The Heaton File

Tuesday Morning Early Start – Important Doctrines

Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. (Mark 16:14-20)

The Plan To Be Saved Is Still The Plan

Jesus has risen from the dead. He has appeared to a few but the testimony of these few is received with skepticism. The unbelief and hardness of heart of the eleven apostles is surprising. They had been with Jesus and heard him speak often of His death and His resurrection. Witnessing the cruel death on a cross they had decided all had come to naught. The forty days Jesus spent with the disciples affirmed the belief He was the Son of God and they would start a revolution on the Day of Pentecost that is still being felt today in the hearts of men. However, the skepticism of the early disciples still plagues men in accepting the teaching of Jesus Christ.

The disciples are told to go into the world and preach. Their message was of salvation. Without the blood of Jesus Christ there could be no hope. At Pentecost the focus of the message was the sacrifice of Jesus. Preaching the gospel of Christ is preaching the plan of salvation. While we do not have the complete revelation of all the Lord spoke to the disciples during that forty day period the gospel writer Mark declares in simple terms the message of what that salvation would be. It begins with preaching the gospel. This message must be taught to every person under heaven. Reading the book of Acts the student will find this is exactly what the early disciples did. They went everywhere. They taught everyone. The apostle Paul would later declare within forty years the message was preached to every creature under heaven.

In the first century the message of salvation was simple and direct. When a person believed the gospel and was baptized for the remission of sins they would be saved. If a person did not believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ they would be lost. Why? Preaching the gospel is telling the story about God’s love. Disbelief in the love of God will cause a person to turn away and do nothing. They are not interested in truth. Their hearts are filled with disbelief. Hardened by the deceitfulness of sin they walk away. Condemnation will be their reward. Belief has a different effect on people. When they hear the love of God they want to do something about their sin. On the day of Pentecost Peter told the crowd exactly what Jesus told him to say. “Repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins.” They believed and were baptized (3,000 to be exact). These folk were saved because they obeyed.

Jesus told His disciples to preach the word and they would confirm the word by miraculous power through the signs. This is exactly what they did. Mark tells us they went everywhere preaching the word and the Lord confirmed the word with accompanying signs. Luke shows this to be true in the book of Acts. Today there are no miracles. The need for miracles ceased in the first century as the word of God was confirmed by the written word. God’s plan for saving man has not changed. The message remains the same.

There are many today (sadly the majority) who disbelieve that salvation is found in baptism. Mark writes the plan of salvation in simple terms. Hearing the word of God, believing the word of God and salvation in baptism is exactly what Jesus said. Suggesting the baptism is not salvation does not change the words of the Holy Spirit. Satan has done well to convince men in salvation by faith only. He believes and knows Jesus is the Son of God yet he is damned. Faith is a key ingredient to salvation but not alone. Without the waters of baptism the blood of Jesus Christ will not remove sin. He that believes in the word of God and obeys in the waters of baptism will find salvation. When a person hears the plan of salvation and refuses to be baptized for the remission of sins they will be lost. That is what the Lord said.

You who believe what you like of the gospels and believe not what you like, believe yourselves rather than the gospel. (Augustine, Contra Faustum Manichaeum, 400)

Monday Morning Coffee Break – Life With Jesus

Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, “These things which you see–the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.” (Luke 21:5-6)

The End Of The Temples

The Temple in Jerusalem must have been a spectacular thing to see gleaming atop Mount Zion as you approached the city. Jesus had seen the beauty of Solomon’s temple and walking in the portico’s of Herod’s temple the disciples boasted of its splendor. Being a master teacher the Lord used the moment to teach a valuable lesson about what men see and what God sees.

Looking at the Temple from man’s viewpoint they admired the architecture that had taken forty-six years to build. Expert masons had carved the marble and stone into a work of art. Beautiful stones gleamed in the sun as the people revered the holy place of the Lord. The Temple was a great comfort for the Jews as the oppression of multiple empires enslaved them. It was a symbol of their hope the days of glory under David and Solomon would return. Sadly their trust was misplaced in the expectation the Temple would always be there.

Jesus saw a different picture. He could see the beauty of the Temple in its ornate tapestry of mortar and stone. The Lord was not suggesting the place of worship was not a thing of beauty but He saw beyond the glistening jewels to a day when the city of Jerusalem would be destroyed and the Temple demolished. His word came to pass in the year 70 A.D. when the Roman general Titus laid siege to the city and destroyed it. Today the Temple is not to be found. It will never be rebuilt. The word of the Lord came to pass.

There are two temples that man adores today that will go the way of the Jerusalem temple. The beauty of the world surpasses anything man can build. Nothing in the architecture of man can match the magnificence of God’s creation. The heavens above proclaim His name. The majesty of the mountains, plains and seas declare the glory of God. Earth is a living wonder of the powerful hand of a master Creator. We can look upon all its beauty and know that one day it will all come to an end. It is easy to become enraptured with the feeling that life is about this third rock from the sun. The one who created it has also told us He will destroy it. Not one stone will be left on top of one another.

Another temple that men worship is the fleshly body. It is a temple that declares the glory of its maker. The body is a wonderful creation that is marvelous in its function. Thousands of dollars are spent to care for the body, make the body beautiful and retain youth as long as possible. But like the temple of this world it too is fading into destruction. No matter how hard we try to extend life it will come to an end. Death is certain. Life is but a short vale of mist and then it goes away.

Jesus’ words should remind us the grandeur of the Temple was temporary. This world is doomed to destruction and the fleshly body is fading away. Hope is not in this life. Hope is in the life to come. God has given us the testimony of these temples to show the glory not of this life but the precious hope of a life eternal. The temple of God in the heavenly will never be destroyed. There will be no need of light. God will be that light. It will be a wonderful place of beauty because it is everlasting.

To rest in God eternally is the supreme joy of Heaven. Indeed, Heaven has no meaning but that. (Bede Jarrett, Meditations for Layfolk, 1915)

Sunday Morning Starters – Our Father In Heaven

Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of one was Shiphrah and the name of the other Puah; and he said, “When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive. So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?” And the midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them.” Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty. And so it was, because the midwives feared God, that He provided households for them. (Exodus 1:15-21)

Two Women Of Courage

Shiphrah and Puah are two unknown heroes of scripture. As the story of the Hebrew exodus unfolds it begins with a horrible decree by the most powerful ruler on earth. The Egyptian Pharaoh orders Shiphrah and Puah, Hebrew midwives, to kill all the Hebrew boys that were to be born. The descendants of Abraham have multiplied to numbers so large there is concern if something is not done the country will be overwhelmed by these foreigners. A solution was put in place to keep in check the rise of the Hebrew slaves. Infanticide was made legal by order of Pharaoh and to deny his will would mean certain death to the women. What Pharaoh had not realized was the faith of these two women would set in motion events that would bring about the downfall of the nation of Egypt.

Leaving the place of Pharaoh Shiphrah and Puah had a decision to make. If they denied the kings command they would be killed. Their fears were not so much about what Pharaoh would do but rather how God would deal with them. Courage filled their hearts as they decided to deny the king’s command. When the midwives began to serve the birth of the Hebrews they did not kill any babies but rather preserved them. Hearing the news Pharaoh ordered the midwives to his court. Demanding a reason for his command not being followed the women suggest the Hebrew women are so lively they cannot stop the birth in time. Pharaoh then directs every Egyptian citizen if they hear of a Hebrew male child being born they are to throw the baby into the Nile river. The faith of Shiphrah and Puah preserve them.

There was great faith in standing against Pharaoh in the beginning. Greater faith was found in the action of the women when a baby born was born not to destroy them. And then a much larger faith came when called to the court of Pharaoh the women trusted in the Lord to deliver them. As a reward for their faithfulness God dealt kindly with the women providing households for them.

In all the generations of godly people heroes arise who are the common people of faith. The only mention of Shiphrah and Puah is found in our text yet because of their faith a great story of courage is preserved for thousands of years. They were simple women. No fanfare. Nothing to make them stand out except they were women serving the people in that age old profession of midwives. We need women like Shiphrah and Puah to stand for the Lord today. Simple women who show their faith by their courage. To deny the command of Pharaoh was no small matter. Today we need women who will take stands of courage to follow the will of God and deny the influence of a world filled with sin. Women who will dress themselves modestly in clothing showing Christ in their lives. Young ladies who will refuse to fall prey to the sexual perversion of worldly lusts. Christian wives who submit to the oversight of their husbands as the church to Christ. Mothers who instill the love of God in their children instead of the love of the world. Grandmothers who lead and teach younger women to love their husbands, guide the family and build a home of courageous living.

Shiphrah and Puah found their reward in trusting God the Father. Women of faith. Women of action. Two of God’s saints who denied the most powerful man on the earth because they feared the One who was greater.

To stand held only by the invisible chains of higher duty, and, so standing, to let the fire creep up to the heart – that is truer heroism. (Phillips Brooks; 1835-1893, Perennials from)

Friday Morning Reflections – The Prophets

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. (Isaiah 2:2-4)

A New Day

A new year brings a new day. Hope springs from the desire to make the coming year a time of change. There is a yearning to have better things in the coming year with a sense of happiness and security. A new day brings so many new opportunities. The heart is filled with anticipation. Great expectations lay before the threshold. There was a day long ago when this same feeling of expectancy sounded forth from the hills of Judah. A great day was coming and what a great day that was going to be.

Isaiah was a noble prophet. Walking among the political halls of Judah and Jerusalem he sternly warned the nation of impending doom if they did not repent. His plea was for the house of Jacob to see the old paths of walking in the light of the Lord. Like his contemporary prophets Micah, Hosea and Amos his message was the expression of God’s goodness and severity. Early in his message Isaiah declares a new day coming that would describe the full mercy and grace of the Lord.

The Lord’s house would be established in Zion unlike anything the Hebrew people could have ever imagined. Looking far into the future the prophet speaks of a new day when all nations Jews and Gentiles alike would come to worship the great I AM. There would be a spirit of seeking as hearts were drawn to God’s house to worship Him. The will of the people would be longing for the teaching of God’s ways. A willingness to obey the Lord would be found in those who walked according to the path of righteousness. The Law of God would burst forth from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. People would change. This new day would create a world where the spirits of men would be joined together in peaceful harmony of holiness.

On Pentecost nearly two months after Jesus was crucified a new day began. Twelve men stood before a crowd of devout servants of God and delivered a new message. The time of refreshing had come to the world as the new year of salvation had begun in the city of Jerusalem declaring a risen Savior. This new message changed the lives of three thousands souls. A new day dawned. Isaiah had proclaimed generations before the house of the Lord would be established. As the church of Christ today we stand in the fulfillment of the promised new day. We are living in that age. Our hopes are built upon the promise of that new day begun so long ago. The promise is found in a better sacrifice, a better promise, a better priesthood and the blood of Jesus Christ.

A new day. Thank God for this new day. Isaiah promised through his writings how the hearts of men would change from hatred to love. We are living in that time and our task this new year is to show forth this message begun on the top of the mountains and declared to all the world. Let us spend this new year sharing the law that went forth from Zion and the word of the Lord that shone from Jerusalem. Show men how to turn their hearts from swords to plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Peace can only be found in Jesus Christ.

Thursday Morning Thankfulness – New Testament Epistles

The Elder, to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John 1:1-4)

How To Have A Prosperous Year

John had many things he wanted to write to Gaius and to the brethren. He chose rather to send a quick note and then plan to see them shortly face to face. Contained with the short prose less than three hundred words the apostle outlines a powerful message of encouragement. As the year begins to fade to history and the resolutions of a brighter year appear John offers three plans for success for the child of God.

EXERCISE THE SOUL. John expresses love for Gaius that he would be find prosperity in life. This is a common desire for all men and for the Christian it comes from the blessings of a benevolent Father. Jesus taught His disciples to pray for their daily bread. A prosperous year includes the bounty of physical blessings. Far more reaching than the gifts in this world John desires for Gaius to prosper in his soul. All the blessings of this world will fade and pass away. The exercise of the soul is eternal. Like the body which needs the nutrients to give good health, the inner man needs a daily dose of spiritual vitamins to maintain a good spiritual body. If breakfast is the most important meal of the day a fresh start of heavenly manna in the morning will make the day go better. Exercise the soul throughout the day with prayer, meditation of the word and glorify God. Let each day be a time of soul searching, soul feeding, and quality exercise of the inner man in Jesus Christ.

LIVE FOR TRUTH. This is the practical application of exercising the soul. The brethren had spoken of the truth that was in Gaius. His example was one of faith. What a wonderful thing to say about another person. One could only wish to know more about the life of Gaius causing others to speak so highly of him. The litmus test is what others say about our lives. When our name is included in a conversation, what do they say about us? Our life must be the image of God. Looking like the Father is bearing the image of His Son. Our attitudes reflect the kind of person we are. As this new year unfolds resolve to live each day with the light of God. Live for truth every day. Faith comes from hearing the word of God. Living for truth grows from the meditation of God’s word. Pray that when a testimony is given of our character they speak of our faith.

WALK IN TRUTH. Living for the truth is a manner of conduct others see in us. They know by the way we talk we live for Christ. Our speech seasoned with salt will show others that Christ lives in us. The kind of clothing we wear (or lack thereof) tells people where our heart is. Walking in truth is a daily activity of showing others the love of God. There is no greater joy than to hear of Christians who walk in truth. This is a habitual pattern of life. A new year is an opportunity to resolve that good habits of Bible study, prayer, encouragement of others be a pattern of life. Walk the walk of righteousness. Walk in truth.

A three point plan: exercise the soul, live for truth and walk in truth. When the new year draws to a close you will be amazed at the growth in your life. So will others!

A good example is the best sermon. (Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia, 1732)

Wednesday Morning Meditation – Psalms & Wisdom Literature

Two things I request of You (deprive me not before I die): remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches — feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:7-9)

Two Things For A New Year

The simple things in life often are the clearest to define. Agur, the son of Jakeh, wanted two things in life. He wanted truth to be his banner in all things and he wanted life to be void of covetousness and greed. These two character flaws describe more of a man’s life than most things. Honest and integrity. Simple things to seek – harder to achieve. As an old year passes and a new day begins these are two things we should strive to embed in our lives. The blessings will be immeasurable.

Resolve to be honest to yourself, to your fellow man and to God. Honesty is the character of integrity. There was a time when the simple word of man was all that was needed for security. Trusting the character of a neighbor was established by a handshake. People of character are people who are known by the bond of their word. Being honest with oneself is a purpose driven heart seeking to speak the truth in every part of life. This begins by having an honest heart. A pure heart speaks truth. Removing falsehood and lies far from us comes about by harvesting a heart of truthfulness. Speak the truth. Live the truth.

Contentment is hard when the world is filled with so much material wealth. As a blessed nation the curse of covetousness fills the minds of young and old. Name brands, tech toys, the newest gadget – stuff. Lots and lots of stuff. Riches abound as no other time. Children must have the latest and newest. Agur wants neither riches or poverty. He knows the dangers of both. Dearth can cause a heart of envy and wealth can fill a heart with pride. Agur just wants the needs of life and no more. Poverty and riches can take the heart away from the Lord.

Two things to help in the new year when we view life as Agur. His purpose in life was to glorify God. Pray for this coming year to be filled with the presence of the Lord. Remove covetousness and be content with what the year brings. Live for God.

Contentment consisteth not in adding more fuel, but in taking away some fire; not in multiplying of wealth, but in subtracting men’s desires. (Thomas Fuller, The Holy State, 1642)

Tuesday Morning Early Start – Important Doctrines

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

For His Glory

There is one maxim of which no Christian must lose sight. Everything we do – all our words – where we go – how we dress – our manner of behavior on the job – our role as a husband or wife, father or mother – the example we live in the community – our lives should be for the glory of God alone. Nothing is more important than the reason we pattern our character after the character of God. With an old year passing away and a new year coming we look for ways to measure our resolve to make the change of year to be productive. Nothing is more important that doing what we do to the glory of God. If you want to advance in your profession model your life after the word of God. Learning to be a better husband or wife should come from a meditation of the principles outlined by the one who established the home. Parents struggle with the training of children but will find the necessary answers in the Bible.

We must never forget the reason the Lord gave us the Bible. It is a guide to help us in our character building. From the beginning of time He has always desired for man to trust Him and love Him enough to live for His glory alone. When man seeks his own glory disaster awaits. Lives have been ruined and lost because the glory has been misplaced. Doing all things for the glory of God is a simple idea that life is built upon the need to ask, “What does God think of this?” Choosing an occupation should come from prayer asking how it will give glory to the Lord. Deciding to marry is not based on a physical appeal alone but a spiritual union with God to show glory in our marriage. Learning to curb my anger is learning to live with the glory of righteousness. Removing the temptation of sin through what I find on the internet or see on television is filling the mind with the glory of God.

The personality of the child of God is the character of holiness. His glory is revealed in me by who I am and what I am. What the world needs to see is Him living in my life by the way I dress, the manner of speech and my attitude. As I begin this day I begin with the promise that today I will live in such a way that God will be glorified. When the new year dawns I will resolve to form my life into the image of Jesus Christ so that my life will be for the glory of the Father. One day when this mortal clay is returned to the dust from whence it came then will the glory of God will be revealed in the resurrection of eternal life. And that will be some kind of glory. Got plans for the day? Live for the glory of God.

For every civilization or every period in history it is true today: show me what kind of God you have and I will tell you what kind of humanity you possess. (Emil Brunner, Man in Revolt, 1939)

Monday Morning Coffee Break – Life With Jesus

So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him. (Luke 5:1-11)

Fishing

There was a tremendous spirit of interest in the teaching of Jesus by the people. Imagine so many people pressing against the Lord to hear His words it required Him getting into a boat to push off from land just to allow everyone to hear Him. Eager eyes watching Jesus as he taught as they enthusiastically listened to His message. Off to the side Peter, James and John were washing their nets. They had to be astonished by the size of the crowd as they listened to Jesus talk. When it was all finished the Lord told Peter to take his boat and catch some fish. Having no success the night before the reluctant fishermen set out to the deep and cast their nets. To their shock the nets filled with so many fish they had to call for help. When they pulled all the fish into their boats the weight of the fish nearly sank them. Peter’s eyes grew large as he had never seen such a miracle. He knew he was in the presence of something very special.

Fishing for a living is a hard and arduous task. There are many nights like the night before when hours are spent setting nets and no reward. Sometimes there is a good catch on a good day. But there was never a day like the day they went fishing with the Lord. This changed the lives of Peter, James and John. They knew they had seen the power of God and they knew there was more to life than catching fish. Immediately they followed Jesus to become fishers of men.

Miracles ceased a long time ago. The miracle catch of fish will not happen today but the power of the word of Jesus still works in the lives of men. Men have toiled a lifetime seeking answers in the night of man’s wisdom. Working diligently they have come up empty. When the Lord comes along and shows men the way the blessings are abundant. So many blessings they are overflowing. Only the Lord can bring that kind of power into our lives. When we recognize the power of God in our lives we are more willing to forsake the trappings of this world for the eternal blessings of the Lord. Forsaking all shows the pattern of sacrifice to seek the Lord in every way. The early disciples walked away from their life work to begin a new work of fishing for men. We are not called on to leave our jobs but we are called on to sacrifice our lives to bring men to Christ. What greater blessing can there be to help someone come to Christ?

As this New Year filled with plans and purpose dawns let us resolve to forsake the priorities of this life and put the Lord back in first place. It is easy to move God down a few notches in life. We get so busy fishing in life we forget to focus on the Lord. Seek the kingdom of God first in life once again and remember the purpose to which we are called. Fishers of men don’t just talk about fishing – they go fishing for men. This requires sacrifice. He gave so much – we can give our love to Him by helping others know the wonder working power of salvation. Let’s go fishing.

The first demand which is made of those who belong to God’s church is … that they shall be witnesses of Jesus Christ before the world. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Ethics, 1955)

Sunday Morning Starters – Our Father In Heaven

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

He Needs To Be In All Beginnings

With a new year approaching plans are being made for resolutions that will make the coming year a greater year than before. Losing weight is always a focus soon lost after a few weeks or months. Promises to work harder, changes in character, resolve to be a different person, purposes refocused; a myriad of things that excite the mind in the beginning. For many these plans will come true and each year will bring greater reward. Lost in the shuffle of New Year resolutions is the foundation for every plan we should make. Where is the Heavenly Father? Without Him being at the beginning of every decision there can be little hope of success that is worth measuring.

The Bible tells us that God was in the beginning and formed everything in the beginning. This was the original New Year. Everything began by the hand of the Creator and they continue to this day because of this same power. He spoke the world into existence and by His word the world remains in constant form today. His beginning power is still evident when we behold the universe. The sun, moon and stars that we see today are the same sun, moon and stars that Adam saw. So did Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah and Jesus when he walked among men. The beginning of God in this world shouts forth every day.

As the New Year begins to unfold we should take stock of the presence of God in the world. Seeing His great power we should then begin each new resolution with the name of the Father. Making decisions to change our lives can only be accomplished if they are for the glory of God. How many resolutions pertain to our spiritual body? Do you want to be a better husband or father? Begin with God. If you have made plans to be a better wife or mother the Heavenly Father must be at the headwaters of those decisions. Our jobs are important and what better place to show forth Christ living in our lives. As you make those plans for excelling in your profession do so with the Lord at the beginning of those choices. What can you do that will bring greater glory to God? If you are to be married in the coming year make those plans with God in mind. Remain pure to serve the Lord in your marriage as one with Him. As parents let us resolve to spend more time sharing the story of God to our children and grandchildren. Let this coming year be the year we devote our time to the service of the church of our Lord. Be more involved in the work of the local congregation. Put God first in your dedication to the cause of His Son.

‘In the beginning’ is a great theme for the coming year to let God the Father be at the beginning of everything we do. Make a resolution to begin each day with the word of God in your heart and the word of prayer on your hands. Rise up a little earlier if you have to but begin each day with God. It will make the day so much richer. When you begin the day with God your day will be more fruitful and more blessed. He will honor your life with His presence. What a beginning that will be.

We can part with every other good. We can endure the darkening of life’s fairest prospects. But this bright, consoling doctrine of one God, even the Father, is dearer than life, and we cannot let it go. (William Ellery Channing; 1780-1842, Works)

Saturday Morning Promises – Great Stories

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Revelation 22:17-21)

The Final Story

Today marks the final Saturday in the year 2015. Our focus this year has been telling great stories of courage, faith and endurance. The Bible is a book of stories revealing the character of men as they seek the Lord. It begins in glory with Adam and Eve in the paradise of Eden but soon Satan destroys the world with sin. Throughout the Old Testament the Lord shows His mercy and grace to unrepentant man. As the New Testament opens the Light of the world appears to being hope to all the earth. The apex of the Bible story is found in the empty tomb outside Jerusalem. It was at this place Jesus Christ raised from the dead following His sacrifice of love to redeem all men. Salvation through the blood of God’s Son redeems the curse of sin. For two thousand years men have heralded the gospel. It is only in the mind of the Father how long the universe will continue but it is on borrowed time. Today as we begin to close another year we draw closer to the coming of Jesus Christ.

The Revelation is a splendid book of courage, faith and endurance. Inscribed upon its pages is the courage of the early saints as they stood against the foes of God. Persecution came from the religious world, the powers of government and the unrelenting temptation of the flesh. Faith ruled in the hearts of the faithful as they endured great hardships. They cried out often “How long, O Lord, Holy and True” and the Lord never forgot them. Death took their bodies but never their spirit. Persecuted to the ends of the earth they died in faith see a city beyond built by the Living God. As the final scenes of Revelation are weaved into the tapestry of God’s Revelation the King of King and Lord of Lord emerges victorious in the final battle with Satan. Victory. Victory. Victory. It is complete. It is final. It is amazing.

This is the final story for man. Everything that precedes the Revelation shows the struggle. John’s final book opens the gates of Heaven to reveal the paradise lost in Genesis is found intact in Revelation. The joy of walking with God in the Garden of Eden is restored in the final pictures of the Revelation. When man was expelled from the garden it seemed hopeless. In the final story hope is renewed beyond man’s imagination. What a city. What a place. What glory we will share in the heavenly city.

The invitation of Jesus is given in the final chapter. From the beginning man has had a choice. He is given a choice once again. The tree of life is offered through the blood of Jesus Christ. What is contained within the Revelation is true for the whole of God’s word. The story is completed. Nothing should be added and nothing should be taken away. All we need to know for salvation is found in the Bible. The Lord is coming back. His coming will be soon. For all those who read the Bible and feel the love of God throughout the travails of man’s struggle with sin finding hope in Jesus Christ and victory over death – will say with ease – Lord come quickly. Yes – living with the Bible in the heart death is only a transition from this world to eternal life. Knowing the power of God’s love will help us live each day with the greatest story ever told – Lord come today; come now; come soon. Now that is a great story. Amen.

The Old Testament together with the New Testament enables us to see that the events related in the New Testament are events which are inseparably connected with that original event recorded in Genesis 1-3 which concerned humanity as a whole. (Gustave Wingren, Theology in Conflict, 1958)