How Does Your God Compare With the God of the Bible???

Today much is being said comparing Christianity with other religions. Many are saying that all religions are good and produce law-abiding, peace-loving citizens. People fail to understand that there is a vast difference between religion and salvation. Religion is an individual doing something for God. Salvation if God alone doing something for a hell-bound, hell-deserving individual. Let's look at some important differences between the God of the Bible that the Christians worship and the gods that other religions worship.

1. The God of the Bible has a Son

His title and name is the Lord Jesus Christ. God expressed His love and desire for the world through His Son, Jesus Christ.

John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

1 John 4:9-10 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Does your God have such a Son???

2. The God of the Bible has a Sacrifice

The Lamb for the sacrifice is promised in Genesis.

Gen. 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

In Isaiah 53 we learn that the Lamb is to be a person.

Isa. 53:5-7 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Who is this Lamb??? John the Baptist introduces us to the Lord Jesus Christ with this statement; John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. God provided himself a Lamb in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Does your God have such a Sacrifice???

3. The God of the Bible has Salvation

The sacrifice was more than a dying lamb. It required the shedding of blood. Notice these truths about the shedding of blood in the word of God.

Ex 12:7, 12-13 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

Heb. 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Here we learn that the redemption of sinners is in the Blood of Christ.

Heb. 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. Here we see that the remission of our sins is in the Blood of Christ.

Col. 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. This teaches that Christians are reconciled to God through the Blood of Christ.

So, we conclude that in the Salvation of Christianity there is redemption, purchased through the blood of Christ, and remission of sins, dealing with the sinner's past, and reconciliation, producing peace for the redeemed sinner.

Does your God offer such a Sacrifice???

4. The God of the Bible has a Spirit

Every Christian has the Spirit of God living inside them. Jesus told His disciples just before His death on the cross this truth; John 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Gal. 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Christians are enabled by the power of the Spirit of God that lives inside them to possess these fruits of the Spirit in our lives. Christians then, by the power of the Spirit of God, are loving, joyful, peaceful, law-abiding citizens.

Does your God have such a Spirit???

Since all other gods have no son or sacrifice, they really have no salvation to offer. Therefore, their followers have no salvation to enjoy, and since they have no spirit indwelling within them, they have no love, peace or joy inside them as well. The only joy the followers of other gods have is in destroying those that disagree with them. All other gods require their followers to die for their cause to keep their religion alive.

The difference is very clear. You must make the choice. Do you want a god that offers a religion that requires you to destroy others, or even you and your sons to die for him? Or, do you want the God that gave His Son to die for you so that you can be saved and live eternally with Him in Heaven???

Deut. 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Eph. 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Rom. 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

(Excerpt from a pamphet written by Evangelist Stinnett Ballew)

The Source of Spiritual Understanding

The Bible leaves no doubt that understanding is not a matter of "updated language" or "better translation." Understanding comes from God, who gives it to or withholds it or withdraws it from men on the basis of what they do with His word.

The inspiration of the Lord giveth understanding. Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Understanding is not produced by an updated translation; by faith we understand. Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Where does such faith come from? The answer is from the word of God. Rom. 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The word comes first, not the understanding. Prov. 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

Prov. 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Understanding comes from God, not "my language" or "updated translations." David was completely fluent in "the original Hebrew," yet he asked God for understanding. Psalm 119:34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Psalm 119:73 JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. Psalm 119:125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. Psalm 119:169 TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word. God demands reception of the words before He grants understanding.

Paul prayed for God to give others understanding. God provides that understanding through His word, which is breathed out of His mouth. Psalm 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. David discovered after asking for understanding. Some disciples discovered that same truth on the road to Emmaus. Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, Even the simple-minded can receive understanding from God's word. Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Today, people demand understanding before a person receives the words of God; God demands reception of the words before He grants understanding.

Mark 8:17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? Sin and the hardening of the heart can prevent a person's understanding of the word of God. People can have their understanding darkened because they are ignorant of God's word, yet people would claim that lack of understanding produces the ignorance and not vice versa. Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: God removes understanding from teachers who reject His word. 1 Tim. 1:7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. Job 17:4 For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt them. When God removes a man's understanding, an updated translation does not restore it.

The Purpose of the Sunday School

Dr. Clarence Sexton of Temple Baptist Church, Powell, TN provided this list of items detailing the importance of Sunday School as a ministry of the local church.

1. Honoring the Lord Jesus Christ
2. Teaching the word of God
3. Training faithful workers
4. Caring for individuals
5. Organizing the church to function as a body
6. Teaching Bible doctrine
7. Promoting revivals and special meetings
8. Winning the lost and encouraging Christians
9. Teaching the church to pray
10. Teaching God's people to give to God's work
11. Reaching the entire family
12. Engaging in world evangelism
13. Teaching the importance of obeying Christ in the local church ordinance of believer's baptism
14. Teaching the truth of the local church ordinance of observing the Lord's Supper
15. Teaching the place of the local New Testament church in the work of God
16. Encouraging the memorization of the word of God
17. Encouraging worship
18. Providing an opportunity to serve the Lord in the local church
19. Providing fellowship
20. Developing a Christian world view that is based on the right theology as we look for and love the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ

What about you??? Will you be in Sunday School the next Sunday you attend church???

Be Thankful!!!

Col. 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

1 Thess. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

2 Cor. 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Eph. 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Heb. 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those
Who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

Author Unknown

Two Poems to Develop "Passionate Passion" For Souls

O for a passionate passion for souls,
O for a pity that yearns!
O for the love that loves unto death,
O for the fire that burns!
O for the pure prayer-power that prevails,
That pours itself out for the lost!
Victorious prayer in the Conqueror's Name,
O for a PENTECOST!

By Amy Wilson Carmichael

Oh! for a heart that is burdened!

Infused with a passion to pray;

Oh! for a stirring within me;

Oh! for His power every day.

Oh! for a heart like my Saviour,

Who, being in an agony, prayed.

Such caring for OTHERS, Lord, give me;

On my heart let burdens be laid.

My Father, I long for this passion,

To pour myself out for the lost -

To lay down my life to save others -

"To pray," whatever the cost.

Lord, teach me, Oh teach me this secret,

I'm hungry this lesson to learn,

This passionate passion for others,

For this, blessed Jesus, I yearn.

Father, this lesson I long for from Thee -

Oh, let Thy Spirit reveal this to me.

By Mary Warburton Booth

The Sword of the Spirit

Eph. 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

There are five basic ways to obtaining a firm grasp on the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

1. Hear the word of God - "hearing with the heart" - Rom. 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
2. Read the word of God - having "eyes of understanding" - Rev. 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. Eph. 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
3. Study the word of God - studying with a goal - Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
4. Memorize the word of God - memorize with a purpose - Pslm. 119:9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Matt. 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
5. Meditate upon the word of God - making a personal application - Pslm. 1:2-3 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Josh. 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Marks of a Christian Leader

1. Christian leadership is motivated by love and given over to service.
2. No one should be more earnest in the pursuit of excellence than the Christian leader.
3. God loathes mediocrity - Rev. 3:15-16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
4. Nothing less than the pursuit of excellence can possibly please God.
5. Excellence assumes an objective.
6. Christian leadership demands vision. Vision includes optimism and hope. Vision imparts venturesomeness.
7. Excellence also assumes priorities. His priorities are in the proper order.
8. The leader is a follower. It is a matter of following men insofar as they follow Christ.
9. The leader is able to lead others only because he has conquered himself (through discipline) and in turn has been conquered by Christ.
10. No leader should live under the delusion that he has finally arrived. Excellence requires constant evaluation, correction, and improvement. The process of leadership, therefore, never ends.
11. Excellence demands that we be true to the best that God has placed within us.
12. The true Christian leader must have given his life over to be controlled by the Holy Spirit which lives within him. All other qualifications are desirable, but this quality is indispensable.
13. In God's scale of values, humility stands very high.
14. Experience repeatedly bears out that you must really care about people to get them to perform at their best level.
15. Righteous anger is another mark needed by the Christian leader.
16. All Christian leaders must be accountable to someone else.

Pastoral Advice to Guide Your Christian Walk

One pastor has told his congregation that there are five main things that a Christian should make sure that they have right, because if they do, everything else in their Christian walk will fall exactly into place. Listed below are the five main things:

1. Are you spending daily time in God's word, the Bible???
2. Are you faithful to the services of your church???
3. Do you spend quality time in prayer with the Lord daily???
4. Are you faithfully doing your best to see souls saved every day???
5. Are you faithfully giving as the Lord has prospered you???

Although the five things listed above are not a formula per say, if you get those things right in your life, it's amazing how much more simple things will get in your walk with the Lord. Unfortunately, however, many Christians are only focused about one or another of these areas, neglecting the others altogether since they deem them to be unimportant or for another Christian to focus upon in their life.

The successful Christian will incorporate each of these things in their life, overcoming the Devil in his attempt to offer busyness, pleasure, selfishness, and worldly cares for the Christian to replace these good things above, hoping to cause the Christian to stumble in his walk for the Lord and become defeated in his service for the Lord.

Let's take inventory of the things above and incorporate them into our life if they are currently missing!!!

If Tomorrow Never Comes

If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep,

I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time that I would see you walk out the door,

I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,

I would video tape each action and word so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time then I could spare an extra minute or two,

To stop and say "I love you!" instead of assuming you would know I do.

If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day,

well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight,

And we'll always get a second chance to make everything right.

There will always be another day to say our "I love you's",

And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do's?"

But just in case I might be wrong and today is all I get,

I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike,

And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes you'll surely regret the day.

That you didn't take the extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss,

And you were too busy to grant someone what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today and whisper in their ear,

"I love you very much" and that you'll always hold them dear.

Take time to say "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me." "Thank you" or "It's OK"

And if tomorrow never comes you'll have no regrets about today.

This poem contains some truth regarding our personal relationships with our family and friends, but the real truth of the matter is that we really do not know what tomorrow will bring. Therefore, most importantly, we must make sure our relationship with God our creator has been assured, trusting in Jesus Christ as our Saviour. Then, and only then, can we really love others and care for their needs, since the Holy Spirit lives and abides in our lives. If the Holy Spirit fills us, we in turn will bear much fruit in our relationships with others. We must live for God and serve Him just as if this might be our last day here on this present earth. Put the needs of others ahead of yourself; you'll be glad you did!!!

2 Cor. 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Prov. 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Gal. 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Problems in the Church

1 Cor. 1:10-17 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

Prov. 15:25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

The Reason for the Problems

Prov. 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

1. Pride keeps a person from salvation - Prov. 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
2. Pride keeps a Christian from repentence.
3. Pride keeps a church from revival - 2 Chr. 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The Results of the Problems

1. Complaints - 1 Co 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. - Num. 11:1 And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.
2. Confusion - This confusion could be over the leadership, or the direction of the church, or the final authority - 1 Cor. 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
3. Cliques - Cliques will dethrone Christ (they're always right no matter what the cost), divert allegiances (they cause good people to stray from biblical leadership), and divide fellowship - 1 Cor. 1:12-13 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

The Remedy for the Problem

1. Keep your eyes focused on Christ - 1 Cor. 1:30-31 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
2. Take heed to sound Bible preaching - 1 Cor. 2:1-5 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
3. Labor together with God - 1 Co 3:5-9 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
4. Leave everything up to the Lord - 1 Co 4:1-5 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Conclusion - Everyone in the church is either a part of the solution, or the problem of the church.

Envy

Prov. 27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

1. Envy is caused by lack of gratitude - Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
2. Envy is a form of pride - 1 Tim. 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
3. Envy comes from talking about things of which you know nothing - for instance, motives, gossip, and rumours - you don't have to be "in the know" - 1 Tim. 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
4. Envy will keep you from enjoying what you have - Abab was miserable when he couldn't get Naboth's vineyard - some of the most miserable people today are those who have the most; their misery comes as a result of envy.
5. Discontentment and envy are highly contagious - Ahab infected his daughter, who in turn infected her husband Jehoram - envy is passed on to the next generation.
6. Envy will turn into evil (evil is sin with the intention of hurting someone) - in the form of a critical tongue, a belittling attitude, tearing down and casting doubt - Acts 7:9 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, - Acts 17:5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
7. Envy will eventually destroy you from the inside out - Job 5:2 For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one. - Prov. 14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. - Envy will literally destroy your health.

Guarding Against Envy

1. Be truly thankful for what you have.
2. Express your gratitude to God and those around you.
3. Pray for God to be good to others.
4. Be thankful for what God is doing for others.
5. Be genuinely happy for others.
6. Be genuinely complimentary of what God is doing for others.
7. Don't compare yourself with others.
8. Don't window shop.
9. Don't steal another's joy.
10. Get busy serving.

What is Worse???

What is worse, one who does not believe in God or one who believes but does not serve Him? What is worse, one who does not believe the Bible or one who says he believes it but does not read it?

What is worse, one who does not believe in prayer or one who says God answers prayer but never takes the time to pray? What is worse, one who does not believe in the church or one who believes but never attends regularly?

What is worse, one who says he does not believe there is a Hell or one who says there is a Hell and yet never goes soul-winning to try and win someone to the Lord to keep them from going to Hell?

What is worse, one who says it is foolish to go to Sunday School and church or one who who says that you ought to go but never visits his absentees to be sure they are faithful to class? You answer these questions above.

No doubt about it, the athiest who dies without God Jesus Christ as his Saviour will burn in Hell. By the same token, the Christian who knew his responsibility and failed to do it will also give an account of his service to the Lord.

The scripture states in Luke 12:48b, "for unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." Sometimes I wonder if in the sight of God the coldhearted and backslidden Christian might be just as big a disappointment as the athiest.

It is really hard to say which might be worse in the sight of Almighty God. Won't you do your best for Jesus this week???

By C. W. Fisk

The Devil's Beatitudes

If the Devil were to write his Beatitudes, they would probably go something like this;

1. Blessed are those Christians who are too tired, too busy, or too distracted to spend a half a hour with God each day, or two hours once a week with their fellow Christians - they are my best workers.
2. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked to perform any small task at Church - I can use them.
3. Blessed are those Christians that are "touchy;" sooner or later they will stop going to church - they are my missionaries.
4. Blessed are those Christians who are troublemakers - they shall be called my children.
5. Blessed are those Christians who are complainers - I'm all ears to them.
6. Blessed are those Christians who are bored with the pastor's mannerisms and mistakes - for they get nothing out of his sermon's from God's word.
7. Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church - for they are part of the problem instead of the solution.
8. Blessed are those Christians who enjoy gossip - for they shall cause strife and divisions in the church that please me.
9. Blessed are those Christians who are easily offended - for they will soon get angry and quit church and keep others from attending with their critical speech.
10. Blessed are those Christians who do not give their financial offering to carry on God's work through the church - for they are my helpers.
11. Blessed are those Christians who profess to love God but hate their fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord - for they shall be with me forever.
12. Blessed are you when you read this and think it is about the other Christian and not yourself - I've got you!!!

Ten Little Christians

Ten little "Christians" standing in line,
One disliked the preacher, then there were nine.

Nine little "Christians" stayed up very late,
One overslept Sunday morning, then there were eight.

Eight little "Christians" on their way to Heaven,
One desired the world, then there were seven.

Seven little "Christians" chirping like chicks,
One disliked the music standards, then there was six.

Six little "Christians" seemed very much alive,
One lost their interest, then there were five.

Five little "Christians" pulling toward the shore,
One stopped to rest, then there were four.

Four little "Christians" each busy as a bee,
One got his feelings hurt, then there were three.

Three little "Christians" knew not what to do,
One joined the hip crowd, then there were two.

Two little "Christians" our rhyme is nearly done,
Differed with each other, then there was one.

One little Christian can't do much tis true,
Brought his friend to Jesus, then there was two.

Two earnest Christians each won one more,
That doubled their number, then there were four.

Four sincere Christians worked early and late,
Each won another, then there were eight.

Eight spendid Christians if they doubled as before,
In just seven Sundays there would be one thousand twenty-four.

In this little jingle, there is a lesson true,
You belong either to the building or to the wrecking crew!!!

Author unknown

Are you tearing down the church by your words and actions, or are your building the church by bringing others to Christ?????

(I added the quotations around the Christian words above, since we know that a true Christian will find his way to Heaven, even if he fails in his service to God while here on earth. The Bible tells us there are a group of carnal Christians, clinging to the world instead of clinging to the things of God; however, a carnal Christian is still a saved Christian!!! A genuinely saved person is always saved!!!)

Search the Scriptures - Resurrection Day!

1. What did the angel reveal by rolling back the stone from the door of the tomb?
2. What cover-up occurred in connection with the resurrection of Christ?
3. How did the eleven disciples at first receive the report of Christ's resurrection?
4. What happened to change their minds?
5. What was left behind when Christ arose from the grave?
6. Name at least three witnesses to the resurrected Christ.
7. In what way is the Christian faith dependent upon Christ's resurrection?
8. What message of the gospel caused offence among Jewish leaders?
9. What important Old Testament figure clearly prophesied the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
10. What firsthand proof did Paul have that Jesus Christ did not remain in the grave but arose from the dead?

One Day!!!

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as dark as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin;
Dwelt amongst men, my example is He!

Chorus:
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified, freely forever;
One day He's coming, O glorious day!

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anquish, despised and rejected;
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!

Chorus

One day they left Him alone in the Garden,
One day He rested, from suffering free;
Angels came down o'er His tomb to keep vigil;
Hope of the hopeless, my Saviour is He!

Chorus

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!

Chorus

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing;
Glorious Saviour, this Jesus is mine!

Chorus

Written by Charles Marsh

Evangelism: Our Ultimate Aim

Call it what you will - visitation, witnessing, soul-winning - evangelism is the all important purpose for why God has left sanctified believers on this sin riddled earth. The believer will worship Christ forever at His feet in Heaven. Our fellowship will be so much sweeter and unhindered by the defilement of sin in God's eternal glory. Our edification will be complete, for we shall know even as we are known. 1 John 3:1-3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. But there is one activity that will not be available to believers in Heaven - that of soul-winning!!! The summer will be ended and the harvest complete and we will never again have another opportunity to tell a lost soul the wonderful news that Jesus saves!!!

Evangelism is the duty of every believer to get the eternal word of God into the eternal souls of men before both the sinner and saint enter eternity. This is what God expects of all believers. Only eternal things present in this world today will pass on from this life into eternity. All else will be left to burn. There are only two eternal things present with us today with which we can lay up treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Both are eternal because they are breathed out by the eternal God. These two God breathed things are the eternal word of God, the Bible, and the eternal souls of men.

Soul-winning has never rested upon our charismatic personalities or our persuasive skills. People are won to Jesus Christ by the Spirit of God convicting them of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He uses the scriptures, which Paul tells us is able to make one wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15). Rom. 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Every believer is an ambassador for Christ, and is to be faithfully seeking to get the eternal word of God into the eternal souls of men.

While individual believers ought always to be seeking ways to get the eternal word of God into the eternal souls of men, it is the gathered assembly that Jesus gave the great commission. As one united body we are to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. Believers are not go-it-alone "hot-shots" but are called to work together to reach the whole world with the message "Jesus Saves!!!"

Worship is sublime, fellowship is wonderful, and edification is needful for the proper development of the individual believer and the church as a whole, but evangelism is the ultimate purpose for it all. Jesus tells us that we are to abide in Him and His word is to abide in us so that we may bring forth fruit, more fruit, and much fruit. It is in the obedience to His command that our heavenly Father is glorified and the church of Jesus Christ completely fulfills its purpose. (John 15)

Our blessed hope is the imminent calling of Christ from the clouds to "Come up hither," and so "shall we ever be with the Lord!" Until then, however, we are commanded to "Occupy till I come." That occupation, under every circumstance and in every situation, is to get the eternal word of God into the eternal souls of men. The Holy Spirit will use the word of God to point them to Christ, and the precious fruit of our labors will please our heavenly Father to no end. Prov. 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Be wise, and one day you will shine as the stars of heaven in the eternal presence of our Lord!!!

Famine in the Land

Amos 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

The word "famine" in the verse above does not mean the absence of having or possessing the Bible. Famine here is the absence of understanding the Bible. This is a famine of the word or hearing the words of God.

God said there is going to come a day when my people won't know anything about My Book, the Bible. It's already happening in our own country; we have removed the Bible from our institutions of learning and such, and now we're ignorant of knowledge of the Bible. Our people in this land are filled with ignorance.

The ignorance of the Bible is destroying this world, and the ignorance is not in the world. The ignorance is in our hearts!!!

How we respond to this Book is how God responds to us. If we are careless, naive, and ignorant about Him, God will be careless and reckless with us. Therefore, our opinion about the Bible and our knowledge about the Bible is extremely important.

The purpose of the church is to take the message of the Bible to people who do not know this book, and to accomplish that, it means that somebody has got to know the the book!!! How can you share the truth of God's word if you yourself have very limited knowledge of it. Not knowing the book is why converts and young Christians fall so quickly away from the church. If we don't teach each generation to read and love the Bible and follow its commands, then in a relatively short period of time, we will no longer have any true Bible-believing churches in our land.

Your marriage, your family, your child-rearing, your work, and your relationships with people are all areas built upon God's word, and if it is not, then you are going to have a life of problems in each of these areas. You will be like the foolish man who built his house upon the sand; when the storms of life come, and they will come, the rain and resulting flood will wash the foundation away, and your house will come down with a big CRASH!!!

Matt. 7:24-29 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

If we are going to be people of the Book, we had better know the Book about which we are talking. If we are going to be people of the Book, we had better enjoy what God has given us and saturate ourselves with it!!!

What can we do to help us to understand God's word and prevent a famine in our lives???

1. Declare war!!! Make it a priority in our home that God's word comes before other activities in the home, such as TV, the Internet, and hobbies. Reading and studying the word of God should be our first priority.
2. Study the Bible!!! Don't just read the words of God, but study and know exactly what God is telling us with those words. Get good study helps to aid your understanding of the Bible as necessary.
3. Develop a culture of learning!!! No matter whatever our age or depth of knowledge about the Bible, we should have a lifetime commitment and desire to continue to learn more about the truths in His word.
4. Fight to be people of the Book!!! Get serious about our faith and service to God, refusing to allow the modern thoughts and philosophy of the world (i.e. politically correct) to guide our steps in life; develop a Biblical world-view mindset, not man's world-view thinking.

Deut. 6:1-7 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Deut. 8:19-20 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.

What you do with God and His word, the Bible, will determine what God does with you.

Judgment is Coming!!!

Rom. 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Many have heard the saying that "death and taxes" are certain for everyone. Technically, however, that statement is not completely true, since some people pay no taxes and some people have never died, such as Enoch and Ezekiel. There is only one thing that is absolutely certain to happen to every person which has ever lived here on earth; everyone will have to face God some day!!! Meeting God to give an account of one's life is an absolute certainty as taught by God in His word, the Bible. The prophet Amos warned the nation of Israel almost 2500 years ago (Amos 4:12), "Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel." In Hebrews 9:27 the Bible says, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"

Of course, for the Christian believer, there is no need to fear Hell at the judgment of God. The Lord Jesus Christ has paid for our sins and purchased our redemption with His shed blood on the cross of Calvary. Rom. 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Col. 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Nevertheless, we who are Christians still must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, as taught in the Bible in 2 Cor. 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." What will occur at this judgment??? 1 Cor. 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Those who die in unbelief, however, not having trusted in Jesus Christ as their Saviour, will face a different judgment meeting with God. John describes this future scene in Rev. 20:12-15, "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

Yes, judgment is coming to all of us by God sometime in the future. It is certain!!! We are all accountable and responsible for our own lives and must face God alone. No excuses..... no blaming others for our own actions. It will be just a holy and just God and us. Christian friend, are you living your life for the Saviour, allowing the Holy Spirit to control your thoughts and actions each day??? To the unbeliever, are you putting things off until a "better time" instead of trusting Christ as your Saviour today??? Do you place more value in the knowledge of men who ridicule and despise God's written words to man, the Bible??? Do you live for your own self and pleasure and refuse to submit to the authority of God our creator???

Judgment is Coming!!!!!!!

Watching For Christ's Return

Matt. 24:42,44 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

The year 2000 arrived without any special prophetic events taking place, though some had predicted that the Lord would return. Knowing of this, many have become skeptical about Biblical prophecy as well as the Christianity. But this will be a sad mistake!!! Regardless of just when it will happen, Christ will return, for so He promised, and He cannot either lie or fail. He has repeatedly made it plain that no one can determine the date of His coming. While Jesus lived here one earth, even He knew not the time; Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Again and again, however, He urged us to watch and be ready for His return. He did not tell us to watch for the Antichrist or the revival of the Rome's empire or a great apostacy or a one-world government or anything else - just for Him!!! Listed below are some commands from the Lord to watch for His return:

Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Mark 13:35-36 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

Matt. 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

The apostles also sounded similar warnings to others about the return of the Lord Jesus Christ:

Heb. 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

1 Cor. 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1 Cor. 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

1 Thess. 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

1 Thess. 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

2 Peter 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

What about you??? Are you ready and watching for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ???