GLORIFYING GOD

Jack Davis

“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me…Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:14-15,23.

Oh, what a wonderful privilege and lofty occupation God’s people have! Our Father is indeed the God of glory, and our dear Lord Jesus Christ is also the Lord of glory. These are such in their own right and on their own merit, and any and all glory that God’s people will definitely come into is on the merit and right given or derived from another. The Father and the  Son will bring it about by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The scriptures teach us about glorifying God and our Lord and redeemer by acknowledging His acts, and attributes. We are clearly taught to ascribe the highest honor to Him. Synonyms given; magnify, extol, praise express rendering unto God that which belongs to God. The glory of God is a revelation and manifestation of all that He is and has. As the  Father, He is the source of divine splendor, and Jesus Christ as the “Lord of Glory” will rule supremely in divine splendor. Read James 2:1; I Cor. 2:8; Phil. 2:11; and Psa. 24:7-10. To “glorify” in the Old Testament speaks of an enlightened opinion, to make heavy, glorious. In the New Testament it expresses to render or to esteem glorious.

Offered Praise And An Ordered Path

These two go hand in hand in glorifying God and the realization of the fullness of His great Salvation. A burning desire for His glory motivates us to walk in all the light we have. Mt. 5:16. As we thus Praise Him, He is always showing us more and more of His uttermost salvation.

Those that walk with the Lord are sometimes made to wonder why “days of trouble” are allowed of Him to come to us. Consider our text (V. 15). Troublesome days should produce an earnest “call” for divine intervention. “Lord help!” Oh, yes, rough times do have their purposes and benefits. Those passing through troublesome situations have realized a variety of blessings. Many aspects of this glorious salvation have been shown. Yet the highest reason is to Glorify God.

It seems amazing that our God would put Himself in such a position for such a purpose as this. What a God we trust! His availability to our call, at the disposal of our faith causes us to want to Give Him the Glory. He could demand our worship, why bother with such creatures as We? Whatever He wants for us, He would have it come willingly, earnestly, honestly, spontaneously, never forced. God is love, and He would have it be our pleasure to glorify Him. If we are willing He will put into our hearts, ever increasing capacity as well as giving us multiplied cause.

When Jesus came He glorified the  Father in everything. God was glorified at His birth Luke 2:7-20, during His life by His ministry, 5:25-26; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15; 18:43, and in His death and resurrection, 23:47; 24:26,46-53. John often tells how the Father was glorified in Jesus – Jn. 17:4; 14:13; 13:31. The Holy Spirit reveals the beauties, splendor, the excellence of Jesus, glorifying Him to our heats and in our lives. It is written that Jesus glorified not Himself – Heb. 5:5. False Christendom is spoken of as “glorifying herself” – Rev. 18:7. She will be judged for it.

The scripture tell us of several being severely judged for this wrong attitude of not glorifying God. “O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; but in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified…Thou art weighted in the balances and thou art found wanting” Dan. 5:22-23 & 27. “And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is a voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory…” – Acts 12:21-23. Rom. 1:21-23, gives part of the course of the fallen human race; “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”

“Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace” – Lev. 10:3. I am impressed that Aaron held his peace, God had just devoured his two sons with fire. They had not sanctified nor glorified God in their disobedience and Aaron knew that God was right, but it still must have been a hard thing for Aaron to experience. Later Moses and Aaron missed out on leading their people into the promise land because they failed to sanctify God before the people – Read Num. 20:10-12; Deut. 32:49-52; and Psa. 106:32-33. How about God’s people today? I Pet. 3:15; Col. 4:5-6.

“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to  Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of  God” – Rom. 15:5-7. When we allow the God of patience to comfort us in spiritual unity, we are blessedly united in a oneness that glorifies Him. We are purchased to this purpose – I Cor. 6:19-20. Oh what a glorious privilege, that we may from our heart and mouth, in body and spirit, walk and talk, glorify Him. Jesus said, “Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear much fruit” – Jn. 15:8.

Peter was given the privilege to express this ultimate purpose in speaking and serving. “…that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ…” – I Pet. 4:11. If we be reproached for the name of Christ, on our part He is to be glorified (V. 14). If we suffer as a Christian instead of being a murder, thief, evildoer, or a busybody, let us glorify God on this behalf (V. 15-16). 

If suffering determines the glory, if we are to measure the degree of glory to be obtained by the suffering, Who, in the universe could ever begin to endure any measure of suffering compared to what our dear Lord endured? The full overcomers that will make up that bridal company will forever bow the knee unto Him that is preeminate in all things, casting their crowns before His feet, singing thou art worthy, lifting His praise ever higher to the glory of God the Father. I want to be there, don’t you?

A-men’

 Draw Near

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” James 4:8

God’s desire has always been to have a personal relationship with mankind. He walked in the garden with Adam, and that fellowship was broken by Adam’s sin. Ever since then, God has continued to desire that fellowship with man, and to that end He made a way for us to draw near. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:19-25. “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13.

Throughout man’s history, God has continually called for those that would draw near to Him. Even though Jesus had not yet come, those who would come in faith, God would commune with them. There are many examples in the Old Testament, such as Abraham of whom we read that he was “the friend of God.” God spoke to Abraham as a friend would speak to another. 

We also find Moses, of whom God says: “And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,” Deuteronomy 34:10. “My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” Numbers 12:7-8.

Then, we find Elijah, hiding in a cave and very discouraged about his current situation 1 Kings 19. When God speaks to him, it is in a still, small voice. In order to hear that, Elijah would need to draw near. Sometimes, God wants to talk to us in that still small voice, and He bids us to draw near so that we can hear Him.

What God is not looking for are those that will draw near in word only. It can be easy to say we are drawing near or try to make others think we are drawing near to God, but God knows our heart. He always seeks those that will draw near with a true heart. Jesus quotes the prohet Isaiah in Matthew 15:8: “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” The earlier quote from Hebrews 10 encourages us to draw near with a true heart. 

This is not just some “appeasement” of God, but it is a valuable relationship with the Creator of all things, the One who is above all and by Whom all things consist. This is good for us. I am constantly amazed that God has gone to all of this length to have fellowship with me. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15. The Psalmist knew this as well when he says: “But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.” Psalms 73:28.

So, my encouragement to you is to not hesitate another moment. Take God up on His invitation to draw near. Near Him is the only place we will find true peace and comfort, and He wants to speak to you, specifically you. Don’t let the cares or discouragement of this world or your current circumstances keep you from being near Him where you can hear Him clearly. You will find that you get close to Him when you spend time in His Word, and time in prayer.

 THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

Anita Clark – Pastor

Grace Chapel, Carbondale, Kansas

The ultimate purpose of this Church Age is to prepare a group of redeemed human beings to be a Bride for Jesus Christ.  The work of the Holy Spirit is going on today in the lives of believers  who are yielding to the working of God.  Apostle Paul speaks of this in Phiiippians 3:7-14. A careful study shows that Paul was not speaking of gaining salvation, when he writes, “I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ.”  He is speaking of a work that will change him into a completely yielded child of God with a close place with the Lord Jesus.  This brings the believer to a place of complete surrender to the Lord, where all is “counted loss” for Christ.

Let us consider the phrase , “...that I may win Christ.”  No where in the Bible does it teach that we win salvation by any good works. In fact the opposite is taught i.e. Titus 3:5 -”Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He has saved us.” Ephesians 2:8-9 says,”For by grace are ye saved by faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works lest any man should boast.” No where does the Scripture say we must strive to gain salvation to become a child of God.  Paul sums up his desire in verse 14, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” 

In other portions of Paul’s writings He speaks of the race course likening to our spiritual day by day journey to achieve this place as the winner (I Corinthians 9:24-27).  The wonderful place we desire is to be yielded to Christ completely so that He can work in us by the Holy Spirit to prepare us to be the Bride of Christ.  Paul speaks specifically about this in II Corinthians 11:1-3, “Would to God you would bear with me in my folly, and indeed bear with me.  For I am jealous over you with a Godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin  to Christ.  But I fear, lest by any means as the serpent beguiled Eve through subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

God has made provision that every believer in Christ could be in that company.  The sad thing is that not all will avail themselves of this glorious place.  Satan deceives believers and lulls many to sleep.  (I Thess. 4:13-5:8). The Lord warned that we are to watch and be ready for His soon appearing.  In Revelation 19:1-10 we see a beautiful scene in heaven, when all the Church is gathered unto the Lord.  Not all who are there are the Bride.  Read the passage.  In verses 7—8 we see the “great multitude” introducing the Bride, who had “made herself ready.”  The Lord Jesus came to earth to seek a virtuous Bride.

The purpose of this introduction about the Bride company is to talk further about a parable Jesus spoke of in Matthew 13:45-46 - “The Goodly Pearl.”  In verse 45 “the Merchant man “ speaks of Christ who came to the world “seeking goodly pearls.”  God has made provision for each believer to be His “pearl of great price.”  The word “goodly” in Gk.  Means “beautiful, good literally or morally virtuous.” The Lord Jesus came to earth to seek a Virtuous Bride.” Proverbs 31:10 says, “Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies.”  The word “virtuous’ in the Hebrew language means “strength, valor, and moral character.”  Jesus came down to call a people who would yield to Him completely and love Him supremely.  He gave up all He had with the Father to find this pearl.  

Verse 46 shows what Jesus Christ did.  “He went.”  “He sold all He had.” and “He bought it.”  The text says He was “seeking goodly pearls.”  This speaks to us that provision  is made for every believer to be that beautiful pearl that Jesus is looking for right now in this Age of Grace.  Here we find, “Who, when He found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that He had, and bought it.” II Corintians 5:21 tells us, “For He  hath made Him sin who knew no sin, for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” He condescended and gave up all that He had with the Father and became a human being in order to die and save us.  That ‘s how greatly He esteemed the “Pearl of great price.”  This pearl represents the Bride of Jesus Christ.  Matthew 13:46 says, “Who, when He had found one pearl of great price.”  Jeus is looking and finding the “virtuous one.” “the only one of her mother” —(Song of Solomon 6:9). mentioned in Proverbs 31:10, this one who captured His attention is “far above rubies.”  Choose now to let the Lord work in you to be ready for this exalted place.

What causes the pearl to grow in the ugly old oyster?  The Lord works from the inside out.  As we yield He does His work in us. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.  The Clam in the natural depth realizes an irritant bothering her.  It is usually a parasite as an intruder, and not a grain of sand.  This intruder into God’s plan is “sin.”  If the parasite stays in the oyster, it will destroy the oyster. God gave the Oyster a defence mechanism, a fluid to coat the irritant.  Layer upon layer of the coating, called “nacre” is applied until a lustress pearl is formed.  This speaks to us that God is working a little at a time to change us into His image, and make us ready to be the Pearl of Great Price.  We might liken the fluid (nacre) to the Holy Spirit who  is constantly at work to make us into that beautiful pearl.  This is an inward work, often unseen by others. God does the work as we yield to Him.  Our will must be surrendered to Him or His work cannot be finished.  Others may not see the work, (as hidden away in the oyster) but the Lord, the master Workman does, and has promised to finish the work He has begun.  The only thing that hinders this is our will.

He did not look at the ugly shell, or the depths in which we dwell or the worm or parasite of the old nature. He saw the beauty of what we would be when He molded us and His Spirit coated us with the beautiful righteousness of Christ.  “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich.”  II Corinthians  8:9.  Revelation 19:7 says., “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.”  Our job is to yield to His working in us.  Matthew 13:46 says, “Who,when He had found one pearl of great price.”  Jesus is looking and finding the “virtuous one.” This one has captured His attention. Choose now to let the Lord work in you to be ready for this exalted place.

 Fruit Bearing

Part 1

Pastor Vicky Moots

Kingman, Kansas

Fruit bearing is an important topic in Scripture.  In fact, the first commandment given in the Bible was to be fruitful, in Gen. 1:27-28.  Prior to that, we read that God created the fruit tree to bear fruit.  The physical creation gives us a picture of the spiritual, so as Christians, we are also to bear fruit.

John 15:1-8 is Jesus’ discourse on the vine and the branches.  Verse 8 says, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”  These words were spoken on the way to the Garden of Gethsemane.  Jesus was speaking specifically to His true disciples. They had just finished eating the Passover meal, and Judas had left during supper to proceed with his plans to betray Jesus (John 13:27-30), so he was not with them.

The most important thing to know about Jesus’ discussion of the vine and the branches is that it is referring only to fruit bearing, not to salvation.  He desired that after His death and resurrection all of His true disciples would bear fruit.  If you are born again, then you can consider yourself one of His disciples, so He is also speaking to you.

Jesus often taught spiritual truths by using common earthly examples.  In this case, He is using the example of a fruit bearing vine, most likely a grape vine, which would be familiar to them.

In v. 1 He says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.”  What is a husbandman? It is a farmer or the one who takes care of the crop.  In this example it would be the vine dresser, the one who prunes and cares for the vine and its branches in order to enable them to reach their maximum potential for fruit bearing.

That means that if God is the husbandman, then He is the one who will do the pruning.  The vine’s branches cannot prune themselves.  Nor should they be carelessly pruned by someone who is not trained to do it properly, who might do more harm than good.

Verse 2: “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he [God] taketh away…”.  This is referring to a dead branch, because it is not capable of bearing fruit.  It is physically attached to the vine but is not tapped in to its life source, and therefore has no life in it.  A living branch will always produce some fruit, even if it is only a small amount.

Verse 6 goes along with verse 2 and is referring to the branch that was removed because it was dead.  That branch was not actually a part of the vine.  Verse 6 says, “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered…”.  Judas was that dead branch.  He was attached to the vine symbolically but had no life.  He was a disciple in name only.  Jesus called him and he followed Jesus around, but he did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God.  He followed Jesus only for the money.  He was used as a tool of Satan to betray Jesus, and was never a believer or a true disciple.  In the pruning process, all dead branches must be cut off.

The dead branches are also all those who profess to be Christians but have never been born again.  They may be members of a church but are not members of the body of Christ.  The life of a vine must flow through its branches in order to provide life and the ability to bear fruit.  We are not even a part of the vine until we accept Christ as Savior.  “He that hath the Son hath life;  and he that hath not the Son hath not life” (I John 5:12).

A grapevine that is not properly pruned will not produce much fruit, or the fruit will be of smaller size and lesser quality.  If left to grow on their own without being pruned, the branches will over grow and cover up the grape clusters, preventing them from receiving adequate sunlight and air flow which are needed for the grapes to mature.  If the branches are cut back too harshly, then the fruit will become sunburned.  The grapes need the proper amount of sunlight and air to mature to their fullest and sweetest.  In addition, in order to prune properly, the pruning tool or knife must be very sharp so that it will make a nice clean cut and not damage the branches.

Jesus explains in v. 5 that He is the vine and we are the branches.  And in v. 4 He says, “Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”  Verse 5 then continues this thought: “…He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”  What does it mean to abide in the Vine, to abide in the Lord? The word “abide” means to stand fast; to remain; to stay; to submit to.”  When we submit ourselves fully to the Lord, we stand fast on His Word.  We submit to His will in our lives, which means submitting to the pruning even if we don’t like the cutting.  But the final result is that we will be able to bear much fruit.  The amount of fruit we will bear depends on the amount to which we are willing to submit ourselves into the hands of the Husbandman.  We are to keep our minds stayed on the Lord, not on the things of the world.

Since the branches of a vine are a living out-growth of the main vine stem, and they receive their life from the vine itself, they have no life within themselves, and therefore would not be able to bear fruit without the vine.  In order for a grapevine to bear good quality fruit it must be pruned on a regular basis which is also true for us spiritually.

In the spiritual sense, the sharp pruning tool that is used to do this is the Word of God.  We read in Heb. 4:12 that “The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword…”.  God does the cutting in our lives through His Word when we read it or hear it.  It is able to penetrate to the depths of our hearts and purge out our dead works and the overgrowth of self in order that we can become fruitful.

The farther a branch grows outward away from the main vine stem, the less fruit it will produce, which is why pruning is necessary on a regular basis.  This is true spiritually also.  The closer we abide in the vine, the sweeter and better the fruit that we will bear.

Part 2 in June issue.

 GODLINESS

Jack Davis

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves... lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” - II Tim. 3:1-5.

The grace of God teaches us to deny ungodliness, while we look for that “blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” - Titus 2:11-13. Paul told Timothy: “Exercise thyself rather unto godliness” - I Tim. 4:7. For “godliness with contentment is great gain (profitable)” - I Tim. 6:6.

Our Father has provided the way for us to become more and more like Him in nature and conduct by spiritual progress. Where only do we obtain the power to live godly lives, to live like God? It must be supernaturally produced. To begin, we are born of the Spirit, being made partakers of the Divine nature.

Our text tells us of the dangerous conditions of our day - holding to the form but denying the power of godliness. Jude recorded that there would be mockers in the last time, who would walk after their own ungodly lusts, who would cause divisions, sensual, having not the Spirit. Jude 18-19. 

Godliness can never be obtained by religious form, no matter how reasonable and high sounding it may seem. It is only by that which is Divine, spiritual.

“Form,” speaks here of an outline, outward semblance, adherence to religious observance. When depending on it, religious form can become to us seemingly very indispensable, advantageous, and attractive with such beautiful pageantry; and having the appearance of devotion and the pretense of obedience. But it takes the Spirit of the living God to transform us from within.

DENYING THE POWER

“Denying,” used here is to contradict, reject, refuse. It is being done in theory and in experience. Holding to religious form is, in itself, denying the Spirit’s power; hence, turning away from true godliness. Formality is dangerous and detrimental to spiritual health.

By following religious form, the love of many is waxing cold, as it is allowed to lead attention away from prayer and praise, the Word, and worship from the heart; and especially, of drinking in of the Spirit. For it is by these that we kindle and refuel that flame of love. 

So many professed believers have a name that they live and are dead. Some assent to and acknowledge Christian truths, which have no meaning nor effect in their lives. Others acknowledge “Bridal truths,” and many will earnestly try to put into practice what God’s powerful and precious Word demands; and yet, by self-effort, they are denying the only power by which these precious things are made a living reality. They not only do so but teach others to do the same, making such statements as, “We need to TRY to live according to the Gospel handed down to Timothy.”

We are told, “Grieve not the Holy Spirit” in Ephesians 4:30, and “Quench not the Spirit” in I Thessalonians 5:19. He is the power by which we are made godly, and His is the wisdom by which we live godly lives. It is as He leads us and feeds us, and as we yield in submission to Him, that He produces in us the fruit of godliness. 

God has given us the Spirit “of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” - II Tim. 1:7. Jesus said, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God” - Mt. 22:29. Both are so very essential to victorious living, keeping us from error in principle and in practice. Paul said that though Jesus “was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God;” and that those that followed Him shall also “live with Him by the power of God” - II Cor. 13:4. Paul prayed that he might know the Lord in “the power of His resurrection” - Phil. 3:10. He said that if the same Spirit “that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you,” that He would “quicken your mortal bodies” - Rom. 8:11. Paul prayed that we be “strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man,” and that “According to His glorious power” - Eph. 3:16; Col. 1:11. Think especially how he prayed that we know “the exceeding greatness of His power to us ward who believe.” That is the same power that raised up Jesus “from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand...far above all principality and power” - Eph. 1:19-21.

THAT IS THE POWER OF GODLINESS

That is the Divine resource at our disposal. Oh, beloved, let us not deny such glorious victorious POWER. Oh, how we need the Holy Spirit to overcome, moment by moment and day by day. We cannot do it on our own, no matter how great the formula. The sooner we find this out the better. 

FROM SUCH TURN AWAY (AVOID)

This is not away from the persons, so much as the condition. We better not turn away from those in an attitude of contempt nor in indifference, but pray much for such as are described here. In turning away we avoid the errors and the attitude or condition of sleepy lukewarmness.

Yet we better not let our services or our lives drift into a practiced informality and disorderliness, which would lead away from beneficial spiritual order. The Holy Spirit leads in order, not into confusion.

In individual lives, godliness is manifested in an outward order, if the Holy Spirit is allowed to do the inward work.

HALLELUJAH!

 Hold Fast

Earlene Davis

Rev. 3:11, “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” This warning is given by our Lord Jesus Christ to the overcoming Philadelphia saints, who are running to win Christ. So far they are running successfully and He admonishes them, to hold fast that which thou hast, for His appearance is near. The overcomers of Philadelphia along with the overcomers of Smyrna will make up the Bride of Christ. They are fervent in their love for Christ and steadfast in watching for His coming. We by faith identify with this group, so we need to take this warning to heart.

In chapter 2:10, Christ says to Smyrna overcomers, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” So we see that faithfulness wins the crown, holding fast to the end, faithful unto death. Smyrna are the overcoming saints that go by the way of the grave. They will come up first in the resurrection. I Thess. 4:16, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” Philadelphia overcomers will be  then be called up.

Philidelphia saints speak of those which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord who will be translated. I Thess. 4:17, “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Rev. 3:8, the Lord encourages the overcoming saints on, “I have set before thee an open door,” the door to heaven, translation’s door. The best reward, the Prize of the holy calling, Christ Himself is theirs if they “Hold fast.”

To them it is promised, to be kept out of tribulation days. V. 10, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” They will be translated before tribulation (God’s judgment of the world) begins.

V. 12, tells of rewards that are theirs. “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God.” A pillar usually stands as a solid massive support in a conspicuous place. They had been pillars of faith in their lives and then they will appear as a pillar in the temple of God. In Eph. 2:19-22, we read that the whole body of believers are growing into a holy temple in the Lord. So their place is prominent among them. It is added that they “shall go no more out,” in other words, they will have that place forever. 

“And I will write upon him the name of my God,” that they belong to Him, His possession. And also “the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem which cometh down out of heaven from my God.” In Rev. 21:2, “John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Her adornment will be living stones (I Pet. 2:5).

“And I will write upon him my new name.” Christ gives His wife His new name that He will have. He has never been a Bridegroom before. The Lamb’s wife will bear the imprint or likeness of her husband (Rev. 19:7). Some saints shall share these high honors with the blessed Son of God.

A crown in certain to these wonderful overcomers, if they continue in the same way they have been going. The Ephesus saints of Chapter 2:1,  started so good, known for their good works, but did not continue to hold fast. They left their first or chief love for Christ. They will miss God’s best except they repent.

Apostle Paul espoused (or engaged) us to be married to Christ that He may be able to present us as a chaste virgin to Christ. But Paul feared lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, that our minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ (II Cor. 11:1-3). So there is a danger of loosing that place and crown. Jesus said in Mt. 24:24 that Satan would “deceive the very elect” if possible.

 Some have been deceived thinking because they possess the knowledge that Christ will have a bride, that they are winners. But knowledge is not enough to qualify us. If the things of this life have first place with us, Satan has tricked us. For Christ must have first place with His bride.

Saints, we live in such a time that we may have hope of translation, entering that open door of heaven. Paul was greatly concerned for the saints. I Thess. 3:5, “For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour (among you) be in vain.” So in Vs. 5-6, he  warns that saints could be lulled to sleep spiritually, causing a state of indifference. How sad it would be, having the privilege of this revelation and then be deceived by Satan. 

We don’t want any part of the sorrows coming upon this world. We want to be in the throne room of heaven beholding the enthronement of Christ (chapter 4, starting with V. 2). There is nothing worth more than winning Christ (Phil. 3:8). 

Paul says, in II Tim. 3:14, “Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of…”. And in Eph. 6:10-11, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Put on the whole armour of God, counting on His sufficiency. His armour is another sermon for another time.  

Don’t let Satan sidetrack us. Satan can’t take away our salvation, but he can rob us of God’s best. Heb. 10:23, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;).” 

Vs. 35-37, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” 

We have Christ’s last word to us in Rev. 22:20, “Surely I come quickly.”

God bless you!

 The Encouraging Word

“Why are you cast down, O my innerself? And why should you moon over me and be disguieted. Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him; for I shall yet praise Him who is the help of my countenence, and my God.” Psalm 42:11

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

“The Lord is far from the wicked: but He heareth the prayer of the righteous.” Proverbs 15:29

“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.” Psalm 34:7

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory because of your loving kindness, because of your truth!” Psalm 115:1

“It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your Name, O Most High proclaiming your Love in the morning and your Faithfulness at night.” Psalm 92:1-2  

Martha Wainright

 “O LOVE THE LORD!”

Jack Davis

Some blessed benefits in loving the Lord!

PRESERVED

“O love the LORD, all ye His saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer” Psalm 31:23. This verse gives us a reason for loving, and tells us who to love, for He  “preserveth the faithful,” His saints. Contrast this with “the proud doer.” The “proud doer” is one who does his own thing, or walks in his own will, or seeks to please by his own effort. The “faithful” speaks of those who rest in the finished work of the Cross; and of those who are true to the Lord, walking in His will. Faithfulness is love in action. Faithful ones are those whose lives prove the sincerity of their love.

Many are the dangers that the Lord preserves us from and in. Oh, it is so good to be among the Lord’s “preserves.” He is a very present help in trouble.” But how could we know that or say that unless we had gotten in some kind of trouble? So, For us to know of the Lord’s preserving power in experience, He must let us get ourselves into some form of jam. Oh Boy, are we good at doing that! Leave them alone and they will come. Rather they will either get lost, or fall into a ditch. He says He will “hide” and “keep” those that trust Him. Psalm 31:20, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” So we best stay close to the Lord in times of danger – “Under His wings.” Near his heart. He always intends the fiery trial to move us closer to Himself.

“Oh, how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee: which Thou hast wrought for them that trust in Thee before the sons of men!” Psa. 31:19. Oh, He has such rich preserves for those He preserves. Col. 1:5, speaks of “the hope” laid up.” II Tim. 4:8 speaks of “a crown” laid up. Praise God for those who do love the Lord enough to want Him to return more than anything else. Paul says in II Tim. 4:16-18, “The Lord stood with me, and strengthened me…and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” Paul also said, “The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly Kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever.” In I Pet, 1:5,4 we read for those “who are kept by the power of God through faith,” having an inheritance “reserved in Heaven.” O LOVE THE LORD!

PROMISED

“Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?” James 2:5. He has, with “exceeding great and precious promises,” promised to enrich His true lovers. God who is love has begotten sons of love, in His well beloved Son. He sheds abroad His love in our hearts. Yet how in these “perilous times?” Iniquity abounds, and the love of many waxes cold. Many are leaving off loving Him preeminently. Among Christians many are lovers of self, pleasure, and the world more than God. Many today think they are rich. They are esteemed highly in their attainments and attributes. But God’s promises go to the “poor.” The poor speak of those who have a deep sense of need – humble, dependent, and lacking in self-confidence enough to refuse to “trust in uncertain riches” (all natural wealth). Yet these are fully assured with a wealth of expectation from God, simply persuaded that whatever God has promised, He is “able also to perform:” also He is ready and willing. The “rich in faith,” like Sarah, simply count Him faithful who has promised. O LOVE THE LORD!

PREPARATION 

Divine preparation is invisible to the natural eye, unintelligible to the ear, incomprehensible to the human heart, and inexpressible by the natural man. In I Cor. 2:7-12, Paul said he “heard unspeakable words,” and yet he was given to “preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” – Eph. 3:8. GOD HATH REVEALED THEM UNTO US BY HIS SPIRIT. Those who really love Him are looking, listening, and believing: and are being initiated into the mystery of Divine preparation. The Holy Spirit is given to His holy ones to enable us to perceive all that has been provided and prepared. We are given eyes to see, ears to hear, hearts to understand the full measure of such wonderful complete preparation. We may grasp in full measure all that has been promised, purposed, and purchased by Jesus’ precious life blood. This is to the intent that we praise Him, that we be eternally “to the praise of the glory of His grace’ – Eph. 1:6.

To mention a few of the preparations He has made, and that we should love Him for: We indeed love Him first for Himself. But these things should call forth a sincere manifestation of our love. In Hebrews 11:16 God is said to have prepared a city for those believing Him. Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you.” David said, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” In the prophetic parable of Matthew 22, the king made a marriage feast for his son and said, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner,” Oh what a feast that will be! 

When the mother of Zebedee’s children came to Him and asked that her two sons sit with Him on His throne when He would come into His Kingdom, He told her, “To sit on My right hand, and on My left, is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them to whom it is prepared of My Father “He is also preparing for us. We are told in II Tim. 2:21, that those who are being purged, made “Meet for the Master’s use.” Are “prepared unto every good work.” In Romans 9:23 we read of “vessels of mercy” being “prepared unto glory.” John saw the Holy City, descending “from God out of Heaven, prepared as a Bride adorned for her Husband.” So the Lord would have us “know the things that are freely given to us of God.” And that their redemption cost our dear Jesus His life. O LOVE THE LORD!

PURPOSE

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we begin to partake of the calling “according to His purpose” Rom. 8:27-29. “Oh, how great is Thy goodness, which Thou has laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou has wrought (worked) for them that trust in Thee before the sons of men!” Psa. 31:19. So it is One that has “begun a good work” in us, that works in us “both to will and to do of His good pleasure,” who will perform, perfect, complete it, as we love Him enough to let Him. He has purposed for those that love Him to be completely “conformed to the image” of His dear Son. Those who are preserved, prove they love Him by a faithful life. If you really love Him, you will want to check out all that He has promised you in His precious Word. Desiring earnestly to perceive and partake of all that He has prepared. Looking to the Lord to make us like Himself. We will request, even require Him to fulfill His purpose. “Christ in you, the hope of glory” Col. 1:27. He is being formed us, transformed inwardly first, and changed into His glorious likeness eternally. To know Him is to love Him, as He is revealed to our hearts. In our lives, we are taking on inwardly more and more of His likeness. “O love the Lord, all ye His saints,” and you will profit from it for ever and ever!

 God’s Word Is Sufficient

Gordon Crook, Pastor

Grace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able (to be capable, strong and powerful) to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15

From Martin Luther’s four maxims, we get “sola scriptura,” which means “scripture alone.” He was proposing that scripture alone was sufficient for salvation and for the life of the believer. It seems that Paul had already taught this, and it was only a matter of time before someone like Martin would realize how contrary the teaching of his time was. The Catholic church of that time was teaching that we needed tradition with scripture to know God’s will.

As I study this topic, I realize just how important it is to understand that God’s Word is sufficient in itself and needs nothing from men. I am sure that many men/women across the ages have wanted to be the authority to define what was true and what was needed from them to complete the life of the believer. God does not need our input or anything we might add to His Word. Neither does His Word need to be “modernized.”

In Acts 17:2, we find Paul reasoning with anyone who will listen using the scriptures. It is true that he was using the Old Testament, because that is all he had, but it was sufficient to bring them to Jesus. Paul understood that the purpose of the inspired scriptures was to bring fallen man to Jesus where he would find salvation. Even Jesus says that the scriptures are they which speak of Him. 

In Romans 15:4, we read, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” So, the Old Testament is written for our benefit. Some wish to discard it entirely, but it is very important to our spiritual life. In case we are not sure how it applies, Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write scripture that ties us in and helps us understand it.

So, how important is God’s Word to the believer? Well, Job says this: “I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12. I’m not sure what your thinking is about the necessity of food, but I find it most necessary to continue a healthy life. Spiritually, God’s Word is more that the necessary natural food. God’s Word is the spiritual nutrition that we need to lead a healthy and growing spiritual life. If only we would give it this level of importance.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalms 1:1-3. This is a picture of the person that puts priority on the Word of God. The Word is sustenance and ensures that they are fruitful and well established. Even in the difficult times of life, they will have renewing supply for their spiritual life.

Paul encourages us to be renewed daily. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2. This is necessary as we are accosted daily by the world and our enemy who seeks to get us to think like the world. We are God’s children, and should not be caught up in the thinking of the world.

There are two things that God’s children need in this world: prayer and studying God’s Word. We need to pray for understanding before we read our Bible. Then, when we read and study, we need to do that with desire to understand and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us and to work in our lives.

God’s Word (Scriptures) is sufficient (able) for all that you need in your Christian walk. “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” Ephesians 5:8. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105.

 STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD

Anita Clark – Pastor

Grace Chapel, Carbondale, Kansas

In Exodus 14, we read the story of the people of God being delivered from Egypt and traveling in the desert to go to their ancient place back to Israel.  In verse 2 God said to Moses, who was leading the mass of Israelites who had just left Egypt.  “Speak unto the Children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth between Migdol and the sea over against Baal-zephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.”

Note that God told them exactly where to go. Note he said, “turn and encamp before Pihahiroth.” The meaning of this place is “a place of liberty.”  They were to be “between Migdol and the sea.”  Migdol was a “tower or fortress.”  Baal-zephon when interpreted means “Lord of the North.”  The road north lead to their homeland, Israel, away from the bondage of Egypt.

Verse 3 tells of Pharaoh’s human reasoning. He said, “The children of Israel are entangled in the land and the wilderness hath shut them in.” Psalms 48:1-2 gives us understanding of what our God declares, “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness.  Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.”

Verse 9 tells of the Egyptians pursuing after Israel with horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, overtook them encamping by the sea...”  Vs. 10 tells us that the Israelites “were sore afraid.”. Vs.4 tells us why God allowed this problem of the Egyptians following Israel, God speaking says, “And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart that he shall follow after them, and I will be honored upon Pharaoh and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD.”

Verses 9 &10 tells us that Israel was sore afraid, and they “cried out to the Lord.” Moses said unto the people, (Vs. 13) “”Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will shew to you to day, for the Egyptians ye have seen today; ye shall see them again no more for ever.”

These words “fear not” are repeated many times in the Bible.  Gen.15:1 Abraham was told by God, “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward.” Joshua was fearful and God spoke to him in Joshua 8:1, “”Fear not neither be thou dismayed: I have given into thy hand the king of AI and his people and his city, and his land.”  King David spoke to his son Solomon and said in I Chronicles 28:20, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it, fear not, nor be dismayed; for the LORD, even my God, will be with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work of the house of the LORD.  Isaiah 35:4 says, “Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you.” In the book of Luke, Jesus spoke to His disciples, “Fear not little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Unbelief magnifies or creates difficulties and then sets about to remove them by our own bustling, fruitless actions. Faith on the contrary raises the soul above difficulty, straight to God Himself and enables us to stand still! We don’t gain anything by our restless anxious efforts. Israel’s murmurings of unbelief could never change their situation.  1. Couldn’t dry the Red Sea up.  2. Couldn’t level the mountains.  3. Couldn’t annihilate the armies of Egypt. We learn the words of Psalms 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”

Come and see “The Salvation of the Lord.” Hebrews 11:29 “By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land; which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.” Faith is spiritual sight not physical sight.  2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Salvation brings “deliverance” all the way from the new birth to our bodily deliverance, where we will be translated up to heaven.  Romans 8:23 says, “...waiting for the adoption to wit, the redemption of our bodies.” This will bring our eternal deliverance to us forever with the Lord..

Believe and press forward.  He is coming very soon.

 The Two Creations

Part 4

Pastor Vicky Moots

Kingman, Kansas

At this time, I would like to discuss the verses in Ephesians and Colossians in which Paul uses the terms “old man” and “new man” to refer to the two creations. As stated previously, the “old man” is our old, sinful nature which we inherited at birth through Adam. Paul plainly declares that the “old man” is corrupt and acts according to the lusts of the flesh. God does not patch up the “old man” and try to make him better or to reform him. The “old man” is corrupt and had to be put to death, as we were told by Paul in Rom. 6:6.

Paul commands us in Eph. 4:22 that, as Christians, we are to “…put off concerning the former conversation [manner of life] the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” In this verse he illustrates the “old man” by using the example of an old filthy, contaminated garment that must be removed and destroyed.

This filthy garment represents the outward manifestations of the “old man” in our lives. The inner lust of the flesh will manifest itself outwardly through sinful deeds of the body. This is the outer garment of the flesh. We must choose to remove the filthy garment of the “old man” in order to be clothed with our new clean garment.

Next, in v.23, we are instructed, “…be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” We can only be renewed in the spirit of our mind by yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit, as Paul tells us in Gal. 5:16: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

Since we are a new creation in Christ, God has provided us with a new garment to replace the old, contaminated garment which we have removed. Paul calls this new garment the “new man” and commands us in v.24 of Ephesians 4 to “…put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

This same illustration is expressed further by Paul in Col. 3:8-10: “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy…; Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”

The new man is created in God’s image, not Adam’s image. When we are born in the natural, we bear the image of our earthly father, and that of Adam. When we are born again, as a new creation, we bear the image of our heavenly Father.

Since we have put off the old man with his deeds and put on the new man, what are the deeds that should now be on display in our lives? What does our new garment look like? Paul gives us the answer to this question in the last two verses of Eph. 4: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice [these are the deeds of the old man]: And be ye kind one to another, … even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” These deeds are only possible as we yield to the new creation life, the life of Christ in us. So, let us put off the “old man” and put on “the new,” and glorify Christ.

 Song of Solomon 2:7

Greg Gilliam Pastor, Grace Christian

Assembly, Kansas City, Missouri

“I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.”

This book is the song of songs, which is Solomon’s (1:1). To help us understand our text we need to realize that the King addresses the woman as “love.” The woman addresses him as “my beloved.”  In the first verse of this chapter we see what she says about herself, “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.” The Lord wants us to see who we are in Him. In verse three she sees him as a mature fruitful tree. She finds him as a refuge from the heat and she finds enjoyment in him.  In verse four we find that every act that He does towards her is because of His love. As believers we find this to be true in our lives as well.  Yes, even the pruning that we find in John 15 is because of his love. He desires that this be a productive relationship with her. That fruit may abound to her account.  In verse five we read, “I am sick of love.” Let’s back up from the way this phrase is used today - I am sick of something or I am tired of it. Here she is saying she enjoys his love and is ravished by it. Then verse six we find that she knows his embrace. Dear one, have you felt the embrace of the Lord Jesus Christ?  Do you know His hand is under your head and his right hand doth embrace you?

Now let us consider our text. She has been learning his ways.  She is not perfect and nor are we saints. She has learned something about him and is instructing others. The instruction, “stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.”  We must realize who He is.  He is God - deity. The 139th Psalm says He searches us and knows us, He knows when we sit down and He knows when we stand up. He knows what I am thinking about and is acquainted with all my ways. He knows every word in my tongue. Saints He knows all about us.  

Cella E. Stanton writes in a song titled, “He Knows” that He knows earth’s deepest sorrow, our highest joy, the deepest darkest sins of years, He’s able to destroy.  He knows the deep heart longings, the hidden tears that flow; nothing over takes us but what our Lord doth know. He knows about our trials and knows the way we take.  In His own way He leads us, because He loves us so. He even knows when we grow weary. He knows the heart that trusts Him.

We must come to the same conclusion that the Psalmist did (Psalm 139:6), “such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.”

The Lord is a man who lives in rest and peace. Let’s look at an example in Mark 4:38 they had entered into a ship and a big storm came up. Where did they find Jesus and what was He doing? He was asleep on a pillow. The wind is in subjection to Him.  He arose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, “Peace be still.” Then He went back to the people and said, “Why are ye so fearful?  How is it that ye have no faith?”  

Sometimes God’s people try to provoke Him to action. If that has been you in the past, go to the Lord and ask for His forgiveness.  Ask Him to help you live in His rest and His peace.  Remember what we said earlier, we are not perfect.  Sometimes things overtake us and we react rather than respond.  Hebrews 4:9-11 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.  For he that is entered into his rest he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.  Philippians 4:6,7 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  

Dear ones let us go back to our text, “stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.” The Lord knows all about you.  He knows what you are going through.  Acknowledge His headship in your life.  Submit to His will.  Continue to wait upon Him. Psalm 27:14…wait, I say, upon the Lord. He will make everything beautiful in His time.  Ecclesiastes 3:11.

 Adorning The Gospel

Earlene Davis

In Titus chapter 2, Apostle Paul gives spiritual advice to different ages of believers and to workers. V. 10 gives the reason for this instruction – “…that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” Webster’s dictionary gives this meaning for the word “adorn” – ‘adding beauty to something by gracing it with its own beauty, to render attractive, to enhance or heighten the beauty of. It is God’s will that we adorn the Gospel by the way we live our life. So let us read these instructions.  

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” - V. 1. If we speak the truth, it will benefit others. It will build up believers, so they will be scripturally and spiritually healthy, which enhances the Gospel.

V. 2, “That the aged men be sober (or vigilant), grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity (love), in patience.” All these things are evident in spiritual mature men, they are sound in faith, having heeded sound doctrine mentioned in V. 1. Such a living testimony renders the Gospel attractive. 

V. 3, “The aged women likewise (what was said for the aged men applies also to the aged women), that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.” By their behavior, which speaks louder than words, proving their speech to be sound, they are teachers of good things to the younger women. 

V. 4, “That they may teach the young women to be sober (or wise), to love their husbands, to love their children.” That sound teaching is passed on to following generations, from the aged to the younger and the younger to their children. What do the younger ones learn?

V. 5, “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed.” May our children never be able to say, ‘My parents are not what they seem.’ We don’t want to be a reproach, especially to our own children. Our lives should outwardly manifest that God is doing a work in us by the Holy Spirit. That puts God’s Word on display as it were, giving substance to the message, that it works in us.

Vs. 6-8, “Young men likewise  (as the young women) exhort to be sober minded (or discreet).  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works (an example): in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” Good works (are works of faith), they can be a powerful testimony to unbelievers.

We can clearly see a progression here, sound doctrine makes sound faith, sound faith makes sound speech and sound speech makes good works and God is glorified. God has ordained good works for His  people and He gives us power to walk in them by the Holy Spirit.

V. 9-10, “Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again. Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” This exhortation to servants applies to workers, to employees. Bad conduct on our jobs could make the Gospel appear repulsive. But If we do our duties as unto the Lord, we can be an adornment that draws others to the Lord. In Mt. 5:16, Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” And in Phil. 1:27 we read, “…let your conversation (which means manner of life) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.”

Vs. 11-15, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” It is truly awesome and marvelous, that God takes such hopeless material and makes a people for Himself, purchasing us at such a great cost; a people over and above man’s expectations. Does this not make the gospel appealing? Oh, yes.

God does an inward work, as ye yield to His Word and let the Holy Spirit work that Word in us, then it becomes outwardly manifest in our lives. Paul’s life is an example to us, his life adorned the Gospel He preached. I Thess. 1:5, “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” II Thess. 3:7, “For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you.” 

Paul said in Phil. 4:1, that those Philippian saints were his joy and crown, they received his teaching and were running the race with him for the Prize of the high calling. They were an adornment to Paul. He admonished them to “stand fast,” not in their own wisdom and strength but “in the Lord.” They were the fruit of his labor in the Gospel. Paul also said of the Thessalonian saints that they will be his joy and crown when the Lord comes - I Thess. 2:19-20. We may also add to Paul’s rejoicing in that day by adorning the gospel he preached.

Consider these verses: Proverbs 12:4 says “a virtuous woman is a crown to her husband.” If we adorn the gospel, we shall adorn Christ as His bride. Rev. 10:1, describes Christ descending our of heaven in grandeur and power to assume control of things on earth. He is seen clothed with a cloud and a rainbow is upon His head. It is the saints, associated with Him (His adornment). Also in Rev. 21:2, the holy city, the new Jerusalem comes down from God out of heaven, prepared a bride adorned for her husband. The Greek means ‘marshaled, decked, embellished, honored, ornamented.” we read in Rev. 19;7, the Lamb’s wife hath made herself ready. She hearkened to the voice of the Father, inclining her ears to His Word, putting Christ first in her devotion. The 45th Psalm tells us her clothing is of wrought gold. She will be adorned by a company of saints, just as she is a company of saints (a bride adorned).

 The Encouraging Word

“Every Scripture is God-breathed – given by His inspiration – and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience and for training in righteousness.” II Timothy 3:16 Amp.

“For ever, O Lord your word stands firm as the heavens, and is settled in Heaven.” Psalm 119:89

“Glory in His holy name: let the heart of those rejoice who seek the Lord.” I Chronicles 16:10

“For you are my lamp, O Lord; and the Lord illumines my darkness.” II Samuel 22:29

“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait and hope for and expect the Lord.” Psalm 31:24

“But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” Psalm 73:28

“Keep and guard me as the pupil of the eye, hid me in the shadow of your wings,” Psalm 17:8

The wings of God calm our ruffled feathers.

“Sing to the Lord, O you saints of His and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name,” Psalm 30:4

Martha Wainright

Jesus Rode Into Jerusalem 

He rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey 

It was the Father’s will for Him to ride. 

Jesus knew the hour had come; our sins to pay. 

His Father’s will must be obeyed.

He rode and the people strew palm leaves in the way. 

They cried blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord. 

Yet, did they understand what His entry meant that day? 

Some did not know the depth of love he showed. 

It was important, the Scriptures, He must fulfill. 

Jesus knew his mission was almost done. 

He told His disciples His death was His Father’s will. 

And on the third day rise again, the victory won. 

In Zechariah nine, nine, said years ago 

The Messiah, Israel’s King would enter in this manner. 

So they were to rejoice and shout aloud too. 

Their King would die but live forever. 

Jesus had a purpose in coming to Jerusalem 

A Cross of shame was waiting on a hill. 

He came to fulfill prophecy told of Him 

To bear all our sin was indeed the Father’s will. 

– Phyllis M. Nesbitt