Walk In The Footsteps Of Jesus

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability. Matt. 25:15. 

Study the instruction found in Matthew 25:14-46. Compare this instruction with your life record. Let every man put away his boasting. . . . Let us walk in the footsteps of Christ in all the humility of true faith. Let us put away all self-trust, committing ourselves, day by day and hour by hour, to the Saviour, constantly receiving and imparting His grace. I beg those who profess to believe in Christ to walk humbly before God. Pride and self-exaltation are an offense to Him. “If any man will come after me,” Christ declares, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matt. 16:24). Those only who obey this word will He recognize as His believing ones. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12, 13).

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (verse 14). O wonderful condescension! The Prince of heaven, the Commander of the heavenly hosts, stepped down from His high position, laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might become the divine Teacher of all classes of men, and live before human beings a life free from all selfishness and sin, setting them an example of what, through His grace, they may become.

“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (verse 14). Praise God for this wonderful statement. The possibilities that it presents seem almost too great for us to grasp, and put to shame our weakness and our unbelief. I praise God that I can see my Saviour by faith. My soul grasps the great gift. Our only hope in this life is to reach forth the hand of faith, and grasp the hand outstretched to save. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (verse 29). If we would look away from self to Jesus, making Him our Guide, the world would see in our churches a power that it does not now see.

When Truth Controls The Life

He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12. 

The Lord Jesus took upon Him the form of sinful man, clothing His divinity with humanity. But He was holy, even as God is holy. If He had not been without spot or stain of sin, He could not have been the Saviour of mankind. He was a Sinbearer, needing no atonement. One with God in purity and holiness of character, He could make a propitiation for the sins of the whole world.

Christ is the light of the world. Through Him light is shining amid the moral darkness. If He were not light, the darkness would not be apparent, because light reveals darkness. The clearer the light, the more manifest the contrast between light and darkness. Let the light be removed, and there is nought but darkness.

Christ has declared our position. “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). He is Himself the bright and morning Star. He is the Sun of Righteousness, the brightness of His Father’s glory. He is the “true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (chap. 1:9). A Physician, a Healer, He came to restore the moral image of God that was lost by transgression.

When Christ abides in the soul by faith, He makes the one who loves Him all light in the Lord. It is true that many who say they believe the truth have only a nominal faith. They are not doers of the Word. They profess to believe, but their profession will not convert them. . . . 

When Christ dwells in the heart, His presence is apparent. Good and pleasant words and actions reveal the Spirit of Christ. Sweetness of temper is manifested. There is no angry passion, no obstinacy, no evil-surmising. There is no hatred in the heart, because . . ideas and methods . . . are not accepted and appreciated by others. . . . 

When the truth controls the life, there is purity and freedom from sin. The glory, the fullness, the completeness of the gospel plan is fulfilled in the life. The light of truth irradiates the soul temple. The understanding takes hold of Christ.

The Lord’s Philosophy

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isa. 8:20. 

The Lord’s philosophy, plainly outlined in His Word, is to be our rule of life. The entire being is to be under the control of the One who knows the end from the beginning. The Bible, and the Bible only is to be our guide. We must follow and obey the life-giving principles of heaven, not only for our inclinations. The wisdom and the power of God, working upon the receptive heart, brings mind and character into harmony with the laws and rules of heaven. Individually we must have the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in order to communicate to the world the great facts of truth and righteousness. . . . 

We are bidden to sound an alarm to the people. The watchmen must not fail now. They must watch unto prayer, that they may have a clear perception of their obligation to Him who, though the only begotten Son of God, came to our world to lead men and women away from the guidance of Satan.

We are to instruct and guide souls to look to Christ’s example, to realize their obligation to Him, whose they are by creation and by redemption. He is the owner of every man and woman and child who comes into the world. This He became by paying the redemption price. If fallen human beings will consent to become sons and daughters of God in willing obedience, they will become one with Christ. The Saviour has bought them by giving His life to pay the penalty of sin. . . . Those who are truly converted will reveal the saving grace of Christ by laboring for these souls blinded by Satan. In their own lives God’s workers are to show forth the power of truth and righteousness. The world is soon to meet the great Lawgiver over His broken law. Those only can hope for pardon who turn from transgression to obedience.

We are to raise the banner on which is inscribed, “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” This is the great issue. Let it not be put out of sight. We must strive to arouse church members and those who make no profession, to see and obey the claims of the law of heaven. We are to magnify this law and make it honorable. We are to arouse those who are sunk in spiritual slumber.

Is there life beyond earth?

Human beings are fascinated by the possibility of life on other planets, perhaps in other galaxies and within other solar systems. Ironically, we don't have to look out into space to see whether life exists beyond the earth. We have only to look into the pages of the Bible, a source too often ignored or even avoided.

In early August, America's space agency NASA achieved spectacular success in landing Curiosity, an automobile-sized roving laboratory, on the surface of Mars after an 8½-month voyage through space and a supersonic plummet through the Martian atmosphere.

It landed within Gale Crater near the equator, which, as the Associated Press reported, "scientists think is a place where water once flowed—a good starting point to learn whether microbes could exist there" (Aug. 4, 2012).

The report continued: "Life as we know it requires three ingredients: Water, energy and carbon. The missing piece so far is finding carbon. One of Curiosity's main tasks is to drive to the mountain, chisel rocks and dig into soil in search of the elusive element."

Of course, this is referring to physical life. The Bible reveals that there is indeed life beyond this earth that does not need these ingredients— spirit life. God the Father and Jesus Christ live beyond this earth in heaven, as do many angels.

As to whether something like microbes exist in space or on other planets, the Bible does not tell us. Were we ever to find such a thing, it still would not support theories of life from lifelessness and evolution. As all physical life, it would still require a Creator.

Yet there is certainly no indication in Scripture that human or other intelligent physical life exists beyond this earth's boundaries. Remarkably, however, the Bible shows that one day human beings will be made immortal and will inherit the entire universe (Revelation 21:7
). God gives to humanity the opportunity on this earth to learn to govern our lives today so we can live forever with Him tomorrow.

Things Wrought By Prayer

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. Heb. 10:22. 

There can be no true prayer without true faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please him” (Heb. 11:6). Prayer and faith are the arms by which the soul hangs upon the neck of infinite love, and grasps the hand of infinite power. God does not recognize dumb children, as far as experience in His truth is concerned. Faith is an active, working power. The newborn faith in Christ is revealed by prayer and praise. Prayer is a relief and a comfort to the troubled soul. The sincere, humble suppliant at the throne of grace may know that he is communing with God, through the divinely appointed means, and that it is his privilege to understand what God is to the believing soul. We must have a realization of our needs. We must hunger and thirst after life in Christ and through Christ. Then we shall come to Him in humility and sincerity, and He will give us the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. . . . 

Christ gave Himself willingly and cheerfully to the carrying out the will of God. “He . . . became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:8). In view of all that He has done, should we feel it a hardship to deny ourselves? Shall we draw back from being partakers of Christ’s sufferings? His death ought to stir every fiber of our beings, making us willing to consecrate to His work all that we have and are.

As we think of what He has done for us, our hearts should be filled with gratitude and love, and we should renounce all selfishness and sin. What duty could the heart refuse to perform, under the constraining influence of the love of God and Christ? “I am crucified with Christ,” the apostle Paul declared: “nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).

Let us relate ourselves to God in self-denying, self-sacrificing obedience. Faith in Christ always leads to willing, cheerful obedience. He died to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. There is to be perfect conformity, in thought, word, and deed, to the will of God. Heaven is only for those who have purified their souls through obedience to the truth.

Why Forgiveness is Like Insurance

Scripture: "If you forgive the failures of others, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14

I hate paying health insurance…when I'm healthy. But when I'm sick, you can bet it's a different story. I am so thankful for cheap doctor's visits and prescriptions that would normally cost me hundreds--hundreds that I don't have. Did you know that forgiveness is kind of like health insurance?

Our Souls Are Sick

You see, just like with the human body that is prone to sickness and disease, our souls are prone to sin and decay. That is why Jesus came: to save us from our sick souls. "Healthy people don't need a doctor; those who are sick do. I've come to call sinners, not people who think they have God's approval" (Jesus, Mark 2:17). Did you know that the word "salvation" actually refers to salve, a kind of healing ointment? So imagine your sick soul, with all it's hurts and failings, and Jesus coming to put an eternally-healing salve on it that He paid for with His own blood. That's the good news of the Gospel: that there is hope for our healing in Jesus. And it's given freely to everyone who wants it. However, Jesus gives one major caution…

"If you forgive the failures of others, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failures" (Matthew 6:14-15).

You see, forgiving those who have hurt us is how we stay enrolled in our soul insurance policy. This soul insurance policy is incredible: God promises to forgive every one of our sins and bring us to Heaven with Him. We do nothing to earn it. But we tell Him that we still gratefully receive His amazing insurance policy by forgiving others. Listen to this story Jesus told to illustrate it:

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked Him, 'Lord, how often do I have to forgive a believer who wrongs me? Seven times?' Jesus answered him, 'I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy times seven.

That is why the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to do this, a servant who owed him millions of dollars was brought to him. Because he could not pay off the debt, the master ordered him, his wife, his children, and all that he had to be sold to pay off the account. Then the servant fell at his master's feet and said, 'Be patient with me, and I will repay everything!' The master felt sorry for his servant, freed him, and canceled his debt. But when that servant went away, he found a servant who owed him hundreds of dollars. He grabbed the servant he found and began to choke him. 'Pay what you owe!' he said. Then that other servant fell at his feet and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will repay you.' But he refused. Instead, he turned away and had that servant put into prison until he would repay what he owed. The other servants who worked with him saw what had happened and felt very sad. They told their master the whole story. Then his master sent for him and said to him, 'You evil servant! I canceled your entire debt, because you begged me. Shouldn't you have treated the other servant as mercifully as I treated you?' His master was so angry that he handed him over to the torturers until he would repay everything that he owed. That is what my Father in heaven will do to you if each of you does not sincerely forgive other believers'" (Matthew 18:21-35).

Am I Really Forgiving People?

Whew. That gets me. I have recently been dealing with lots of hurts and tough situations, but the intense amount of offense I have committed toward God pales in comparison with how others might have hurt me. Most of the time, people don't even know that they've badly hurt you. That's why Jesus said to God about us, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing" (Luke 23:34). If Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, can say that about all the people who brutally killed him, then I can certainly give grace to others when it's been so lavishly given to me. That's how I stay insured for the many, many sins I need God to forgive me for. "Blessed are those who show mercy. They will be treated mercifully" (Jesus, Matthew 5:7).

Has Your Insurance Lapsed?

Every now and then, my insurance provider calls me if I'm late on a bill, saying, "You are about to be without coverage soon." That's scary because if something bad were to happen, I'd be on my own. But then I just pay my bill, and I'm re-enrolled, totally covered. God wants to give you complete coverage for all your sins and soul hurts, even if you have been without coverage for a while due to unforgiveness. Instead of paying your bill, you pray your bill by forgiving those who have hurt you from your heart. Something I do when I am trying to forgive someone (because it can be hard sometimes!) is I pray blessings for them whenever I think of them. Instead of thinking evil thoughts towards them, I pray for all the good things I can think of: that they would be blessed, God would be near them, they would have their heart's desires, etc. In fact, this is exactly what Jesus commands: "But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" (Matthew 5:44). This practical tip helps you daily forgive people, because some wounds are very deep and you need to daily apply the salve of forgiveness until they're healed. The key is just that we keep applying it.

Who Do You Need to Forgive?

Have you been living "uninsured?" I know I have. Why don't you take a moment to think of hurts that have been trapped in your heart. Releasing them will not only free you of their weight, but it will open you up to receive God's amazing insurance policy of forgiveness and healing. Let's pray a prayer of blessing for them, telling God we give them mercy just as He has given us so much mercy. Thank Him for all of the sins He has forgiven: His forgiveness is truly amazing!

I'll start: Lord Jesus, thank You for telling God to forgive my horrible sins against You, graciously saying I didn't know what I was doing. I want to give just a small reflection of the grace You've shown me to those around me. Will You please help me be merciful? It's my desire to be a person of great grace and mercy. Lord I forgive all those who I feel have wronged me and ask You to pour out Your Spirit on them and cause their barren land to rejoice. In Jesus' name, amen.

Divine Grace, Our Greatest Need

Though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of. 1 Cor. 9:16. 

Genuine conversion brings us daily into communion with God. There will be temptations to meet, and a strong undercurrent drawing us from God to our former state of indifference and sinful forgetfulness of God. No human heart can remain strong without divine grace. No man can remain converted unless he takes care of himself and the Master has a care for him. Unless the heart holds fast to God, and God holds fast to him, he will become self-confident and exalted and will surely stumble and fall. The power of God through faith was Paul’s dependence. “I live; yet not I,” he exclaims in his humility, “but Christ liveth in me” (Gal. 2:20). “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Cor. 9:26, 27).

Paul was in such constant dread, lest his evil propensities should get the better of him, that he was constantly battling, with firm resistance, unruly appetites and passions. If the great apostle felt like trembling in view of his weakness, who has a right to feel self-confident and boastful? The moment we begin to feel self-sufficient and confident then we are in danger of a disgraceful failure.

Our only sure defense against besetting sins is prayer, daily and hourly prayer. Not one day zealous and the next careless, but through watchfulness and earnestness becoming vitalized by intercourse with God. Prayer is necessary, and we should not wait for feeling, but pray, earnestly pray, whether we feel like it or not. Heaven is open to our prayers. Prayer is the channel that conducts our gratitude and yearnings of soul for the divine blessing to the throne of God, to be returned to us in refreshing showers of divine grace. With very many, this channel is allowed to freeze up, and then the connection with heaven is interrupted. . . . Oh, that we would spend more time upon our knees and less time in planning for ourselves and in thinking we may do some great thing.

In The World, But Not Of It

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4.

 

The great day of the Lord is near at hand. When Christ appears in the clouds of heaven, those who have not sought Him with all the heart, those who have allowed themselves to be deceived, will surely perish. Our only safety is to be found through repentance and conversion, and the blotting out of sins. Those who will now seek the Lord earnestly, humbling their hearts before Him, and forsaking their sins, will, through the sanctification of the truth, be fitted to unite with the members of the royal family, and will see the King in His beauty. . . . 

Whatever his educational attainments, only he who realizes his accountability to God, and who is led by the Holy Spirit, can be an effectual teacher, or be successful in winning to God those who are brought under his influence. Shall those who do not heed the divine counsel be acknowledged as leaders in the Lord’s institutions?—God forbid. How can we regard as safe guides those who manifest a spirit of unbelief, and who, in words and character, fail of revealing true godliness?

“Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children [in learning the way of the Lord], ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3).

Self needs to be brought into submission to the yoke of Christ. The great Teacher invites all to learn of Him. . . . “The Son of man is come to save that which was lost” (verse 11). But those who desire to be saved must be willing to be saved in the Lord’s appointed way, and not in a way of their own choosing. The free grace of God is man’s only hope. God is in earnest with every one of us. . . . 

We are called to be the Lord’s special people in a much higher sense than many have realized. The world lies in wickedness, and God’s people are to come out of the world, and be separate. They are to be free from worldly customs and worldly habits. They are not to accord with worldly sentiments, but are to stand out distinct, as the Lord’s peculiar people, earnest in all their service. They are to have no fellowship with the works of darkness

You Are Part of a Family

Scripture: "That is why you are no longer foreigners and outsiders but citizens together with God's people and members of God's family." Ephesians 2:19

The Family You Never Had

I always wanted a sister. A brother is what I got, and a great one at that, but not quite the same as a sister that you can dress up with and talk about women-things. But then my brother married a wonderful girl, Sarah, and my whole life changed. Not only did I now have a sister in her, but she has 4 sisters (!), and they have now become my family too. I love it, and it is all because a marriage brought our families together. Did you know that a spiritual marriage in Heaven has given you a whole new family? The brother, mother, sister, father you never had is now available to you!

The Marriage of All Marriages

This isn't the kind of marriage you're thinking about, where a boy marries a girl. No, it's far greater than that. It's where God has given His own Son, Jesus, to be as a committed husband to His bride, the Church. What is the Church? The Church is made up of everyone who would call Jesus their Lord and Savior. Ephesians 5:25 says, "Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave His life for it." This means, in the same way a husband commits to love and be faithful to his wife, so Jesus loves and is committed to you, as His follower--but even more so than a normal husband. As the Bible says, Jesus sacrificed His own life to make you His bride. Wow!

Meet Your Family

And as a result, He gave you a whole, big family, filled with the others who are like you: followers of Jesus. In fact, the family of God is filled with every single person who has had or will have faith in Jesus as their Savior. It is the tie that binds all of us. That means we can be family with people in different cultures, different ages, even different time periods! The great apostles of the Church-Peter, Paul, John-you are their relatives! The poor in destitute countries who trust in Jesus and the rich in plentiful countries who bow to Him as Lord: We are all family. Listen to what it says:

"You are all God's children by believing in Christ Jesus. Clearly, all of you who were baptized in Christ's name have clothed yourselves with Christ. There are neither Jews nor Greeks, slaves nor free people, males nor females. You are all the same in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants and heirs, as God promised" (Galatians 3:26-29).

God Wants You to Be Cared For

Wow! God has really blessed us. He doesn't want us to be alone, struggling through life. Think of a baby that is born and thrown out into the cold…how terrible! And many of us have felt that way at one time or another, when we are really lonely and in need. No, God wants you to have a spiritual family where you can be loved and cared for, and you can eventually love and care for others. It says, "God places lonely people in families. He leads prisoners out of prison into productive lives, but rebellious people must live in an unproductive land" (Psalm 68:6).

The Privileges of God's Family

You are part of an incredible family in God's house. And as part of His family, you receive incredible privileges. Here are just some of them:

1) You get to have the God of the universe as your loving, Heavenly Father: The God that created every star in the sky and every tiny atom in the world cares for you as a Father. "As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear Him" (Psalm 103:13). That means you can come to Him and find the love, protection, and guidance you are looking for in a father. You may not have had a loving, active father in your life, but God can fill your heart with the love you need…more than you can even imagine. He is a "Father to the fatherless" (Psalm 68:5).

2) You have people all over the world (near and far) to support and love you as family. Family is the bond that God created to be the most secure source of care, commitment, and guidance. It is where you would find value, safety, and support to become the person God created you to be. That's exactly how God's family, the Church, is to be. In your peers, you find spiritual brothers and sisters, and more mature people become as spiritual moms and dads. Paul, one of the Church's first leaders, explained this to his spiritual son, Timothy: "Never use harsh words when you correct an older man, but talk to him as if he were your father. Talk to younger men as if they were your brothers, older women as if they were your mothers, and younger women as if they were your sisters, while keeping yourself morally pure" (1 Timothy 5:1,2).

3) You can contribute to the growth of the family. God has created you to play a very important role in His family. He made you unique, and no one will be able to perfectly fill your shoes. The Bible actually compares us all to an intricate body, with each person being a specific part: "He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love" (Ephesians 4:16). What part are you? Maybe you are the mouth, and God created you to communicate His praises. Or maybe you are the liver, and though not seen, play an incredible role in detoxifying the body and keeping it healthy. Don't know your role? Ask God, and He will show you!

The Divine Substitute

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Cor. 5:21. 

“He saved others; himself he cannot save” (Mark 15:31). It is because Christ would not save Himself that the sinner has any hope of pardon or favor with God. If, in His undertaking to save the sinner, Christ had failed or become discouraged, the last hope of every son and daughter of Adam would have been at an end. The entire life of Christ was one of self-denial and self-sacrifice; and the reason that there are so few stalwart Christians is because of their self-indulgence and self-pleasing in the place of self-denial and self-sacrifice.

Oh, what soul hunger and longing had Christ to save that which was lost! The body crucified upon the cross did not detract from His divinity, His power of God to save through the human sacrifice, all who would accept His righteousness. In dying upon the cross, He transferred the guilt from the person of the transgressor to that of the divine Substitute through faith in Him as his personal Redeemer. The sins of a guilty world, which in figure are represented as “red as crimson,” were imputed to the divine Surety. . . 

Divinity was doing its work while humanity was suffering from the hatred and revenge of a God-hating people, because Christ had acknowledged Himself the Son of God. He alone could respond to the poor suffering thief. He alone was free to undertake the suretyship of the guilty criminal. The dying Redeemer saw him to be far less guilty than the ones who had condemned Him to death, far less guilty than the priests, the scribes, and rulers who had taken an active part in demanding the death of the Son of God.

What a faith had that dying thief upon the cross! He accepted Christ when apparently it was an utter impossibility that He should be the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world. In the prayer of the poor thief, there was a note different from that which was sounding on every side; it was a note of faith, and it reached to Christ. The faith of the dying man in Him was as sweetest music in the ears of Christ. The glad note of redemption and salvation was heard amid His dying agonies. God was glorified in and through His Son.

An Ever Present Help

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1:7. 

We have rich promises in the Word of God, if we only believe and trust in Him. We are in danger of trusting to our own poor human efforts, and not putting our trust in God. Everyone who has any part to act in this great preparation of the work of God for these last days should come close to God. When God sends out His workers to do a special errand for Him, He has pledged Himself to be one with them, if they will be one with God. But if they draw apart from God, and try to do this work in their own strength, they will find difficulties and discouragements at every step. Here we have the promise that in working for the Lord He is by our right hand to help us and work with us.

It would be the greatest folly in the world for any of us to take any of the credit to ourselves for any success we may have. The more humbly we walk with God, the more will He manifest Himself to us to help us. The Lord never designed to send out His servants to do a work for Him with all the opposition of Satan and evil angels against them unless He gives them divine help. The reason that we do not have greater success in the work is because we depend on our own efforts rather than upon the help God will give us. It is our privilege to feel our weakness, our unworthiness, and then claim the help that God has provided for us. We can take the Word in our distress, and while we feel the burden of souls upon us, and say, “Here, Lord, Thou hast promised, and I believe Thy word.”

We must learn to go to our heavenly Father just as a child goes to its earthly parents. He says, “Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matt. 7:9-11). . . . 

While every one of God’s workmen should cultivate his powers to the best of his ability, yet he should not trust in these powers. Make of yourselves everything that it is possible for you to make and then trust the rest to God.

Matchless Love

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. John 17:22, 23. 

O what love, what matchless love! Fallen human beings may become so closely united with Christ that they are glorified with Him. On this earth they have followed in His footsteps, laboring as He labored for the souls for whom He died, and when He comes to claim His own, they enter in to His joy, sitting with Him at His table in His kingdom. “Where I am,” He says, “there shall also my servant be” (John 12:26). . . . 

What a wonderful thought it is that we, poor, fallen sinners, can become one with Christ, partakers of His divine nature, through His grace refined, purified, glorified. We may overcome, and sit down with . . . Christ. We are to be conformed to His image. He loves, and He will help us. We are to be passive in His hands.

We have His promise. We hold the title deeds to real estate in the kingdom of glory. Never were title deeds drawn up more strictly according to law, or signed more legibly, than those that give God’s people a right to the heavenly mansions. “Let not your heart be troubled,” Christ says: “ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (chap. 14:1-3). . . .

All who will may come under the covenant promise. Precious is the price paid for our redemption—the blood of the only begotten Son of God. Christ was tried by the sharp proving of affliction. His human nature was tried to the uttermost. He bore the death penalty of man’s transgression. He became the sinner’s substitute and surety. He is able to show the fruit of His sufferings and death, in His resurrection from the dead. From the rent sepulcher of Joseph rings forth the proclamation, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me, and do the works of righteousness that I do, are justified, sanctified, made white and tried. They have obtained godliness and eternal life.”

To whom will you turn?

"In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god." - Daniel 1:1-2

The children of Israel were taken captive to Babylon because they separated from God, and no longer maintained the principles that had been given to keep them free from the methods and practices of the nations who dishonored God. The Lord could not give them prosperity, he could not fulfill His covenant with them, while they were untrue to the principles He had given them zealously to maintain. By their spirit and their actions they misrepresented His character, and He permitted them to be taken captive. Because of their separation from Him, He humbled them. He left them to their own ways, and the innocent suffered with the guilty.

The Lord's chosen people proved themselves untrustworthy. They showed themselves to be selfish, scheming, dishonorable. But among the children of Israel there were Christian patriots, who were as true as steel to principle, and upon these loyal men the Lord looked with great pleasure.

"Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants." Daniel 1:11-13

These were men who would not be corrupted by selfishness, who would not mar the work of God by following erroneous methods and practices, men who would honor God at the loss of all things. They had to suffer with the guilty, but in the providence of God their captivity at Babylon was the means of bringing them to the front, and their example of untarnished integrity shines with heaven's luster.

"And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm." Daniel 1:19-20

Chains That Bind Us

Gulliver’s Travels is a book in which a giant was held helpless by the use of many small threads.

We all have some chains that bind us—some areas in life where we may have failed and then hesitated to try again. The less we try to do, the less we feel hindered by chains. People who do not move at all do not notice the chains that bind them. Not noticing those chains leads to complacency and not correcting problems that we have.

Jesus warned about those who would not overcome their hindrances or chains (Revelation 2, 3). Somewhere in life we may try to move only to find that the chains we never noticed are holding us back and preventing useful actions. Such was the case of the young man who wanted eternal life, but Jesus pointed out his chains (Mark 10:21
- 22).

Being Alive Unto God

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matt. 10:32, 33. 

 

How is it? Are we confessing Christ in our daily life? Do we confess Him in our dress, adorning ourselves with plain and modest apparel? Is our adorning that of the meek and quiet spirit which is of so great price in the sight of God? Are we seeking to advance the cause of the Master? Is the line of demarcation between you and the world distinct, or are you seeking to follow the fashions of this degenerate age? Is there no difference between you and the worldling? Does the same spirit work in you that works in the children of disobedience?

If we are Christians, we shall follow Christ, even though the path in which we are to walk cuts right across our natural inclinations. There is no use in telling you that you must not wear this or that, for if the love of these vain things is in your heart, your laying off your adornments will only be like cutting the foliage off a tree. The inclinations of the natural heart would again assert themselves. You must have a conscience of your own.

O, did we remember that Christ became poor, that we through His poverty might become rich, would we not seek to honor His name, and advance His cause? We are to abide in Him as the branch abides in the vine. Jesus says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. . . . Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:5-8).

If we fulfilled this command of our Lord, there would be a different state of affairs in our churches, and we should know what it is to have the deep movings of the Spirit of God. What we want is to have the ax laid at the root of the tree. We want to be dead to the world, dead to self, and alive unto God. Our life must be his with Christ in God, that when He shall appear, we also may appear with Him in glory. We need to come close to Christ, that men may know that we have been with Christ and learned of Him. . . . Keep your eye fixed upon Christ. With humility of mind seek for a nearness to God. In words, in conduct, in life, confess Christ.

Essentials Of Salvation

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light. Eph. 5:8.

He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness sheds light into the mind of every one who will properly behold Him, loving Him supremely, showing unswerving faith and trust in Him. His light shines into the chambers of the mind and into the soul temple. The heart is filled with the light of the knowledge of the glory that shines in the face of Jesus Christ. And with this light comes spiritual discernment. . . . 

Yielding willingly to the evidence of truth, and walking in the light that shines in our pathway, we receive still greater light. Through the power of the manifestation of divine glory, we constantly advance in spiritual understanding.

Christ’s knowledge of truth was direct, positive, without a shadow. The closer the acquaintance a man has with Jesus Christ, the more careful he will be to treat his fellow men respectfully, courteously, righteously. He has learned of Christ, and he follows His example in word and action. By faith he is united with Christ. “We are labourers together with God” (1 Cor. 3:9). . . . 

Christ’s prayer was for unity among His followers. This unity is the evidence that is to convince the world that God sent His Son to save sinners. We serve Christ by revealing true, pure, holy love for one another. Those who are chosen to connect with the Lord’s institutions are to be devoted, self-denying, self-sacrificing men, living not to please themselves, but to please the Master. These are the men who will do honor to the Lord’s institutions.

A knowledge of God and of Christ is positively essential to salvation. We lose much every day that we do not learn more of the meekness and lowliness of Christ. Those who learn of Christ obtain the very highest class of education. Through faith and dependence on the saving grace of Christ, they increase in knowledge and wisdom. They love and praise the Saviour. . . . 

Those who are saved must in this life make it their daily business to receive grace from God, not to hoard in selfishness, but to impart for the blessing of those connected with them, to aid them in obtaining an education in spiritual things.

Living The New Life

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Matt 7:12. 

Christ came to teach us, not only what we ought to know and believe, but also what we ought to do in our relations with God and with our fellow men. The golden rule of equity demands that we do unto others as we would they should do unto us. We are to keep their eternal interests in view, saying to ourselves, “They are the purchase of the Saviour’s blood, bought with a price.”

In all our dealing with our fellow men, whether they be believers or unbelievers, we are to treat them as Christ would treat them were He in our place. If it is for our present and eternal good to obey the law of God, it will be for their present and eternal good also to do this. Our highest aim is to be to them medical missionary workers after Christ’s order. . . . 

All who enter through the pearly gates into the city of God must have set forth Christ in all their dealings. It is this that constitutes them the messengers of Christ, His witnesses. They are to bear a plain, decided testimony against all evil practices, pointing them to the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. He gives to all who receive Him, power to become the sons of God.

Regeneration is the only path by which we can reach the holy city. It is narrow and the gate by which we enter is strait, but along it we are to lead men and women and children, teaching them that in order to be saved, they must have a new heart and a new spirit. The old hereditary traits of character are to be overcome. The natural desires of the soul must be changed. All deception, all falsifying, all evil-speaking must be put away. The new life, which makes men and women Christlike, is to be lived. We are, as it were, to swim against the current of evil.

The way to heaven is narrow, hedged in by the divine law of Jehovah. Those who follow this way must constantly deny self. They must obey the teachings of Christ. . . . Let us not trust in man, but in Jesus Christ, who died that He might win us to righteousness.

Heavenly Guarantee

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Matt. 7:7.

Oh, if every one would only know by personal experience how much of heaven’s promised rest can be secured to the soul, even now, by sincere prayer. If one has not learned this lesson, every other lesson of life [had] better not be learned till he shall learn in the school of Christ how to master this lesson.

As Christians we want a new and living experience every day. We want to learn how to trust Jesus, to believe in Him and confide everything to Him. Jacob was raised from a man of feebleness and defects, through faith in God in prayer, to be a prince with God. He prevailed through faith. God is omnipotent. Man is finite. In converse with God, we may lay the most secret thing of the soul open to Him—for He knows it all—but not to man. . . . 

Do not become careless and separate from the Source of your strength. Watch your thoughts, watch your words, and in all things you seek to do, seek to glorify God. The more closely you lie at the foot of the cross, the more clearly will you see the matchless charms of Jesus and the unparalleled love He has evidenced for fallen man. . . . 

Let not the pressure of business separate you from God, for if you ever need counsel and clear forethought and sharp ideas, it is when you have much work on your hands. It is then that you need to take time to pray, to have increased faith and implicit trust in the counsel of the Physician in Chief. Ask Him to help you. Pray the oftener the more critical the work you have to do. . . . 

Oh what a theme to contemplate that man, depraved and lost in his natural condition, may be renewed and saved by the gracious help that Christ gives him in the gospel. The love of Jesus in the soul will drive out the enemy who is seeking to take possession of man. Every trial patiently borne, every blessing thankfully received, every temptation faithfully resisted, will make you a strong man in Jesus Christ. All this grace may be gained in the prayer of faith. . . . 

Lay hold upon strength from above. Even Jesus, when preparing for some great trial, would resort to the solitude of the mountains and spend the night in prayer to His Father.

The True Shepherd

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. - John 14:6

Jesus thought upon the souls all over the earth who were misled by false shepherds. Those whom He longed to gather as the sheep of His pasture were scattered among wolves, and He said, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd." John 10:16, R. V.

"Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again." That is, My Father has so loved you, that He even loves Me more for giving My life to redeem you. In becoming your substitute and surety, by surrendering My life, by taking your liabilities, your transgressions, I am endeared to My Father.

"I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again." While as a member of the human family He was mortal, as God He was the fountain of life for the world. He could have withstood the advances of death, and refused to come under its dominion; but voluntarily He laid down His life, that He might bring life and immortality to light. He bore the sin of the world, endured its curse, yielded up His life as a sacrifice, that men might not eternally die. "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. . . . He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53:4-6.

The Shepherd's Love

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our "everlasting Father." And He says, "I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father." John 10:14, 15, R. V. What a statement is this!--the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be "the Man that is My fellow" (Zech. 13:7),--the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!

Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. "The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." James 5:11. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our heavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest. "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Psalm 147:3. The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son.

Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust.

The Good Shepherd

I am the Good Shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. - John 10:11

"I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine. As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep."

Again Jesus found access to the minds of His hearers by the pathway of their familiar associations. He had likened the Spirit's influence to the cool, refreshing water. He had represented Himself as the light, the source of life and gladness to nature and to man. Now in a beautiful pastoral picture He represents His relation to those that believe on Him. No picture was more familiar to His hearers than this, and Christ's words linked it forever with Himself. Never could the disciples look on the shepherds tending their flocks without recalling the Saviour's lesson. They would see Christ in each faithful shepherd. They would see themselves in each helpless and dependent flock.

This figure the prophet Isaiah had applied to the Messiah's mission, in the comforting words, "O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! . . . He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom." Isa. 40:9-11. David had sung, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Ps. 23:1. And the Holy Spirit through Ezekiel had declared: "I will set up one Shepherd over them, and He shall feed them." "I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick." "And I will make with them a covenant of peace." "And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen; . . . but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid." Ezek. 34:23, 16, 25, 28.

Christ applied these prophecies to Himself, and He showed the contrast between His own character and that of the leaders in Israel. The Pharisees had just driven one from the fold, because he dared to bear witness to the power of Christ. They had cut off a soul whom the True Shepherd was drawing to Himself. In this they had shown themselves ignorant of the work committed to them, and unworthy of their trust as shepherds of the flock. Jesus now set before them the contrast between them and the Good Shepherd, and He pointed to Himself as the real keeper of the Lord's flock.

God's Love Letter to YOU

Scripture: "Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands." Isaiah 49:16

Just How Much God Loves You

If you're anything like me (or most everyone else I know), you have no idea how much God loves you. He died for you, sacrificed His only Son, and would do it all over again. But even if you've heard it once, you need to hear it again. So if God wrote you a love letter, here's what it might sound like…

Love Letter

Dear Child of Mine,

I saw you before you were born, and I destined you for a great purpose (Jeremiah 1:5). While your mom was pregnant with you, I personally designed you with incredible detail and precision (Psalm 139:13,14). From the get-go, I planned so many amazing things for you, you could never even count them if you tried (Psalm 40:5).

But I knew in advance that you would go astray and forget me, so I asked My perfect Son Jesus to take your punishment Himself (Isaiah 53:5). He was willing to be humiliated and murdered so that you could be eternally healed (Isaiah 53:5). He loved you so much that He came down to earth to show you what I'm really like (John 14:7).

When you first believed in Me, I immediately accepted you into My own family (John 1:12). I forgave all your sins through My Son Jesus (1 John 2:12). And now Jesus is in Heaven with Me, preparing a place for you (John 14:2). In fact, I am living inside of you because You believe in My Son (I John 4:15).

I am forever committed to you; there is no circumstance under which I will leave you or take my love away from you (Hebrews 13:5; Romans 8:38). Even when you go through the hardest trials, I will be with you and carry you through them (Isaiah 43:2). In fact, I will cause EVERYTHING to work together for your good, because you have loved me back and I have a great purpose for you (Romans 8:28).

Is there anything you need right now? Ask Me. I am your Good Father and I won't give you something bad in return (Matthew 7:11). Actually, I have My own Spirit readily available to you to help you in your weakest hour (Romans 8:26). I know you get tempted to lose faith, but even when you do, I will remain faithful to you (2 Timothy 2:13). I want you to ask Me for great things, because I want to answer you (John 16:23). Take a look up at the heavens; My love for you goes even higher than that (Psalm 108:4). Don't lose heart: I want you to know that I am coming back for you (Revelation 22:12).

And just remember: I AM LOVE (1 John 4:16). I am always patient, always kind. I'm never envious, proud or boastful. I'm not rude, and I only want the best for you. I don't get easily irritated with you or hold a grudge toward you. I am sad when you are hurt or wronged, but love when the truth prevails in your life. I will never stop being patient with you, never lose hope or give up on you. I WILL NEVER QUIT ON YOU (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

My love for you is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3).

Agents For Heaven

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. 1 Peter 3:8. 

What great need there is of cultivating tenderness and gentleness. None should be ashamed to manifest a tender, compassionate spirit for those who err; for those who think they make no mistakes and far from being without fault before God. No one need to think that the manifestation of compassion is something for which he need be ashamed. . . . 

When a crisis comes in the life of any soul, and another attempts to give advice, that advice and counsel will have only the weight of influence for good that their example and spirit of the adviser has accumulated for him. It is the consistent life, the revelation of a sincere, Christlike interest for the soul in peril, that will make counsel effectual to persuade and win into safe paths. Those who are quick to censure others, who speak words that cut and bruise the already wounded soul, are doing Satan's work, and are laborers with the prince of darkness. . . . 

Let the tempted and tried souls remember that when chastisement comes upon them, it is the Lord who would save them from death. Let the souls to whom reproof comes, remember that "as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten" (Rev. 3:19).

The human agent, imbued with the Spirit of Christ, will watch for souls as they that must give an account. The claims of Christ are upon us, and we must understand our duty, and do it in the fear of God, with an eye single to His glory, and not prove unfaithful. Let no thought of self or of natural feelings be cherished to keep the lips silent. Speak, and be not afraid. With the heart full of tenderness and love for souls, warn, exhort, and entreat.

Never cease to labor for a soul while there is one ray of hope. Your words may cut to the soul. Oh, then be cautious, and clothe them with the love and tenderness of Jesus. Soften every accent with love and sympathy. . . . As you deal with others, as you judge others, so the Lord will judge and deal with you. Let the agent who claims to be a child of God, practice the lessons of Christ. If he is compelled to wound, let him feel the duty of healing as compulsory upon him. The truth is ever to be spoken in love, with the Spirit of Christ abiding in the soul.

There's a New World Coming!

Why is our world plagued with so many problems? If God exists and is really in charge, why doesn't He put an end to all these evils?

These crucial questions have perplexed people for centuries. Some, seeing so much suffering, conclude that God doesn't exist. Paradoxically, some look at the same troubled world, yet they're convinced that the Kingdom of God spoken of in the Bible exists now on earth in the form of one or more church organizations, or in the collective worldwide efforts of Bible believers, or in the hearts of men.

Thus the theme of this issue—what exactly is the Kingdom of God? What does the Bible really teach about this critical subject? And how can we become a part of it?

Few realize the real answer as to why our world suffers from so many intractable problems. Yet the answer is simple: In terms of human society this isn't God's world, it's Satan's.

This evil being is called "the god of this age" (2 Corinthians 4:4
). He "deceives the whole world" (Revelation 12:9
). Jesus Christ calls him "the ruler of this world" (John 14:30
; 16:11). John tells us that "the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19
).

So no, this world is not the Kingdom of God. Jesus Himself said Christians are to pray that the Kingdom will come (Matthew 6:10
; Luke 11:2
). It is to be our foremost goal (Matthew 6:33
). Flesh and blood cannot inherit it (1 Corinthians 15:50
).

So what is this Kingdom, and when does it come? At Christ's return to the earth, the announcement will be made that "the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever" (Revelation 11:15
, English Standard Version).

Many Bible passages reveal that this will be a literal Kingdom established on earth. Jesus told His 12 disciples that when He reigns on His throne in that Kingdom, they would reign with Him, "judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matthew 1:28
). Daniel 7:14
is a prophecy that in this everlasting Kingdom given to Jesus Christ, "all peoples, nations, and languages [will] serve Him."

What will this Kingdom be like? Again, many prophecies tell us. Great miracles of healing will occur—the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will walk and the mute will speak (Isaiah 35:5
- 6). The world's desert areas will be transformed, made lush with streams and flowers (verses 1-2, 6-7). Agricultural areas will be astoundingly productive (Amos 9:13
). Peace will break out across the globe, and people will no longer learn war (Isaiah 2:4
).

All this is but a taste of the future. Yes, a new world is coming. It won't be a world of merely human leaders, human government and human ideas about what works best. It will be a glorious world in which Jesus Christ will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

And the truly good news is that He wants you to have a part in it! "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's pleasure to give you the kingdom," He tells us (Luke 12:32
).

Are you willing to take Him up on His offer?