KHQ WKH /RUG FRPHV 7KH /RUG 7KH KLGGHQ WKLQJV RI GDUNQHVV DQG WKH FRXQVHOV RI WKH KHDUWV *RG :KDW LV ZULWWHQ 3DXO DQG $SROORV %HFDXVH ZH KDYH QRWKLQJ WKDW ZH KDYH QRW UHFHLYHG IURP *RG 6SHFWDFOHV :HDN VWURQJ GLVWLQJXLVKHG GLVKRQRUHG 8QGHUVWDQGLQJ RXU ZHDNQHVV DQG &KULVW¶V VXIILFLHQF\ VHH DOVR &RULQWKLDQV 3KLOLSSLDQV
Bible Find
(from page 48)
6FDYHQJHU +XQW (page 98) $QVZHUV
WZHOYH 3KLOLS IRU EROGQHVV WR VSHDN WKH :RUG 6LPRQ (WKLRSLDQ RI *RG WUHDVXUHU 6DXO 3DXO IRU O\LQJ WR *RG &RUQHOLXV /\GLD +HURG -DLOHU $QWLRFK &ULVSXV $WKHQV
For Further Information, Please Contact:
We Worship Thee Chorus: We Worship Thee, we worship Thee, Our God of praise and majesty, %HJLQQLQJ FKRUXV EXW QRW UHSHDWHG We humbly come on bended knee, DIWHU WKH YHUVHV Lord of Hosts, to worship Thee. Hear us, Father, hear our cry, With broken hearts we come; Forgive the sins that stain our souls And let us kneel before Your throne. You gave us life, You gave us hope, You washed us in His blood; You gave the light to show the way â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The treasure of Your Word. You trusted us to wear His name, That name that knew no sin; We cringe for every blot weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made, For souls misled, we did not win. You trusted us â&#x20AC;&#x201D; these human hands â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Oh, God, how can it be? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; That all the work Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever done Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve trusted now, at last, to me? Oh God, I come with aching heart, Forgive me when I fail; Help me to bring Your Words of life To souls now on the road to hell. Chorus: I worship Thee, I worship Thee, My God of praise and majesty; (QGLQJ FKRUXV VXQJ I humbly come on bended knee, YHU\ VRIWO\ Lord of Hosts, to worship Thee. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Betty Burton Choate