June, 2021 | THE BIBLE VIEW

The Bible View #816 — Forgiven

In This Issue:
Purged
Remember, You Are Forgiven!
Forgiveness
Moody’s Mother’s Forgiveness

Volume: 816 June 28, 2021
Theme: Forgiven

Purged
Bill Brinkworth

“Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his [God’s] Son [Jesus], whom he hath appointed heir of all things, . . . when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” Heb. 1:2-3

The Apostle Paul starts his letter to the Hebrews by bragging about Jesus. Although much is pointed out about our Saviour, one little word is easily skipped. That word is “purged.” The term explains why anyone can go to Heaven and why they can have a peaceful life.

Noah Webster defines “purge” as “to cleanse or purify by separating and carrying off whatever is impure.” When one accepts Jesus’ death on the Cross as payment for all his sins, he is purified of the one dirty thing that keeps all out of Heaven. He is purified from all the iniquities he has committed and the ones he will do in the future. His sins were all carried off by Jesus when He died.

Mr. Webster further defined “purge” as clearing “from guilt or moral defilement.” When Jesus’ finished work at Calvary is accepted to cover one’s transgressions, he is relieved from any shame his sin can bring him.

Many have been saved and know God has forgiven and forgotten past sins, but they still hang on to guilty thoughts of what they have done. Paul has told us there is no need to have any guilt. Since God has forgiven us, we must forgive ourselves.

A Christian is purged! All our sins are carried away. We do not have to continue in them, and we certainly do not need to dwell on what God has forgiven.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

Remember, You Are Forgiven!
Bill Brinkworth

When we are saved, our whole life should change. We are forgiven, and our sins are forgotten. Our old ways are dead and hidden (Colossians 3:3), as far as God is concerned. We are to bring our bodies under subjection (“mortify” – Col. 3:5). No longer are we to let sin control our lives (Col. 3:5-10). We should put our “old man,” what we used to do and be, far away from us.

We are new creatures in Christ (II Cor. 5:17) and have a fresh start. We have a “new man” (Col. 3:10) that we should put on and strive, with God’s goodness and help, to “wear” well! Our new attitudes and actions should try to be:

Holy and dear to God’s heart (Col. 3:12).
Merciful to others, as we have received much mercy from God (Col. 3:12).
Kind (Col. 3:12).
Humble (Col. 3:12).
Meek (Col. 3:12).
Longsuffering (Col. 3:12).
Willing to put up with what others do to us repeatedly (“forbearing” – Col. 3:13).
Forgive what others do to us and others. God certainly has forgiven us thousands of times. Why cannot we forgive those that have wronged or offended us (Col. 3:13)?
Loving and caring to all — unconditionally (Col. 3:14)!
Peaceful to one another (Col. 3:15).
Thankful (Col. 3:15, 17).
Ruled and guided by God’s Word (Col. 3:16).
Submissive to authorities, God says are over us (Col. 3:18-22).

It would be impossible to do all God has told us to do, as new creatures in Christ, and not be happy and content. However, it is when we allow the “old man” to be temporarily resurrected that we have our problems. When our old ways return, they rob us of the peace and joy that should be ours. Has the “old you” gained control in your life again? Ask the Lord to forgive you and help you regain what is yours!

“Feed the ‘new man,’ the spiritual you, and he will grow stronger every day. Do not feed the ‘new man,’ and he will suffer from spiritual malnutrition.”

Forgiveness
Edmonsan, 1871

When on the fragrant sandal tree
The woodman’s ax descends,
And she who bloomed so beauteously.
Beneath the weapon bends,
E’en on the edge that wrought her death,
Dying, she breathes her sweetest breath,
As if to token in her fall
Peace to her foes, and love to all.

How hardly man this lesson learns,
To smile, and bless the hand that spurns;
To see the blow, to feel the pain,
And render only love again!
One had it — be He came from Heaven,
Reviled, rejected, and betrayed;
No curse He breathed; no plaint He made,
But when in death’s dark pang, He sighed,
Prayed for His murderers and died.

“The habit of judging and condemning others is usually a great deal more serious blemish than are the things we so glibly point out as flaws or faults.” —Author Unknown

Moody’s Mother’s Forgiveness
D. L. Moody

Before I was fourteen years old, the first thing I remember was the death of my father. He had been unfortunate in business and failed. Soon after his death, the creditors came and took everything.

My mother was left with a large family of children. One calamity after another swept over the household. Twins were added to the family, and my mother was taken sick.

The eldest boy was fifteen years of age. Mother looked to him as a stay in her calamity, but all at once, he became a wanderer. He had been reading some of the trashy novels, and the belief had seized him that he had only to go away to make a fortune.

Away he went. I can remember how eagerly mother used to look for tidings of that boy. She used to send us to the post office to see if there was a letter from him. I recollect how we used to come back with the sad news, “No letter.”

I remember how in the evenings, we used to sit beside her in that New England home. We would talk about our father, but the moment the boy’s name was mentioned, she would hush us into silence. Some nights when the wind was strong, and the house would tremble at every gust, mother’s voice was raised in prayer for that wanderer who had treated her so unkindly. I used to think she loved him more than all the rest of us put together, and I believe she did.

On Thanksgiving Day, she used to set a chair for him, thinking he would return home. Her family grew up, and her other boys left home.

When I got so that I could write, I sent letters all over the country but could find no trace of him. While in Boston, I remember how I used to look for him in every store. I looked amongst people for anyone who had a mark on their face, as my brother had. I never found him.

One day while my mother was sitting at the door, a stranger was seen coming toward the house, and when he came to the door, he stopped. My mother did not know her boy. He stood there with folded arms and a great beard flowing down to his breast. His tears trickled down his face.

When my mother saw those tears, she cried, “Oh, it’s my lost son,” and implored him to come in. He stood still.

“No, mother,” he said, “I will not come in until I hear first you have forgiven me.”

Do you believe she was not willing to forgive him? Do you think she was likely to keep him standing there? Instead, she rushed to the threshold and threw her arms around him, and breathed forgiveness.

Ah, sinner, if you but ask God to be merciful to you, you can ask Him for forgiveness. Although your life may have been in sin, ask Him for mercy, and He will not keep you waiting long for an answer. He is looking and waiting for you!

“It is vain for you to expect, and it is imprudent for you to ask of God forgiveness on your behalf if you refuse to exercise this forgiving temper to others.” — Hoadley

The Bible View #815 — Faith

In This Issue:
Waivering Faith
A Dirty Telescope
Faith Training
Jumping into Father’s Arms
The Reflecting Waters
Dead Faith
Christ, Our Guide

Volume: 815 June 21, 2021
Theme: Faith

Waivering Faith
Bill Brinkworth

Like most of us, there was a time when Peter’s faith was stronger than at other times. Peter found himself in a boat with vehement winds and threatening waves all around him. The craft was tossed helplessly by the powerful sea when he and the other disciples saw a most unusual, unbelievable sight. They saw Jesus walk toward them, and He was walking on top of the waves!

After talking with Jesus, Peter was summoned to the Saviour’s side. Without question, the disciple stepped out of the boat and joined Jesus, also walking on the water! However, Peter’s victory over all normal laws of nature did not last long. When he looked around, he felt the hard-blowing winds and saw the boisterous waves. He became afraid and sank. His lack of faith changed what was happening in his life.

So many Christians start out their Christian walk similarly as did Peter when he jumped out of the boat. When they get saved and see the wondrous changes that the Lord has accomplished in their lives, their zeal is great. They get involved in a ministry. Faithfully, they attend church, read their Bible, and converse daily with God in prayer. However, something happens to dull the excitement and fervor of their serving God. Perhaps it was an unkind word uttered by another or a question that they may be doing too much. Maybe looking around they saw others were not going on church-wide visitation as they were, or they saw that many lived differently most of the week than they did on Sunday. No matter what got them to question what they were doing for the Lord, they fell the same way Peter did; they looked around and their faith was weakened.

When anyone looks around and sees only what the natural man sees, he will be discouraged and have his faith challenged. Looking toward a pastor or leader in a church may be a better example than most have, but that leader is made of the same flesh that you and I are made. There may be a time that he may let you down. Following the example of another godly person may also be a bright light to follow but that person can make mistakes, and there may be a day that he will also disappoint you.

The only one that is perfect and cannot let you down is Jesus. Do what Peter did for a short time, keep your eye on God. Look and lean on Him. Do not look around, compare, and criticize what others are doing. We may all let you down one day because we are no more perfect than you. Look above. The Lord will never leave nor forsake you, nor let you down.

“Wrinkled by life? Look to God for a faith lift!”

A Dirty Telescope
John Bate

The astronomer is careful to have his telescope lenses clean and free from all dust. The smallest speck of dust might affect an object’s appearance. It will look different than it really is.

So should a Christian be careful to have their faith wiped clean of all the dust of doubts and unbelief, lest they should behold the truths of God imperfectly and come to an incorrect judgment. Without faith to guide and direct them, things will look different than they are or could be.

“If you have no joy, there has to be a leak in your faith somewhere.” — H. Beecher

Faith Training
S. Coley

One day, Richard went into a room where his little girl was, bright-eyed and happy as she could be. Somebody had just given her a box of exquisite wooden beads.

The little child ran to her papa immediately to show her gift. “They are very beautiful, my child,” he said, “but now, my dear, throw them into the fire.” The little girl looked for a moment. It was a great trial. “Now, I shall not compel you to do it. I leave it to you, but you never knew papa to ask you to do a thing that was not kind to you. I cannot tell you why, but can you trust me to do so?”

It cost a great effort, but the little child began in her way to think, “Father has always been kind to me. I suppose it is alright,” and she took the box and threw it into the fire.

The father said no more for some time. However, the next day, he presented her with something far more beautiful and which she had long desired. “Now,” said he, “my child, I did this to teach you to trust in the greater Father in Heaven. Many a time in your life, He will require you to give up and to avoid what you cannot see or understand. If you trust your Father in Heaven as you have trusted me, you will always find it best.”

“The beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.” — George Muller

Jumping into Father’s Arms
D. L. Moody

It was a beautiful evening, and just before the meeting, some neighbors and myself were sitting on the front piazza enjoying the evening. One of the neighbors put one of his children upon a ledge eight feet high, put out his hands, and told him to jump. Without the slightest hesitation, the child sprang into his father’s arms. Another child was lifted, and he, too, readily leaped into the arms of his father. He picked up another boy, larger than the others, and held out his arms, but he wouldn’t jump. He cried and screamed to be taken down. The man begged the boy to jump, but it was of no use. The lad couldn’t be induced to jump.

The incident made me curious, and I stepped up to him and asked, “How was it that those two little fellows jumped so readily into your arms, and the other boy wouldn’t?”

“Why,” said the man, “those two boys are my children, and the other boy isn’t. He doesn’t know me.” This is why so many will not follow God’s commands; God is not their spiritual “Father.”

“Part-time faith, like part-time jobs, can’t support you!”

The Reflecting Waters
John Bate

When the water of a gently flowing river is unruffled and clear, it reflects the floating clouds above and any objects overhead — flying birds, swaying trees, and on-looking scenery. When the water is stirred and agitated, it becomes opaque and loses its power of reflection.

The faith of Christians is often similar. When all is going well, and there are no trials, how strong and beautiful are their reflections of the things of God. When deadened by the world’s influence or corrupted by sin, the clearness and holiness of their example disappears. Their lifestyle and testimony no longer reflect the spiritual things of God.

Dead Faith
T. H. Milner

The Word of God tells distinctly what sort of faith dead faith is:
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:17
“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:20
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26

That which is dead is inactive, inoperative, unproductive, and fruitless. If your faith is not producing spiritual fruits, trusting Him for all, and regularly pointing others to God, your faith is dead or quickly heading that way.

“One does not believe one who does not live their belief!”

Christ, Our Guide
C. H. Spurgeon

When Mr. Andrew Fuller was going to preach before an association, he rode to the meeting on his horse. There had been a good deal of rain, and the rivers were very much swollen. He got to one river which he had to cross. He looked at it, and he was afraid of the strong current, as he did not know the water’s depth. A farmer, who was standing by, said, “It is okay, Mr. Fuller; you will get through it all right, sir. The horse will keep its feet.”

Mr. Fuller went in, and the water got up to the girth and then up to the saddle, and he got uncomfortably wet. Mr. Fuller thought he had better turn round, and he was going to do so when the same farmer shouted, “Go on, Mr. Fuller. I know it is all right.”

Then Mr. Fuller said, “Then I will go on. I will go by faith.” He made it safely to the other side.

Now, sinner, it is very like that with you. You think that your sins are too deep, that Christ can never carry you over them, but I say to you, it is all right, sinner. Trust Jesus, and he will take you through Hell itself if it were needful and possible. If you had all the sins of all the men who have ever lived, and they were all yours, if you could trust him, Jesus Christ would carry you through the current of all that sin. It is all right, man! Only trust Christ. The river may be deep, but Christ’s love is deeper. It is all right, man! Do not let the devil make you doubt my Lord and Master. Satan is a liar from the beginning and the father of lies, but my Master is faithful. Rest on him, and it is all right. You will make it safely to the other side.

“Would there be enough evidence to convince a jury that you are a Christian?”

The Bible View #814 — Service

In This Issue:
Which Part of the Wall Is Yours?
Marching Orders
Evangelizing Cannibals
Doing God’s Business

Free Daily Devotions, Bible Studies, Sunday School lessons and printed versions of The Bible View (including church bulletin insert and large print versions) are available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/ and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.

Volume: 814 June 14, 2021
Theme: Service

Which Part of the Wall Is Yours?
Bill Brinkworth

Nehemiah heard what God would have him do. When he did, he was never the same, nor were those around him.
“… and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.” Nehemiah 1:2-3

Jerusalem was the center for worship for the one God in Heaven, and that main place of worship was forsaken. If the city was in disarray, it meant that His people were not performing worship of the true God.

In Nehemiah, we read how the burden of one man changed a nation:

Nehemiah’s heart was broken. He wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed over the condition God’s people had allowed their place of worship to become.
“… when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,” Neh. 1:4
He confessed and recognized Israel’s and his own sin.
“… thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.” Neh. 1:6
He claimed a promise (it may have come from Deut. 30:1-3) from the Word of God.
“But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.” Neh. 1:9
Then God started working. He used a king to send Nehemiah on his way (Neh. 2) to lead in the restoration of Jerusalem.
Nehemiah then shared his burden with Israel. Even Nehemiah’s opposition saw that he had a concern for Israel. His burden was for the people of God to return to worshiping God.
“When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.” Neh. 2:10
He did not want His people to be a bad testimony (reproach) for God!
“Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.” Neh. 2:17
He told Israel that God was in the endeavor to rebuild the main place of worship.
“Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me…” Neh. 2:18a
They shared Nehemiah’s burden and went to work. From that point on, the rest of the book is dedicated to the work of Nehemiah and Israel. There is a time to get close to God and to get right with him. Once we have heard from Him, it is time to get to the work He has for each of us — until He stops us!
“… And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.” Neh. 2:18b

Eliashib (Neh. 3), the man of God, started rebuilding the wall, and soon others picked a spot next to him and started working. Chapter 3 recalls who selected which area and what they did. They all labored!

There is work that needs to be done! Today, our country and our world have forgotten the God that has created them and given them this land. His worship has been neglected and is desperately in need of “repair.”

God’s people desperately need to have a burden similar to Nehemiah’s and help restore a nation to one that puts Him first and obeys His commandments. God’s people need to pick a spot on the “wall” closest to them and start building. There will be opposition and conflicts as Nehemiah faced, but the work still needs to be started.

Our task is not manually rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, as it was in Nehemiah’s day. Today’s main place of worship is in man’s heart. Few have heard the truths from the Word of God that will change, save, and rebuild lives. The Word of God has to be placed in men’s hearts by God’s people telling them. If practiced, Its truths will change communities, cities, states, and countries. Those that are saved have heard and know those truths. It is our responsibility to tell and share it with all that we meet. Go to work! Go and tell!

The saved children of God will never be reminded of their sins. Bless God; they are all under the blood of Christ because of what He has done for us. That is not a reason to sit, soak, and not serve. We are accountable for what we do for the cause of Christ. Many that have gone before us have quit or refused to labor. His work needs to be rebuilt, and Christian, you and I are the only ones left to rebuild it. It is our task to complete. If we do not tell them and be an example of how God wants His people to live, who will?

Will you tell others about Christ? Will you tell them about the One that can give them hope, save their souls, change their lives, and who is the only one that can change this world? Do not have a moment’s delay because of worldly excuses. Others have done that, and look what we have as a result. There is work that needs to be done; time is short! Pick your part of the wall and start today!

“Whatever God gives you to do, do it as well as you can. This is the best possible preparation for what He may want you to do next.” — MacDonald

Marching Orders
Author Unknown

A preacher once confronted the Duke of Wellington. The pastor was unfriendly to foreign missions because of their expense, unproductiveness, and the work that needed to be done at home.

Fastening his eyes on the preacher, Wellington quoted the words of the Master, “… Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” He added, “There, sir, are your marching orders!”’ The statesman and soldier had learned this lesson — that it was not the duty of a soldier to question the orders of his superior. It should not be our business to argue the Lord’s demands but to receive orders and obey them. Go and tell, and do not question what you are told to do!

“To be glad instruments of God’s love in this imperfect world is the service to which man is called.” — Schweitzer

Evangelizing Cannibals
Modern Missions: Their Trials and Triumphs, by Robert Young

In the 1840s, John Geddie left the pastorate of a church in Canada to take his wife and two small children to the South Sea Islands to begin a mission work. After a voyage of many miles, they arrived in the New Hebrides Islands at Aneityum. The island chain was filled with cannibals. Over twenty crew members of a British ship had been killed and eaten just months before the Geddies arrived on the mission field.

They faced the difficulty of learning a language with no written form and the constant threat of being killed. Slowly at first, a few converts came, and then soon many more received the Gospel. Geddie continued his ministry faithfully, including translating the entire Bible into the native language and planting twenty-five churches.

Geddie labored with little help and little word from home for many of those years, but God was faithful to His servant. In the church’s pulpit Geddie pastored for so many years stands a plaque in his honor, which says, “When he landed in 1848, there were no Christians here, and when he left in 1872 there were no heathen.”

“God loves man’s lamplight better than His own great stars.” — Tagore

Doing God’s Business
Author Unknown

As D. L. Moody walked down a Chicago street one day, he walked up to a man and asked him if he were a Christian. The fellow raised his fists and angrily exclaimed, “You mind your own business!”

“This is my business,” replied Moody.

“Well, then, you must be Moody,” the man responded.

We should all have the testimony of being burdened for the souls of others. We should all be convinced that we have done our best to reach them with the truths from the Word of God.

The Bible View #813 — Worldliness

In This Issue:
It’s Not What It Used to Be
We Just Can’t Win
The Ice Palace Is Gone

Volume: 813 June 7, 2021
Theme: Worldliness

It’s Not What It Used to Be
Bill Brinkworth

I was save over 40 years ago. God has wrought much change in my life because of the Holy Spirit’s work and godly influences from devoted preachers, teachers, other Christians, and my study. Although I can see how He has altered my life, I can also see the changes in Christianity around me. Many strong believers and ministries still exist and are doing great things for the Lord; unfortunately, many are not.

Some changes I have noticed are:

There is little questioning of what Bible version is used. In the past, the KJV was the only one used and believed. Now, it is often pushed aside, and the “newer,” inaccurate, unpreserved versions are accepted. When the foundation of truth, God’s preserved King James Bible for English-speaking believers, is not read and obeyed, Christianity will crumble as is happening.
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8 Also: I Peter 1:25.
Separation from worldly behavior, which the Bible condones, is often seen as “extreme.” Worldliness is not realized as a danger to spiritual growth and is not avoided. Observing many Christians in their daily activities shows they are not much different from the unsaved.
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” II Cor 6:17 Also: Isa. 52:11, II Cor. 7:1.
Sins, which ten years ago would have horrified faithful believers, now are accepted and even practiced by some Christians. A biased media, liberal government education, and watered-down preaching have desensitized believers to sin and helped erase embarrassment and guilt from their iniquities. Many now do not even raise an eyebrow to sin around them.
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isa. 5:20
Few have little concern about living a holy life. Many neglect to keep their “temple” from sin and even its appearance (I Thes. 5:22). Conviction of halting unclean habits, practices, or beliefs is not common.
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” I Peter 1:16
Living by faith is foreign to many. Trusting God to supply has been replaced by spending credit or allowing the government to meet the need. Giving sacrificially is also rarer than it was in the past.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Heb, 11:6
Standing up for righteousness, no matter the personal cost, is uncommon. In the past, countless Christians lost their lives rather than tolerate or approve wrong-doing when they spoke against transgressions.
“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;” Eph 6:14
Many Christians avoided movies, television programs, literature, alcohol, public activities, and other influences known to weaken beliefs and threaten holy living. There is now less separation from ungodly behavior.
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” II Cor. 6:17
Many ministries and believers saw the danger of public education encouraging young people to do and think contrary to what the Bible commands. To remedy that influence, Christians sacrificed to start and run Christian schools. Salaries were often non-existent or lower than minimum wage, but the minds of young people were deemed more important.

As the government attempted to stop the ministries, many churches were fined and legally challenged. Some pastors and principals suffered jail time.

Today the sacrifices of earlier believers and their discernment not to pollute young minds with godless, social engineering, and eroding of Christian values are ignored. Little concern is exhibited in insulating student’s minds from worldly propaganda. The “I teach my child what is right” and “My child is strong and will not be swayed by what is taught in the government schools” seem to be the common defense. Unfortunately, worldly philosophies are overpowering the minds of Christianity’s next generation.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6
Immoral leadership was never allowed. Those inspiring for a position in government and business had their hopes shattered when it was discovered they were involved in dishonesty, adultery, foul language, financial impropriety, and other involvements showing they had low character and morals.

Today some officials and workers have been discovered to be morally corrupt yet are still allowed to continue their position. Often this happens because the public is not made aware of their sin, or people are not concerned about the wrong-doing.
“… 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh…” Proverbs 1:24-27
Boycotting businesses and relationships that encourage or are for things God condones is rare.
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” I Thes. 5:22

I am sure every previous generation of believers has also seen the erosion of Christian beliefs, morals, and biblical living during their lifetime. Unfortunately, spiritual decay happens more often than knowing, believing, and living the way God commands.

The spiritual decline will continue at break-neck speed if individual Christians do not stop the trend. We must make a stand to live how God commands. Personal revival and determination for a God-honoring and God-obeying life can change the downward spiritual trend. It must start with us Christians! The world is constantly changing, but God’s commandments do not. We do not have to believe or do what the unsaved world does

We Just Can’t Win
Author Unknown

Person: I want to do “X.”
Believer: You are free to do it.
Person: But, you think “X” is wrong.
Believer: Yes. The Bible says it’s sin.
Person. You just want to control me.
Believer: No, I do not. You are free to do what you want.
Person: But, you still think “X” is wrong.
Believer: Yes, but only because it may hurt you, and I want what is best for you.
Person: But, I still want to do “X.”
Believer: I am not stopping you, and neither is God.
Person: But, I want you to say that “X” is good.
Believer: I cannot say that.
Person: Why do you hate me?”
Believer (with a very confused look on his face): Huh?

“The carnal mind seeks to create its own God who loves everyone, puts up with all matter of evil and foolishness, and gives in to the will of evil men who cry inequality!” — Deane Edward Spencer

The Ice Palace Is Gone
Edited from an article by Newton, 1725-1807

When I was a boy, I read of an ice palace built one winter in Petersburg. The walls, roof, floors, and furniture were all of ice and were finished with taste. All that was in the ice palace could be found in a royal palace. Before being frozen, the ice had been colored so that all seemed formed of proper materials. Still, all was cold, useless, and transient.

Had the cold continued until now, the palace might have been still standing, but with the returning spring, it melted away. There should have been a stone with an inscription reminding people of what once stood on the spot, as there was no sign of it after the spring thaw.

Men build and plan as if their works were to endure forever, but their creations are often gone in time. After all their preparations and labors, there is usually no reminder of what they spent their money, passions, work, and priorities on. They put their life’s priorities in temporal things rather than those that would last for eternity. Their labors were spent on the wrong temporary things.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” I John 2:15