Issue 4 - Summer 2018

Issue #4
Living Messages
For Family Life and Christian Living
FEATURING
Is Jesus Really Returning to this Earth?..............................2
Are You Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?.........4
To Witness or Not to Witness...............................................7
Christian Singles and Christian Single Parents..................9
Working Together in the Local Church..............................11
Our Wonderful Savior and Lord.........................................13
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FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS
Dear Friends,
“…His compassions fail not. They are new every
morning. Great is Thy faithfulness.” (Lam. 3:22,23)
Not only is the Lord worthy of our trust and confidence,
but, we should thank Him every day because His
mercies and compassions are new everyday. Great is
His faithfulness!
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IS JESUS REALLY RETURNING
TO THIS EARTH?
IS JESUS REALLY COMING AGAIN? I would
like to stir up your pure minds and resurrect your faith
and hope in the second coming of Jesus.
When I was a boy in the 1950’s, I went with my
family to church and frequently heard, in sermons and
in the hymns, references to Jesus coming back again.
There has been a shift of focus. Instead of focusing
our lives and our plans on the things of God and the
returning of Jesus, the tendency among us today, is to
focus our lives on natural blessings, our pleasures,
and our plans of material gain and financial success.
Unawares, we are succumbing to the worldly goals of
self-awareness, self-improvement, and self-fulfillment.
In Luke 8, we have the parable of a sower and the
seed. One of the soils that the seed fell on was “thorny
ground,” and it choked the good seed. Jesus explained
the parable in verse 14 and said, “And that which fell
among thorns are they, which, when they have heard,
go forth, and are choked with CARES, RICHES AND
PLEASURES OF THIS LIFE and bring no fruit to
perfection.” This is an accurate picture of American
Christians today. We hear sermons and know the way
we should live, but we are overtaken and overwhelmed
by the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life.
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We need to be shaken into the spiritual reality
that WHEN JESUS RETURNS TO THIS EARTH,
all Christians, both living and dead, will receive new
immortal bodies along with A NEW SPIRITUAL
NATURE! WE WILL NO LONGER HAVE A SIN
NATURE TO CONTEND WITH! We will no longer
be tempted to be motivated and controlled by the cares,
riches, and pleasures of this life. May God give us an
urgency to yearn for the day when we see Christ and
to look for the day when we see Jesus returning! The
apostle John said in I John. 3:2: “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.”
I Thes. 4:16 and I Cor. 15:51-52 says, that the dead
in Christ will rise first. Their souls will be united with
their new immortal bodies. Then, every living Christian
will be physically immortalized and rise to meet the
coming Christ Jesus.
Today, the spirit of antichrist has been reactivated
throughout the world. God has been dethroned in the
hearts of men. Man has declared himself to be his
own God and he thinks he is in complete control of his
own affairs of life. Generally speaking, mankind has
replaced faith in God with the teachings of evolution
and the new age philosophy that we are as gods and
we can control our own destiny. They have become
ignorant of the fact that God still has power to control
the world and those He created.
I consider evolution to be one of the most important,
Satanically inspired deceptions since the time of Jesus.
Evolution is one of the root causes of many signs of
the end times. If one subscribes to the true doctrine
of evolution, God is no longer a creator and in fact
God does not exist. Man just happened to come into
existence without any plan, design, or purpose. The
reality is that evolution teaches that you and I are just
accidental formations of matter. You are just an evolved
animal. Therefore, abortion is acceptable because you
are nothing more than a sophisticated animal. There are
no wrongs or rights and no rules of morality. The Bible
declares anyone who believes in atheistic evolution as
an idiot or fool. The Bible says in Psalm 14:1: “The
fool hath said in his heart there is no God.”
In Matt. 24:6 we have a prediction of wars in the
last days before Jesus returns. We could interpret
World War I, World War II and other wars since then as
a direct fulfillment of this scripture. However, I believe
we have yet to see even more severe warfare on our
planet in the near future.
This century has produced some of the worst
famines in history. (Verse 7) All of us succumb to
a sick feeling, as we see starving children in other
countries. Thousands of people are dying every year
from starvation. Pestilences and plagues have been in
epidemic proportions in spite of the progress of modern
medicine.
These are only the beginning of sorrows. (Verse
8) Things will get worse! 9/11, was just a miniature
warning of what we can expect in the near future. It has
become an established fact that ISIS and other terrorist
groups are planning major attacks on America and
other countries. Could it be that millions will die in the
next “9/11”? This is certainly a fearful possibility with
the existence of nuclear and germ warfare.
It also says in Verse 9 that “you [meaning Christians]
shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.” Not
only do foreign nations hate us as a Christian nation, but,
even the media is slanted against true Bible-believing
Christians. It won’t be long before you will be hated
and persecuted if you attend a church that believes
abortion or homosexuality are sins against God.
Verse 11 says, “And many false prophets shall arise
and deceive many.” Not only do we have the writings
of many deceased false prophets in circulation in our
schools and libraries but, we have many current authors
who are false prophets and are used by Satan to deceive
many with unbiblical teaching.
There is an unparalleled interest in the occult. New
age philosophy and occult teachings have flooded
bookstores everywhere, and it is even mixed right in
with our Christian literature. But Jesus warned us in
Verse 4, “Take heed that no man deceive you.” The only
insurance against spiritual deception is KNOWING
THE WORD OF GOD FOR OURSELVES AND BY
LIVING IN OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD!
But let’s also look at the positive side. When Jesus
returns, the dead in Christ will be resurrected with new
bodies. Not like a ghost but a body that can be touched
as Thomas touched the resurrected body of Jesus. They
will be the same person they were before they died.
Jesus was the same person after He was resurrected. The
Christians who are still alive will receive immortalized
bodies to live on this earth for a thousand year kingdom
or what is called the millennium.
What will the earth be like during the millennium?
There will be spiritual peace and unity among races and
nations. There will no longer be a curse upon the earth.
Animals will no longer have a wild nature. Fruits and
vegetables will be perfect. (Isaiah 2:2-4, 11:6-7)
Imagine! No more war - no more sickness - no
more sorrow - no more heartache - no more suffering
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- no more sin and no more death - JUST ETERNAL,
EVERLASTING LIFE WITH PEACE AND
HAPPINESS!!!
Are you really a true Christian? Are you prepared
for Christ’s coming? Are you prepared for death?
Where will you spend eternity? Are you sure? If you
were to die today, are you sure you would go to heaven?
Do you know for sure? Jesus is coming again! If you
are not saved, then it is time for you to surrender your
heart to Jesus and be forgiven of all your sins.
If you are saved but you do not spend time praying
and reading God’s Word on a daily basis then you need
to change and get back on track with God. Are you living
for the CARES, RICHES AND THE PLEASURES OF
THIS LIFE? Do spiritual things come in second? If
that is true then you ought to get right with God and
place Him first! That’s the only safe place to be!
Have you become worldly-minded? Have you
lost interest in spiritual things? Has attending church
become boring to you lately? It’s time to wake up!
It’s time for you to humble yourself before a holy God!
It’s time to repent of any lukewarm-ness and carnality!
It’s time to get right with God and serve Him first and
foremost!
He is coming again soon! Are you ready?
~P.C.
HE IS COMING!
My Lord is coming back again!
This one thing I know!
If He were not coming back
He would have told me so!
My soul shouts HALLELUJAH!
My heart within does burn
When I think of my Redeemer
And His Glorious Return!
By: E. H. Britain
ARE YOU PART OF THE
PROBLEM OR
PART OF THE SOLUTION?
By: Herman Strong
(Condensed and edited from a message preached
at our 1982 Living Messages convention in Gloucester,
R.I. Herman Strong was the pastor of Holy Ghost
Church in Flint, Michigan for many years and was one
of my three mentors. P.C.)
I want to talk to you today about something
practical. God is teaching us many things as we work
with all kinds of people. God has invested too much in
the sacrifice made on Calvary by His Son Jesus, for the
church to fail. Jesus said, “…upon this rock I will build
my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against
it.” (Mt. 16:18) God has made a great investment, and
we are a part of that investment.
Many times, things look all right on the outside. It
is like that in our homes. If people knew that you were
coming, they would make special preparations for you.
They would clean the house and even dust the corners.
We like to put on a front and show our best. It’s all
right to do that and there’s nothing wrong with it. But,
behind that, many times there are problems. The same
is true in our churches. Many times when you go to a
house and the man and wife meet you at the door with
a broad smile, it is often a covering for a broken heart.
People have problems, big problems!
Yes, we are going to talk about things that are
down to earth where people live. Sure, we can give
you revelations, and you love the things way up there
in the sky, but you don’t live up there. You live down
here where you rub shoulders with people, where we
are hurt, where we are wounded. Jesus was concerned
and he had compassion on those who were in need, for
those who had problems, and for those who were hurt.
To me, that’s the true essence of a ministry, when we
deal with people. We get next to them and share with
them.
If there’s a problem there are always two sides of it.
There’s always a problem and there’s always a solution
to that problem. Everyone is either part of the problem
itself or they are part of the solution, there is no middle
ground.
Think about that. You are a part of the problem or
you are part of the solution to the problem. You may
deny it, but if a man has a wife and children, if he has
a home, then he’s part of what goes on in that home. A
man can’t separate himself from it.
Let’s think about the first problem, it started in the
Garden of Eden. Sin is behind all problems, but behind
every problem, there is a remedy; there is a solution for
it.
THE CHURCH
I have seen people come in to our assembly with
all kinds of problems. They came out of drugs or
alcoholism. They had fallen into the gutter as far as it
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is humanly possible.
They had many problems but God was able to
solve every one of them, and it’s a joy to behold it!
We prayed with a woman who was a slave (I even
hate to say the word). She had real problems, but God
was able to solve her problems. Now she comes to
the services, and you can see the heavenly glow on her
face. God can transform the worst of us into His image
and likeness.
PROBLEMS
We’re going to talk about some of the problems.
I’m not a negative preacher, I like to emphasize the
positive side, and yet, we have to deal with problems.
Even though we have a perfect gospel, even though we
have a perfect Word, we deal with imperfect people. I
don’t care how long you’ve been saved, I don’t care
how good you think you are, we still have a long way
to go as long as we are in this life.
We do have problems. However, the point is, how
do we deal with these problems? What matters most is
the end result. Matthew 14:14 states “And Jesus went
forth and saw a great multitude and was moved with
compassion toward them, and He healed the sick. And
when it was evening, the disciples came to Him saying
this is a desert place, and the time is now past. Send the
multitude away, that they may go into the villages and
buy what they need.”
But Jesus said unto them, “they need not depart,
give them something to eat.” And they say unto Him,
“we have here but five loaves and two fishes.” They
had a problem! Jesus said to give them something to
eat. They said that they had only five loaves and two
fish. What a problem! There were 5,000 men, not
counting the women and children. If you multiply that,
you have about 15,000 to 20,000 people all together.
Just think about that…it was a problem. But Jesus said
in verse 18, “Bring them to me.”
THE ANSWER
I’m saying to you today: Regardless of the type of
problem (and they do come in all dimensions and sizes),
Jesus says, “Bring them to me!” Jesus specializes in
things that men count as impossible. He can stretch
your food supply. He can bring together wife, husband,
and children in the home. Amen.
“And He commanded the multitude to sit down on
the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes,
and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and
gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the
multitude.” (vs. 19) Isn’t that wonderful? In the time
of testing, in the time of trials when you don’t know
where to turn, you don’t have to put your head against
the wall. All you have to do is cry to Jesus. He’s the
answer. He’s the solution. He’s able to do it. He did it
here. He’ll do it for you.
“And they did all eat, and were filled: And they
took up the fragments that remained, twelve baskets
full.” (vs. 20) God gives in abundance. God can give
you all that you need, even beyond expectation. God
can solve the problems, but we have to admit that they
are problems.
THE HOME
I think sometimes that we have more problems in
the home than anywhere else, namely with husbands
and wives. Let me give you an illustration. In Ex.
15:23 we read, “And when they came to Marah, they
could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were
bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah. And
the people murmured against Moses saying, what shall
we drink?”
Remember, only three days had passed since
crossing the Red Sea… just three days! They saw
God roll back the mighty waters of the Red Sea. They
crossed on dry land, and when they turned around, they
saw the Egyptians drown as God released the waters
upon them. Then Miriam, the sister of Aaron, took a
timbrel in her hand, and all the women with her, and
went forth with timbrels and with dances. They were
dancing and praising God.
Then, in only three short days, they were
complaining to God. Just that quickly, they forgot
the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea and began
murmuring and complaining. Many times God has
blessed us. Many times God has taken us through all
kinds of tests and trials, but we forget and complain.
When you start grumbling, do you know what you are?
You are part of the problem!
But Moses did something about it. He fell on his
knees and cried out to God. Many times, that is the
solution to our problem. God showed Moses a tree,
and he cut a branch off this tree and threw it into the
water. God changed the water so that it was no longer
bitter and undrinkable. He made the water sweet.
This process went on for many years. They
grumbled and complained and kept finding fault. I
often think about that. Sometimes they wanted to stone
Moses, but in every instance Moses would fall on his
face and call on God. God would have an answer for
him.
In our homes with our loved ones, we have all kinds
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of problems. I was listening to Bro. Dan Detweiler last
night. I thought that it was wonderful how he showed
the place of a man and the place of a wife in the home.
One reason that we do a lot of teaching on the home
is because the home is the foundation of the church.
If you get people with problems in their home, then
you get problems in the church. Problems in the homes
show up in the church. When you come to church, you
are the same person that acted up at home.
In Ephesians 5:25 Paul says, “Husbands love your
wives even as Christ loved the church and gave himself
for it.” Let’s assume that a husband and wife are having
problems. Maybe she talks too much. Maybe she tries
to be the authority over the man in the home. Maybe he
stayed out late one night, and she met him at the door
with the skillet. There are lots of things that happen.
There are many things that cause problems.
But here’s what God’s Word says about it. God’s
Word is always able to solve problems, but we must
listen and obey it. I’m talking about those that are
Christians, but this will work even if you are not saved.
“Husbands love your wives and be not bitter against
them.” (Col. 3:19) Another scripture says, “Overcome
evil with good.” (Rom. 12:21) I dare you to try this
principle. I dare you to try it. It will work!
This is one of the ways to solve problems in your
home. It’s the Bible way, to love your wives. You see,
the Bible didn’t say to love your wife if she is good,
if she is a neat and immaculate housekeeper, if she is
an excellent cook, if she does things right all the time.
Anybody could love her then. But when she does
things wrong, and you still love her. When she goes
down town and dresses up on a credit card account, do
you still love her? Try it! These are practical things.
This is the foundation of a good church, a church of
peace, a church without division, a church that God can
bless.
When people go to a church, they pick up on the
spirits. If there is a good spirit of love, understanding,
and peace, then people will come and God will send
people to that assembly to be saved.
So, wives have their obligation, also. But, husbands
love your wives. Be good to her. Take her out. Some
wives never get a chance to go out. Don’t boss your
wife. Don’t make a slave out of her. If your wife
doesn’t feel good, let her stay in bed, and you make
her some breakfast. Give her a gift occasionally. How
many of you young husbands are doing these things?
If you’re not doing it, then get into the habit of doing
it. Ask God for grace. Overcome everything that she
does with love, with kindness, and suffer long with her.
Then you will see her do better, you’ll see the change in
her attitude. She’ll meet you at the door with a smile.
If she is wearing something nice, you compliment her.
You will see, she will grin. Then, you will be happy
too.
There are always two sides to everything. The
wives ought to be submissive to their husbands. Most
wives know that, but it is not so much what we know
but it’s what we practice. We know a lot of things, we
know a lot of truth, but many times we don’t practice it.
Sometimes a wife will talk a lot. Sometimes they nag
a lot. Proverbs says something about it: “It is better
to live on a rooftop than to dwell in a house with a
nagging woman.” (Proverbs 21:9)
CRITICAL OF OTHERS
Sometimes, a husband and wife will get together
and talk about people in their church…sometimes
they talk about an elder in front of the children. This
is wrong! Do you think that the child who hears this
will ever respect that elder or others in the church after
what you said about them? Our speech should always
be with wisdom. Learn how to live with people. Learn
how to relate to people, and you will have a healthy
church.
Many times we have a problem, but our reaction to
that problem determines whether or not we will have
the solution. When Paul and Silas were in prison, a
dirty prison (not like today), what did they do? They
sang praises to God. Then God moved and there was a
solution. Miracles happened.
Many times we want to be something great. The
way to greatness in God’s economy is to humble
yourself. Come down, be meek and lowly, and the
problems will dissolve.
So, I am saying today, either you are a part of the
problem or you are a part of the solution. Wouldn’t you
rather be part of the solution? Wouldn’t you rather be
on the positive side instead of the negative side?
Many times we have a tendency to criticize and talk
about others. Have you ever prayed for them? Have
you ever tried to see the good in people? This could be
a peaceable world and a wonderful place to live in if
people would do just that.
Saints, these are little things. But this is the way of
grace into the presence of God. Live peaceably with
all men, and the grace of God will rest upon you. Yes,
you will have to suffer in your flesh, but you will have
the victory. You will be an over-comer by humbling
yourself. I told a sister one day that I was a bridge. She
said, what do you mean? I said that people walk over
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idges. We need to get rid of our pride. It’s pride that
divides people. Did you know that God hates pride?
When you have an argument with your wife, when
things go wrong and you want to blame somebody, you
check on yourself. You ask God to examine you. You
check your attitude. Let us show grace. Let us be a
light in dark places.
When people come into our home, then they can
feel the peace of God there. They will want to talk to
you and counsel with you. They will ask questions like
how do you do it? That’s what God wants and that’s
what God is pleased with. Amen and amen.
THE OTHER MAN
Perhaps he sometimes slipped a bit,
Well, so have you.
Perhaps some things he ought to quit,
How about you?
Perhaps he may have faltered – why?
Well, all men do, and so have I.
You must admit, unless you lie, that so
have you.
Perhaps if we would recollect,
Perfection we would not expect.
But just a man, part way correct like me,
and you!
Source unknown
TO WITNESS OR
NOT TO WITNESS
While teaching a series of Bible studies on
witnessing, I received a phone call from an organization
that sold products made entirely by handicapped
persons. The salesperson kept talking for quite awhile.
I couldn’t get a word in edgewise.
I was half listening when he finally asked me if I
would buy some of the products. I told him that I was
already involved with many charity organizations, and
that I was sorry but I wasn’t interested. He virtually
attacked me by questioning my intentions. I began
to get irritated and told him that his approach and
technique were all wrong.
In a defiant voice, he asked me why I felt that way.
I told him that he was too pushy and domineering and
had a bad approach with a poor attitude. He hung up.
Immediately, I realized what had happened. I began
to question myself as to whether or not I have had the
same effect on someone in TRYING TO “WITNESS”
TO THEM! That phone call was a perfect illustration
of poor witnessing.
ATTITUDE TOWARD UNSAVED
Do we have a right attitude toward an unsaved
person? Have we spent time in the presence of the
Lord before speaking to someone about the Lord? Are
we burdened for that person as a cherished soul and
potential child of God? Do we respect that person
regardless of their particular sins? Christ died for
us “even while we were yet sinners.” (Romans 5:8)
Christians with a wrong attitude have turned off many
to Christianity. Instead of being drawn to Jesus, they
were driven away.
PROPER MOTIVATION
All too often, the reason that many Christians will
witness is because of feeling guilty of not witnessing
enough. This should not be part of our motivation.
It is the same with prayer or Bible reading. We may
feel guilty that we haven’t been reading and praying
enough. When we are motivated to pray or read the
Bible because of feeling guilty, we will not get much
accomplished in our praying or reading.
It’s like the husband that buys a present for his
wife out of guilt because he hasn’t been loving and
affectionate to her. Our concern and burden for the
unsaved must be genuine if we want the blessing of
God on our witnessing.
Just as a husband or wife can be just “doing their
job” instead of loving and giving from their hearts,
so also we can be just “doing our job” in witnessing,
instead of doing it from our hearts.
TRUE BURDEN
The apostle Paul was burdened for the Jews. “I
have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ
for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.”
(Rom. 9:2-3)
It sounds as if Paul, if it were possible, would have
given up his salvation in order that the Jews would
be saved. It may be that we are burdened for a wife,
husband, or friend to be saved so that we can have a
more enjoyable life and relationship with that person.
In other words, we desire them to be saved for our sake
not for their sake.
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A friend of ours in Michigan had a husband who
drank and ran around with other women. She prayed
for a long time that he would be saved because she
couldn’t take it much longer. One time the Lord spoke
to her heart and made her realize that she was praying
for his salvation not for his sake but for her sake. She
started praying with a true concern for his soul, for his
sake, and soon he was saved and quit his drinking and
carousing. He later became an elder in their church.
When we learn to have a true burden and pray with
an unselfish heart, then God can answer our prayer.
Our burden should be greater than our complaint!
OUR OBJECTIVE
Jesus didn’t come with a mission to straighten out
the world. He came as a loving Savior and Shepherd.
He says, “come unto me…and I will give you rest.”
(Matt. 11:28) “I am come that you might have life and
have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Do we try to be friendly with someone in order to
convert that person? We must place our faith and trust
in the love of God that resides in us; then, we will see
results.
Are we trying to “convert” someone or do we
desire to lead someone into peace, joy, security, and
forgiveness? We must present the benefits of salvation
in order to create a hunger for Jesus.
In John 4:14-15, the first thing that Jesus did while
speaking to a woman of Samaria at a well was to create
a desire in her for that water to drink “that I thirst not.”
He didn’t point out her sin until He created a desire
for what he had to offer her. Emphasis on the “cure”
will bring “life,” while emphasis on the “sin” will bring
“death.”
OUR APPROACH
We must be sensitive to the leading of the Holy
Spirit. In Acts 8:26-40, we read of Philip and the
Ethiopian eunuch. Philip was in tune with Lord enough
to be led by the Holy Spirit. Philip was led one step
at a time. Sometimes we try to accomplish too much
without being led. Philip was told to go toward the
south and take a certain road from Jerusalem to Gaza.
After he arose and went, then he met a eunuch. Next,
the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and join yourself to
this chariot.”
OBEDIENCE
What would have happened if Philip had passed
by instead and didn’t obey the leading of the Holy
Spirit? “Philip ran to him.” Philip adapted himself to
the situation and totally depended on the leading and
ability of the Holy Spirit.
THE WORD OF GOD
Before Philip preached to the eunuch, their
conversation was a two-way conversation. He didn’t
bombard him with scripture. The Word of God is
needed in witnessing but only at the proper time. Life
will only come from the scriptures if they are given by
the leading of the Holy Spirit. We are to be “wise as
serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matt. 10:16)
“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of
God.” (Rom. 10:17) Only if the Word of God finds its
place in one’s heart will it create faith. How wonderful
it is when we sense that we are speaking to someone’s
heart! On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached to the
Jews, and they were “pricked in their heart.” (Acts
2:37) Then they were ready to accept the Lord and be
saved.
OUR EQUIPMENT AND POWER
We have been commissioned by God to reach the
lost. Jesus said, “As my Father hath sent me, even so
send I you.” (John 20:21) He also said, “Follow me
and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17)
We are equipped with the Word of God. Paul said,
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it
is the power of God unto salvation.” (Rom. 1:16) The
gospel itself has the power of God behind it and in it.
We are also equipped with the Holy Spirit: “You
shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come
upon you, and you shall be witnesses…” (Acts 1:8)
OPPORTUNITIES FOR WITNESSING
Always remember, your life is your most important
part of witnessing. Your actions speak louder than
your words. Always be in a spirit of prayer, and be
ready to reach out in love and concern. There are many
situations when you cannot speak to a person about the
Lord due to circumstances and time. However, there
are countless salvation tracts and booklets that can
reach a person’s heart. Carry some good tracts in your
car or purse. You can also write your own testimony
and make copies of it for distribution to your friends
and co-workers.
Sometimes an adverse situation can be used
effectively for witnessing. A worldly party where no
one knows the Lord can be changed into an opportunity
instead of a dreaded obligation. Always remember
that you have something wonderful for them that they
need. You are a child of the most-high God. You are an
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ambassador to them. You are their only link with God.
Always remember, the forces of Satan and the spirit
of the world are not more powerful than you, “Greater
is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” (I John
4:4)
But, you say, they just don’t seem to want the
Lord. Why don’t you ask them if they desire peace,
joy, security, and forgiveness? That may be all that is
needed to open the door for your testimony.
“As my Father hath sent me, even so, send I you.”
Amen.
~P.C.
A HOME TOWN WITNESS
Desiring to witness, I volunteered to preach, but
Jesus said to me, “Go and witness on your street.”
“I seek a larger place,” I pled in bold self-pity.
“Then go,” He whispered low, “Go witness in
your city.” “I mean elsewhere,” I begged, “Like
some far distant place, Lord, here in my hometown
they’d laugh right in my face.”
Jesus said, “I wept, but Judea mocked, Galilee
turned me down, Jerusalem spit on me, they laughed
at me in my hometown.” Deeply touched, I went
forth to witness to my neighbor who welcomed me
and made me glad that I dared to go and labor. And
I, surprised, soon learned there are no distant places
with needs more deeply etched than on familiar
faces.
Author unknown
PRECIOUS TIME
“Sometimes a few minutes
in prayer have done more for
a man than two hours in talk.”
D. L. Moody
CHRISTIAN SINGLES AND
CHRISTIAN SINGLE PARENTS
According to the latest statistics, one third of all
American families are headed by a single parent. In
America, there are approximately 125 million single
persons.
IS BEING SINGLE A BLESSING OR A CURSE?
Are you content to remain single? Or, do you fear
being single the rest of your life? “To every thing
there is a season and a time to every purpose under
the heaven…He has made every thing beautiful in his
time…” (Ecc. 3:1, 11a) I might add to this list, “There
is a time to be married and there is a time to be single!”
It is God’s will that some of you should remain single.
Only God knows whether it will be for a short time or
for the rest of your life. God would have you come
to the place where you accept your singleness and
realize that God has given you unique opportunities for
personal and spiritual fulfillment.
There are certain spiritual elements that I believe
can revolutionize your attitude and life as a single
Christian. Of course these same elements apply to us
who are married.
FAITH
First of all, there is the element of FAITH. Very
often, a single person will be plagued by doubts as
to God’s will regarding being single. I advise you to
get rid of the concept that your time of being single
is a sentence of suffering, misery, and loneliness until
God is ready to bless you with the joys of a heavenly
marriage. You would be surprised at the counseling
sessions I have had through the years with married
Christians. If you knew about some of these marriage
problems, you might fall on your knees and rejoice that
God has spared you by keeping you single!
Faith is the key to contentment. Focusing on your
salvation and your relationship with Jesus will help
you to properly focus on your natural life. Philippians
4:4-13 has some beautiful scriptural advice for every
single. “Rejoice in the Lord always” which is not an
option but a commandment! It doesn’t say, “Rejoice in
your circumstances,” but rejoice in the Lord and in His
salvation. Verse 6 says, “Be careful for nothing” which
could be understood as “don’t worry or be overly anxious
about anything, including finding a wife or husband!”
The rest of the verse tells us how to not worry: “By
prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING let
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your requests be made known to God!” That’s the best
cure for all your anxieties and frustrations.
Do you bring your needs and burdens before the
Lord during a time of daily prayer and devotions? If
you are and still feel restless, helpless, and hopeless,
then it may be because you are not praying WITH
THANKSGIVING. An all-important key in having
faith is having A THANKFUL HEART!
Paul learned the secret of CONTENTMENT (Verse
11), and it is God’s will for every Christian single to
learn CONTENTMENT, also!! So, the first element
that can revolutionize your attitude and life as a single
person is FAITH and rejoicing in your relationship with
God (verses 4, 7) and thereby learning contentment.
VICTORY
God wants us to learn the secret of VICTORY in
our spiritual lives. “Casting all your care upon Him,
for He cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7) God cares about
you! That’s why in verses 8 and 9, He is warning you
against the enemy of your soul: “Be sober, be vigilant,
because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,
walks about, seeking whom he may devour.”
Your enemy, Satan the devil, knows how to attack
you in your weak areas. He knows what tempts you
most, and the Bible says that he is “seeking whom he
may devour.” (I Peter 5:8) Satan knows how to get you
discouraged. He knows how to get you feeling sorry for
yourself. He is so sly that you might not even realize
that he is behind the thoughts that he may be tempting
you with. Be aware of his tactics, and do what verses 8
and 9 tell you to do: “Be sober, be vigilant...and resist
him steadfast in the faith.”
The apostle James gives us another promise:
“Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James
4:7) The most effective way to resist the devil is by
knowing and quoting the Word of God even as Jesus
did while being tempted in the wilderness! To continue
in victory, read and meditate upon Philippians 4:4-13
until it takes root in your heart.
Not only do we have Satan to resist and reject, but
we also have our own natural carnal flesh nature to
go against. As a single person, you need to be keenly
aware of the danger of thinking on the wrong things.
You need to steer clear of TV programs and movies
that are designed to activate your sexual appetites and
other lusts that cause discontentment in your heart. For
the most part, TV and most movies DO NOT get you
thinking about those things that are HONEST, JUST,
PURE, LOVELY, AND OF GOOD REPORT. (Php.
4:8,9) Usually, it is just the opposite. When your
THOUGHT LIFE is negatively influenced in this way,
SIN IS JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN IN YOUR
LIFE!
SELF CONTROL
Moderation or self-control is a fruit of the spirit.
(Php. 4:5; Gal. 5:23) Through Christ and the Holy
Spirit we can have self-control. However, self-control
will not be a part of our Christian lives without selfdiscipline.
A disciplined Christian keeps himself under
strict training. There will be times when he must deny
himself of all personal comfort and ease. He must be
ready to go against any unspiritual tendency and be
determined to not compromise with even the smallest
of sins. The apostle Paul’s testimony in Php. 4:13, “I
can do all things through Christ which strengthens me”
can be your testimony, also.
FULFILLMENT
In conclusion, God is not only interested in our lives
being full of FAITH and VICTORY, but our spiritual
FULFILLMENT is His TOP PRIORITY! God has
created us to enjoy His fellowship more than any other
relationship. God has promised us, if we make Him
our first love, He will bless us in all other aspects
of our lives: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and
His righteousness and all these things [natural needs]
shall be added unto you.” (Mt. 6:33) The question of
fulfillment is not whether we marry or remain single
but our fulfillment is in Christ, being a Christian in the
family of God.
A single missionary friend of ours was on the
mission field until her mid 40’s. She returned home to
care for her mother. After a time of asking the Lord to
give her a husband, she finally gave up and accepted
the fact that it must be the Lord’s will for her to remain
single. She told the Lord that she was willing to remain
single if that was what He wanted for her life. It wasn’t
long before she met a fellow missionary who had lost
his wife a few years earlier. They became close and
were married.
An interesting feature about this relationship is that
she knew this man and his wife for many years and was
a close friend to his wife. She had made a statement to
someone that if she ever got married, she would like a
man like this man. She knew that he was a wonderful
and unselfish husband until his wife died of cancer.
She never dreamed that she would end up marrying
him someday and have a wonderful marriage.
Let’s conclude this message with some final advice
from the scriptures: “I say therefore to the unmarried
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and widows: It is good for them if they abide even as
I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry. For it
is better to marry than to burn.” (I Cor. 7:8-9) Some
Christian singles learn to gain grace and are happy.
Other Christian singles find that they fall into sexual sin.
If that is your dilemma, then verse 9 is for you: “But
if they cannot contain, let them marry; for it is better
to marry than to burn” or give in to sexual passion and
thereby be guilty of the sin of fornication or adultery.
However, singles have the unique opportunity of
devoting themselves more fully to the Lord and His
work. (I Cor. 7:32, 33, 39, 40) “But she [the single
person] IS HAPPIER IF SHE SO ABIDE [as a single].”
(Verse 40)
Singles and single parents, you don’t have to wait
until you marry to be fulfilled and happy. God wants
you to be fulfilled as a single person!! Your Christian
life can be an exciting adventure while you are a single
person. You can experience FAITH, VICTORY, and
you can experience FULFILLMENT!
What can we who are married do to help and
encourage singles and single parents? When was the last
time you invited a single person or a single parent with
their children to your house for a meal? Invite them to
your house for a meal or dessert and fellowship. They
probably won’t refuse you! Remember, it isn’t meant
to be just a social time but also a time of emotional and
spiritual encouragement.
Let’s pray for our singles and single parents, those
in our church and those outside our church. Be a big
brother or a big sister by taking the children or teens
of a single parent to some sporting event or concert.
Invite the children of single parent homes to your house
to spend time with your children.
Finally, I would suggest all singles and all single
parents to spend their time in God’s house whenever
the doors are open. You need all the encouragement
and fellowship that you can get! This also applies to
those who are married!!
There is a time to be married and there is a time to
be single. “…for I have learned in whatsoever state
I am, therewith to be content…I can do all things
through Christ which strengthens me.” (Php. 4:11-13)
Whatever your state, may you learn and experience
FAITH, VICTORY AND FULFILLMENT THROUGH
CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS YOU!!!
And may those of us who are married with families,
reach out to our singles and single parent families. It’s
all part of being in the Family of God!
~P.C.
WORKING TOGETHER IN THE
LOCAL CHURCH
By: Dan Detweiler
Dan Detweiler was an Amish farmer in Ohio. He
was saved and became a pastor for many years. He was
my spiritual father and was one of my three mentors. I
met him in 1969 (see story in this issue: “How I met my
spiritual father.”)
In I Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul speaks of the
church being a body. He also speaks about various
members of that body. It is very important that each
of us find a local church and make it our home. You
will never come into the potential that God has for you
unless you find a church home and grow together with
others.
Paul spoke of the various members of the body
such as the eye, ear, foot, and hand. Let’s look at a
typical church situation. Brother Foot begins to look
at himself as not being very important. He looks at
Brother Hand and sees everything that he is doing.
Brother Hand does everything so efficiently. Have you
ever felt like Brother Foot?
Brother Foot needs to realize that the body needs
him in order to be transported from one place to another.
Brother Foot carries more of the burden than any other
member of the body.
Brother Ear begins to feel insignificant because he
is not in front like Brother Eye. But if the body couldn’t
hear, what would happen to the body? There would be
a severe lack in the body. Brother Ear, we need you!
Brother Nose just hangs there and begins to feel very
rejected. In a conversation with the other members he
says, “I just hang there and filter out the air and smell
everything and nobody seems to appreciate me. I’m
very insignificant. The eyes are different. They get
pampered. They get a lot of attention. The only time
that I get any attention is when I start running and I
don’t have a tissue.”
THE BODY OF CHRIST
There are members in the body of Christ that have
these feelings. That’s why God is trying to tell us
through the apostle Paul of how important each of us
are as members. That’s why it is so important that we
get connected to a local church.
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Just as Brother Nose got through complaining,
he said, “They don’t appreciate me around here. I’m
going to go someplace where they appreciate me.”
How would it look if we saw Brother Nose walking
down the street all by himself? Ridiculous, isn’t it?
How would it be if Brother Leg would say, “I don’t feel
like I am a part of this church; I think that I am going
to leave.” Then we see a leg walking down the street
hunting for a body. Isn’t that ridiculous?
Here’s another illustration: The message is brought
to all the members of the body that Brother and Sister
Eye don’t see like they used to. The head sends out a
message and all the brothers and sisters in the body are
conscious of the needs of Brother and Sister Eye. So,
Brother Mouth and Sister Tongue got on the phone to
make an appointment to get the eyes examined. The
eyes were examined and the body had an appointment
to pick up the new glasses in two weeks.
In the meantime, Brother and Sister Leg and Brother
and Sister Foot were down in a coffee shop and they
were having coffee together. They were discussing the
need of Brother and Sister Eye. Brother Leg said to
Brother Foot, “You know what? I believe that God’s
judgment is coming on Brother and Sister Eye. I don’t
think that they are living right. We’re down here and
we’ve been carrying the load of everything. Anything
that happens, they are in on it. They know everything.
Maybe God is dealing with them. Maybe they’ve been
too forward. Maybe God is punishing them!”
So, Brother Foot and Brother Leg start thinking
further. Brother Leg says to Brother Foot, “Next
Saturday is the appointment for us to go to pick up the
glasses. You know what? I don’t think we’ll go! I
don’t feel right about it. I don’t think they deserve it.
Let them be in the condition they are in. They don’t
have to see as much anymore.”
Sister Leg and Sister Foot, upon hearing this from
their husbands, began to get convicted. They got
together and discussed the situation. Sister Leg said, “I
feel that our husbands are unreasonable. It’s not only
going to hurt us if the eyes can’t see. If we don’t have
light then soon we’ll be walking in darkness, and we’ll
stumble and fall. We will be hurting ourselves.” So,
they talked to their husbands. Their husbands, however,
remained stubborn. Husbands, we need to consider and
listen to our wives. Sometimes they are more sensitive
than we are.
Sister Leg and Sister Foot decided that if their
husbands were not going to help them, then they would
try to do it themselves. Many times it works out that
way. Husbands are uncooperative and don’t take their
place. They shove the responsibility on their wives. It
would be much better if the husbands would take their
leadership and responsibility.
Sister Leg and Sister Foot went down to pick up the
glasses. However, a problem developed. Brother and
Sister Thumb refused to cooperate with them. Finally,
it was left up to the hand and the finger to put the glasses
on. The thumbs continue to refuse to cooperate, so the
fingers have to put on the glasses. The fingers are not
complete without the thumb. It is so much better when
the thumb cooperates.
THE BODY OF CHRIST HINDERED
This same pitiful condition often exists with the
body of Christ, also. There are members in a church
that are stubborn and don’t cooperate with the rest of
the members. They either sit or stay at home or they
leave. The body is constantly suffering because the
members have not found a home.
There are members that are out there all by
themselves. Many of them are yearning to be joined to
the body, but we must be sensitive to their needs. The
body is not complete without them.
God is interested in bringing His people together
and joining them together. God’s desire is for each
member to grow and supply one another’s need. As
each member finds a place in the body and begins to
function, then the body can function properly. There
will be no lack in the body.
A WHOLE BODY
Now let’s examine a body and mind that is
functioning properly. Brother Stomach sends out a
message to the rest of the body, “I’m thirsty.” Brother
Throat says, “Yeah, I’m dry too.” All of the other
members are alerted, “Brother Stomach and Brother
Throat need a drink.”
Away they rush. They can hardly wait to work
together. Brother Thumb cooperates. Brother and
Sister Leg and Brother and Sister Foot can’t wait to
meet the need of Brother Stomach and Brother Throat.
Brother Mouth opens up and the Arms bring it to
the mouth and oh what a blessing! What a blessing!
Brother Stomach’s thirst is quenched and Brother
Throat isn’t dry anymore. Their needs are met and the
body is flourishing. The other members are so happy
that they were able to serve. That’s the picture of a
happy and whole body.
God is yearning more than anything else to see the
body of Christ come together, to serve one another,
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and to meet one another’s needs. The body cannot
progress or be healthy until the members wake up to
their responsibility.
If you are not connected to the body of Christ, if
you are continually dangling on the edges, if you go
from church to church, there’s only one that’s going to
suffer. That’s you! Find a church and take your place.
God bless you.
(Condensed and edited by P.C.)
The Carpenter’s Tools Quarrel
“For we are laborers together with God.” (I Cor. 3:9)
The Carpenter’s tools had a conference. Brother Hammer
was in the chair. The meeting had informed him that he must
leave, because he was too noisy. But he said, “If I am to leave this
carpenter shop, Brother Gimlet must go too. He is so insignificant
and makes very little impression.
Little Brother Gimlet rose up and said, “All right, but Brother
Screw must go also, you have to turn him around and around again
and again to get him anywhere.”
Brother Screw then said, “If you wish I will go, but Brother
Plane must leave also. All his work is on the surface, there is no
depth to it.”
To This, Brother Plane replied, “Well Brother Rule will also have
to withdraw if I do, for he is always measuring folks as though he
were the only one who is right.”
Brother Rule, then complained against Brother Sandpaper,
and said, “What about him. He is rougher than he ought to be,
and he is always rubbing people the wrong way.”
In the midst of the discussion the Carpenter walked in. He
had come to perform his day’s work. He put on his apron, and
went to the bench to make a pulpit, from which the Gospel would
be preached to the poor. He employed the screw, the gimlet, the
sandpaper, the saw, the hammer, the plane, and all the other tools.
After the day’s work was over and the pulpit was finished,
Brother Saw arose and said, “Brethren, I perceive that all of us are
laborers together with God.”
Oh! How many of us Christians are just like those tools,
fussing at each other, because the other fellow doesn’t do things
just the way we think he should.
There was not an accusation against one of those tools that
was not absolutely true; yet the Carpenter used every one of them.
There was not a place where He used any one where any of the
others would have done at all. Oh how careful we should be in
finding fault with one of GOD’S tools.
R. T. Moore
HOW I FOUND
MY SPIRITUAL FATHER
Forty-nine years ago in 1969, Pauline and I were
traveling to E. H. Britain’s camp meeting in Fletcher,
Missouri. A friend had given us the name and address
of Dan and Clara Detweiler to visit on our way through
Ohio. However, after looking on a map, we realized it
was too far out of our way.
While driving across Pennsylvania, Pauline and I
became deeply engaged in a wonderful conversation.
Suddenly, we realized we were on the wrong road. We
did not know where we were.
We looked on a map and found we had driven a
couple hours out of our way. I remember praying,
“Lord, is this just a ridiculous mistake or is there
a reason for us getting lost? Then I thought of Dan
Detweiler. When I looked on the map, I found that we
were heading in a straight line for Burton, Ohio, the
home of Dan and Clara Detweiler.
We decided to stay in a motel that night. We had
only two children at that time, Paula and Pamela. We
decided to visit the Detweilers the next day. Words
could not express the blessing we received that day!
Pauline and I had so many questions on our hearts. It
seemed that Dan and Clara had been through everything
that we were then experiencing. The Lord used him to
confirm so many things to both our hearts. We went on
to camp meeting in Missouri and were further blessed.
We met many wonderful Christians there including E.
H. Britain and his dear wife Emma.
That event was one time when “getting lost” was
definitely the Lord’s will! Through the years, we have
visited with the Detweilers at our home and theirs. Dan
Detweiler has preached at our church in Foster, R. I.
and at our Living Messages convention in Gloucester,
R. I. in 1982. It was always a time of so much benefit
and accomplishment.
Dan Detweiler has been the most important
influence upon my Christian life and ministry than any
other man I have known. He not only told me the path
of following Jesus, but he also showed me the way.
Because of his ministry and advice, I have been spared
much heartache and many mistakes. When I see him
in Heaven, I will shout, “Thanks for being my spiritual
father!” Thank God for such a man! P. C.
(On this same trip, I also found my two other mentors:
E. H. Britain in Fletcher, Missouri and Herman Strong
from Flint, Michigan)
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OUR WONDERFUL
SAVIOR AND LORD
Luke 2:1-14 gives us the beautiful story of the birth
of our Lord Jesus Christ. I have compiled thoughts
from scripture, various unknown sources, portions from
“One Solitary Life” by James Allan Francis, added my
own thoughts and I have woven together what I am
calling: “OUR WONDERFUL SAVIOR AND LORD.”
If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.
If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.
If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.
If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.
But our greatest need was forgiveness,
SO GOD SENT US A SAVIOR!
More than 2,000 years ago, He came from the
throne of Heaven. The King of Kings and the Lord of
Lords was to be born, but He did not come to a palace
with marble halls and carpeted stairs. There was no
luxurious bed prepared for His birth. Neither nurses
nor doctors were in attendance. Cathedral bells failed
to toll; bands were silent; no royal choruses burst forth
in song to welcome the Prince of Peace. Instead, He
was born in a stable because there was no room at the
Bethlehem Inn. However, angelic hosts from Heaven
announced His birth to some lowly shepherds who
were waiting for their Messiah.
A certain star drew wise men from the East who
studied the stars and came with their gifts to pay
homage to the new king. They came with gifts of
Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. The GOLD was
prophetic and symbolic of Jesus being born as THE
KING OF KINGS, and it is God’s will that we, as
believers, crown Him as the Lord and King of our
lives. FRANKINCENSE was prophetic and symbolic
of Jesus being OUR HIGH PRIEST, and it is God’s
will that we go directly to Him for the forgiveness
of our sins. MYRRH was prophetic and symbolic of
Jesus dying as OUR SAVIOR. Jesus was born as OUR
KING, OUR PRIEST, and AS OUR SAVIOR!
As a boy, He puzzled doctors and stunned
theologians with his knowledge and wisdom, for He
was taught of God the Father. He worked in his father’s
carpentry shop until he was thirty. He then became
an itinerant preacher. He never went to a college
or seminary. He never wrote a book, and yet all the
libraries of the world could not hold all the books that
have been written about Him. He never wrote a song,
and yet He has been the theme for more songs than all
others combined. He never held a public office. He
had no credentials but Himself. Though He never did
any of the things that usually accompany greatness,
throngs of people followed Him.
In manhood, He ruled the elements. He quieted the
raging sea, and He even walked on water. He healed
the multitudes without medicine and fed thousands
from a boy’s lunch. Demons obeyed Him, and He even
raised the dead on several occasions.
At age 33, the tide of public opinion turned against
Him, and His followers ran away. He was turned over to
His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He
was sentenced to death on a cross between two thieves.
While on the cross, instead of cursing his executioners,
he prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not
what they do.” While He was dying, His executioners
gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth,
the simple coat He had worn. His body was laid in a
borrowed grave provided by a compassionate friend.
But three days later, BUT THREE DAYS LATER, HE
AROSE FROM THE DEAD which was living proof
that He was, as He had claimed to be, the Savior whom
God had sent, the incarnate Son of God. He put on
humanity that we might put on divinity. He became the
Son of man that we might become sons of God.
“He was hungry as a man, yet He is the
bread of life. As a man He was thirsty yet He says,
‘Let him that is thirsty come to Me and drink.’
He was weary, yet He is our rest.
He paid tribute, yet He is a king.
He was called a devil, yet He cast out devils.
He prayed, yet He hears our prayers.
He wept, yet He dries our tears.
He was sold for thirty pieces of silver, yet,
He purchased our redemption with His own blood.
He was ‘led as a sheep to the slaughter,’ yet
He is the good shepherd.
He was mute like a sheep, yet
He is the everlasting Word.”
(By: Gregory of Nazianzus)
To the artist, He is the one “altogether lovely.” To
the architect, He is the “chief cornerstone.” To the
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astronomer, He is the “sun of righteousness.” To the
baker, He is the “bread of life.” To the banker, He is
the “hidden treasure.” To the builder, He is the “sure
foundation.” To the carpenter, He is “the door.” To
the editor, He is “good tidings of great joy.” To the
electrician, He is the “light of the world.” To the
farmer, He is “the sower and the Lord of the harvest.”
To the florist, He is “the rose of Sharon and the lily
of the valley.” To the jeweler, He is “the living
precious stone.” To the lawyer, He is “the counselor,
lawgiver, and advocate.” To the doctor, He is “the
great physician.” To the educator, He is “the new and
living way.” To the laborer, He is “the giver of rest”
and says to all of us even today, “Come unto me all ye
that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
(Mt. 11:28)
Satan could not seduce Him, death could not
destroy Him and the grave could not hold Him. He
conquered death and rose on the third day as He said
He would. He ascended into heaven, and is now at the
right hand of the throne of God. One day, He will return
with power and great glory to judge the world when
every knee shall bow to Him and every tongue shall
confess Him as Lord of all. (Php. 2:10,11)
He stands forth upon the highest pinnacle of
heavenly glory, proclaimed of God, acknowledged by
angels, feared by devils, and adored by saints as the
living personal Christ, OUR WONDERFUL SAVIOR
AND LORD!
Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today
the risen Lord Jesus Christ is the central figure of the
human race. On our calendars, His birth divides history
into two eras, B.C. and A.D. Every week we have one
day set aside in remembrance of Him. Our two most
important holidays of Christmas and Easter celebrate
His birth and His resurrection. On church steeples
around the world His cross has become the symbol of
victory over sin and death.
This one solitary life has furnished the theme for
more songs, books, poems and paintings than any other
person or event in history. Thousands of colleges,
hospitals, orphanages and other institutions have been
founded in honor of this one who gave His life for all
mankind.
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that
ever sailed, all the governments that ever sat, all the
kings that ever reigned have not changed the course of
history as much as this ONE SOLITARY LIFE.
Over the centuries millions have found a new life
of forgiveness of sins and peace with God through faith
in Jesus Christ. Today, He offers this life to all who
will believe. He says to each one of us: “I am the way,
the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father, but
by me. He that hears my Word, and believes on Him
that sent Me, has everlasting life, and shall not come
into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life”
(John 14:6, 5:24).
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should
not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“As many as received Him, to them gave He power to
become the sons of God, even to them that believe on
His name.” (John 1:12)
Jesus wants to be OUR SAVIOR! He wants each of
us to be born again into HIS WONDERFUL FAMILY -
The most wonderful family! He wants each of us to go
to HEAVEN - The most wonderful place! Let’s receive
and honor our Lord Jesus Christ - OUR WONDERFUL
SAVIOR AND LORD! AMEN!!!
~P.C.
FIRST TO THROW A STONE
If there’s one who often falters
By the wayside in despair;
Seems unusual – his short comings
Do you hold him up in prayer?
If the weak should stumble, brethren,
If he cannot stand alone,
Let the perfect one among you
Be the first to throw a stone.
If so often he has wavered,
That you cannot believe him true –
Have you mentioned it to Jesus?
As the strong one ought to do?
Do you ever stop – consider?
Have you no faults of your own?
Let the perfect one among you
Be the first to throw a stone.
Is there one with cross so heavy,
Seems he cannot carry all?
He may not keep step as you do,
He may even chance to fall.
Do you plead with God for mercy,
Till He answers from the throne?
Let the perfect one among you
Be the first to throw a stone.
By: Mrs. Ethel Meadows
-15-

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What the World
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