Voice of Truth International, Volume 93

Page 1

Cover photograph by Louis Rushmore. Cover design by Betty Burton Choate.

Volume 93

Guyana is a parliamentary republic. The May 2015 national vote in Guyana resulted in the first change of ruling party, with the election of David Granger, since the country gained its independence from Great Britain in 1966. The US $1 (USD) equals approximately $206.6 Guyanese dollars (GYD). Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America, though additional languages spoken there include languages of India, Guyanese Creole, Amerindian dialects and Chinese. Though English is spoken by all, especially remote, isolated villages commonly resort to tribal languages in the absence of English-speakers. Guyana has a tropical, hot, humid environment as it sits near and above the equator. It has two rainy seasons, May through August and November through January. Most of the country is forested (77.4%). Guyana is adjacent to Suriname, Brazil, Venezuela and the Atlantic Ocean. The nation’s population of 735,909 (July 2016) is comprised of East Indians (39.8%)—descendants of indentured servants from India to British colonists, Africans (29.3%), mixed races (19.9%), Amerindians (10.5%)—the indigenous population—and other ethnicities (.05%). A greater number of Guyanese live abroad (55%), chiefly in Canada, the USA, Great Britain and Caribbean nations, often in pursuit of economic improvement. One third of the population is considered to be living below “the poverty line,” and unemployment is rampant. Over 80% of well-educated and economically advantaged citizens have emigrated from Guyana. Though rich in natural resources, the distribution of wealth does not benefit the general populace. The country is rich in bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, sugarcane, shrimp and fish. Subsequently, it exports sugar, gold, bauxite, alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses, rum and timber—chiefly to the USA (33%), Canada (17.9%), UK (6.7%), Ukraine (4.3%) and Jamaica (4%). It imports manufactured products, machinery, oil and food—chiefly from the USA (24.7%), Trinidad and Tobago (24.3%), China (10.8%) and Suriname (9.5%). Guyanese love America and everything American. Only 11 of the 106 airports within Guyana are paved. Most of the paved roads (367 miles) are within an hour’s drive of the Atlantic coastal area, and the balance of the roads (4,952 miles) are unpaved—many of which are nearly impassible logging roads. Consequently, navigable waterways are a primary means of transportation—many able to accommodate ocean freighters far upstream. Guyana has seaports as well as river ports. Three of the largest rivers are the Berbice, the Demerara and the Essequibo—the last being 20-miles wide at its mouth where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, and there are hundreds of islands in it, many of which that are habitable. Guyana is a land of many waters. Guyana is a religious country, known for many varying offerings: Pentecostal (22.8%), Adventist (5.4%), Anglican (5.2%), Methodist (1.4%), Hindu (24.8%), Catholic (7.1%), Muslim (6.8%), Jehovah’s Witnesses (1.3%), Rastafarian (.5%), miscellaneous additional Christian claims (20.8%), other religions (.9%) and non-religious (3.1%). The number of congregations of the churches of Christ fluctuate with closures as well as with the establishment of new churches; there are over 100 churches of our Lord in Guyana. The souls of Guyana are valuable (Matthew 16:26). Christians have an obligation to reach out to the lost everywhere with the Gospel—including in Guyana (Mark 16:15-16). Guyanese are religious overall despite widespread sin (Acts 17:22-23)—not uncommon anywhere, including in the USA. Guyanese will study the Scriptures (Acts 17:11), and many are hungry and thirsty for God’s Word (Matthew 5:6). Guyana is a worthy land in which the Lord’s people from abroad ought to continue sowing the seed among non-Christians and watering the growth of that Word of God within honest hearts—leading to a bumper crop of spiritual harvest (1 Corinthians 3:6; John 4:35). Given the encouragement and the tools, Guyanese Christians will arise to the occasion to participate in the evangelization of their own country.

The Voice of Truth International

Guyana, South America

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The

Volume Ninety-Three

oice of Truth

International

Betty Burton Choate

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Staff:

Louis Rushmore Jerry Bates Byron Nichols J.C. Choate Betty Burton Choate Barbara Ann Oliver Of¿ce Manager: Paula Bates Subscriptions: Barbara Wright Computer Consultants: Bradley S. Choate Dennis Larson Editor: Associate Editor: Editor Emeritus: Founding Editor: Layout:

English Edition in India and Braille Edition: Managing Editors, Philemon Rajah and Kingsly Rajah English Edition in Nigeria: Managing Editor, Makinde Olefumi

English Edition in Ghana: Managing Editor, Seth Larbi

Spanish Edition:

Managing Editor: Efrain Aranda

Telugu Edition: Managing Editor, Translator:

Joshua Gootam Tamil Edition: Managing Editor, Translators:

Benny Martin, S. Rajanayagam Hindi Edition: Managing Editor, Earnest Gill Paite Edition: Managing Editor, Thang Lien Marathi Edition: Managing Editor, Amul Bansod

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Staff Writers: George Akpabli Felix O. Aniamalu Rex Banks Wayne Barrier Paula Bates Roy Beasley Mike Benson Ron Bryant Charles Burch Kyle Butt Frank Chesser Betty B. Choate Glenn Colley Lance Cordle Sunny David 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 Gary C. Hampton

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QXPEHUHG “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” 5HYHODWLRQ ,W VHHPV WKDW DQJHOV DUH KLJKHU WKDQ PDQ EHFDXVH WKH ZULWHU RI +HEUHZV ZULWHV WKDW ZKHQ -HVXV EHFDPH PDQ +H ZDV PDGH “a little lower than the angels” +HEUHZV 2QH FRPPRQ PLVFRQFHSWLRQ UHJDUGLQJ DQJHOV LV WKDW WKH\ DUH IHPDOHV IO\LQJ DURXQG ZLWK ZLQJV 7KLV LV OLNHO\ GXH WR WKH IDFW ZH JHQHUDOO\ FRQVLGHU ZRPHQ WR EH NLQGHU DQG PRUH FRPSDVVLRQDWH WKDQ PHQ WKXV DQJHOV PXVW EH IHPDOH ,Q DFWXDOLW\ DQJHOV DUH VSLULW EHLQJV DQG WKHUHIRUH DUH VH[OHVV -HVXV VSRNH UHJDUGLQJ WKH UHVXUUHFWLRQ LQ 0DWWKHZ “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.”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“It is enough; now restrain your hand.” 3DXO ZURWH LQ 7KHVVDORQLDQV WKDW -HVXV ZLOO FRPH DJDLQ “with His mighty angels” DQG WDNH “vengeance on those who do not know God.” 7KH ZULWHU RI +HEUHZV VDLG WKDW *RG XVHG DQJHOV DV +LV PLQLVWHUV WR FOHDQVH OLNH ILUH +HEUHZV 7KXV WKH FRPPRQ SHUFHSWLRQ RI NLQG ORYLQJ DQJHOV RQO\ KHOSLQJ SHRSOH LV QRW WUXO\ ELEOLFDO $QJHOV DOVR KDYH D ORYH IRU ORVW VRXOV 7KH DQJHOV LQ +HDYHQ UHMRLFH RYHU RQH VLQQHU ZKR UHSHQWV /XNH $W WKH ELUWK RI -HVXV WKH PXOWLWXGH RI WKH KHDYHQO\ KRVW SUDLVHG *RG DQG VDLG “Glory to God in the

highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!â€? /XNH 2QO\ D GHHS ORYH IRU WKH VDOYDWLRQ RI PDQNLQG ZRXOG SURGXFH VXFK D UHVSRQVH $SSDUHQWO\ DQJHOV VHUYH D IXQFWLRQ IRU *RGÂśV FKLOGUHQ ZKR GLH :KHQ WKH EHJJDU GLHG LQ /XNH WKH DQJHOV FDUULHG KLP WR $EUDKDPÂś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“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?â€? +HEUHZV )XUWKHUPRUH -HVXV VDLG UHJDUGLQJ OLWWOH FKLOGUHQ “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heavenâ€? 0DWWKHZ 6R ZH FDQ VDIHO\ VD\ WKDW DQJHOV GR SURYLGH D VHUYLFH IRU XV DV *RGÂśV FKLOGUHQ EXW ZH VLPSO\ FDQQRW EH FHUWDLQ DV WR ZKDW WKDW VHUYLFH HQWDLOV 7KH\ DOVR VWDQG EHIRUH *RG DQG ZRUVKLS KRZHYHU WKH\ DUH QRW WR EH ZRUVKLSSHG E\ PDQ $W WKH HQG RI WKH 5HYHODWLRQ -RKQ IHOO GRZQ WR ZRUVKLS WKH DQJHO ZKR KDG UHYHDOHG DOO WKH WKLQJV ZLWKLQ WKH %RRN RI 5HYHODWLRQ WR KLP 7KH DQJHO LPPHGLDWHO\ DGPRQLVKHG KLP “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship Godâ€? 5HYHODWLRQ 7KXV ZH VHH WKDW DV JUHDW DV DQJHOV DUH WKH\ DUH VLPSO\ VHUYDQWV RI *RG MXVW DV ZH DUH 2QO\ *RG LV ZRUWK\ WR EH ZRUVKLSSHG :KLOH ZH PD\ EH VRPHZKDW IDVFLQDWHG E\ DQJHOV OHW XV QRW EH GLVWUDFWHG IURP RXU VHUYLFH WR &KULVW :H VKRXOG QHYHU EH WHPSWHG WR ZRUVKLS DQJHOV RU PDJQLI\ WKHLU JUHDWQHVV DV LI WKH\ DUH VRPHKRZ VLPLODU WR *RG 1HYHUWKHOHVV WKLV VKRXOG VHUYH DV D VREHULQJ UHPLQGHU WR XV WKDW “if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgmentâ€? 3HWHU KRZ PXFK PRUH ZLOO *RG SXQLVK XV LI ZH OLYH LQ UHEHOOLRQ WR +LV ZLOO" = =

Foun din g E ditor

The Doctrines of Calvinism - & &KRDWH $ PDQ E\ WKH QDPH RI -RKQ &DOYLQ ZDV ERUQ LQ 1R\RQ )UDQFH LQ WR SDUHQWV ZKR ZHUH &DWKROLF $V KH JUHZ LQWR PDQKRRG &DOYLQ ZDV FRQYHUWHG IURP &DWKROLFLVP DQG GHYHORSHG KLV RZQ LGHDV RI VDOYDWLRQ LQ UHDFWLRQ WR WKH GRFWULQHV PRVW SUHYDOHQW LQ (XURSH DW WKDW WLPH 7KRXJK &DOYLQ KLPVHOI GLG QRW VWDUW D VHSDUDWH UHOLJLRXV 1932—2008 JURXS SHRSOH ZKR DFFHSWHG KLV GRFWULQHV FDPH WR EH NQRZQ DV ³&DOYLQLVWV ´ DQG YDULRXV GHQRPLQDWLRQV WRGD\ LQFOXGH WKRVH EHOLHIV LQ WKHLU PDQXDOV RI IDLWK 7KH DFURQ\P IRU &DOYLQ¶V EDVLF EHOLHI V\VWHP LV 7 8 / , 3 )RU ZKDW GR WKHVH OHWWHUV VWDQG DQG KRZ GR WKHVH GRFWULQHV FRPSDUH ZLWK *RG¶V :RUG"

7 Total Depravity WHDFKHV WKDW DOO KXPDQV DUH WRWDOO\ GHSUDYHG IURP ELUWK 7 LQKHULWLQJ WKH JXLOW RI $GDPÂśV VLQ DQG WKDW LW LV LPSRVVLEOH IRU DQ\RQH WR FKRRVH *RG RQ KLV RZQ RQO\ *RG FDQ FKRRVH WKH KXPDQV WKDW ZLOO EH VDYHG ‹ *RGÂśV :RUG “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.â€? (]HNLHO

“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.� 0DWWKHZ

â€œâ€Śeach one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.â€? -DPHV

3VDOP UHDGV â€œâ€Śin sin did my mother conceive me‌â€? DQG LV ZURQJO\ XVHG WR WHDFK WKDW D FKLOG LV ERUQ :,7+ VLQ EXW WKH ZULWHU ZDV WDONLQJ DERXW WKH VLQ RI KLV DGXOW PRWKHU QRW KLV RZQ

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VDYHG DQG ZKR ZLOO EH ORVW DQG WKH LQGLYLGXDO KDV QR FKRLFH LQ WKH PDW WHU KH LV SUHGHVWLQHG WR EH VDYHG RU WR EH ORVW IURP WKH EHJLQQLQJ DQG KLV IDWH FDQQRW EH FKDQJHG ‹ *RGÂśV :RUG “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.â€? 0DUN

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.� 0DWWKHZ

“Come now, and let us REASON together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.� ,VDLDK

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.� 5R PDQV

“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.� 5RPDQV

â€œâ€ŚI know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have COMMITTED unto him against that day.â€? 7LPRWK\

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that both thou and thy seed may live.� 'HXWHURQRP\

,I KXPDQV KDYH QR FKRLFH WR UHVSRQG WR WKH SUHDFKLQJ RI *RGÂśV :RUG DQG WR +LV LQYLWDWLRQ LV QRW *RG EHLQJ GHFHLWIXO WR LQYLWH DOO ZKR KHDU WR FRPH WR +LP" / Limited Grace WHDFKHV KDW &KULVW GLHG RQO\ IRU WKRVH +H SUHGHWHU /

PLQHG ZRXOG EH VDYHG ‹ *RGÂśV :RUG “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of THE WHOLE WORLD.â€? -RKQ

“Who will have ALL MEN to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the Truth.� 7LPRWK\

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.� -RKQ

5HSHDWHGO\ LQ 6FULSWXUH *RG VD\V WKDW WKH DWRQHPHQW LV IRU $// ZKR ZLOO FRPH WR +LP , Irresistible Grace PHDQV WKDW WKH ³FKRVHQ´ FDQQRW VXFFHVVIXOO\ UH ,

VLVW WKH JUDFH RI *RG EHVWRZHG RQ WKHP WKURXJK *RGÂśV SUHGHWHUPLQLQJ WKDW WKH\ ZRXOG EH VDYHG ‹ *RGÂśV :RUG “But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.â€? 5RPDQV

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: me, and they are they which testify of me. And YE WILL NOT come to Me that ye might have life.� -RKQ

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ÂłFKRVHQ´ FDQQRW EH ORVW DQG WKDW LI D SHUVRQ OHDYHV WKH IDLWK KH ZDV QRW VDYHG LQ WKH EHJLQQLQJ ‹ *RGÂśV :RUG Âł)RU LI DIWHU WKH\ KDYH HVFDSHG WKH SROOXWLRQV RI WKH ZRUOG WKURXJK WKH NQRZOHGJH RI WKH /RUG DQG 6DYLRXU -HVXV &KULVW WKH\ DUH DJDLQ HQWDQ JOHG WKHUHLQ DQG RYHUFRPH WKH ODWWHU HQG LV ZRUVH ZLWK WKHP WKDQ WKH EHJLQQLQJ ´ 3HWHU

/HW *RGÂśV ZRUG EH WUXH DQG UHIXVH WKH GRFWULQHV RI PHQ = “Whoeverâ€? DSSHDUV QHDUO\ WLPHV LQ WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW DQG LQ PDQ\ RI WKRVH YHUVHV “whoeverâ€? EROGO\ DQG ORXGO\ VKRXWV IRUWK WKH IDOVLW\ RI &DOYLQLVP²78/,3 “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be savedâ€? $FWV 1.-9 “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sinsâ€? $FWV “As it is written: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame’â€? 5RPDQV “For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be savedâ€? 5RPDQV “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessnessâ€? -RKQ “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Himâ€? -RKQ “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Sonâ€? -RKQ “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freelyâ€? 5HYHODWLRQ

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God’s Word &HFLO 0D\ -U 7KH :RUG RI *RG LV WKH PHDQV E\ ZKLFK *RG ERWK FRPPXQLFDWHV DQG DFWV ,Q WKH EHJLQQLQJ “God said and it wasâ€? GHVFULEHV +LV FUHDWLYH DFWLYLW\ *HQ “For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firmâ€? 3VDOP :KHQ -HVXV ZDV DFFXVHG RI “making himself equal with Godâ€? -RKQ +H UHVSRQGHG QRW E\ GHQ\LQJ WKH FODLP EXW E\ GHPRQVWUDWLQJ WKDW WKH )DWKHU JDYH +LP WZR WKLQJV WR GR WKDW RQO\ *RG FDQ GR JLYH OLIH DQG H[HFXWH MXGJPHQW -RKQ -HVXV DFFRPSOLVKHG ERWK E\ WKH SRZHU RI +LV ZRUG )RU +LP DV ZHOO DV IRU WKH )DWKHU +H DFWHG E\ VSHDNLQJ +H FDXVHG WKLQJV WR EH E\ WHOOLQJ WKHP WR EH - H V X V GHFODUHG “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will liveâ€? -RKQ +H VSRNH RI WKH SRZHU RI +LV :RUG² WKH SRZHU RI WKH *RVSHO²WR WUDQVIRUP WKH VSLULWXDOO\ GHDG DQG WR JLYH WKHP VSLULWXDO OLIH +H EDFNHG WKDW XS WKDW E\ DGGLQJ “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgmentâ€? :H NQRZ WKH SRZHU RI +LV ZRUG WR UDLVH WKH GHDG +LV FRPPDQG

the w ord of god “Lazarus, come out,” SXW OLIH EDFN LQWR D GHFD\LQJ FRUSVH DQG EURXJKW /D]DUXV DOLYH IURP WKH JUDYH $V 0DUVKDOO .HHEOH VDLG ³,I -HVXV KDG QRW FDOOHG /D]DUXV E\ QDPH HYHU\ERG\ LQ WKDW FHPHWHU\ ZRXOG KDYH FRPH RXW RI WKH JUDYH ´ 7KH ZRUG RI WKDW VDPH -HVXV ZKR LV *RG ZLOO DW WKH ODVW GD\ LQGHHG UDLVH HYHU\ SHUVRQ ZKR KDV HYHU GLHG RXW RI ZKDWHYHU JUDYH RU VWDWH WKH\ PD\ EH LQ WR D UHQHZDO RI FRQVFLRXV H[LVWHQFH $ UHIRUPHG FRQYHUWHG DOFRKROLF ZDV WDXQWHG E\ ROG GULQNLQJ IULHQGV ³'R \RX UHDOO\ EHOLHYH \RXU -HVXV WXUQHG SODLQ ZDWHU LQWR JRRG ZLQH DW &DQD LQ *DOLOHH"´ ³, EHOLHYH +H GLG ´ WKH PDQ VDLG ³EHFDXVH WKH %LEOH VD\V VR %HVLGHV , VDZ KLP WXUQ EHHU ZLQH DQG ZKLVNH\ LQWR IRRG IXUQLWXUH DQG FORWKHV DW P\ KRXVH ´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“Is There Any Word From the Lord?” -RKQ *LSVRQ *RG¶V SURSKHW -HUHPLDK KDG EHHQ EHDWHQ DQG WKUXVW LQWR SULVRQ ZKHUH KH UHPDLQHG PDQ\ GD\V )LQDOO\ .LQJ =HGHNLDK VHQW IRU -HUHPLDK DQG TXHVWLRQHG KLP VHFUHWO\ LQ KLV KRXVH 7KH RQH WKLQJ WKH NLQJ ZDQWHG WR NQRZ ZDV “Is there any word from the Lord?” :LWKRXW KHVLWDWLRQ -HUHPLDK UHSOLHG “There is” -HUHPLDK $W WLPHV LQ YLHZLQJ YDULRXV SUHDFKHUV RQ WHOHYLVLRQ LW DSSHDUV WKDW PDQ\ RI WKHP GRQ¶W UHDOO\ NQRZ ZKHWKHU WKHUH LV D ZRUG IURP WKH /RUG RU QRW 7KH\ PD\ OHDG WKHLU FRQJUHJDWLRQV LQ UHFLWLQJ D FUHHG WKDW GHFODUHV IXOO IDLWK LQ WKH YLUJLQ ELUWK RI -HVXV DQG +LV ERGLO\ UHVXUUHFWLRQ IURP WKH GHDG DQG WKHQ D K\PQ RU WZR ODWHU WKH\ PD\ SUHDFK D VHUPRQ H[SODLQLQJ WKDW -HVXV ZDV QRW UHDOO\ ERUQ RI D YLUJLQ RU HOVH WKDW +LV UHVXUUHFWLRQ ZDV QRW D ERGLO\ UHVXUUHFWLRQ ([FXVH PH LI , EHFRPH D OLWWOH FRQIXVHG RYHU WKHLU GHFODUDWLRQV DQG GHQLDOV :K\ LV LW WKDW DIWHU UHDGLQJ WKHLU WH[W WR WKH FRQJUHJDWLRQ VRPH SUHDFKHUV VSHQG PRVW RI WKHLU WLPH H[SODLQLQJ ZK\ 6FULSWXUH GRHVQ¶W UHDOO\ PHDQ ZKDW LW VD\V" %\ WKH WLPH WKH VHUPRQ LV ILQLVKHG *RG¶V :RUG LV VR GLVJXLVHG DQG GLVILJXUHG WKDW LW LV KDUG WR UHFRJQL]H 2OLYHU :HQGHOO +ROPHV RQFH ZRQGHUHG ZKDW ZRXOG KDSSHQ WR PDWKHPDWLFV LI WZR PHDQW WZR WR KLP EXW WZHQW\ WZR WR DQRWKHU DQG WZR KXQGUHG WR DQRWKHU %DVHG RQ VRPH RI WKH WKLQJV ,¶P KHDULQJ LQ WKH QDPH RI &KULVWLDQLW\ , WKLQN , FRXOG WHOO KLP +RZ UHIUHVKLQJ LW ZRXOG EH WR DVN WKH TXHVWLRQ “Is there any word from the Lord?” DQG KHDU WKH DQVZHU “There is.” ,I , XQGHUVWDQG WKH DSRVWOH 3DXO FRUUHFWO\ D SUHDFKHU¶V MRE LV WR ³SUHDFK WKH :RUG ´ = = -RKQ *LSVRQ ZRUNV ZLWK WKH :LQGVRQJ FRQJUHJDWLRQ RI WKH /RUG¶V FKXUFK LQ /LWWOH 5RFN $UNDQVDV 86$

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Why Live by the Bible? /DUU\ 0XUGRFN :K\ VKRXOG \RX DOORZ WKH %LEOH WR GLUHFW \RXU OLIH" 7KHUH DUH FULWLFV ZKR ULGLFXOH SHRSOH ZKR OLYH E\ SULQFLSOHV IRXQG LQ WKH %LEOH 7KH FULWLFV PRFN %LEOH EHOLHYHUV FDOOLQJ WKHP E\ SUHMXGLFLDO QDPHV² QDPHV OLNH ³%LEOH WKXPSHUV ´ ³VWXSLG ´ ³LJQRUDQW ´ ³MXGJPHQWDO´ DQG SHUKDSV WKH PRVW GHVSLVHG QDPH RI DOO ³LQWROHUDQW ´ :KHQ , FKRRVH WR EHOLHYH LQ WKH %LEOH DV D JXLGLQJ SULQFLSOH RI P\ OLIH WKHQ , ULVN EHLQJ FDOOHG E\ WKHVH QDPHV %XW ZK\ VKRXOG , DOORZ DQ DQFLHQW ERRN WR GLUHFW P\ OLIH" :K\ VKRXOG \RX" 3HRSOH ZKR JHQXLQHO\ EHOLHYH LQ WKH %LEOH DV *RG¶V :RUG ZDQW WR OLYH E\ WKH %LEOH¶V SULQFLSOHV 7KHVH SHRSOH EHOLHYH WKH %LEOH¶V SULQFLSOHV KDYH FRPH IURP *RG :KHQ SHRSOH SUDFWLFH %LEOH SULQFLSOHV WKH\ EHFRPH WKH ILQHVW H[DPSOHV RI KXPDQ EHKDYLRU DQ\ZKHUH LQ WKH ZRUOG 7KDW¶V ULJKW 7KDW LV D JRRG UHDVRQ WR IROORZ WKH WHDFKLQJV RI WKH %LEOH EHFDXVH WKH\ DUH WKH EHVW SULQFLSOHV LQ WKH ZRUOG E\ ZKLFK WR OLYH -HVXV¶ KDOI EURWKHU -DPHV SXW LW WKLV ZD\ Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and sel¿sh ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and sel¿sh ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is ¿rst pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. -DPHV

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the w ord of god PHDQ WKDW HYHU\ EHOLHYHU LQ &KULVW LV OLYLQJ E\ -HVXVÂś SULQFLSOHV" 1R 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ QRW HYHU\ VR FDOOHG &KULVWLDQ EHOLHYHV LQ OLYLQJ E\ WKH %LEOH -DPHV VKRZV XV WKDW WKHUH DUH WZR NLQGV RI FRQYHQWLRQDO ZLVGRP LQ WKH ZRUOG -DPHV FDOOV RQH RI WKHP HDUWKO\ ZKHUHDV WKH RWKHU LV KHDYHQO\ KHDYHQO\ ZLVGRP FRPHV IURP *RG 7KH HDUWKO\ ZLVGRP LV EDVHG RQ getting ahead LQ OLIH ,WÂśV DOO DERXW PH 0\ EHKDYLRU ZLOO EH XQVSLULWXDO DQG HYHQ GHYLOLVK ZKHQ , OLYH RXW RI MHDORXV\ DQG VHOILVK DPELWLRQ 2Q WKH RWKHU KDQG LI , OLYH E\ KHDYHQO\ SULQFLSOHV WKHQ WKRVH SULQFLSOHV ZLOO ILUVW EH SXUH 7KDW LV KHDYHQO\ SULQFLSOHV DUH OLYHG without VHOILVK XOWHULRU PRWLYHV ,QVWHDG RI FODVKLQJ ZLWK WKH DPELWLRQV RI RWKHU SHRSOH P\ DFWLRQV ZLOO EH “peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.â€? 'RQÂśW \RX OLNH WR GHDO ZLWK VRPHRQH ZLWK WKRVH FKDUDFWHULVWLFV" )ULHQG LI \RX DUH QRW D &KULVWLDQ DQG \HW \RX EHKDYH DFFRUGLQJ WR WKRVH heavenly principles WKHQ E\ VRPH PHDQV \RX KDYH OHDUQHG WKDW WKLV LV WKH EHVW ZD\ WR OLYH OLIH ,Q IDFW E\ WUHDWLQJ RWKHU SHRSOH WKLV ZD\ \RX DUH SUDFWLFLQJ -HVXVÂś *ROGHQ 5XOH E\ WUHDWLQJ RWKHUV WKH ZD\ \RX ZLVK WR EH WUHDWHG 0DWWKHZ -HVXVÂś DSRVWOH 3HWHU KDG WKLV WR VD\ WR &KULVWLDQV Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the Ă€esh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.â€? 3HWHU

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the w ord of god <HW WKRVH &KULVWLDQV ZHUH IROORZLQJ KHDYHQO\ ZLVGRP WKURXJK WKH LQVSLUHG DSRVWOHV WKH\ KDG JRWWHQ WKHLU LQVWUXFWLRQV IURP +HDYHQ 7KDW¶V ULJKW <HV \RX VKRXOG IROORZ WKH %LEOH EHFDXVH LW JLYHV JXLGDQFH DERXW WKH EHVW ZD\ WR OLYH RQ HDUWK ,Q WKH QH[W FKDSWHU RI KLV OHWWHU 3HWHU FRQWLQXHG WKLV VDPH NLQG RI UHDVRQLQJ DERXW KRZ WR FRQGXFW RQH¶V OLIH Finally, all of you have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For >3HWHU QRZ TXRWHV IURP KLV %LEOH @ Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 3VDOP Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. 3HWHU

<HV IULHQGV RQH JUHDW UHDVRQ WR OLYH E\ WKH %LEOH LV EHFDXVH OLYLQJ E\ WKRVH SULQFLSOHV EULQJV WKH JUHDWHVW MR\V RI HDUWK DQG SHDFH IRU \RXU VRXO +RZHYHU WKHUH LV DQRWKHU UHDVRQ IRU OLYLQJ OLIH DFFRUGLQJ WR %LEOH WHDFKLQJ 7KH UHDVRQ LV VLPSOH 7KHUH LV D OLIH DIWHU WKLV RQH 7KDW¶V ULJKW 7KHUH LV D OLIH DIWHU WKLV HDUWKO\ OLIH DQG LW LV D UHZDUG IRU WKRVH ZKR REH\ -HVXV &KULVW LQ WKLV ZRUOG 7KH %LEOH SUHSDUHV D SHUVRQ LQ WKLV ZRUOG VR WKDW KH FDQ UHFHLYH “a place among them that are sanctified

the w ord of god by faith� $FWV LQ -HVXV &KULVW -HVXV VDLG WKHUH ZDV D UHZDUG ZDLWLQJ LQ WKH DJH WR FRPH 7KH DSRVWOH 3HWHU VDLG WR -HVXV RQH GD\ “See, we have left everything and followed you.� -HVXV VDLG Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 0DUN

:KDWHYHU D SHUVRQ OHDYHV EHKLQG IRU WKH VDNH RI &KULVW DQG WKH *RVSHO ZLOO EH PXOWLSOLHG D KXQGUHGIROG LQ WKLV ZRUOG +RZHYHU WKHUH LV VRPHWKLQJ HOVH WKDW SHUVRQ ZLOO UHFHLYH LQ WKH DJH WR FRPH WKDW SHUVRQ ZLOO UHFHLYH “eternal life.â€? $Q HWHUQDO H[LVWHQFH ZLWK &KULVW LV ZDLWLQJ IRU WKRVH ZKR ZLOO OLYH LQ WKLV ZRUOG E\ &KULVWÂśV SULQFLSOHV IRU OLYLQJ )ULHQGV WKRVH SULQFLSOHV DUH FRQWDLQHG LQ \RXU %LEOH DQG HVSHFLDOO\ LQ WKDW SDUW RI WKH %LEOH FDOOHG WKH 1HZ 7HVWDPHQW RI -HVXV &KULVW (WHUQDO OLIH LV D JUHDW SURPLVH LQGHHG $OOXVLRQV WR LW HYHQ DSSHDU LQ WKH 2OG 7HVWDPHQW 7KH ROG SURSKHW 0DODFKL LQ WKH ODVW ERRN LQ WKH 2OG 7HVWDPHQW KDG WKLV WR VD\ Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. “On the day when I act,â€? says the LORD Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.â€? 0DODFKL

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the w ord of god HG 0DQ@ boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In his pride the wicked man does not seek >*RG@; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. >7KH :LFNHG 0DQÂśV@ ways are always prosperous; your laws >2 *RG@ are rejected by him; he sneers at all his enemies. He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.â€? He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.â€? >7KH :LFNHG 0DQÂśV@ mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue. He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent. His eyes watch in secret for his victims; like a lion in cover he lies in wait. He lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net. His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength. >7KH :LFNHG 3HU VRQ@ VD\V WR KLPVHOI >RU KHUVHOI@, “God will never notice; he covers his face and never sees.â€? Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.â€? 3VDOP

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Five Groups at the Judgment ( &ODXGH *DUGQHU Âł7KH PRVW VHULRXV WKRXJKW WKDW HYHU HQWHUHG P\ PLQG LV WKDW , PXVW IDFH *RG LQ WKH -XGJPHQW´ ZDV VSRNHQ VR VREHUO\ E\ 'DQLHO :HEVWHU D SRSXODU $PHULFDQ VWDWHVPDQ 7KDW VHQWLPHQW VKRXOG H[SUHVV WKH VLQFHULW\ RI HYHU\ KHDUW <HV Âł:KHQ WKH UROO LV FDOOHG XS \RQGHU , ZLOO EH WKHUH ´ 7KH -XGJPHQW LV FHUWDLQ DW *RGÂśV DSSRLQWHG WLPH “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgmentâ€? +HEUHZV 1R RQH LV WRR LVRODWHG DQG LQVLJQLILFDQW WR HVFDSH WKH IXWXUH -HVXV SUHDFKHG “And before Him shall be gathered all nationsâ€? 0DWWKHZ 7KLV ZLOO JDWKHU WKH $PHULFDQ QDWLRQ SOXV WKH HQWLUH ZRUOG (YHU\ SHUVRQ ZKR KDV EHHQ D FLWL]HQ ZLOO EH WKHUH DQG QR RQH ZLOO HVFDSH UHJDUGOHVV RI RQHÂśV GHVLUHV 3DXO ZDUQHG “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or badâ€? &RULQWKLDQV (DFK SHUVRQ ZLOO DQVZHU IRU KLPVHOI DQG QRW IRU DQRWKHU²IDPLO\ RU IULHQGV 2QH FDQQRW DQVZHU IRU RU EODPH KXVEDQG RU ZLIH PRWKHU RU IDWKHU RU VRQ RU GDXJKWHU 7KLV ZLOO EH IULJKWHQLQJ WR WKRVH ZKR UHOLHG RQ RWKHUV DERXW SHUFHQW RI WKH WLPH

Heaven He aven a nd He Hell l -HVXV GHFODUHG WZR ILQDO GHVWLQLHV +HDYHQ DQG +HOO $W WKH XQLYHUVDO MXGJPHQW ZKHQ HYHU\RQH IRU DOO WLPH ZLOO EH SUHVHQW +H ZLOO VHSDUDWH PDQNLQG LQ WZR GHVWLQLHV +H LQIRUPHG ZKR DQG ZKDW ZLOO FRPH ZKHQ +H VDLG “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life� 0DWWKHZ $ EDG DQG D JRRG SODFH LV UHYHDOHG (WHUQDO SXQLVKPHQW DQG HWHUQDO OLIH DUH RI WKH VDPH GXUDWLRQ +HOO ZLOO KDYH QR H[SLUDWLRQ ,W ZLOO HQGXUH WKH VDPH OHQJWK DV +HDYHQ ZKLFK LV “everlasting.� -HVXV LOOXVWUDWHG ILQDO GHVWLQ\ E\ FRQWUDVWLQJ WZR ZD\V 7KLV YLYLG FRPSDULVRQ JLYHV D VROHPQ ZDUQLQJ “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way

Salv ation which leads to life, and there are few who find it� 0DWWKHZ 7KHVH WZR GHVWLQLHV FRPLQJ DW WKH HQG RI WLPH KDYH ILYH ORFDWHG JURXSV :LWK WKH SRZHU RI FKRLFH RQH FDQ FKRRVH LQ ZKLFK JURXS RQH ZLOO DSSHDU >H[FHSW IRU EDELHV DQG SHUVRQV ZKR KDYH DOZD\V EHHQ XQDFFRXQWDEOH@ 7KH ILYH JURXSV DUH EDELHV WKH QRQ UHOLJLRXV SURIHVVRUV RI UHOLJLRQ XQIDLWKIXO PHPEHUV RI WKH FKXUFK DQG IDLWKIXO &KULVWLDQV

I n fa nt s and a nd Ir I r res re s pon p onss i bles ble s ,QIDQWV DQG WKRVH QRW GHYHORSHG PHQWDOO\ DUH QRW ORVW 7KH\ DUH VDIH DQG ZHUH QRW VDYHG. :KDW EHQHILW LV &KULVW WR WKHP" 7KURXJK +LP WKH\ ZLOO KDYH WKH JXDUDQWHH RI WKH UHVXUUHFWLRQ “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made aliveâ€? &RULQWKLDQV 7KH\ KDYH QR VLQ DQG GR QRW QHHG IRUJLYHQHVV 7KH\ FDQQRW LQKHULW VLQ EHFDXVH VLQ LV DQ DFW DQG QRW DQ LQKHULWDQFH. -RKQ GHFODUHG VLQ LV DQ DFW “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessnessâ€? -RKQ ,W LV UHSXOVLYH WR WKLQN WKDW D EDE\ KDV LQERUQ VLQ 7KLV GRFWULQH RI LQKHULWHG VLQ ZDV WDXJKW E\ WKH IDPRXV 3URWHVWDQW UHIRUPHU -RKQ &DOYLQ +H SURPRWHG WKLV IDOVH WKHRU\ LQ WKH ÂśV DQG LW OLQJHUV LQ PRGHUQ UHOLJLRQ WRGD\ 'DYLG +HVWHU JLYHV D GHVFULSWLRQ RI WKH DWURFLRXV WKHRORJ\ John Calvin believed that all babies are born in sin and that their nature had to be changed. In his Institutes, he wrote that babies “bear with them an inborn corruption from their mother’s wombâ€? (Institutes II, 1340). “Indeed, their whole nature is a seed of sin: hence it can only be hateful and abhorrent to Godâ€? (Institutes I, 251). Calvin stated that “they must be cleansed of it before they can be admitted into God’s kingdom, for nothing polluted or deÂżled may enter thereâ€? (Institutes II, 1340). He contended, “original sin, therefore, seems to be a hereditary depravity and corruption of our natureâ€? (Institutes I, 251). ,I EDELHV FDQQRW “believe,â€? WKH\ FDQQRW EH EDSWL]HG -HVXV VDLG “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemnedâ€? 0DUN

Salv ation Ne ver P r ofes s ed to B e a C h ristian 0XOWLWXGHV GR QRW DQG KDYH QHYHU SURIHVVHG WR EH &KULVWLDQV :KDW LV WKHLU FRQGLWLRQ DQG ZKDW ZLOO EH WKHLU HWHUQDO DERGH" â€œâ€Śand to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in Ă€aming Âżre taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.â€? 7KHVVDORQLDQV

:K\ GR WKHVH QHYHU DFFHSW %LEOH WHDFKLQJ" 7KH\ PD\ QRW WKLQN WKH\ DUH UHTXLUHG WR EH VXEMHFW WR WKH %LEOH 7KH\ PD\ QRW UHDOL]H WKDW WKH\ DUH VXEMHFW WR WKH *RVSHO +RZHYHU DOO RI KXPDQLW\ LV DFFRXQWDEOH “All menâ€? HYHU\ZKHUH DUH UHTXLUHG WR UHSHQW “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repentâ€? $FWV :K\ DUH SHRSOH ORVW" $UH WKH\ ORVW EHFDXVH WKH\ KDYH UHMHFWHG WKH *RVSHO WKDW WKH\ KDYH KHDUG" ,W LV WUXH WKH\ ZLOO EH ORVW IRU UHIXVLQJ WR REH\ WKH *RVSHO EXW WKH EDVLF UHDVRQ WKH\ DUH ORVW LV EHFDXVH WKH\ KDYH VLQQHG 7KH *RVSHO ZDV QRW JLYHQ WR PDNH SHRSOH ORVW 7KH\ DUH ORVW LQ VLQ EHFDXVH WKH\ DUH VLQQHUV :KHQ ZH JR WR ÂłGDUN $IULFD´ RU VRPH RWKHU EOLJKWHG QDWLRQ LW LV QRW WR PDNH SHRSOH ORVW EXW LW LV WR H[WHQG WKH Âł*RVSHO URSH ´ KRSLQJ WKH\ ZLOO WDNH KROG RI LW 7KH\ DUH LQ D GURZQLQJ FRQGLWLRQ GURZQLQJ LQ VLQ ZKR QHHG GHOLYHUDQFH ,I RQH GURZQV LW LV EHFDXVH KH LV LQ D GURZQLQJ FRQGLWLRQ 7KH *RVSHO FDQ UHVFXH PDQ 7KH *RVSHO LV UHPHGLDO 7KLV DQVZHUV WKH TXHVWLRQ ZK\ WKH KHDWKHQ DUH ORVW DQG QHHG WKH *RVSHO 7KH\ DUH LQ VLQ DQG LQ D GURZQLQJ FRQGLWLRQ :H PXVW ÂłWKURZ RXW WKH OLIHOLQH´ WR WKHP

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Salv ation Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,� shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?� And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!� 0DWWKHZ

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Have B een C hri s ti ans $W RQH WLPH WKH\ WUXO\ REH\HG WKH *RVSHO DQG OLYHG IDLWKIXOO\ IRU D WLPH 7KHVH SHUVRQV VLQFHUHO\ UHSHQWHG DQG PDGH WKH ULJKW FRQIHVVLRQ RI &KULVW DQG ZHUH EDSWL]HG EHOLHYHUV 7KH\ GLG DV 3DXO VWDWHG “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered� 5RPDQV 7KH\ WXUQHG IURP WKHLU WUXH FRQIHVVLRQ EDFN WR WKH KRSHOHVV ZRUOG “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning� 3HWHU :KHQ RQH VWDUWV WKH &KULVWLDQ ZDON LW LV XUJHQW WR FRQWLQXH WR ZRUN IRU WKH /RUG 0DQ\ QHHG WR FRPH EDFN WR UHQHZ WKHLU SOHGJHV RI DOOHJLDQFH WR &KULVW *RG KDV SURYLGHG D ODZ RI SDUGRQ IRU WKH ZD\ZDUG DQG WKH FDUHOHVV “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin� -RKQ 2QH VKRXOG UHSHQW DQG SUD\ “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you� $FWV

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Salv ation WKH GD\ WKH FKXUFK EHJDQ “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you cruciÂżed, both Lord and Christ.â€? Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?â€? Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.â€? ‌praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:36-39, 47) 7KHVH ZLOO KHDU &KULVWÂśV JODG ZHOFRPH DW WKH -XGJPHQW “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world’â€? 0DWWKHZ

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an outdoor baptistry in Guyana, South America

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The Church

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The Church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³:KLFK FKXUFK GR ZH ZDQW WR UHVWRUH" 7KH -HUXVDOHP FKXUFK ZLWK LWV SUHMXGLFH DJDLQVW *HQWLOHV" 7KH &RULQWKLDQ FKXUFK ZLWK LWV SUREOHPV"´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“all that in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus” &RULQWKLDQV 7KDW LV WKH OHVVRQV IURP WKH FKXUFK DW &RULQWK DUH LPSRUWDQW IRU XV WRGD\ = = 'HQQLV *XOOHGJH SUHDFKHV IRU WKH FKXUFK RI &KULVW LQ 0DEHOYDOH $UNDQVDV 86$

The Church

What Is the Church? 'ZLJKW )XTXD

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How are preachers or Christians s i m i l a r t o s o l d i e rs, at h l e t e s a n d fa r m e rs ?

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:RUVKLS WKDW 5HDOO\ 0DWWHUV 5RGQH\ 1XOSK )RU IDLWKIXO GHYRWHG FKLOGUHQ RI *RG ZRUVKLS LV FHUWDLQO\ WKH KLJKOLJKW RI HDFK ZHHN ,W LV D EOHVVHG SULYLOHJH DQG DQ KRQRU WR ERZ EHIRUH WKH *UHDW , $P -HVXV SODFHG ZRUVKLS DV D KLJK SULRULW\ /XNH 6DGO\ IDU WRR RIWHQ ZRUVKLS KDV EHHQ GHFUHDVHG WR PHUHO\ D ³ULWXDO´ RU DQ HPSW\ URXWLQH 0DWWKHZ *RG LV WKH $XGLHQFH LQ ZRUVKLS DQG DV VXFK +H QRW RQO\ GHVHUYHV EXW +H GHPDQGV RXU IXOO DWWHQWLRQ DQG GHYRWLRQ +RZ WUDJLF ZKHQ LQGLYLGXDOV IDLO WR UHDOO\ ZRUVKLS WKH *RG RI +HDYHQ 0DQ\ SURIHVVLQJ &KULVWLDQV PHUHO\ JR WKURXJK D VHULHV RI UHKHDUVHG DFWLRQV RQO\ WR ZDON DZD\ ZLWKRXW HYHU ELEOLFDOO\ ZRUVKLSSLQJ -HVXV VSRNH UHJDUGLQJ ZRUVKLS WKDW UHDOO\ PDWWHUV DV +H VDW E\ -DFRE¶V ZHOO DQG FRQYHUVHG ZLWK D 6DPDULWDQ ZRPDQ “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” -RKQ

W orship )LUVWO\ ZRUVKLS LV DLPHG DW WKH SURSHU SHUVRQ “God is a Spirit…” :KDW LV RIWHQ SDVVHG RII DV ZRUVKLS LQ WKH VW FHQWXU\ LV VLPSO\ HQWHUWDLQLQJ WKH DWWHQGHHV 0DQ KDV EHFRPH ³FHQWHU VWDJH ´ DQG KH PXVW EH GD]]OHG DQG DVWRQLVKHG :H UDWH WKH SUHDFKHU¶V SHUIRUPDQFH WKH VRQJ OHDGHU¶V DELOLWLHV DQG WKH ³IHHO´ RI WKH EXLOGLQJ WKDW VXUURXQGV XV :H JLYH WKH ZRUVKLS D JUDGH PXFK OLNH ZH ZRXOG JUDGH D PRYLH DW WKH big screen $OO WKH ZKLOH ZH PLVV WKH VFULSWXUDO IDFW WKDW LW LV *RG :KR LV FHQWHU VWDJH LW LV +H :KR ZH PXVW DLP WR SOHDVH DQG QRW RXUVHOYHV 6HFRQGO\ ZRUVKLS LQYROYHV SDUWLFLSDQWV “…and they that worship him…” :RUVKLS LV KDUG ZRUN :H KDYH EHFRPH DFFXVWRPHG WR SDGGHG SHZV DQG WHPSHUDWXUH FRQWUROOHG EXLOGLQJV WR WKH SRLQW WKDW PDQ\ YLHZ ZRUVKLS DV D UHOD[LQJ WLPH²D WLPH WR JHW FRPIRUWDEOH DQG XQZLQG +RZHYHU ZRUVKLS WKDW UHDOO\ PDWWHUV WHVWV RXU PLQGV RXU FRQFHQWUDWLRQ OHYHOV DQG HYHQ RXU SK\VLFDO VWDPLQD 6LQJLQJ VWXG\LQJ SUD\LQJ JLYLQJ DQG UHPHPEHULQJ RXU /RUG UHTXLUHV HIIRUW DQG HQHUJ\ :H PXVW EH UHVWHG ERWK PHQWDOO\ DQG SK\VLFDOO\ LQ RUGHU WR UHDOO\ SDUWLFLSDWH DV *RG GHPDQGV 7KH YHU\ ZRUG ³ZRUVKLS´ GHQRWHV SURVWUDWLQJ RQH¶V VHOI DV D SHDVDQW IDOOV EHIRUH D NLQJ 7KDW LV TXLWH D GLIIHUHQW SLFWXUH WKDQ VRPHRQH UHOD[LQJ LQ D SDGGHG SHZ 7KLUGO\ ZRUVKLS LQFOXGHV D SUHVFULEHG SDWWHUQ “must worship him in spirit and truth.” “Spirit” LQYROYHV WKH HPRWLRQV DQG ZLOO RI WKH ZRUVKLSSHU :RUVKLS WKDW GRHV QRW SULFN WKH HPRWLRQV LV QRW ZRUVKLS LQ VSLULW +RZ FDQ D WUXH ZRUVKLSSHU QRW EH DIIHFWHG ZKHQ KH RU VKH FRQVLGHUV ZKDW JUHDW ORYH DQG VDFULILFH ZDV JLYHQ RQ EHKDOI RI HDFK RI XV" “Truth” LQYROYHV WKDW ZKLFK *RG GHPDQGV DV IDU DV WKH DFWV RI ZRUVKLS %RWK WUXWK DQG VSLULW PXVW EH SUHVHQW LQ RUGHU IRU ZRUVKLS WR EH ELEOLFDOO\ FRUUHFW :RUVKLS LV VHULRXV *RG LV RXWUDJHG ZKHQ SHRSOH DWWHPSW WR ZRUVKLS DQG IDLO WR GR LW SURSHUO\ /HYLWLFXV 1HYHU DUH ZH FORVHU WR RXU &UHDWRU WKDQ ZKHQ ZH IDOO EHIRUH +LP DQG ZRUVKLS +RZHYHU WKH RSSRVLWH LV WUXH DV ZHOO 0D\ ZRUVKLS WKDW UHDOO\ PDWWHUV HYHU EH RXU SULRULW\ DQG PD\ ZH GDLO\ “enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise…” 3VDOP D = = 5RGQH\ 1XOSK LV D *RVSHO SUHDFKHU DQG WKH $VVRFLDWH (GLWRU RI Gospel Gazette Online PDJD]LQH +H UHVLGHV LQ 6SHQFHU :LVFRQVLQ 86$

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'DOWRQ .H\ :RUVKLS LV IRU WKH VRXO ZKDW JRRG IRRG LV IRU WKH ERG\ ,W LV YLWDO WR RXU VSLULWXDO JURZWK DQG ZHOOEHLQJ $V ZH OLIW RXU KHDUWV WR +HDYHQ LQ SUD\HU EOHQG RXU YRLFHV WRJHWKHU LQ VRQJ UHYHUHQWO\ UHPHPEHU WKH FURVV RI &DOYDU\ LQ SDUWDNLQJ RI WKH /RUG¶V 6XSSHU JLYH RI RXU PHDQV DQG OHDUQ RI *RG¶V ZLOO ZH DUH ERWK IXOILOOHG DQG ILOOHG IXOO RI UHQHZHG KRSH VWUHQJWK DQG JRGO\ FRQVHFUDWLRQ 'DYLG ZDV KDSS\ WR KHDU WKH ZRUGV “Let us go into the house of the Lord” 3VDOP 3DXO WDUULHG LQ 7URDV VHYHQ GD\V XQWLO WKH /RUG¶V 'D\ LQ RUGHU WKDW KH PLJKW FRPH WRJHWKHU ZLWK WKH GLVFLSOHV LQ ZRUVKLS $FWV (DUOLHU LQ 3KLOLSSL 3DXO DQG 6LODV FRQILQHG ZLWKLQ WKH “inner prison” ZLWK WKHLU IHHW IDVW LQ VWRFNV KDG PDGH JRRG XVH RI WKHLU WLPH DV WKH\ ³SUD\HG DQG VDQJ SUDLVHV WR *RG´ $FWV 7KH VSLULWV RI WKH ULJKWHRXV KDYH DOZD\V EHHQ PDGH VWURQJHU E\ PHDQV RI SXUH DQG KHDUW IHOW ZRUVKLS :RUVKLS LV JRRG IRU WKH VRXO ,Q OLJKW RI WKLV WUXWK ZH DUH QRW VXUSULVHG WR UHDG WKLV VWHUQ LQVSLUHG DGPRQLWLRQ “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” +HEUHZV :KHUH ZLOO \RX EH WKLV FRPLQJ /RUG¶V 'D\" :LOO \RX EH PHHWLQJ ZLWK WKH VDLQWV LQ ZRUVKLS" ,I QRW ZK\ QRW" = = 'DOWRQ .H\ LV WKH (GLWRU RI 2OG 3DWKV DQG SUHDFKHV IRU WKH WK DQG 5RFNIRUG FRQJUH JDWLRQ LQ 7XOVD 2NODKRPD 86$

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Ten Commandments for Improving the Worship Service $XWKRU 8QNQRZQ +DYH \RX HYHU KHDUG VRPHRQH VD\ ³, MXVW GRQ¶W JHW PXFK RXW RI WKH ZRUVKLS VHUYLFH´" 6RPHWLPHV WKLV LV PRUH RI D FRPPHQWDU\ RQ WKH SHUVRQ WKDQ RQ WKH VHUYLFH +HUH DUH VRPH VXJJHVWLRQV WKDW PD\ KHOS \RX LPSURYH WKH TXDOLW\ RI \RXU ZRUVKLS ZKHQ \RX JDWKHU ZLWK WKH VDLQWV RQ WKH /RUG¶V 'D\ 1.

Make Sunday a priority. ,W LV WKH PRVW LPSRUWDQW FRPPLWPHQW RI WKH ZHHN ,W LV QRWKLQJ OHVV WKDQ D PHHWLQJ ZLWK *RG

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Don’t bring God leftovers. *RG KDV DOZD\V GHPDQGHG WKH ³¿ UVW IUXLWV ´ +H FDQQRW EH VDWLV¿ HG ZLWK VFUDSV *HW SOHQW\ RI VOHHS RQ 6DWXUGD\ QLJKW DQG FRPH WR ZRUVKLS ZLWK DQ DOHUW DQG UH IUHVKHG PLQG

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Prepare your mind. 'LVFLSOLQH EHJLQV LQ WKH PLQG 6R GRHV GLVFLSOH VKLS 7UDLQ \RXU PLQG WR FRQFHQWUDWH RQ WKLQJV RI WKH VSLULW

4. Be on time. 5XVKLQJ LQ ODWH PDNHV LW GLI¿ FXOW IRU \RX WR VHWWOH LQWR PHGLWDWLRQ DQG GLVWXUEV RWKHU ZRUVKLS SHUV *HW XS D OLWWOH HDUOLHU LI QHFHVVDU\ 5. Bring your Bible. &RPLQJ WR ZRUVKLS ZLWKRXW \RXU %LEOH LV OLNH JRLQJ RXW WR GULYH \RXU FDU ZLWKRXW NH\V 6. Open your mouth and sing. 6LQJLQJ LV QRW DQ RSWLRQ ,W LV D FRP PDQG 7KRVH ZKR YLRODWH WKLV FRP PDQG DUH MXVW DV JXLOW\ DV LI WKH\ QH JOHFWHG WKH DVVHPEO\ LQ WKH ¿ UVW SODFH 7.

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D a ily Christian Living

Making It to Heaven :HV 0F$GDPV People tell me that their main goal in life is to go to Heaven when they die. In fact, I’m quite certain I’ve said the same thing myself. I’ve always thought that was the very best goal a person could have, but I’ve changed my mind. The more I think about that phrase, the more I think it often reveals a misunderstanding deep in our hearts. :KDW H[DFWO\ GR ZH PHDQ ZKHQ ZH WDON DERXW RXU JRDO RI PDNLQJ LW WR +HDYHQ" :KHQ ZH KDYH D JRDO ZH PXVW KDYH VRPH ZD\ ZH KRSH WR DFKLHYH LW ULJKW" ,I , WROG \RX WKDW P\ JRDO ZDV WR ORVH SRXQGV WKHQ \RX PLJKW DVN PH ³+RZ GR \RX KRSH WR DFKLHYH WKDW JRDO"´ 7KHQ , ZRXOG DQVZHU ZLWK D OLVW RI DOO WKH JRRG EHKDYLRUV , ZDV JRLQJ WR LPSOHPHQW LQ RUGHU WR WU\ WR DFFRPSOLVK P\ JRDO 6DGO\ PDQ\ RI XV WKLQN WKLV ZD\ DERXW JRLQJ WR +HDYHQ :H WHQG WR WKLQN RI DOO RI RXU JRRG EHKDYLRUV DV DQ DWWHPSW WR EH JRRG HQRXJK WR PDNH LW WR +HDYHQ ZKLFK OHDYHV VRPH RI XV IHHOLQJ SUHWW\ FRQILGHQW ZH¶YH GRQH DOO WKDW *RG UHTXLUHV WR PDNH LW LQ <HW PRUH RIWHQ LW OHDYHV PDQ\ RI XV LQ FRQVWDQW IHDU WKDW EHFDXVH RI RXU LPSHUIHFWLRQ ZH¶YH QRW EHHQ JRRG HQRXJK 6RPH DUH WU\LQJ WR GR WKH PLQLPXP DQG RWKHUV DUH WU\LQJ WR GR WKH LPSRVVLEOH 7KHVH DUH LQGLFDWLRQV WKDW PDQ\ RI XV VLPSO\ GR QRW XQGHUVWDQG WKH *RRG 1HZV RI -HVXV &KULVW

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Understanding Good Works ,Q WKH ILUVW FHQWXU\ ZRUOG RQH RI WKH ZRUVW WKLQJV D SHUVRQ FRXOG EH ZDV XQJUDWHIXO ,I \RX DFFHSWHG VRPHRQH¶V ³FKDULV ´ EXW \RX ZHUH QRW IDLWKIXO WR KLP \RX ZRXOG EHFRPH D VRFLDO RXWFDVW 1R RQH ZRXOG ZDQW WR VKRZ \RX DQ\ DGGLWLRQDO IDYRU EHFDXVH \RX KDG SURYHG \RXUVHOI WR EH DQ XQJUDWHIXO UHFLSLHQW 7KH LGHDV RI JUDFH DQG JUDWLWXGH DUH LQH[WULFDEO\ OLQNHG ,Q IDFW LW¶V QRW KDUG WR VHH WKDW HYHQ LQ PRGHUQ (QJOLVK WKH ZRUGV ³JUDFH´ DQG ³JUDWHIXO´ VKDUH WKH VDPH URRW 7KLV LV EHFDXVH ³JUDFH´ XVHG WR EH QRW RQO\ WKH ZRUG IRU WKH JLIW WKDW ZDV JLYHQ EXW LW ZDV DOVR IRU WKH SURSHU UHVSRQVH WR WKH JLIW :H VWLOO VRPHWLPHV FDOO SUD\LQJ EHIRUH D PHDO ³VD\LQJ JUDFH ´ ,Q 6SDQLVK WKH ZRUG IRU ³WKDQN \RX´ LV ³JUDFLDV ´ :KHQ VRPHRQH VKRZV \RX JUDFH \RX UHVSRQG JUDWHIXOO\ 7KDW LV ZKDW RXU REHGLHQFH WR *RG LV DOO DERXW 7KDW LV ZK\ ZH GR JRRG ZRUNV 7KDW LV ZK\ ZH VLQJ +LV SUDLVHV 7KDW LV ZK\ ZH WHOO RXU QHLJKERUV DERXW WKH *RVSHO :H DUH 127 WU\LQJ WR PDNH LW WR KHDYHQ :H DUH VKRZLQJ RXU JUDWLWXGH EHFDXVH KH KDV “seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (SKHVLDQV 'RLQJ WKH ZLOO RI *RG PXVW 1(9(5 EH VHHQ DV DQ DWWHPSW WR PDNH LW WR +HDYHQ EXW LW VKRXOG EH VHHQ DV ZRUNV RI JUDWLWXGH EHFDXVH +H KDV JLYHQ XV D VHDW LQ +HDYHQ E\ +LV JUDFH :H VKRXOG ZDQW WR GR ZKDWHYHU *RG ZDQWV XV WR GR EHFDXVH ZH DUH LQFUHGLEO\ JUDWHIXO IRU ZKDW +H KDV JLYHQ XV

D a ily Christian Living Don’t Be an Ingrate $Q ÂłLQJUDWH´ LV VRPHRQH ZKR GRHV QRW VKRZ JUDWLWXGH IRU WKH WKLQJV KH KDV EHHQ JLYHQ $Q LQJUDWH LV VRPHRQH ZKR HLWKHU OLYHV LQ D ZD\ WKDW GLVKRQRUV KLV EHQHIDFWRU RU ZKR ERDVWV DV LI KH HDUQHG WKH WKLQJV KH KDV ,QJUDWHV ZLOO ILQG WKHPVHOYHV FXW RII IURP *RGÂśV JUDFH 7KHUH ZHUH &KULVWLDQV LQ *DODWLD ZKR VKRZHG WKHPVHOYHV WR EH LQJUDWHV E\ DFFHSWLQJ D IDOVH JRVSHO ZKLFK WDXJKW WKDW D SHUVRQ FRXOG MXVWLI\ KLPVHOI WKURXJK ODZ NHHSLQJ 3DXO ZURWH “You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from graceâ€? *DODWLDQV 5DWKHU WKDQ JUDWHIXOO\ DFFHSWLQJ WKH JLIW RI

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deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries� +HEUHZV

:KHQ ZH FRQWLQXH GHOLEHUDWHO\ LQ VLQ ZH SURYH RXUVHOYHV WR EH LQJUDWHV XQZRUWK\ WR UHFHLYH WKH JLIWV *RG KDV SURPLVHG WR +LV FKLOGUHQ

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D a ily Christian Living

THE SAD DILEMMA (A woman’s perspective) 6DPXHO 0DWWKHZV How times have changed! Once there was a time when society expected a woman to be a faithful wife and a good mother. Once there was a time when infidelity was cause for disgrace. Women were expected to be virgins at marriage, and women who lived with a man out of wedlock were labeled and shunned. How far from reality these standards and expectations are in America today! One morning, I happened to catch a portion of a talk show in which the person being interviewed was a woman who was wanting to have a child. So far, so good. The only problem was that the man with whom she had been living for seven years (out of wedlock) did NOT want to have children. The solution she had come up with was to have artificial insemination and have a child. The man declared that if she did, that he would move out. She said that was fine with her; she didn’t need him anyway! The audience berated him for wanting to leave. What an ungodly situation! Out of the entire audience, one woman dared to stand up and suggest that the woman should first find a man she loves, marry him, and then, after a suitable period of adjustment, have a child with him. Yes, I thought. Good for you for saying that! However, what followed was typical, sad and unbelievable. Immediately, many in the audience verbally disagreed. The host of the show then made a statement something to the effect: “Where did this woman come from? Is she living in the twentieth century?” Of course, everyone laughed and agreed. Her suggestion of the proper, godly formation of a home was laughed out of the auditorium! These are the sad times in which we are living. The abnormal has become the normal. No wonder women have become so confused about their role in society! God’s role for woman has been deliberately obliterated in the minds of people. Satan has been at work! What are we going to do about it? Will we sit with folded hands, saying

D a ily Christian Living nothing for fear of the ridicule that we will surely receive if we speak up? Will we adjust our own lives to “fit in,� to blend with society? Sadly, many so-called Christian women do just that. I believe that “setting a good example� alone is not enough. As I see it, women must have the stamina and the courage to stand up and be counted—counted as being for God and for the role He has given them. Just as there will always be “wars and rumors of wars� in this world (Mark 13:7), the same is true in the Lord’s church. There are those who love power, desire control and seek change. The church is Satan’s favorite target. During the years that I have been a New Testament Christian, I have wept many tears over outbreaks such as “the man, not the plan�; the charismatic movement; the Crossroads controversy; the marriage, divorce and remarriage issue; “unity in diversity�; the New Hermeneutic and now—the woman’s role. “THE BOOK� (the Bible) is the only book that will keep us from altering God’s Word and His plan for both men and women. It is the only Book to follow in our God-given roles, roles that date back to the beginning of time and which will last until the end of time! Beloved sister in Christ, I plead with you: don’t let Satan have his way with you as he did with Eve. Let us not lead God’s people into additional sin by promoting a “new way,� a false way, as suggested by Satan. As I read of “new truth� (?) as expounded by some, it is as though the devil were saying concerning women, “Has God really said you cannot be elders and preachers? Do you think God still wants you

D a ily Christian Living to follow an old, outdated commandment in today’s progressive world—to actually be in subjection to your husbands? Surely you are intelligent and educated enough in this enlightened age to know better than that! Why, every real scholar knows a woman can do anything a man can do! Why should a female be restricted from leadership positions in worship when she has so much ability? How can you consider wasting your talents by remaining in your old-fashioned, traditional role from the dark ages? If you will just listen to me, I will make you wise and liberated.� Yes, Satan wants women to believe that! He still wants to win the victory as much as he ever did. He loves power and position and he is attempting to cause Christians to question God and His way. Women, please do NOT let Satan deceive you as he did Eve in the Garden of Eden. Let us all recommit ourselves to our God-given roles. They are valuable ones—precious and fulfilling. May we cherish the wisdom of God, His love for us and the spiritual blessings He gives to all women who truly love Him. My fervent prayer is for the safe deliverance of all of God’s people when, at the end of time, our battle with Satan will at last be over! We shall celebrate the victory and enter into that unspeakable joy that God has prepared for those who love Him. God’s woman should praise Him for His wonderful Word and His unchangeable plan. = 6DPXHO 0DWWKHZV LV D PLVVLRQDU\ LQ WKH /RUGœV FKXUFK LQ 6W 7KRPDV 9LUJLQ ,VODQGV

God’s perfect plan from Creation: And the Lord God formed man

of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being (Genesis 2:7). And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.� (18) 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 man. (21-22) Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (24)

D a ily Christian Living

What a Disciple Is 'RQQ\ :HLPDU 6XPPDULO\ -HVXVÂś *UHDW &RPPLVVLRQ LV “Go therefore and make disciples of all nationsâ€? 0DWWKHZ 6XFK FRQYHUWHG VRXOV DV WKHVH DUH PRUH WKDQ FRQYHUWV DQG WKH\ DUH PRUH WKDQ VWXGHQWV 3XSLOV VLW EHIRUH WKHLU WHDFKHU PHUHO\ WR OHDUQ ZKDW WKH LQVWUXFWRU KDV WR VD\ EXW GLVFLSOHV DUH PXFK PRUH 2K \HV WKH\ DUH FHUWDLQO\ WKH 0DVWHUÂśV OHDUQHUV EXW PRUH WKDQ WKDW WKH\ DSSUHQWLFH +LV H[DPSOH DQG EHFRPH WHDFKHUV WKHPVHOYHV “A disciple is not above his teacher,â€? -HVXV WROG WKHP “but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacherâ€? /XNH (69 /LNH KLV WHDFKHU²OLNH -HVXV &KULVW²LV WR EH SHUIHFWO\ WUDLQHG WR HPXODWH +LV YHU\ FKDUDFWHU +LV OLIH PRGHO 'LVFLSOHV DUH three things, DV GHVFULEHG LQ -RKQÂśV DFFRXQW RI WKH HYHUODVWLQJ *RVSHO 2QH WKH\ DELGH LQ WKH &KULVWÂśV WHDFKLQJV -HVXV VDLG WR EHOLHYHUV “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciplesâ€? -RKQ $ SHUVRQ YRLG RI ELEOLFDO XQGHUVWDQGLQJ LV HPSW\ RI JHQXLQH IDLWK EHFDXVH LW “comes from hearing the word of Christâ€? 5RPDQV 'LVFLSOHV ORYH RQH DQRWKHU 7KH 0DVWHU WDXJKW “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one anotherâ€? -RKQ $ &KULVWLDQ DEVHQW RI ORYH LV QRW D WUXH GLVFLSOH -RKQ *RGÂśV FKLOGUHQ FRPSUHKHQG ELEOLFDO ORYH IRU “God is loveâ€? -RKQ “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothersâ€? -RKQ 'LVFLSOHV RI &KULVW EHDU IUXLW “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciplesâ€? -RKQ )UXLW EHDULQJ

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Did You Know? Archaeology confirms the biblical account of the walls of Jericho falling outward (Joshua 6:1-21).

History

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Cover photograph by Louis Rushmore. Cover design by Betty Burton Choate.

Volume 93

Guyana is a parliamentary republic. The May 2015 national vote in Guyana resulted in the first change of ruling party, with the election of David Granger, since the country gained its independence from Great Britain in 1966. The US $1 (USD) equals approximately $206.6 Guyanese dollars (GYD). Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America, though additional languages spoken there include languages of India, Guyanese Creole, Amerindian dialects and Chinese. Though English is spoken by all, especially remote, isolated villages commonly resort to tribal languages in the absence of English-speakers. Guyana has a tropical, hot, humid environment as it sits near and above the equator. It has two rainy seasons, May through August and November through January. Most of the country is forested (77.4%). Guyana is adjacent to Suriname, Brazil, Venezuela and the Atlantic Ocean. The nation’s population of 735,909 (July 2016) is comprised of East Indians (39.8%)—descendants of indentured servants from India to British colonists, Africans (29.3%), mixed races (19.9%), Amerindians (10.5%)—the indigenous population—and other ethnicities (.05%). A greater number of Guyanese live abroad (55%), chiefly in Canada, the USA, Great Britain and Caribbean nations, often in pursuit of economic improvement. One third of the population is considered to be living below “the poverty line,” and unemployment is rampant. Over 80% of well-educated and economically advantaged citizens have emigrated from Guyana. Though rich in natural resources, the distribution of wealth does not benefit the general populace. The country is rich in bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, sugarcane, shrimp and fish. Subsequently, it exports sugar, gold, bauxite, alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses, rum and timber—chiefly to the USA (33%), Canada (17.9%), UK (6.7%), Ukraine (4.3%) and Jamaica (4%). It imports manufactured products, machinery, oil and food—chiefly from the USA (24.7%), Trinidad and Tobago (24.3%), China (10.8%) and Suriname (9.5%). Guyanese love America and everything American. Only 11 of the 106 airports within Guyana are paved. Most of the paved roads (367 miles) are within an hour’s drive of the Atlantic coastal area, and the balance of the roads (4,952 miles) are unpaved—many of which are nearly impassible logging roads. Consequently, navigable waterways are a primary means of transportation—many able to accommodate ocean freighters far upstream. Guyana has seaports as well as river ports. Three of the largest rivers are the Berbice, the Demerara and the Essequibo—the last being 20-miles wide at its mouth where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, and there are hundreds of islands in it, many of which that are habitable. Guyana is a land of many waters. Guyana is a religious country, known for many varying offerings: Pentecostal (22.8%), Adventist (5.4%), Anglican (5.2%), Methodist (1.4%), Hindu (24.8%), Catholic (7.1%), Muslim (6.8%), Jehovah’s Witnesses (1.3%), Rastafarian (.5%), miscellaneous additional Christian claims (20.8%), other religions (.9%) and non-religious (3.1%). The number of congregations of the churches of Christ fluctuate with closures as well as with the establishment of new churches; there are over 100 churches of our Lord in Guyana. The souls of Guyana are valuable (Matthew 16:26). Christians have an obligation to reach out to the lost everywhere with the Gospel—including in Guyana (Mark 16:15-16). Guyanese are religious overall despite widespread sin (Acts 17:22-23)—not uncommon anywhere, including in the USA. Guyanese will study the Scriptures (Acts 17:11), and many are hungry and thirsty for God’s Word (Matthew 5:6). Guyana is a worthy land in which the Lord’s people from abroad ought to continue sowing the seed among non-Christians and watering the growth of that Word of God within honest hearts—leading to a bumper crop of spiritual harvest (1 Corinthians 3:6; John 4:35). Given the encouragement and the tools, Guyanese Christians will arise to the occasion to participate in the evangelization of their own country.

The Voice of Truth International

Guyana, South America

V

The

Volume Ninety-Three

oice of Truth

International

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