HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2021 H –HOLD FAST TO YOUR CONFESSION, JESUS OUR HOPE Hebrews 4:14; 10:23. A --ASSEMBLE TO WORSHIP GOD John 4:23, 24: Hebrews 10:24, 25. P --PRAY OFTEN I Thessalonians 5:17: Ephesians 6:18. P --PREPARE, PROMISED, AND PURPOSED GIFT. II Corinthians 9:5-7. Y--YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATIONS. Matthew 6:13 _______ N--NEGLECT NOT YOUR TALENTS. Matthew 25:14-30: I Timothy 4:14: James 4:17. E --EVERYONE DESERVES TO HEAR OF CHRIST. Mark 16:15: I Timothy 3:14, 15. W --WORKMANSHIP OF GOD. Ephesians 2:10: Titus 3:1. _______ Y --YIELD YOURSELVES AS SERVANTS OF CHRIST. Romans 6:16-17. E --EXHORT ONE ANOTHER. Hebrews 3:12, 13. A --ASSURANCE OF GOD’S GRACE. Ephesians 2:5, 8. R --READ THE BIBLE DAILY. II Timothy 2:15; I Timothy 4:13

"YOU HAVE NOT PASSED THIS WAY BEFORE"

The great leader, Moses, had died and the Lord God had chosen the faithful warrior, Joshua, to be the leader of the children of Israel. They were encamped on the east side of the River of Jordan and the time had come for them to cross over the River of Jordan and into the land of ‘milk and honey’, the land of Canaan. God had assured Joshua several times that He would be with him as he was about to enter the promised land (Joshua 1:6-9). In Joshua 3, the priests, carrying the ark of the covenant, were to lead the people across the River of Jordan and into the land that God had promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3). Joshua, in charging the people to follow the priest at a certain distance, said this to the people, “FOR YOU HAVE NOT PASSED THIS WAY BEFORE” (Emphasis, RE). The children of Israel were about to enter a land they did not know. As we enter this new year of 2021, it could also be said of us, “For you have not passed this way before.” We do not know what this new year will bring. It might be weal or woe, sadness or happiness, life or death, success or failure, etc. For the child of God, we should read what God said to Joshua and to know that basically He tells us the same: “Be strong and of good courage”, “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:6, 9). In Hebrews 13:5, we read, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Because we are children of God, this is the blessed assurance we have in our Lord. Here are some suggestions that will strengthen you as you enter the uncharted course in this new year of 2017: Trust in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5, 6). Love God with all your heart, soul and mind (Mark 12:30). Love your brethren and your neighbors (John 13:34, 35; Mark 12:30). Do good to all men and especially your brothers and sisters in Christ (Galatians 6:10). Attend the assemblies of the church to worship God and to exhort/edify/build up one another in the most holy faith (John 4:23, 24;Hebrews 10:24, 25). Be steadfast in prayer (Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Increase your knowledge of the Word of God by reading and studying it daily (Psalm 1:1-3;119:97; Matthew 4:4). I close this article with the words of the apostle Peter as found in 2 Peter 1:10, 11 “Therefore, brethren, be more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

THANKSGIVING

To me, the national holiday of Thanksgiving is my favorite. While we are to be thankful each day for the bountiful blessings that flow from the hand of our gracious God, this day is set aside as a time for the entire nation to express its gratitude and to enjoy the fellowship with friends and loved ones. David wrote long ago, “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving…” (Psalms 95:2). “Enter into his presence with thanksgiving…” (Psalms 100:4). “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving” (Psalms 69:30). The apostle Paul said “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you ward” (I Thessalonians 5:18). Again, Paul wrote, “In nothing be anxious, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). I have many reasons to be thankful. God has washed my sins away by the blood of my Savior. I am able to devote my time to the study and preaching of his Word. I am associated with the best people in the world – Christians. The Almighty has blessed me with health, good parents, a wonderful wife and family, food, shelter and raiment. The providence of God has been prevalent in my life as I look retrospectively over the years. I am grateful for the God-fearing men and women who have influenced me in the field of Christian education. I am also thankful for those preachers who lived before me in this particular area who pioneered the way with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And, for all the brothers and sisters in Christ who have been so faithful, suffering hardships, overcoming obstacles in their efforts to build up the various congregations. I am thankful for the memories of departed saints for their good influence on my life. I am among all men most wonderfully blessed. Therefore, it is with deep feelings that I sing: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav’nly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!”

"COME BEFORE WINTER"

The apostle Paul was in a Roman prison when he wrote the letter of second Timothy to his “son in the faith”, Timothy. This is the last recorded letter Paul ever wrote. In the 4th chapter, verses 9 and 21, there are two statements made by Paul that greatly encouraged the younger evangelist to make every effort possible to come see him before it was too late. Paul wrote, “be diligent to come to me quickly” (V 9); “Do your utmost to come before winter…” (12). There are two reasons implied in these statements for Timothy to make every effort to come to him as soon as possible. One is that winter would not be the time to travel by boat. The wintry storms made it very dangerous to travel on the seas. Paul had experienced shipwreck during that season of the year as recorded in Acts 27. No doubt, the most important reason for Timothy to make haste to come to him as quickly as possible is found in the words of Paul in verses 6-8: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.” Should Timothy tarry too long, it would be too late to see Paul alive for his “departure” was at hand, that his death was imminent. In life, there are words we need to express and actions we should take before it is too late, that is, we should do them before “winter” comes. Husbands and wives should express daily their love for one another. There is always the possibility of a heart attack, a stroke or an accident that could take the life of your mate. The last words spoken to your husband/wife could be, “I love you”. Parents need to express their love to their children, regardless of their age. They need to know you care for them, not only by the physical and material you give them, but, a hug and ‘I love you’ will give assurance to them that you really do love them; and, that you desire they live for Jesus Christ so the family can be together with God in eternity. Children need to express their love and appreciation to their parents as well. They should respect and honor their parents (Ephesians 6:1, 2). Aged parents, especially, desire to hear from their adult children who live long distances from them. Siblings should stay in contact with one another. Efforts should be made to be together when possible. It is very difficult to give up a brother or sister to death. Wishing that you had expressed your love and care for one another after death has separated you from a loved one is of no avail. That is why you need to do it before “winter” comes, otherwise it will be too late. Also, brothers and sisters in Christ should express their love to one another. We are “children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). We are to love one another as Christ has loved us (John 14:12). We are the family of God. Those who have not given their lives to Christ and who have not obeyed the gospel (Romans 1:16; Acts 2:36-38) should no longer tarry because “winter” (death) might overtake them (Hebrews 9:27), and they would pass into eternity without God. “Winter” (death) is coming to us all. Now is the time for us to express our heartfelt feelings to our loved ones; and, to do what we can to help others while we have the time and opportunity (John 9:4, Galatians 6:10). The clock of life is wound but once And no man has the power To tell just when the hands will stop At late or early hour. Now is the only time you own Live, love toil with a will Place no faith in tomorrow For the hands may then be still. Kenneth L. Fielder

PERFECT PEACE COMES FROM THE PRINCE OF PEACE

In the closing remarks of the second epistle that the apostle Paul wrote to the “church of the Thessalonians in God our Father the Lord Jesus Christ”, he wrote, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thess. 3:16). In all of the trials, tribulations, disappointments and struggles in this life, children of God can find peace in our savior Jesus Christ who is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Edward J. Bickersteth, was on vacation in Harrogate, England and on one Sunday in August, 1875, he listened to a sermon by Canon Gibbon that was based on Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee. ” He was greatly impressed by the thoughts presented on this text. It was then that he took a piece of paper and began to write a poem that would become the moving and beautiful hymn, “Peace, Perfect Peace”. In this hymn, you will observe that in each stanza there is a challenge or a struggle presented for the believer; and, for each struggle, the author provides spiritual answers in the second half of each stanza. “Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within. Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed? To do the will of Jesus—this is rest. Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round? On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found. Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away? In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they. Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown? Jesus we know, and He is on the throne. It is enough; earth’s struggles soon shall cease, And Jesus call us to heav’ns perfect peace.” “There is no peace, Says my God, “For the wicked” (Isaiah 57:21). But, to His disciples Jesus gave these assuring words: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). The exhortation given by the apostle Paul as found in Philippians 4:6, 7, is also for “all the saints in Christ Jesus” today: “In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” One fruit of the Spirit is “peace” (Galatians 5:22). To have this peace, one must be “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5). Can you truly sing,”It is well, with my soul”, knowing you do not have this blessed peace which is to be found only in Jesus Christ? You are urged to give your life to Jesus in humble obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and trust in the Lord with all your heart, you will then have this perfect peace “which surpasses all understanding”.

THE SECOND GREATEST COMMAND GIVEN BY THE LORD

A scribe asked the Lord, “Which is the first commandment of all?” “Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. “And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:28-31 NKJV). The “first”, foremost, chief and greatest commandment is for a person to love God with all of one’s being. This is the vertical relationship that mankind can have with Almighty God. This is the most important commitment that a person can ever make. The second commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”, is horizontal, it is our relationship with our neighbor. The fulfillment of the second command is predicated upon one being in submission to the first commandment. The apostle John wrote, “And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (John 4:21). John also wrote; “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen” (1 John 4:20)? As you can plainly see, these commandments are closely bound together. Now if this is true regarding our brother and sister in Jesus Christ, would not the same principle be applicable concerning our relationship with our neighbor who is made in the image of God?. A certain lawyer asked the Lord, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus told the story of a man who had been stripped of all his clothing and severely beaten and left for dead. Two of the leaders among the Jews saw him and kept walking; however, a Samaritan stopped and gave aid to him as well as additional future help (Luke 10:25-37). An important lesson in this story is that whoever is in trouble or is in need is our neighbor and not just the ones who live near us. This love (Greek, Agape), is defined as being, “affection, good-will, love, benevolence: Of the love of men to men; especially that love of Christians toward Christians” (Thayer Greek English Lexicon). This love cannot be legislated by the government or by any human organization. This love has to come from a heart that possesses the love for God. The apostle Paul wrote “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the Law.” Paul mentions varies commandments that one should keep and then he wrote, “And if there is any other commandments, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” He also wrote, “Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:8-10). This statement is so profound! This love is greatly needed in our world today and in our own nation. There is so much hatred in the hearts of many people. There is “harm” being manifested by evil deeds done by individuals and groups. In contrast, people who have the love of God in their hearts will only do good to their neighbors. This love is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Love is “a more excellent way” and its characteristics are found in 1 Corinthians 12:31;13:4-7. One characteristic of love is being kind to one another which is greatly lacking in our society today!. In closing, remember, “And now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

"I'M NOT THE MAN I USED TO BE"

This is a religious song that is often sung by different quartets, groups and individuals, emphasizing how that one’s life has been changed, “by Calvary”, noting the death of Jesus Christ who died on the cross for the sins of the world. Regardless how a person has lived previously, when a person believes in Jesus Christ as being the Son of God, is penitent of sins and obeys the gospel of Christ, his/her sins are forgiven and forgotten (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Hebrews 8:12). Mankind is not so merciful and forgiving. Recently, I read that “Boeing’s communications chief, who was forced to resign because of an article he wrote criticizing women in combat in 1987 - more than 30 years ago - when he was a Navy fighter pilot.” The gentleman explained he no longer held the same views about women serving in the armed services as he did when he was a young man. Nevertheless , he was forced to resign his position with the company. This is a prime example as to the extremes we are now witnessing in our nation. What if God treated mankind in like fashion as those responsible for pressuring this person to resign from his work with this company? Consider the following men who said or did something that was not in harmony with the will of God, the Lord forgave them and used them in His kingdom. Abraham, the ‘father of the faithful’, was not perfect. In two incidents he intended to deceive rulers in order to protect his life. When Abram “went to Egypt”, because of the beauty of Sarai, his wife, he said to her, “Please say you are my sister that it may be well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of you.” Thus Pharoah and others believed that Sarai was only a sister to Abram and not his wife (Genesis 12:10-20).While this statement was partially true, it was not the whole truth. Then there was the time when Abraham and Sarah went to Gerar. While there, he told others, “She is my sister”. King Abimelech took Sarah. God intervened and the king did not touch her. (Genesis 20). David, after much time and many obstacles, became King of Israel. God richly blessed him abundantly with power and material things. Yet, he lusted after a woman, committed adultery with her, and had her husband killed (2 Samuel 11) Peter denied his Lord three times (Matthew 26:69-75). The apostle Paul, prior to his conversion, persecuted the church of the Lord (Acts 9). He referred to himself as being the “chief” of sinners (1 Timothy 1:12:-15) Abraham matured in his faith in God and his belief “was accounted to him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3,5). King David was truly penitent of his sins (Psalm 32; 51). The apostle Peter was truly sorry for his denial of Jesus Christ (Matthew (Matthew 26:75). Saul (Paul) believed in Jesus, repented and was baptized to wash away his sins (Acts 9:9-11;Acts 22:16). These individuals were not men they used to be. He did not hold their past mistakes, faults and sins against them. Have we not all thought, said or written something that displeased God and sought His forgiveness? We should be thankful for the infinite mercy of our Heavenly Father. God has given His children this blessed assurance: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25).

PREJUDICE AND THE "PRINCE OF PEACE"

Prejudice is not peculiar (distinctive) to any people, whether we speak of race, ethnic or religious groups. It can be found among all. Prejudice is defined as follows: “An unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason. Any preconceived opinion or feeling, either favorable, unreasonable feelings, opinions, or attitudes, especially of a hostile nature, regarding an ethnic, racial, social, or religious group” (Dictionary.Com). A person is not born with prejudice in his/her heart toward any persons. Prejudice is learned by being taught by someone; or, one learns to be prejudiced against other persons by being influenced by his/her environment or by association. My wife and I entered a mall in a nearby city on one occasion when our precious granddaughter, age 2-3 years old, was with us. Our granddaughter saw two black children about her age and immediately ran up to them and began hugging their necks. I think the mothers were amazed as we were. We thought, how wonderful it would be if adults acted in their hearts as these precious children did toward one another. There was a person who was even prejudiced against Jesus because He came from a certain town. It was Philip who “found Nathanael and said to him, “”We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:45, 46). Nathanael did become a believer in Jesus, the Son of God. He was of the lineage of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He was an Israelite, in other words, a Jew. The Jews were despised by non-Jews. In like manner, the Jews were greatly prejudiced against the Samaritans and the Greeks. In traveling from Judea to the religion of Galilee, the Jews would cross over the Jordan River and travel on the eastern side until they passed the country of Samaria, and then they would cross back over the River of Jordan and continue their trip. In the gospel of John, chapter 4, you can read the story of Jesus, while passing through Samaria with his disciples, He spoke to a Samaritan woman and talked with her of the “living water”. As we might say, this was unheard of, that is, a Jewish man speaking to a woman who was a Samaritan! But, Jesus was not prejudiced against others simply because they were not a Jew. To be like Christ, we will not harbor prejudice and/or hatred in our hearts against people who are of a different race or ethnic group. In the book of Isaiah 9:6, the messianic prophet wrote of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, as being the “Prince of Peace”. The apostle Paul, wrote “To the saints who are in Ephesus” ( Ephesians.1:1), that Jesus “Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His Flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the father.” (Ephesians 2:14-18). That which separated the Jews and Gentiles had been abolished and now the Jews and Gentiles could be reconciled in Jesus Christ and His body, which is His church (1:22,23). This was made possible when Jesus shed his precious blood on Calvary’s cross (2:13). Jesus, the “Prince of Peace”, preached peace that prevents persons from having prejudice in one’s heart toward people of different racial or ethnic backgrounds. The apostle Paul explains it clearly that we all can be united in Jesus Christ as found in Galatians 3:26-29: “for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”

"IN TIMES LIKE THESE YOU NEED..."

Because of the Corona virus, our world has been ‘turned upside down’. None of us has ever experienced what is now occurring in our lifetime and in our country. Perhaps it has caused us to consider what we really need in this life, rather than just what we want. There is definitely a need for food to sustain life. Because of health problems, there is a need for many to see a doctor, others may need to be hospitalized. Grandparents truly need to hug their grandchildren. Students need to be in school. There is a great need for family members who are separated to be together again. There is a great need for an owner to open his/her business soon! There are people who need to go back to work. There are multitudes of family members who need to see their loved ones who are in hospitals and nursing homes! There are individuals who are in the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit or in a hospital room who are in critical condition, who desperately need a loved one to hold their hand and express words of comfort and love to them. There are Christians who have a great need to assemble with their brothers and sisters in Christ to worship Almighty God and Jesus Christ. During this crisis, we should all realize that we really don’t have control over what a tomorrow may bring in this life. In the epistle of James, we read, “Come now , you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that” (4:13-15). We all agree that we need a cure for Covid-19; however the greatest need we have in this life is Jesus Christ who gave His life for us on Calvary’s cross. There is a disease of the heart and it is called sin. If it is not removed, it will lead to death (Romans 6:23). Jesus was born to be the Savior of the world (Luke 2:11). In fact, He came to “seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus, the great Physician, came to call sinners to repent (Matthew 9:12,13). The hope that we have in Jesus Christ, is the anchor of our soul that is “both sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:19). Read carefully the words of the apostle Peter, when asked by his hearers what they should do to be saved, “Repent and let every one of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”. The “saved” were added to the church, the body of believers (Acts 2:36-38;47). In this time of uncertainty, anxiety, being quarantined, loss of loved ones, worry, fear of contacting the virus, etc.; it is comforting to know that God “desires all men to be saved”(2 Peter 3:9). Truly, it can be said, “In times like these you need a Savior.” “In times like these you need an anchor Be very sure, be very sure Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock This Rock is Jesus, Yes He's the One This Rock is Jesus, the only One Be very sure, be very sure Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock”

IS IT AN AUDITORIUM OR A SANCTUARY?

It is not uncommon to hear a brother mention in his prayer that “we are thankful to be able to come out to God’s house and worship.” Also, you will hear from time to time a member of the church referring to that part of the building where the assembly of worship is conducted as being the ‘sanctuary’. If you were to bring someone to visit our buildings, most likely the person would refer to the place of worship as being “a beautiful sanctuary.” To some degree, most of us have been affected by Judaism or Catholicism whether we realize it or not. The Lord God had Moses to erect the tabernacle. This portable tent of meeting was to be the center of worship until many years later when Solomon would build the temple in the city of Jerusalem. In Exodus 25:8, we read that the purpose of such a place was “that I may dwell among them.” In this verse, the whole of the tabernacle was referred to as the “sanctuary.” However, in Exodus 25:22, we learn that it was at the mercy-seat between the two cherubim, atop the Ark of the Covenant and located in the Most Holy Place that God said, “I will commune with thee.” In short, the sanctuary, whether speaking of the tabernacle as a whole or the Most Holy Place, was a dwelling place of the presence of the Almighty God. In contrast, the place of worship in the Christian age is of no significance. Jesus taught the Samaritan woman that it would not matter where one worshiped God (whether in the mountains or in Jerusalem) as long as such was done “in spirit and truth” (John 4:20-24). Paul declared that the “Lord of heaven and earth dwells not in temples made with hands” (Acts 17:24). The Lord’s called out congregation is never a place but always a people. The church is “a spiritual house”, not a physical building, “to offer up spiritual sacrifices” (I Peter 2:5). Again, Paul wrote in I Corinthians 3:16 that “You (Christians) are a temple (sanctuary) of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you.” Paul referred to the “house of God” as being the “church of the living God” in I Timothy 3:15. Therefore God’s sanctuary (house) today is His kingdom, the church, and not where the saints meet to worship.

"THERE IS A FOUNTAIN FILLED WITH BLOOD"

Zechariah 13:1: “In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.” The prophet Zechariah, inspired by the Holy Spirit, penned these words approximately five hundred years before the coming of Jesus Christ. Because of the immediate context containing prophecies regarding Jesus Christ before and during His crucifixion, we can understand this passage as pertaining to His death. In chapter 9:9, the writer mentions that “Your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey” (NKJV) This was fulfilled as found in Matthew 21:4, 5. In chapter 12:10, we read, “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.” This prophecy is fulfilled in John 19:37. Again, we find another prophecy regarding Christ in chapter 13:7, “...Strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered.” The fulfillment of this prophecy is found in Matthew 26:31. The location of the “fountain” in chapter 13:1 was to be in Jerusalem. A fountain is a source of freshwater that is gushing forth for the thirsty souls. However this “fountain” refers to that which flowed from the side of our Savior while he hung on Calvary’s cross. It was a Roman soldier who “pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out” (John 19:34). His precious blood was shed “for sin and for uncleanness”. When Jesus instructed His disciples to drink from the cup, He said, “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” In Romans 6:3, 4, the apostle Paul explains that we come in contact with His blood that saves when we are “buried with Him through baptism”. William Cowper, in 1772, wrote the lyrics of the moving and beautiful hymn, “There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood”, based on the words found in Zechariah 13:1. Here is the first stanza of the song: There is a fountain filled with blood, Drawn from Immanuel’s veins, And sinners plunged beneath that flood Lose all their guilty stains: Lose all their guilty stains, Lose all their guilty stains; And sinners plunged beneath that flood Lose all their guilty stains. Praise God for His immeasurable love!

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

It is early in the morning and the silence is deafening! The house is too quiet. There is hardly any noise in my neighborhood. I do not hear the school buses that are normally picking up children for school; and, there is not any traffic on the nearby street that leads to the high school!! This is my ‘quiet time’ for prayer and study but it is just too quiet! Simon and Garfunkel sang the song, “The Sound of Silence” which has remained one of the most popular songs over the decades. It was based on the biblical passage, I am sure, found in Ecclesiastes 3:7, “A time to keep silence; A time to speak.” But, there is a verse of scripture found in Habakkuk 2:20, that is profound and needs to be understood in the immediate context. The writer is contrasting the reality of a living God and idols made of wood and silver that are lifeless and cannot speak. In verse 20, 34 we read “But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him” (ESV). In the Old Testament the temple in Jerusalem was where the presence of God could be found; however, the apostle Paul said, as recorded in Acts 17:24, that the Lord “does not dwell in temples made with hands.: Paul also said that God “is not far from each one of us! (Acts 17:27). In Psalm 139, we learn there is no place we can be but that God is there! While He is in His “holy Temple”, that is heaven, He can be everywhere at all times, but He is not in one place all the time. Because God is so great in His majesty we are to “keep silence before him.” The Septuagint Version renders Habakkuk 2:20, “The Lord is in his holy temple; Let all the earth FEAR before him” (Emphasis, mine, RE). “The consideration of his infinite perfections, his self-existence independence, supremacy, immensity, eternity; his omnipresence; omniscience, and omnipotence; his unspotted holiness, his inviolable truth, and impartial justice; and especially his sovereign authority and dominion, should strike all men with a reverential awe, and should dispose them to the most perfect submission toward him” (Benson Commentary on Habakkuk) When we sing the following hymn, let us understand that it is more than a song to quieten people, or just a call to worship. Let us humble ourselves before the great Almighty God and stand in awe of His holiness. Let us possess a reverential fear of our God in our hearts. “The Lord is in His holy temple Let all the earth keep silence before Him Keep silence Keep silence Keep silence before Him!” - Wm.J. Kirkpatrick

TOGETHER WE HAVE STRENGTH

A friend of mine related to me how during World War II a squadron of B-17s was nearly indivisible while flying bombing raids over enemy targets. He mentioned that the enemy fighter planes were in the air constantly but would not attack the squadron because of its firepower. Only when a plane in the squadron became disabled in any manner and fell out of the formation did it become vulnerable to the enemy. Together, the squadron of B-17s protected each other. But when one aircraft lagged behind it was usually destroyed immediately. There is somewhat an analogy contained in this story. When Christians have the moral support of one another it is very difficult for a member to be lost to Satan. However, the Christian who falls behind through indifference and negligence soon becomes easy prey for “the fiery darts of the wicked one”, who “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (Ephesians 6:16; I Peter 5:8). Our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, and knowing that man was a social being, provided in His scheme of redemption the bringing together of His people in public assemblies for worship and edification. This is clearly set forth in Hebrews 10:24,25: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” In the light of this context and that is to “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works”, the exhortation is given, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” In addition to rendering praise and adoration to God, the next important reason given for our assemblies is to exhort one another. It is encouraging and strengthening to the Christian when one is faithful in attendance to the various gatherings of the local church. It is very unlikely that one would ever become unfaithful to God if he/she were present for these assemblies. It isn’t that he/she couldn’t, it is that he/she will not want to leave his/her Lord and His body, the church. But, one of the first signs of a brother or sister becoming unfaithful is the steady decline in the attendance of the various periods of Bible study and worship. When a Christian ‘falls out of the formation’ and begins to lag behind, separating himself from the other members, you can just about know that he/she is going to be ‘shot down’ by the “fiery darts of the wicked one.” While assembling to worship God and to build one another up in the most holy faith is not the sum total of Christianity, it is an essential ingredient in the Christian’s harmonious relationship with His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

WHENEVER I AM AFRAID

A few years ago, I heard the late beloved Franklin Camp deliver a moving sermon as one of the speakers on the Faulkner University Lectureship. I believe the theme of the lectureship that year was, “Blessed Assurance”. Brother Camp was referring to various passages of scriptures that had sustained him over the years. He also related that in the month of May, l981, he learned that he had to have open-heart surgery. He said that he had to wait twelve days before he could have surgery. While lying on a hospital bed for that length of time, he thought of the great seriousness of this type of surgery. He admitted that he was afraid, realizing the seriousness of the kind of surgery. He then thought of Psalms 56 that was written by David during a very trying time in his life. David had to flee from the presence of Saul who sought to kill him and he also had to deal with the Philistines who wanted him dead. In this particular psalm, David is seeking the help of God to deliver him from those who sought his life. In verses 3 and 4, David writes, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” Again, in verses 10 and 11, “In God (I will praise His word), In the Lord (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Brother Camp noted that David was a strong man, having killed a lion and a bear while protecting his sheep and had killed Goliath the giant (I Samuel 17). Yet, David said that he was afraid. Brother Camp said that if David could be afraid, so could he. But, the encouragement is to be found in the statement, “In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid.” Please note that there seemed to have been a progression from verse 3 when David said “I will trust in You” to verse 11 when he declared “In God I have put my trust”. As I listened to this great man of God confess his fear along with David’s, I thought to myself, if David and brother Camp could be afraid at times, surely I could also be afraid in certain circumstances. But, David said that he trusted in God when he was afraid. And, that trust in the Lord will calm the troubled soul. The word trust is mentioned 74 times in the book of Psalm and carries the idea of leaning on and trusting in someone; to have implicit faith and full confidence in another. In Psalm 46:1 we have these beautiful words, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble…” Again David exclaimed, “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by” (Psalm 57:1). Recently, two of our dear Christian lady friends were diagnosed with breast cancer. The ‘C’ word does not need defining. It is one word that brings fear to our very souls. This passage in Psalm is one that I encouraged these ladies and others to read and meditate on and do as David did: “In God (I will praise His word), In the Lord (I will praise His word)” (Psalm 56:4, 10). Our Father has promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Go to Him in prayer and leave there your every care and He will uphold you with His everlasting arms. “The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices; And with my song will I praise Him.” Psalms 28:7

UNDER HIS WINGS

There is the beautiful, thoughtful, contemplative and comforting song, UNDER HIS WINGS, that brings solace and strength to the soul of the believer. Here is the first stanza, along with the chorus: “Under His wings I am safely abiding; Though the night deepens and tempests are wild, Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me; He has redeemed me, and I am His child. Under His wings, under His wings, Who from His love can sever? Under His wings my soul shall abide, Safely abide forever.” No doubt, the lyrics of this hymn were based on some of the scriptures as found in the book of Psalm. In Psalm 91:1-6, we read: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the ]fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.” There are two perils that are mentioned in this passage but the one that I want to emphasize is “ perilous pestilence”. The brief definition of “perilous”, “full of danger or risk.” And the definition of “pestilence” is, “a fatal epidemic disease.” This basically describes the situation we are experiencing in our nation as well in the world. I read recently where three members of a family of four had died due to the coronavirus. Other members of the ‘family reunion’ were also infected with this terrible virus. Over the centuries there have been infectious diseases that have killed great numbers. There was the bubonic plague in the 14 Century wherein “One-fourth of the population of the civilized world perished, the deaths in Europe alone reaching 25,000.000.” And, “The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, the deadliest in history, infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet's population—and killed an estimated 20 million to 50 million victims, including some 675,000 Americans.” In the text of Psalm 91, we find this comforting statement, “And under His wings you shall take refuge.” We have seen pictures of birds sheltering their young under their wings in time of trouble. I personally remember seeing mother hens sheltering their chicks under their wings when danger seemed to be imminent. This metaphor of protection found under “His wings” brings comfort to the heart of the true believer in God. Under His wings we find security, protection and loving care from the storms of life. Whatever we face in life, God will be his children. We should cast all of cares upon Him “for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

ALWAYS FAITHFUL

It must have been a very emotional scene as the Marine Commandant visited the young men who lay wounded on their hospital beds following the terrible truck bombing of their barracks in Beirut on October 23, 1983. One young marine, who was critically wounded and could not talk because of the tubes in his throat, made a sign with his hands as the General visited him. It was soon understood that he wanted a pen and pad in order to write something. Upon receiving them, the marine wrote the words “Semper Fi”, short for “Semper Fidelis”. The message, “Always Faithful” is the motto of the Marine Corps. In the face of death, in pain and discomfort, here was a person loyal to the cause, faithful even until death. Our hearts are filled with admiration for young men with such courage, fortitude and faithfulness. My mind was filled with exhortations from the Holy Scriptures regarding the faithfulness of Christians to the Captain of our salvation, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:10). The encouragement in Revelation 2:10, “Be thou faithful unto death…” must be understood in the light of the context. Many of the saints in Smyrna were being imprisoned and not a few were being killed because of their love for and their loyalty to the Lord. Regardless of the severity of the persecutions, Christians were urged to be faithful to Christ even if it cost them their very lives. If they would not recant but die confessing Christ, the Lord promised them “the crown of life.” Oh, how we need to emulate the traits of courage and faithfulness of the young marine, and especially of our brethren in the first century, many of them dying horrible deaths. The example of faithfulness exemplified in the lives of men and women of every age needs to be imitated today. No greater example of endurance and faithfulness to the Lord can be found than that of the apostle Paul. Think of his rejection, his suffering, and his imprisonment; yet, he never wavered in his faith. He, too, could have written, “Always Faithful” at his death. In fact, this is what he did write during the last days of his life on this earth: “For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith…” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). His faithfulness cost him his life but he received that “crown of righteousness” from Jesus Christ. It is truly disheartening to learn of brethren, after many years of faithfulness, falling from the grace of our Lord. Some apostatize because of apathy, others because of carnality, while many falter because of their unscriptural marital relationships. Some apostatize from Christ, embracing religious errors and practices. How foolish for a person to ‘quit the church’ because of hurt feelings or an injury to one’s pride. In contrast, it is so wonderful to know of brethren who remain faithful to Christ all their lives. I spoke at the funeral services for an elder of a congregation where I had formerly served as a preacher. It was with confidence and assurance made possible by God’s grace, love and the death of Jesus Christ, that it could be said that this brother had gone to be with the Lord. It could have been written on his grave marker, “Always Faithful”. Whether your life may be taken because of your love for the Lord, or whether you live until you die of natural causes, may it be written of you, “SEMPER FIDELIS!”

2020 VISION

It is suggested that we have our eyesight checked at least every two years. The ideal vision is 20/20. Most of us, as we grow older, need some assistance to enable us to see. Thus, we are fitted with glasses from time to time. In the matter of evangelism, we often suffer because of the lack of spiritual vision. That infirmity is called ‘myopia’ which has to do with nearsightedness. So many Christians can only see that which is near. We are not looking far enough. We are confined within the walls of our church buildings. We are in need of having our eyesight improved by the Great Physician who can heal our partial blindness. We desperately need some “eye salve” to anoint our eyes that we may see the fields “that are white already unto harvest (Revelation 3:18 John 4:35). He whose eyes are as “a flame of fire” (Revelation 1:14) has written us a prescription that will give us 20/20 vision. It is recorded in Acts 20:20: “how I shrank not from declaring unto you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house.” First of all, it needful that we teach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). Second, note the methods used by Paul in the proclamation of that which was profitable. He said that he taught the gospel of Christ both publicly and privately. The persecuted prisoners of the Lord had earlier utilized these avenues in preaching Jesus as the Christ every day “in the temple and at home” (Acts 5:42). Personal evangelism and the public proclamation of the gospel go hand in hand. This formula was very effective in the first century. The church grew rapidly in the city of Jerusalem (Acts 4:4; 5:14; 6:1). The church today relies greatly on the public teaching of the gospel, generally ignoring the second half of the formula used by our brethren during the infancy of the church. The truth is that the church is not growing in many locales simply because the members do not have proper 20/20 vision. The word of God is not increasing and the number of disciples is not multiplying (Acts 6:7) in our society today. Oh, we do ‘swell’ our numbers periodically due to the moving of members from one place to another, but, true numerical growth comes about when souls are being added to the church when they obey the gospel of Christ (Acts 2:38, 47). The fact is non-Christians seldom frequent our assemblies, even during special efforts such as gospel meetings. There are individuals who are hesitant to come to our church buildings. We must go to them. (Isn’t that what the Lord told us to do in the great commission, recorded in Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15?) The congregations that are experiencing numerical growth of disciples are those churches that are complimenting the public proclamation of the gospel with the individual/private teaching of the word. It may be the showing of filmstrips; an open Bible study or it may be conducting a Bible class in one’s home. The method is a matter of indifference as long as it is in harmony with the principles of the New Testament. What we need is a genuine commitment from Christians to become more involved in instructing sinners to come to Jesus Christ where there is salvation from sin and where there is the hope of eternal life (II Timothy 2:10).