CHRISTMAS GIFTS, BOXES AND WRAPPING PAPER

It depends on how many family members, especially children, you have had on Christmas day as to how much ‘trash’ you will have to remove and carry to the street for the workers to pick up. In our area, you can see the blue cans that are placed on the street are filled with ‘trash’. As we are now in the last days of this year it is good that we dispose of some of our ‘trash’ if such we have in our hearts and lives. The apostle Paul stated it in this fashion: “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him…” (Colossians 3:5-10). In other words we all need to take an inventory of our lives and make sure that we discontinue those habits and sins that hinder our running “the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1, 2). In the case of the gift and the giver, both are most important in spiritual matters. We are informed in John 3:16 that God gave the greatest gift ever – His Son to die for our sins on the cross of Calvary. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 5:6-8, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Just ponder for a while what is said here. We were not friends of God when He gave the greatest gift, His Son; rather, it was when by our own sins we were alienated from God (Isaiah 59:1, 2). Not only that, the Gift (Jesus Christ) also gave Himself for our salvation (John 15:13). The motive was pure love of the Father and the Son. Because we have been the recipients of salvation, “the gift of God”, (Ephesians 2:8), we should give ourselves in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. There are teeming millions of lost souls who need to hear the good news of our Savior Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:1-3) which “is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). There are lonely souls who need our attention and affection. “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble…” (James 1:27). The inspired writer in Hebrews 12:12 gave this exhortation, “Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees…” There is much work for Christians to do as we spread the gospel and help those who are in need of our help. Let us remember the encouraging words Paul has given us as found in 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

“I CAME NOT OF MY OWN ACCORD, BUT HE SENT ME”

Sometimes brethren think that God permitted His Son to come to earth to be the Savior of the world of His own desire and so God allowed Him to do so. However, scripture does not support that concept. The apostle John wrote concerning the controversy Jesus had with the Jews who did not accept the sonship of Jesus. And, they exclaimed that God was their father but the Lord declared they were the children of their father, the devil. “Jesus said to them, “If God were your father, you would love me,for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me” (ESV, John 8:42;7:28). It is the last sentence of Jesus’ statement that I want to consider in this article. It was in eternity that God predetermined that His Son would be sent to be the savior of fallen mankind. The decision to send His Son was a mutual agreement with the Father and the Son because they are one. The apostle Peter wrote that the elect of God were not “redeemed with corruptible things like silver and gold” “but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world…” (1 Peter 1:18-20). In Revelation 13:8, “All who dwell on the earth will worship him,(the dragon,and beast) whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” We begin to understand as much as the human mind will allow, the eternal purpose and plan for the redemption of mankind; and, beginning with Genesis 3:15 and Genesis 22:16-18, the seed of woman and the seed of Abraham was to be Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who would take “away the sin of the world (Galatians 3:16; John 1:29). Throughout the Old Testament the theme was ‘Someone is coming’! And, “when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4,5). “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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved”(NKJV, John 3:16,17). “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering death crowned with glory and honor, that He by the grace of God, might taste death for every one (Hebrews 2:9). How great and marvelous is the love of God our Heavenly Father! Jesus knew why He came to this world. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. “This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but raise it up at the day. “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:38-40). Jesus also said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent me.” “He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.” “When you lift up the Son man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.” “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him” (John 7:16). 8:26,28,29). When His time had come to die on Calvary, He said to his disciples, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 38,39). Jesus Christ was always in complete submission to His Father’s will, even when He was facing death on the cross for our sins. He always gave glory and honor to His Father, even as we, His children should do. The following song is very beautiful, meaningful and moving. The Love of God: “The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell; it goes beyond the highest star, And reaches to the lowest hell. The guilty pair bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win, His erring child He reconciled and pardoned from his sin. Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade, To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry/ O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure- The saints and angels song.” - Frederick Martin Lehman

THE HONEY BEE AND THE BUZZARD

Surely we all have some knowledge regarding this insect and this fowl. Both have been placed here on this earth for different purposes as designed by the Creator, God Almighty. While their functions are vital, they are radical in contrast. The buzzard is rather despised by the human family. We esteem this bird as being unsightly in appearance and undesirable because of its work, the devouring of dead carcasses. Yet, in the balance of nature, this scavenger has a rightful place in our environment. The honeybee, on the other hand, is well thought of and respected. While we dislike the sting of such a small insect, we do appreciate the delicious honey that it makes for us. The bee can be seen visiting the beautiful flowers and various blooms in the vegetative kingdom. No wonder the honey that this bee makes is so sweet. Strangely enough, the buzzard and the honeybee remind us of the various attitudes and dispositions found in different people. First of all, some folk enjoy dwelling on the ungodly, the gossip, the hearsay, the ugly, the bad, the filthy, the hurtful, and the immoral. They seem to get their kicks over telling or hearing a good piece of juicy slander. And, the worse it stinks, the better they like it. This old world is filled with individuals who love filthiness. The Bible refers to people who “speak foolishness” and whose “heart will work iniquity” (Isaiah 32:6). Paul writes of the unrighteous in this manner, “Their throat is an open tomb;; With their tongues they have practiced deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness” (Romans 3:13, 14). Their ultimate end is eternal perdition, for Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, 37, “But I say to you that every idle word men shall speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” We are grateful however that there are many Christians who love the good and the beautiful things of life. They think upon that which is pure, honest, just, true, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8). They feed upon the word of God that is “Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” (Psalms 19:10). They know that “Pleasant words are like honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). They “love life” and endeavor to “see good days”; therefore, they “refrain his tongue from evil” (I Peter 3:10). The question therefore is, “To be or not to be”. That is, are you soaring over dead carcasses and seeking the corrupt; or, are you feasting upon the beautiful and the good? Let us all ‘be’ (live) like the honeybee and not the buzzard!

"YOU SMELL LIKE SHEEP"

The brother and his wife were about to leave our house when I said these words to my Christian friend, “You smell like sheep”. You see, he and his wife have been helping to buy some of our groceries since the spring of 2020 when the Pandemic began in our nation. My brother in Christ is one of our six shepherds who serve and lead our congregation. I could safely say that all of our shepherds ‘smell like sheep’. The reason I make that statement is that I have observed them visiting the sick, staying with families in the hospitals when a loved one is in surgery, or visiting the sick whether in their homes, nursing homes, or in hospitals. I know they have carried in their cars the sick to doctors locally or in another city. They also encourage weak members to be more faithful to the Lord. They will also visit those who have fallen away from Christ and His church and encourage them to repent and come back to the Lord. To ‘smell like sheep’ you have to be among the sheep to lead, protect, feed, keep watch over them, and endeavor to know them. There are other terms that are in the New Testament regarding the work of those who are chosen to care for the flock which is under their oversight. They are elder (presbyter), overseer (bishop) in addition to shepherd (pastor). Here are a couple of passages of Scripture in which we find these terms. In Acts 20:17-28 we find the apostle Paul at Miletus on his way to Jerusalem. It was while he was there that he sent for the elders in Ephesus to meet him in Miletus. In verse 28, we read what he said to the elders, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” In 1 Peter 5:1,2, we read, “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers,, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, being examples to the flock” (Emphasis, mine, re). The only time the term “pastor” is used in Ephesians 4:11. And that is to be understood for one to “shepherd the flock of God which is among you” (1 Peter 5:3). Of course, God’s design is for men of age and wisdom to oversee the work of a congregation and I know personally there are times when ‘business meetings’ are needful, having served as an elder for eight years ; however, I appreciate so much the term ‘shepherd’ which involves moving among the sheep in a personal way as a shepherd would be involved in caring for the flock in his care. The apostle Peter gives faithful shepherds this assurance: “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).

PRAY THAT GOD WILL BLESS AMERICA

The blood of thousands of our men and women who have fought for our country and our freedom flows like a mighty river; yet, we are using this freedom to destroy the moral fiber of our people. It has become a license to do as we please without considering what God would have us to be as a nation of people. Eventually we will reap as we have been sowing (Galatians 6:7, 8). It is most important that we give heed to the following warnings: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, And all the nations that forget God” and “Now consider this, you who forget God, Lest I tear you in pieces” (Psalm 9:17; 50:22). The story is told about a student who wanted to fool his professor in some way. He held a bird in his hand and asked the professor, “What do I have in my hand?” The professor replied, “It is a bird.” The student asked, “What color is it?” “It is a red bird,” answered the professor. Then the student asked, “Is it dead or alive?” The wise old professor said, “The power of life or death is in your hand!” The power to revive faith in God and His standard of morals and ethics is in our hands. May the lyrics of the beautiful song ‘God Bless America’ written by Irving Berlin ever be our desire, hope and prayer. God Bless America While the storm clouds gather far across the sea, Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free, Let us all be grateful for a land so fair, As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. " God Bless America, Land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam God bless America, My home sweet home. - Irving Berlin, 1918, Wikipedia Encyclopedia .

PLANTING AND PRODUCING

The farmers have planted the seed for this year’s crops as evident by the plants of various kinds now growing. Even we who have gardens annually anticipate the time when we can enjoy working the soil. It is also a wonderful experience to be able to enjoy the vegetables from the garden. There is an age old truth that we would like to bring to your attention once again and that is, you always reap as you have sown. This seems very simple and elementary but it is very profound. In the study of the parable of the sower or soils, as recorded in Luke 8, we learn that Jesus used the common and known to teach spiritual truths to those of sincere and honest hearts (8:10). Jesus said that the seed is the word of God (Luke 8:11). God’s power of salvation today is the gospel of His Son (Romans 1:16). The word never changes. It will always produce after its kind. The soil is also most important because it represents the various kinds of hearts. If there is a failure in reaping, such cannot be blamed on the seed for therein is the God given power to germinate and reproduce. James wrote that we should “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21). Peter declared that we have “been born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (I Peter 1:23). Wherein is the failure to produce? It must be in the soil or the heart of a man. Some hearts are like the hard ground, others like the stony and/or thorny ground. Please notice the following observations. 1. In order for the seed (word) to be effective and produce, the soil (heart) must necessarily be prepared in order to receive the seed (gospel). It is written that Rehoboam did that which was evil “because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord” (II Chronicles 12:14). In contrast, we read of a faithful servant of God: “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). 2. The seed (gospel) must be sown (preached). The seed (word) must be sown (taught). This is the responsibility of the sower (Christian). Jesus commanded His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone (Mark 16:15). The more seed that is sown, the greater the harvest. Are we sowing the seed of the kingdom as we should? 3. The seed (word) will always produce after its kind. In Genesis 1:11,12, we learn that “the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. and God saw that it was good.” This principle is true in the moral and spiritual kingdom. The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:7, 8: “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap, For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” Whenever the gospel of Christ is taught and obeyed, only Christians and churches of Jesus Christ are produced. One can be a Christian today just like in the first century by obeying the same gospel of Jesus Christ. When a penitent believer is immersed in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, the Lord adds that person to His church (Acts 2:36-38, 47). The word of God only produces Christians only!

GODLY FATHERS

One of life’s greatest blessings and challenges for a man is fatherhood. This relationship involves the greatest joys and demands the best one has to give and often will include many sorrows. A godly father loves his wife and is loyal to his marital vows (Ephesians 5:25). He desires the best for his children. A father is industrious. He labors to provide for his family and the needs of others who lack the material things of life (I Timothy 5:8; Ephesians 4:28). The greatest contribution a father can make to his family is leadership in spiritual matters. In every age, the head of the family has been required of God to provide the proper direction regarding religious training. Modern fathers are most likely to leave this responsibility to the wife and mother. However, Paul exhorted: “And you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord’ (Ephesians 6:4). It is a tremendous requirement to make sure one’s children are taught of God but the rewards are everlasting. A Christian father may not be able to give very much materially to his children but the legacy of having a father who loved his family and the Lord, surpasses everything else. The greatest inheritance a Christian father can leave is one that is rich in faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ. We should never underestimate the love that a father possesses in his heart for his children. His emotions may not be as noticeable as the mother; yet, the feelings are just as deep. Most fathers would give their lives on behalf of their families. Their hearts are filled with deep gratitude when they witness their children succeeding in life. The Christian father rejoices greatly when his children obey the gospel of Jesus Christ. My father will be remembered for being a fine Christian gentleman. Also, the legacy of having a good name has meant more to me than all the riches of this world. It was the wise man of old who wrote: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1); and, “A good name is better than precious ointment…” (Ecclesiastes 7:1). Godly fathers are rare in this modern society. But, we should always be thankful for the ones who are. Truly, you are blessed indeed if you have/had a Christian father who placed Christ first in his life. His influence in your life and even in the lives of his grandchildren will be felt for many years to come. Say, have you hugged your father recently? DEAR OLD DAD “So often we praise our mothers here and merit all their ways. We so ignore the fact that Dad he, too, deserves some praise. Who strives to earn the daily bread? To keep all healthy—glad? Isn’t he that gets so little praise and that is dear old Dad. To praise our mothers, that is good (this they may deserve) Yet why so slack in praising Dad and keep in reserve? Let’s measure their equalities—give merits, praise, when due. Start pinning laurels on your Dad, He’s done a lot for you.”

LEST WE FORGET

The last Monday of the month of May is celebrated as Memorial Day each year in our nation. It began with the purpose of decorating the graves of the soldiers who fought in the War Between the States, 1861-64. However, all of our fallen military personnel are remembered on this day. I spoke on one occasion on Memorial Day in the military section of a cemetery in Prattville, Alabama. I had two visual aids in my hands. One was the Purple Heart that was given to my parents after my oldest brother was killed in WWII on April 5, 1945. The other one was a flag that had been placed by my brother’s grave in a military cemetery in the Netherlands. There is a poem written by Rudyard Kipling entitled “Recessional’ (Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia) that I think is very appropriate on this occasion and here are two stanzas of the poem: “God of our fathers, known of old, Lord of our far-flung battle-line, Beneath whose awful Hand we hold Dominion over palm and pine – Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget – Lest we forget! The tumult and the shouting dies; The Captains and the kings depart. Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, And humble and a contrite heart. Lord God of Host, be with us yet, Lest we forget – lest we forget.” The following biblical truths should always be taught and practiced – “Lest We Forget”: 1. We need to remember Jesus Christ when we partake of the Lord’s Supper. Luke 22:19-20; I Corinthians 11:23-26. 2. We are to remember those saints who died for the cause of Christ. Colossians 4:18 3. We should always remember our salvation from our sins. 2 Peter 1:5-11. 4. We need to remember that we are to be faithful to Christ. Luke 17:32; I Corinthians 10:12; Revelation 2:5; Luke 9:62. 5. We are to remember the poor and needy. Galatians 2:10; Hebrews 13:16; Galatians 6:10; James 1:27. 6. The youth are to remember God. Ecclesiastes 12:1, 2 7. Remember that the Lord is coming again. II Peter 3: l-10; John 14:1-3. If we fail to remember God in this life and His Word for us to learn and practice, there will come a time when our remembrance will not be pleasant. Please observe these words as found in Luke 16:25: “But Abraham said, “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.” It is wonderful however to remember that God will forgive and forget our sins and iniquities if we will obey Him and live for Jesus. “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord; I will put My laws into their hearts, And in their minds I will write them, then He adds, Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” (Hebrews 10:16, 17). Our Lord has promised if we are faithful, He will give us “the crown of life” Revelation 2:10.

LOVE BELIEVES ALL THINGS

In I Corinthians 13:1-7, the apostle Paul spoke of the various characteristics of love. Love is very difficult to define. It is easier to be understood by its characteristics and actions. One of the characteristics of love is that it “believes all things.” However, this also is not easily understood. Is love to be blind and accept all matters as being truthful? Does it mean that we should believe that black is white? Just what did Paul mean when he said that love “believes all things”? The King James Version and the American Standard Versions are identical in their translations, that is, that love “believeth all things.” Phillips' translation renders the same phrase as being love that knows “no end to its trust’”. The New English Bible: “There is no limit to its faith”. And, Williams translation: “It exercises faith in everything”. Thus, we begin to comprehend more fully this important characteristic of love that is, of having trust and confidence in the persons loved. This is a very important aspect of genuine love, of trusting in and believing in a person. This is a lesson for everyone to learn and practice. To truly love one another is to put the best construction on his/her conduct. When love exists in one’s heart, suspicion does not reside. Henry Foster wrote: “When love is judge, it will always be on the prisoner’s side.” Love causes an individual to be slow to form hasty opinions about others. Love is slow to believe things are as bad as rumor paints it. Consider for a moment a mother’s love. A neighbor comes to her and begins to relate the bad deeds done by her son. What is the first response of the mother? She asks, “Were you present when my son did these things?” “Were there witnesses to these deeds?” You see, in her motherly love, she is slow to believe such reports. Here are a few suggestions that we have gleaned from the pen of brother George Bailey that will enable us all to learn how to believe all things. Never jump to a quick conclusion. Ask yourself, “Do I know this to be true, or is it merely a think-so?” How often has fuller, later knowledge of the facts revealed that all the harsh judgments were unfounded and unfair! Never let selfish motives warp your decisions. When a man’s actions are capable of either a favorable or an unfavorable view, always take the favorable view. Always believe the one at fault is capable of better things. As Luther Burbank said, “Every weed is a possible flower.” Love has vision! Never let your faith in another be shaken nor blurred by commonplace experiences. Though faults later appear which now lie hidden, still be unmoved in your love for one another. “And in all your getting, get understanding (Proverbs 4:7). True love will cause us to believe our brother “innocent until proven guilty” rather than “guilty until proven innocent.” This great characteristic of love is much needed in the church, in our community, and in society at large.

"YEA, THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH..."

I cannot tell you how many times I have read Psalm 23 at the graveside of a loved one who has passed from this life into eternity; neither can I count the times I have read this beautiful and meaningful psalm for a source of comfort and encouragement for my weary soul. However, the above statement in Psalm 23 was not speaking of death itself but the probability of death lingering near to the person who was walking through “the valley of the shadow of death.” The shepherd would lead his sheep in the valleys where more grass could be found for his flock. Often the valleys would become more narrow while going through a pass in the mountainous areas. This would have been where wild beasts were to be found and waiting for the opportunity to attack the sheep. Also thieves and robbers would be waiting to kill or to steal. This became truly a ‘valley of the shadow of death.’ On Monday, April 19, 2021, this portion of Psalm 23 became very real to me, for I too passed through a “valley of the shadow of death.” While I was waking up from my hip surgery, I felt tremendous pressure on my heart and it got worse by the seconds. It felt like an elephant was standing on my chest. The pain was so great that I did not feel like I could stand it - but I had no choice. The surgeon had called Virginia to inform her that the surgery had gone well. He did not know what I was experiencing at the time. I heard voices and I opened my eyes and I briefly saw men, including the anesthesiologist, standing around me. They were discussing what they could do for me, having realized that I was in deep trouble. One would suggest one thing and another something else. I do believe they gave me morphine and a few times, nitroglycerin plus something else. During my intense suffering, there was a moment of calm and from what I saw, I understood that I was dying and I felt submissive to the Lord. My thoughts were on my Beloved and that she needed me. Finally, the horrific pain in my heart subsided and by God’s grace and in His providence he used the men to save my life. I did pass through “the valley of the shadow of death”, for which I am eternally grateful! The following morning, two stents were inserted in an artery that was about 90 percent blocked! What I have written is very personal and from a grateful heart, but I have strong convictions that God works in the lives of His people. This principle is found throughout His Word. Because of my emotions I have not been able to write this story until now. It was in the month of April that I wrote an article and shared it with others. The title was “The Uncertainty of Life”. Little did I know this lesson would be impressed upon me so soon and so real! I am thankful that He was with me and that His “rod and staff” prevented death from taking my life. They truly comforted me because He was with me. We must realize that death can overtake us at any time. It is then we have no control over our life. We will then be in the hands of the living God. It is my heart’s desire that all who read this will be in subjection to the will of God, obey the gospel of Christ and live for our Savior. The Lord has promised He will give us a “crown of righteousness” when this life on earth is finished (2 Timothy 4:8). Oh, how “blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on” (Revelation 14:13)!

THE BEAUTIFUL ROSES ARE FADING FAST!

The beautiful pink roses on our white fence are now fading white. They ‘hit their peak’ by Mother’s Day. They are still beautiful but they are fading fast.You see, like other beautiful flowers the time does come when the beauty of the roses fades and eventually they will die. This is also true of mankind. We will also fade/pass away. The apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1:24,25 wrote, “all flesh is a grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass, The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever” (See also Isaiah 40:6-8). Life at the longest is brief when compared to eternity. The writer James, in his letter, wrote that life “is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” In Psalm 90:9,10, we read, “For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Regardless of age, life is very fragile and death can occur at any time, regardless of one’s age. Some of us are in the winter of our lives and we are definitely closer to eternity than ever before. It is only in Jesus Christ that we can have an abundant life presently (John 10:10) and for eternity! Jesus said, as recorded in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The apostle John in chapter 5:11,12: “And this is the testimony:that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” I strongly encourage you to study very carefully the following passages to know just how to be in Jesus Christ and to have life in the Son: John 20:30,31;8:24;Acts 19:30; Galatians 3:26,27. It is by the blood of Christ and the grace of God that we are redeemed and forgiven of our sins (Ephesians 1:7; 2:5). We should “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord” (2 Peter 3:18). If we live faithfully in this life for Jesus Christ, as Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7,8, we will receive a “crown of righteousness.” It is my heart’s desire that everyone would give his or her life to Jesus and live for Him so we all can go to that heavenly home ‘where the roses never fade/die’. Of course, we know there will not be roses in heaven but it is the thought of where we will be in eternity that we will never ‘fade’ or die that is found in the title of this song. Where The Roses Never Fade. “I am going to a city, Where the streets with gold are laid, Where the tree of life is blooming, And the roses never fade. Here they bloom but for a season; Soon their beauty is decayed. I am going to a city, Where the roses never fade. In this world we have our troubles, Satan snares we must evade. We'll be free from all temptations, Where the roses never fade. Loved one's gone to be with Jesus, In their robes of white arrayed. They are waiting for my coming, Where the roses never fade. Here they bloom but for a season; Soon their beauty is decayed; I am going to a city, Where the roses never fade.” -Janie West Metzgar

OPITIONAL: ACAPELLA AND/OR INSTRUMENTAL

The God of Israel had this to say regarding the spiritual status of His people, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6). Is it possible for spiritual Israel (the church of the Lord) to be rejected because of the lack of the knowledge of the Word of God? The answer is a resounding yes! There is always the probability that the church of Jesus Christ can lose its identity because of ignorance of the Holy Scriptures. Where there is a void in the understanding of the Bible there is the potential of being led astray from the teaching of the Lord. When this happens, an apostasy usually occurs over a period of time. We must never assume that all Christians have a proper understanding of biblical matters. Therefore it is of necessity that elders require of their preachers and teachers to present lessons and sermons over a broad spectrum of subjects pertaining to the authority of the scriptures, how to rightly divide the Word of God, the identity of the church of our Lord, acceptable worship as well as the grace and love of God. There is always a great need for a balance in the preaching of the Word of God. The apostle Paul instructed Timothy in this manner, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (II Timothy 2:2). The next generation untaught will be unlearned in the ways of the Lord and there will be the ever present danger of drifting away from New Testament Christianity. You only have to read the writings of University professors, preachers, youth ministers and others involved in the leadership of the church to know that there is a woeful lack of Bible based convictions regarding the identity of the church; what constitutes scriptural worship; the essentiality of baptism and other needed subjects. One of the areas in which attitudes have changed over the years is regarding acceptable music in our worship to God. Several years ago, I read that a large congregation was wanting a “Student Minister” to work with young adults. The advertisement stated that the candidate should be “comfortable with both acapella and instrumental form of worship.” I thought that was a bold statement to make, however, brethren now know this is more common than we ever imagined. An area congregation began in recent times to have what they call an “Alternative Instrumental Worship” on Sunday. Thus, the elders of that congregation are now trying to satisfy the different segments of the membership. The elders of this congregation previously were allowing members to use the instrument during the weeknights but not on Sundays. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah, the prophet of God, sent for the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah to meet with him on Mount Carmel and he would prove whose God should be served. Ahab also sent for all Israel to be present at Mount Carmel for this occasion. “And Elijah came near to all the people of Israel and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him” (KJV). But the people answered him not a word” (verse 21. The thought I want to glean from this passage is, there comes a time when the children of God must make very important decisions regarding that which is authorized in our corporate worship to God. If instrument music is acceptable in worship, why not use it in all the assemblies? On the other hand, if acapella music is the only authorized and acceptable music to be used in our assemblies then we are only to sing (Ephesias 5:19, Colossians 3:16). It is confusing and misleading for elders to offer an ‘alternative worship' where the instrument is used while in another assembly where only ‘acapella’ singing will be used! Why go ‘limping between the two’? Both assemblies cannot be acceptable to God if that which is being done in one is not scriptural. It is absolutely necessary for each child of God to study the holy scriptures and to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). We must no “longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). We must understand that what is not authorized by the Word of God must be rejected. The apostle Paul wrote to the church of God with this admonition, “Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things that are written…” (1 Corinthians 4:6)

THE HOUSE OF GOD OFTEN MEETS TO WORSHIP IN A BUILDING

The house of God also meets in rented halls, private homes, under a shed, in public buildings, and even in the open spaces. But, one asks, “is not the church building where we meet on Sunday, the Lord’s house? Yes, in the same sense that my house in which my wife and I live is the Lord’s house. It belongs to God who provided it for us. The psalmist declared that “The earth is the Lord’s , and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1,ESV). But, did not David say, ”I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” (Psalm 122:1)?. Yes, that is true. There was a time when God’s presence could be found above the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle (sanctuary) that Moses erected. (See Exodus 25:8;21,22). The glory filled also the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34). Later, King Solomon built the temple (house) of the Lord in the city of Jerusalem. (1 Kings 6:14). When finished, “the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord (1 Kings 8:11). In the sermon of the apostle Paul as recorded in Acts 17, he declared, “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands (v.24). But, God does dwell in His people! You see, the house of God is the church of our Lord! In his letter to Timothy, Paul wrote in chapter 3:14,15, “I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.” In 1 Peter 2:5, we read, “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Paul wrote to the church of God in Corinth, “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). The house of God is a spiritual building and not one erected by the hands of men! It is in this sense that the house of God does often meet in a building! The house (church) of our Lord is never a place but a people redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ! The house of God is also referred to as being “a holy temple in the Lord'' as we read in Ephesians 2:19-22: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” We also read in 1 Corinthians 3:16,17, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” The apostle wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:19, “that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” So, my brothers and sisters in Christ, the scriptures teach that we are the “house of God, which is the church of the living God”, that is “a spiritual house”; and not the place where we assemble to worship God!.

"AND WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD I WILL PASS OVER YOU"

Before God brought the 10th plague upon Egypt, that is, the death of the firstborn in every family among the Egyptians, including the animals. He informed Moses that no harm would come to the children of Israel (Exodus, chapters 11&12). On the 10th day of the first month of Abib every man was to take a male lamb of the sheep or goats and keep it until the 14th day when it was to be slain. The men were instructed to take the blood of the animal and put some on the doorposts and the lintel of the house. Instructions were also given as to how they were to prepare the lamb for a meal in each household. Only unleavened bread was to be eaten with the meal.This was the “Lord’s Passover”. The Passover was to be a memorial for Israel throughout their generations. The Lord spoke to Moses, “For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt” (Exodus 12:12, 13, Emphasis, mine,re). The lamb that was killed was without blemish. The blood that was placed on the doorposts and lintel of the houses assured the people of Israel that the firstborn of each family would be spared from death. The Passover lamb of the Old Testament was a foreshadowing of Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf. In 1 Corinthians we read, “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him,he said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). The lamb that was offered by the children of Israel was to be without blemish, so was the Lamb of God who was sacrificed on Calvary. The apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:18, 19, “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” As the lamb’s blood was placed on the doorposts and lintel, the blood of the Lamb of God was shed when He was on Calvary’s cross. When Jesus was eating with His disciple during Passover, He took a cup and said, ““Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). John wrote in Revelation 1:6, “To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood, who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.” The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:7 concerning Jesus Christ, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace…. ” And we know that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22). Thank God for His infinite grace and the precious blood of Jesus Christ. In Romans 6:3,4, we learn when we come in contact with the blood of Christ: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” It is not the water that saves us when we are immersed, rather it is the blood of Christ when we are “baptized into his death” when His precious blood was shed. It is in this sense that God ‘passes over us’ in the forgiveness of our sins. There was an old hymn that we used to sing in worship when I was a boy entitled, ‘WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD’ that contains this thought. Here are two of the stanzas and the chorus, “Christ, our Redeemer, died on the cross, Died for the sinner, paid all his due; All who receive Him need never fear,Yes, He will pass, will pass over you. O what compassion, O boundless love, Jesus hath power, Jesus is true; All who believe are safe from the storm, O He will pass, will pass over you. When I see the blood, When I see the blood, When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” - J.G.F

'LIFE IS NOT A BOWL OF CHERRIES'

Sometimes the valleys in life are deep and long. But it is not a time to give up. Blaming God and leaving the Lord would not be the answer. Gold refined by fire rids the dross and makes it purer (I Peter 1:7). I think of this passage in Proverbs 24:10, “If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small.” There was a time when many of the disciples of the Lord left Him and He asked His own apostles, “Do you also want to go away?” It was then that Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. “Also we have come to believe and know You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:66-69). It is in the valleys of life that I need Him. He has never forsaken me and why should I forsake him. He is my Rock and my salvation. He is my Hightower; my shelter in the time of the storms. He gives me comfort in the night. His strength is greatly manifested in weakness. I have often requested of Him to bestow His grace upon me so that I might see the sun beyond the overcast and the silver lining behind every cloud. And His grace is sufficient for me. A moving verse is found in James 4:6 which is a simple but a very profound statement, “But He gives more grace.” Here is a precious promise of our Heavenly Father, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:15). Also we find in Psalm 46:1 that “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” The following hymn explains best what I am trying to say: HE GIVETH MORE GRACE By Annie J. Flint (1866-1932) He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength as our labors increase; To added afflictions He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials He multiplies peace. When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources Our father’s full giving is only begun. Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision, Our God ever yearns His resources to share; Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing; The Father both thee and thy load will upbear. His love has no limits, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again. - THE TRIUMPHANT STORY of ANNIE JOHNSON FLINT By Rowland V. Bingham