Jesus and the Fact of Hell

Matt. 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

How can it be that Jesus Christ, who taught so strongly the importance of love and forgiveness, could speak such words as these above??? Actually, Jesus had more to say about Hell and eternal punishment than any other speaker or writer in the Bible. Since He is the Creator (Col. 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:), the coming Judge (John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:), and the only man who has died and risen permanently from the dead (2 Cor. 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.), we would do well to believe and heed His warnings. He knows whereof He speaks!!!

Listen to these prophecies, for example:

Matt. 13:49-50 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Mark 9:47-48 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

There are other such warnings from Jesus Christ, but how can we reconcile such threats of everlasting doom with His own nature of love???

The fact is, however, that Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels, not for people. The devil has been a rebel against God since the beginning, wanting to be as God. When people follow the devil in the same rebellious path, rejecting God's Word and Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross for their sin, they are showing they would be more comfortable with Satan than with Christ in eternity. They love sin and self more than the Saviour!!! Therefore Christ, because of His great love, has repeatedly warned them of what is coming, and so should we. God's Word is a record of God and His dealings with mankind. It shows man how he can know and fellowship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ. It also shows how we, as Christians, should share the truth of the Gospel with a lost and dying world each and every day of our lives.

Jude 22-23 And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

John 3:16-21 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. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

When All Is Said and Done....

When all is said and done, what is said should be what has been done. Often the talk we talk on Sunday is not the walk we walk on Monday, as for example:

• We talk about Christian attitudes but then erupt with anger the first time something doesn't go our way.
• We talk about our love for the Saviour, but we cannot find a way to show love for both saints and sinners around us.
• We talk about soulwinning, but we cannot get around to it on a consistent basis or even at all.
• We talk about what the Bible teaches, but then we forget to follow it in our own daily personal walk.
• We talk about doing right, but we decide to bend the rules just a little when it suits us to do so.

1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Talking the talk is always right to do! If we do not talk about the right things, then we sure enough will evidence a life of backsliding in our Christian walk.

Walking the walk gives legitimacy to our talking the talk. Walking through life showing evidence of our talk based on God's Word exhibits evidence of our true Christianity; exhibiting Christ-likeness in our walk.

As a Christian, we have much with which we are entrusted. Being true and faithful is a necessary expectation.

1 Cor. 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

There will come a time in your life when all will be said and all will be done. When that time comes, it will be good if the preacher can truthfully eulogize that your "said" and your "done" were indeed well done.

But even more important than that, one day you will stand before the Lord, who knows all that you ever said and all that you have ever done. Will He be able to say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord?"

As a Christian, let's make sure we give it a full effort; our walk matching our talk!!!!!

(Seed thought provided by Dr. Shelton Smith)

A Frightening Fact

It might seem natural to suppose that every time a man sins, he would know a little more about sin, its nature, and its methods. Actually, the exact reverse is true. Every time he sins, he is making himself less capable of realizing what sin is, less likely to recognize that he is a sinner; for the ugly thing (and this, I feel sure, has never been sufficiently grasped), the really diabolical thing about sin is that it perverts a man's judgment. It stops him from seeing straight!!!

Statement by Dr. James S. Steward

James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Rom. 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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.

Don't Limit the Spirit's Working

Matt. 22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Acts 13:27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

The Spirit of God reveals no new truths to the believer. It is His office to explain, apply, and witness inwardly to the heart the truths already written in the Word of God. The written Word is the only authorized channel and instrument of His divine agency toward man. Everywhere the Word is spoken of as the instrument of conviction, regeneration, sanctification, and of all the Spirit's operations on the heart of man.

The Spirit not only limits His agency to the sphere of truth comprehended in the written Word, but also in each individually case. He uses only such truth as the individual is already acquainted with. If the mind is ignorant of any particular truth, the Spirit will not apply that truth for the admonition, instruction, or santification of the soul. Such ignorance is a loss to the soul, and such loss can be repaired only by personal study and application of the mind, by reading, hearing, inquiring, and learning the Word of God; not by any special manifestation of the Spirit. If we are ignorant of any Bible truth relating to promise, duty, or doctrine, the Spirit will not supply the defect. The Christian character of the individual will therefore be defective just in proportion as the truth of which he is ignorant is essential to this edification. When he has learned such truth by searching the Scriptures, then the Spirit will make use of that truth for the enrichment of his spiritual life.

It is the "Spirit of truth" that helps our reason to apprehend the knowledge of God. As we like Timothy follow the instructions given by Paul, "give attendance to reading," the Spirit Who inspired the Scriptures will become the interpreter of them. There are things spoken of and promised in the written Word above the reach of natural reason; these can only be apprehended and experienced through the revelation of the Spirit.

1 Cor. 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Written by Edward Davidson in an article printed in the "Out and Out" in 1917

The man of God must live by the Word of God, and the Holy Ghost never will pass by or lightly esteem the Word that He has given. There are two extremes. The Word without the Spirit is dry and dead, but the Spirit without the Word is incomplete. Let us honor the Holy Scriptures; let us habitually use them, search them, feed upon them, incorporate them into our lives, and use them as the weapon of our warfare against Satan, and for the souls of men. - A. B. Simpson

SOME FOOLS IN GOD’S SIGHT

Psalms 92:1-8 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore.

1 Samuel 26:21 Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.

THE ATHEISTIC FOOL

Psalms 14:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Romans 1:18-20 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

THE REPROBATE FOOL

Romans 1:21-28 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. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

THE SIN MOCKING FOOL

Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

Proverbs 1:26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

THE REBELLIOUS FOOL

1 Samuel 13:13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.

1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

THE RELIGIOUS FOOL

Genesis 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

Genesis 11:7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.

THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS FOOL

Proverbs 28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

THE MATERIALISTIC / WORLDLY MINDED FOOL

Luke 12:16-21 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

THE HOT TEMPERED FOOL

Proverbs 14:17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

THE LADIES’ MAN FOOL

Proverbs 7:22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

Judges 16:19-20 And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.

THE PROCRASTINATING FOOL

Acts 24:24-25 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

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

Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

(Outline submitted by Pastor John Horner)

PREPARING THE HEART FOR TRUTH

Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

Ezra was a priest and a scribe. His occupation was in the studying and transcribing of the Word of God. “This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given” (Ezra 7:6). The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem took four months. Ezra gives us a transforming truth regarding our preparation to receive God’s Word. Ezra wisely recognized the condition of his heart as it related to the Word of God. He realized that the study and understanding of the Bible was not merely academic or intellectual. He “prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD.” The Bible is God’s Book. It is a spiritual Book, a supernatural Book that cannot be comprehended on a purely academic level. God reveals His Truth to us from the Word of God. We should seek to understand the Bible and to learn and apply the principles of Scripture. The Holy Spirit is given to us to reveal God’s truth to us. The unsaved man does not have the spiritual capacity to understand the Word of God. The condition of our hearts will determine our ability to receive God’s truth. Ezra also prepared His heart to “do” the law of the LORD. Not only is the heart a factor in learning truth, it is also key in the matter of obeying truth. It is one thing to know what God says; it is another to do what God says. For man to consistently obey the Word of God and follow its teaching requires a heart that is surrendered and yielded to God and truth. Lastly, Ezra prepared his heart to “teach” the Word of God. To teach the Bible is a tremendous responsibility. One cannot communicate God’s truth effectively in the energy of the flesh. Ezra was what one might consider a “professional” Bible teacher, yet he dared not teach without his heart being right. Before attempting to teach the Bible, the heart of the teacher should be prepared. It is inconceivable that we would undertake opening the Word of God and seeking to explain the truths contained therein without seeking to have a prepared heart. As we consider the importance of the heart of the teacher, should we not also think of the heart of the student? If we are going to get the most of our Bible reading and study, as well as the preaching services, we must come with prepared hearts.

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

THE MAN WHO WENT TO HELL WITH HEAVEN ON HIS MIND

Hell is a place where there is eternal torment and pain in unquenchable flames. Hell is a place of terrible memories and horrible thirst. Hell is a place of eternal separation from everything of beauty that resides in this world. Hell is a place of eternal separation for the presence of God. Hell is a place prepared for the devil and his angels, but all those who reject Jesus as their Savior will go there for all eternity. I can only think of one thing worse than going to Hell; and that would be going to Hell with Heaven in your mind. Does that really happen? The Bible gives us several vivid examples…

• Judas Iscariot – He kissed the gates of Heaven and went to Hell - Matt. 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. Acts 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
• Felix – He looked into salvation, but he wanted to wait to a more convenient time - Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
• Agrippa – He stepped up to the very door of Heaven and turned away - Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
• Festus – He heard claims of the Gospel and called them the ravings of a mad man - Acts 26:24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

As far as we know, every one of the men I mentioned died and went to Hell with Heaven on his mind! The same thing happens all around us. People come in and out of our churches. They hear the Gospel message; they are challenged to repent of their sins and to turn to Jesus; They leave lost and on their way to Hell. If they don't repent and trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour, they will die and go to Hell with Heaven on their mind.

Again, allow me to repeat; As far as we know, every one of them mentioned above died and went to Hell with Heaven on his mind! Don't let that happen to you! Look at your life. What do you trust to give you eternal life? Good works? Clean living? A good name? All those things will fail! You might have a lot going for you, but if you do not have Jesus Christ, you are lost, doomed and headed to Hell. Don't be satisfied to just think about eternal things, come to Jesus today and get your eternity settled. Don't go to Hell with Heaven on your mind!

CHOOSING

Hebrews 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

You have probably heard some version of the following statement: “Your life is the result of the choices you have made.” There is certain validity to that summation of life. Life is made up of decisions. Some decisions are more important or critical than others. Some choices, however, will affect a person’s life for its duration. More importantly, some decisions will have a bearing on our eternal destination or rewards. What might be the criteria for our decisions? Imagine a person choosing to suffer rather than to have pleasure. Our Scripture tells us that Moses made such a decision. Being reared in the court of Pharaoh, Moses had access to the best the world had to offer. His people, on the other hand, were the “people of God.” His people were oppressed and downtrodden. They were a poor and crushed society of people, slaves to the Egyptians. If Moses identified with them, his treatment would be similar to theirs. This was his choice. He was not driven from the courts of Pharaoh. There was something he desired more than comforts and convenience. Moses had an appetite for the will of God. He had a vision for the people of God. Every day we make choices. Will we read our Bible and spend time waiting on the Lord? Will we go to church this Lord’s Day or spend it in leisure or labor? Will we be kind to our family members or treat them with disrespect? Will we honor the Lord with our resources or use our means only for our personal pleasure? Will we share our faith with others or deny them the opportunity to hear? Those decisions only represent the many decisions we make each week. One criterion for our decisions is revealed in Moses’ choice. If we make soft choices or decisions based on our comfort or ease, the pleasure will be “for a season,” or short lived. It may even result in perpetual regret. However, if we make the hard choices that require sacrifice or difficulty, the benefits will be enduring, and the reward could be eternal. The choices are up to us. We must choose to receive Christ by faith, as Savior. In doing so, we are choosing the narrow road over the broad way. We are choosing to identify with Christ and His people rather than to identify with the world, and we will forever be grateful for that decision.

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Be Thankful We Care!!!

Jude 17-23 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

"If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees. Let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for." C.H. Spurgeon

The Natural Man and the Word of God

1 Cor. 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The Word of God, our spiritual food to feed the spirit of man, is tasteless to the natural man, who simply feeds the desires of his flesh. When he picks up the Word of God, unless the Holy Spirit brings conviction and opens his spiritual blindness, he misses the things of God, and instead focuses on the superiority of his worldly wisdom.

• The natural man is incapable - "receiveth not"
• The natural man is insensitive - "foolishness"
• The natural man is ignorant - "neither can he know them"

To the things of the world, the natural man may be brilliant and super intelligent, but to God's Word, he is a stranger.

Deut. 32:28-29 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

Ps 32:8-9 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

Prov. 21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

1 Cor. 1:19-21 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Here is some instruction regarding how the natural man can receive some understanding:

Ps 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Prov. 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Prov. 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

1 Chron. 22:12-13 Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

REAPING WHAT WE SOW

Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

What kind of harvest will be produced in our lives? It is fairly easy to forecast. It depends on the kind of seed that we are sowing. If we are sowing to the flesh, we are bound to “reap corruption”; if we are sowing to the Spirit, we will “reap life everlasting.” These verses serve as a warning or a caution. God does not want us to be “deceived.” God does not want us to think that we can put the wrong kind of seed in the ground and produce the right kind of fruit. It is not possible to sow to the flesh and reap a spiritual harvest. At the same time, we can be assured that if we plant the right kind of seed, there will come a harvest that will be pleasing to God. We should not be deceived about this matter. Sometimes the enemy wants us to believe that we are wasting our time serving the Lord. He casts doubt on the integrity of God. God says, “Be not deceived.” If we sow the right seed, we will see a good harvest. There are three laws of the harvest that we need to remember. First, we reap what we sow. What are we doing with our time, our money, and our talents? Are they being invested in eternal things? Are we making decisions and spending our energies on things that are carnal or spiritual? If we expect a spiritual harvest, we must plant spiritual seed. The greatest thing that we can do with our lives is to invest them in the Lord’s work. Secondly, we reap after we sow. If we want to reap, we need to get busy sowing. It would be a foolish farmer who stands around waiting for the crops to grow when the seed has not been sown. It is never too late to start sowing the right kind of seed. We should be sowing love, deeds of kindness, prayers of faith, acts of obedience, etc. There can be no reaping without sowing. A lifetime of sowing will produce a bountiful harvest. Finally, we reap more than we sow. When a grain of corn is planted, a stalk of corn is produced. On that single stalk, one will find many ears of corn, and each ear contains scores of kernels of corn. We reap much more than we sow. God wants us to see that there is great spiritual reward for those who sow the right seed. Keep sowing, beloved.

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Never Satisfied

(Here is a portion of an article by Bill Brinkworth found in the latest issue of The Bible View.)

To avoid non-productive murmuring and discouraging complaining here are some biblical truths that can help you avoid the downward spiral of those sins:

1. Remember that we are naturally never satisfied. We always want more! We have to get control of what the flesh desires and let the spirit of God do the guiding. Prov. 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
2. Let your thought-life and conversation never be about things you do not have or should not have. Thinking and talking about them then leads to the desire for the real things. Heb. 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
3. Realize that the world and God owe you nothing. Nothing this world has to offer is permanent anyway! Even that big house you have is only a pup-tent, because, pilgrim, you are only passing through this life. 1Tim. 6:6-7 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
4. Be happy with what you have or what you are going through. No matter where you find yourself, be content. Php. 4:11-12 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Anyone can complain. It takes no intelligence or character to do so, but there never is any gain in doing so. Grumbling also will never make one happy or change any situation. It will always make situations worse!. However, being content and finding peace in any situation will help you find yourself happy with what you have and will guarantee a more happy, contented person.

A man's contentment is in his mind, not in the extent of his possessions. — Spurgeon

GOING THE SECOND MILE

Matt. 5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

What does it mean to be a “second-mile Christian?” It is said that this illustration had to do with the official demands upon citizens. When royal commands were to be delivered to different parts of the empire, horsemen were stationed at proper intervals along the public highways. One delivered the message to another, and intelligence was rapidly communicated. These heralds were authorized to “compel” any person or enlist any horse, boat, etc., to aid in the transmission of the king’s commandments. Jesus taught His disciples to go the extra mile, to do more than was requested or required. Why would the Savior give such a command? We can safely assume that this kind of extra service would greatly help to promote the cause of Christ and the testimony of His followers. As a rule, the average person seeks to do less than he is asked to do. That would usually be true among school students, in the work place of adults, and in the home. It would be very unusual for someone to habitually do more than he is asked to do. Would it not be thought a bit strange if your co-workers regularly showed up for work early or worked after hours, just to help serve the company? In a day of great underachievement in our society, being a second-mile Christian could have a positive effect on those we work for or with. Christians should never be known as those who do as little as possible or less than what is required. If we are going to be second-mile Christians, what will be required of us? We must develop a servant’s heart. It is imperative that we be willing to do more than is expected of us. This attitude adjustment is greatly needed among those who profess to know Christ as Savior. Too many want to leave the work for someone else to do. Too often we are more concerned for our schedule and personal agenda than serving others, which should be our priority. That kind of attitude and behavior will not provide for the kind of testimony that others need to see in us. The servant’s heart, the kind of heart that Jesus had, is often lacking in our world. Jesus was willing to wash the disciples’ feet. This was not requested or required of Him. The Savior saw the need and was willing to meet the need. He was willing to go the second mile.

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

NO GREATER JOY

III John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

What is the reward of the true Bible teacher, preacher, mentor, or spiritual leader? This is a great part of it—to see those we have taught walking in the truth. This is the greatest satisfaction and fulfillment for those of us who have invested our lives into others. There is “no greater joy.” This is the goal of the spiritual leader, whether in the home, in the church, or in the ministries of the church. We want to see people walking in the truth. We teach the truth that others might hear and believe the truth. Having heard and believed the truth, the next step is to appropriate that truth into our daily lives. The truth is to be applied to the practical decisions and priorities of our lives. Next, we want to see them walking in the truth on their own as they live for Christ and obey His commands. It is one thing for them to obey in our presence or under our direct supervision; it is another thing for them to follow the right paths when we are not there to guide. To hear that our spiritual children are continuing in the direction we helped steer them toward is the greatest encouragement we can receive. For the parent, there is “no greater joy” than this. The joy of seeing our children living for Christ is the greatest fulfillment we can have. Christian parents who are serious about serving the Lord will have spiritual goals for their families and children. Accomplishments in athletics, academics, music, finances, and the like are never to be compared with the importance of seeing our children “walk in truth.” If our desires and objectives for our children are only physical or material, we are no different from the world. The most important thing they can learn is to “walk” in the truth that they have been given. When we see our children give evidence of wanting to obey God and showing respect to their elders, etc., we can certainly rejoice. When we see our teenagers making the right decisions, having the right friends, and demonstrating the priority of serving the Lord, we can greatly rejoice. When we see our adult children leading their families in a godly way, training their children to love and serve the Lord, our hearts are filled with thankfulness. Nothing can compare to the joy of seeing our children and grandchildren growing in the grace of God.

A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

How Readest Thou???

It is one thing to read the Bible through,
Another thing to read to learn and do.
Some read it with design to learn to read
But to the subject pay little heed.
Some read it as their duty once a week
But no instruction from the Bible seek;
While others read it but with little care,
With no regard to how they read, or where.
Some read it as a history, to know
How people lived three thousand years ago.
Some read to bring themselves into repute
By showing others how they can dispute;
While others read because their neighbors do,
To see how long ‘twill take to read it through.
Some read it for the wonders that are there –
How David killed a lion and a bear;
While others read it with uncommon care,
Hoping to find some contradictions there!
Some read as though it did not speak to them,
But to the people at Jerusalem.
Some read to prove a pre-adopted creed,
Hence understand but little what they read;
For every passage in the Book they bend
To make it suit that all important end!
Some people read, as I have often thought,
To teach the Book instead of being taught.
And some there are who read it out of spite –
I fear there are but few who read it right.
So many people in these latter days
Have read the Bible in so many ways
That few can tell which system is the best,
For every party contradicts the rest!
But read it prayerfully, and you will see
Although men contradict, God’s words agree;
For what the early Bible prophets wrote
We find that Christ and His Apostles quote;
So trust no creed that trembles to recall
What has been penned by one and verified by all.

John 5:37-39 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Reasons Why Some Do Not Read the Word of God

Jer. 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

The Bible is the Word of God. It is worthy of being read and believed.

The Word of God, if neglected, will be our Judge at the last day. John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Seven Reasons Why Some Do Not Read the Word of God

1. Ignorant of its truths; ignorant of its formation and the information it contains.
2. Already "eaten up," feeding on ashes - feeding on politics, sports, hobbies, etc. Isa. 44:20 He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?
3. Sickness - a sin sick soul has no appetite for the Word of God.
4. Lunching between meals; living in the light, frivolous non-essentials of life.
5. The Bible lacks flavor for some; business, sports, education have taken prime interest.
6. The Bible is too sweet; some think the Word of God is only for the sick, aged, and dying - too sentimental for practical, healthy people - Rev. 10:8-10 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
7. The Bible is too bitter (see Rev. 10:8-10 above); the truths of judgment, hell, and sin are too bitter and some are afraid to read the Bible.

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

America, Land that I Love

(Here is a devotional article written by Dr. Paul Chappell from his "Daily in the Word" ministry.)

Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

To deny that America was founded on God and the principles of His Word would be to deny history.

French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests—and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning—and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution—and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!"

Today we celebrate the birth of our nation. We remember the battles that were fought by our Founding Fathers and we honor them for their sacrifice so we might be free. These men did not merely fight for the relief of English tyranny, but for their right to found a nation on biblical principles.

The founders of our nation realized that without God, our nation could not exist. Sadly, in recent days, we have seen the decline of our nation. As a nation, we have turned away from God and have lived for our own pleasures. Where once we sought God’s help and direction in guiding our nation, now those who do not believe in God many times direct our nation.

But God promises us in 2 Chronicles 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." America is not so far gone that God cannot bring a revival to our land. As Christians, we must be praying for our nation and her leaders each day.

Do you pray for America each day? Do you pray that God would send a revival and that hearts would turn to Him? While many people complain about politics or leaders, few turn to God and still fewer pray for them. As you celebrate America’s independence today, take time with your family to pray that America would turn back to God and that He would heal our land.

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May I also share a verse of warning from the same book of the Bible.....

Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

Let's pray for our nation and its leaders!!!!!

Reasons for Preaching the Word of God

Mark 2:1-2 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

Isa. 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

We have been sent unto the world to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ as He is revealed by God through the Holy Spirit in His inspired and preserved Word of God, the Bible.

1. Conviction of sin comes through the preaching of the Word of God - in Peter's Pentecost sermon, Acts 2:14-37, nine verses are quotations from the Old Testament.
2. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God - Rom. 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
3. Cleansing comes from the Word of God - 2 Cor. 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. The promises are found in the Bible.
4. Assurance comes from the Word of God - 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
5. Comfort comes from the Word of God - 1 Thes. 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. These words of comfort are found in the Bible.
6. Truth comes from the Word of God - 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. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
7. The new birth comes from the Word of God - 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.