The Keynote of Scripture

I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. Job 19:25. 

One of the most solemn and yet most glorious truths revealed in the Bible is that of Christ’s second coming, to complete the great work of redemption. To God’s pilgrim people, so long left to sojourn in “the region and shadow of death,” a precious, joy-inspiring hope is given in the promise of His appearing, who is “the resurrection and the life,” to “bring home again His banished.” The doctrine of the second advent is the very key-note of the Sacred Scriptures. From the day when the first pair turned their sorrowing steps from Eden, the children of faith have waited the coming of the Promised One to break the destroyer’s power and bring them again to the lost Paradise. ... Enoch, only the seventh in descent from them that dwelt in Eden, he who for three centuries on earth walked with his God, was permitted to behold from afar the coming of the Deliverer. “Behold,” he declared, “the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all.” The patriarch Job in the night of his affliction exclaimed with unshaken trust: “I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:... in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another.”

May the God of all grace so enlighten your understanding that you may discern eternal things, that by the light of truth your own errors, which are many, may be discovered to you just as they are, that you may make the necessary effort to put them away, and in the place of this evil, bitter fruit may bring forth fruit which is precious unto eternal life.

Humble your poor, proud, self-righteous heart before God; get low, very low, all broken in your sinfulness at His feet. Devote yourself to the work of preparation. Rest not until you can truly say: My Redeemer liveth, and, because He lives, I shall live also.

If you lose heaven, you lose everything; if you gain heaven, you gain everything. Do not make a mistake in this matter, I implore you. Eternal interests are here involved.

Christians To Reflect The Light Of Heaven

A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Matt. 5:14, 15.

“Ye are the light of the world,” said Christ to His disciples. As the sun goes forth in the heavens, dispelling the shades of night, and filling the world with brightness, so must the followers of Jesus let their light shine to dispel the moral darkness of a world lying in sin. But they have no light of themselves; it is the light of Heaven which they are to reflect to the world.

“A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” Our thoughts and purposes are the secret springs of action, and hence determine the character. The purpose formed in the heart need not be expressed in word or deed in order to make it sin, and bring the soul into condemnation. Every thought, feeling, and inclination, though unseen by men, is discerned by the eye of God. But it is only when the evil that has taken root in the heart reaches its fruition in the unlawful word or deed that man can judge the character of his fellowman.

The Christian is Christ’s representative. He is to show to the world the transforming power of divine grace. He is a living epistle of the truth of God, known and read of all men. The rule given by Christ by which to determine who are His true followers is, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” . . . 

The Christian’s godly life and holy conversation are a daily testimony against sin and sinners. But he must present Christ, not self. Christ is the great remedy for sin. Our compassionate Redeemer has provided for us the help we need. He is waiting to impute His righteousness to the sincere penitent, and to kindle in his heart such divine love as only our gracious Redeemer can inspire. Then let us who profess to be His witnesses on earth, His ambassadors from the court of heaven, glorify Him whom we represent, by being faithful to our trust as light bearers to the world.

Everyone who at last secures eternal life will here manifest zeal and devotion in the service of God. He will not desert the post of duty at the approach of trial, hardship, or reproach. He will be a diligent student of the Scriptures, and will follow the light as it shines upon his pathway. When some plain, scriptural requirement is presented he will not stop to inquire, What will my friends say, if I take my position with the people of God? Knowing his duty, he will do it heartily and fearlessly.

Of such truehearted followers Jesus declares that He is not ashamed to call them brethren. The God of truth will be on their side, and will never forsake them. All apparent losses for Christ’s sake will count to them as infinite gain.

Those Who Return To The Old Paths

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isa. 35:10.

The world is full of men and women who manifest no sense of obligation to God for their entrusted gifts. They do not realize that God has entrusted them with talents, not for self-glorification, but for His own name’s glory. They are eager for distinction. . . . 

There are men whom God has qualified with more than ordinary ability. They are deep thinkers, energetic, and thorough. But many of them are bent upon the attainment of their own selfish ends, without regard to the honor and glory of God. Some of these have seen the light of truth, but because they honored themselves, and did not make God first and last and best in everything, they have wandered away from Bible truth into skepticism and infidelity. When these are arrested by the chastisements of God, and through affliction are led to inquire for the old paths, the mist of skepticism is swept from their minds. Some of them repent, return to the old love, and set their feet in the way cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. No longer are they actuated by the love of money or by selfish ambition. The Spirit of God working upon the heart is valued by them more highly than gold or the praise of men. When this amazing change is wrought, the thoughts are directed by the Spirit of God into new channels, the character is transformed, and the aspirations of the soul reach out toward heavenly things.

True religion has power today. It enables men to overcome the stubborn influence of pride, selfishness, and unbelief, and in the simplicity of true godliness to reveal a living connection with heaven. The grace which Christ imparts makes it possible for men to rise superior to all the infatuating temptations of Satan. It will lead them to the cross of Jesus as active, devoted, loyal workers for the advancement of the truth of heaven.

Fidelity to God has marked the heroes of faith from age to age. As they have been brought conspicuously before the world their light has shone forth. Their obedience to the command of Christ, “Go forward,” has led others to glorify God.

There are today moral heroes, men and women who are living noble lives of self-denial. They have no ambition for worldly fame. Their will is subordinate to the will of God. The love of God inspires their ministry. To do good and to save souls is their highest aim.

These have gained genuine knowledge, even the knowledge set forth by Christ in the words, “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3).

The Value of Pain

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Rom. 8:18.

In the experience of the apostle John under persecution, there is a lesson of wonderful strength and comfort for the Christian. God does not prevent the plottings of wicked men, but He causes their devices to work for good to those who in trial and conflict maintain their faith and loyalty. Often the gospel laborer carries on his work amid storms of persecution, bitter opposition, and unjust reproach. At such times let him remember that the experience to be gained in the furnace of trial and affliction is worth all the pain it costs. Thus God brings His children near to Him, that He may show them their weakness and His strength. He teaches them to lean on Him. Thus He prepares them to meet emergencies, to fill positions of trust, and to accomplish the great purpose for which their powers were given them.

In all ages God’s appointed witnesses have exposed themselves to reproach and persecution for the truth’s sake. Joseph was maligned and persecuted because he preserved his virtue and integrity. David, the chosen messenger of God, was hunted like a beast of prey by his enemies. Daniel was cast into a den of lions because he was true to his allegiance to heaven. Job was deprived of his worldly possessions, and so afflicted in body that he was abhorred by his relatives and friends; yet he maintained his integrity.

Jeremiah could not be deterred from speaking the words that God had given him to speak; and his testimony so enraged the king and princes that he was cast into a loathsome pit. Stephen was stoned because he preached Christ and Him crucified. Paul was imprisoned, beaten with rods, stoned, and finally put to death because he was a faithful messenger for God to the Gentiles. And John was banished to the Isle of Patmos “for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

These examples of human steadfastness bear witness to the faithfulness of God’s promises—of His abiding presence and sustaining grace. They testify to the power of faith to withstand the powers of the world. . . . 

They bore witness to the power of One mightier than Satan. . . . Through trial and persecution the glory—the character—of God is revealed in His chosen ones. The believers in Christ, hated and persecuted by the world, are educated and disciplined in the school of Christ. On earth they walk in narrow paths; they are purified in the furnace of affliction.

Commissioned for a Mission

Scripture: “And then He told them, Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Mark 16:15.

 Did you know that when you become a Christian, you also accept commission as a missionary? That might not be how we traditionally think of it, but God’s love is so intense and strong that once you’ve made it part of your life, you can’t help but share it! Besides that, we want to do what God expects of us:in the Gospel of St. Matthew, Jesus told His followers,“…make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”(Matthew 28:19-20);                                  

How Do I Start?

With prayer, always with prayer. St Paul wrote, “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (Colossians 4:2) Communicate with God; He wants to hear from you and share your life. Have a conversation with Him by praying and reading the Bible or fellowshipping with other believers. Work on discerning His will for you, and strive to fulfill it.

God calls all of us to share Jesus with the world, and our responsibility is to listen and answer Him with a “yes.” Pray for and with an open mind and an open heart. Then be prepared to serve and go and serve again.

 He gives His people many ways of missioning. Even if you never actually talk to someone about the Good News, they might be watching you, and your Christian lifestyle becomes an example to them. You might be called to share words about God’s love in your family, with friends or coworkers, in your neighborhood, etc. Maybe you’ll end up sharing God’s love online, even with intentional online missions. Your mission field is “your own backyard.” God also has “job openings” in other ways. Churches and missions organizations use many methods to get people to get the Good News to other people!                                

Supporting and Sending

Jesus told His Disciples, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you.” (John 20:21) As part of your God-given mission, you might be called upon to follow Jesus’s example of sending others physically out into the world on intentional missions experiences. Ways to serve include prayer support, financial support, and material support.

Any Christian can fulfill a part of their commission by praying. St. Paul requested from his friends in Thessalonica, “Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes... Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people… The Lord is faithful; He will strengthen you and guard you from evil.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3) Those who spread God’s Word and share His love are not well-liked by the forces of evil! So it is important that they are being prayed over. The Bible tells us that “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”(James 5:16)

Sharing financial support is one of the easiest ways to help send out a missionary. It can be a joy to work on your ministry through giving, and it is a God-honoring action. God can use whatever we can share: “…give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) And when we are generous with the Lord’s work, He is generous with us: “Honor God with everything you own; give Him the first and the best. Your barns will burst; your wine vats will brim over.” (Proverbs 3:9-10) The more you give, the more God will give you.

Finally, offering material support to send a missionary is similar to providing financial support – it’s still giving, but rather than money, you can give “stuff.” When you provide for someone’s physical needs, it is as though you are physically missioning yourself. As the Lord taught, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew  6:21)

A Most Important Mission

 It’s a pretty big job that we’ve agreed to do, but that is what love is about!  As Christians, we can trust God to teach us about our own strengths and weaknesses.  We can offer ourselves and our skills for God to use to His glory

St. Paul wrote, “Your body has many parts — limbs, organs, cells — but … you’re still one body.  It’s exactly the same with Christ.  By means of His one Spirit, we … entered into a large and integrated life in which He has the final say in everything.”  “A body isn’t just a single part blown up into something huge.  It’s all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together.”  “God has carefully placed each part of the body right where He wanted it. … no matter how significant you are, it is only because of what you are a part of.”  “Christ’s church is a complete Body and not … not all Apostle, not all Prophet, not all Miracle Worker.”  (condensed from 1 Corinthians 12:12-31)

So find out what part of the body you are.  Where and how does God want you to be missioning?  He gifted us all differently, so we can all serve in the way He wants us to – and we’ll most likely deeply enjoy something He has created us for.  Find out where you “fit in” to help complete the Great Commission              

“Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved."  But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him?  And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him?  And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?  And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?”  (Romans 10:13-15)

Strict Integrity To Mark The Christian

Thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Deut. 25:15.

In all the details of life, Christians are to follow the principles of strict integrity. These are not the principles that govern the world; for there Satan is master, and his principles of deception and oppression bear sway. But Christians serve under a different Master, and their actions must be wrought in God. They must put aside all desire for selfish gain.

To some, deviation from perfect fairness in business deals may look like a small thing, but our Saviour does not thus regard it. His words on this point are plain and explicit: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” A man who will overreach in a small matter will overreach in a larger matter if the temptation comes to him.

 
Christ’s followers are obliged to be more or less connected with the world in business matters. In His prayer for them the Saviour says, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” Christians are to buy and sell with the realization that the eye of God is upon them. Never are they to use false balances or deceitful weights. . . . 

 
In every action of life the true Christian is just what he desires those around him to think he is. He is guided by truth and uprightness. He does not scheme; therefore he has nothing to gloss over. He may be criticized, he may be tested; but through all, his unbending integrity shines out like pure gold. He is a friend and benefactor to all connected with him; and his fellow men place confidence in him; for he is trustworthy.

 
Does he employ laborers to gather in his harvest? He does not keep back their hard-earned money. Has he means for which he has no immediate use? He relieves the necessities of his less fortunate brother. He does not seek to enlarge his possessions by taking advantage of the untoward circumstances of his neighbor. He accepts only a fair price for that which he sells. If there are defects in the articles sold, he frankly tells the buyer, even though by so doing he may seem to work against his own pecuniary interests.

 
A man may not have a pleasant exterior; but if he has a reputation for straightforward, honest dealing, he is respected. . . . A man who steadfastly adheres to the truth wins the confidence of all. Not only do Christians trust him; worldlings are constrained to acknowledge the worth of his character.

Blessed are they that Wash their Robes

Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. Rev. 22:14, R.V.

Do we expect to get to heaven at last and join the heavenly choir? Just as we go into the grave we will come up, as far as the character is concerned. . . . Now is the time for washing and ironing. . . . 

John saw the throne of God and around that throne a company, and he inquired, Who are these? The answer came, "These are they which . . . have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Rev. 7:14). Christ leads them to the fountains of living waters, and there is the tree of life and there is the precious Savior. Here is presented to us a life that measures with the life of God. There is no pain, sorrow, sickness, or death there. All is peace and harmony and love. . . . 

Now is the time to receive grace and strength and power to combine with our human efforts that we can form characters for everlasting life. When we do this we will find that the angels of God will minister unto us, and we shall be heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. And when the last trump shall sound, and the dead shall be called from their prison house and changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the crowns of immortal glory shall be placed upon the heads of the overcomers. The pearly gates will swing back for the nations that have kept the truth and they will enter in. The conflict is ended. 

"Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matt. 25:34). Do we want this benediction? I do, and I believe you do. May God help you that you may fight the battles of this life and gain a victory day by day and at last be among the number that shall cast their crowns at Jesus' feet and touch the golden harps and fill all heaven with sweetest music. I want you to love my Jesus. . . . Do not reject my Savior, for He has paid an infinite price for you. I see in Jesus matchless charms, and I want you to see these charms.