Invitations are extended to people each time we come together. In some of the churches, we have stopped telling people how to be saved because we assume they already know. One preacher told me that Peter did not extend an invitation. He did preach Jesus and was asked what they must do to be saved. His response was, repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. With many other words he exhorted them to save themselves. They were glad to receive this word and about three thousand people were baptized. See Acts 2:36ff.

Jesus said come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, Matthew 11:28. This invitation is universal. It is easy to understand why Jesus says come. He came to seek and save the lost, Luke 19:10. God’s love for the world was the reason He sent His Son. Christ’s love for the lost is why He died. Our love for the lost is why we preach Christ.

Jesus said, “Except ye believe that I am He, ye shall die in your sins.” Paul said faith comes by hearing the word of God. In order for one to have faith, he must be taught. This means that we are the link between Jesus and salvation. What did you do this week that might help someone know Jesus?

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18

Ephesians 3:20-21 says that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church and by Christ Jesus unto all generations forever and ever.

What is the power that works in us? Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16

The gospel of Christ is working in everyone that truly believes in the power of God’s word. When we reach the power of our faith, it will be displayed in the lives we live. In Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.” How much conviction we have is based upon our faith. Since faith comes by hearing and reading the word of God, our lives will show exactly how much power is working in us.

James said, show me your faith without your works and I by my works will show you my faith. Look at your life and ask yourself just how much faith do I really have? Do I have enough faith to tell someone that Jesus loves them? Can you tell a lost friend that Jesus died to save men from their sin?

If we do not pray for the people we love, how can we pray for our enemies? Put some people in your mind and pray that God will give you opportunity to reach them with the gospel.

When he opened the door, they asked him his name. When he told them, they grabbed his wrists, twisted them behind his back, and snapped the cuffs with an ominous click as they reminded him of his rights: “Anything you say can and will be used against you.” He made up his mind that they would get little from him and when they led him into the little room for questioning, he met their questions with a stony silence. He said nothing to them, but to himself he said, “My mama didn’t raise no ignoramuses! They done told me how its gonna be!”

The rights they read him could well be understood to apply to us all, with an important amendment: What we say can and will be used either for or against us. Jesus said in Matthew 12:36,37, “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give accounting for in the day of judgement. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Condemnation? Justification? Not a difficult choice when you consider that the outcome of the judgement depends upon this! Not hard to choose, but sometimes very, very difficult to apply!

Every day we have the privilege of either lifting up or casting down. We can speak those words that encourage that one who is about to give up or we can speak those words that may be the final push into total despair. To edify or to tear down? That is the question. The answer can and will be used against us or for us. The good thing about it is we can do the choosing. Nobody else makes the choice for me or for you.

Each day we can choose words that express patience and kindness – words devoid of arrogance, jealousy, provocation, and hostility. Or we can choose words that are unbecoming and filled with malice. But the good thing about it is: we get to make the choice. Or maybe the bad thing about it is: we get to make the choice. Because, by our words we may be justified or by our words we may be condemned.

Our words can be like a sharp knife that can carve an exquisite likeness or can produce a painful or even fatal wound. It all depends upon the intent and care of the wielder. But the wielder makes the choice. The judgement of others may be that he is a talented artist. Or it may be that he is a cruel murderer. The knife itself is innocent. Its use can be for or against the user.

An early U.S. statesman gave the kindly advice: “If you are angry, count to ten before speaking. If you are very angry, count to a hundred.” An irreverent Mark Twain came along later and said: “If you are angry, count to ten before you speak. If you are very angry, swear.” We would get the idea that Mark Twain was not very serious about the judgement. When it comes to our speech, too often our philosophy is: “Full speed ahead and never mind the torpedoes.” Or something like that.

The Bible says a great deal about love. We are instructed in Scripture to love God and our fellow man (Mk. 12:30,31). We are to love the brotherhood of Christ (1 Peter 2:15, John 13:34,35). The Bible would even teach us to love our enemies (Mt. 5:44). Without love, nothing we do for the cause of Christ profits us anything (1 Cor. 13:1-3). Love is of the utmost importance. The Christian is to “pursue love” (1 Cor. 14:1,) and he is to “walk in love” (Eph. 5:2). Everything he does is to be done “with love” (1 Cor. 16:14). But the question comes to mind, “How do we accomplish all of this in life?” No one gives us a better demonstration than Jesus does (1 Pet. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:6). He perfectly set forth the aspects of love that Paul mentions in the “love chapter” - 1 Corinthians 13. In that chapter Paul points out that love is…

1. Longsuffering: If one is to demonstrate the longsuffering nature of love then he must be forbearing and patient with others. The longsuffering individual will not be quick to lash out or to take vengeance on those who wrong him. No one exemplified longsuffering love better than Jesus did. When arrested by His enemies, Jesus could have called “more that twelve legions of angels” (Mt. 26:53) in order to destroy his captors. Yet, he patiently endured their abuse for the betterment of man. The greatest example of the longsuffering of Jesus may have been while He was on the cross. In the midst of great pain and suffering, the Lord prayed for those who dared Him to come down from the cross as they mocked and ridiculed Him (Mt 27:39-44; Lk. 23:34). How can we demonstrate the longsuffering through a demonstration of understanding? If we understand that we fall short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23), then we should be more understanding, yea, longsuffering with others.
   
   
2. Kind: Paul said, “Love is… kind” (1 Cor. 13:4a). The kindness of love is demonstrated through benevolence. Kindness acts for the well being of others (Jas. 2:14-20). Jesus demonstrated kindness through his words (Mk. 6:50; Lk. 23:43; Jn. 14:1-3; 16:33, etc.), through touch (Mk. 1:42; 10:14,16) and through service (Acts 10:39; Mk. 10:45). What about us? Do we demonstrate kindness through our speech? Are our words gracious words (Col. 4:6)? Are our words edifying words (Eph. 4:29)? Are they fitly spoken (Pro.25:11)? Do we demonstrate kindness through touch? Are we known for a hearty handshake, a hug, or a pat on the back? Do we show such to our spouses, children, and friends? Do we demonstrate the kindness of service? Are we concerned about the lost (Mk 15:15,16; Jas. 5:19,20)? Are we concerned about the destitute (Jas. 1:27)? If our love is what it ought to be, if we are walking in the steps of Jesus, we will be.
   

Paul said, “love suffers long and is kind.” Since we are to “pursue love” (1 Cor. 14:1), let us determine to walk in the steps of our Lord who always set forth the perfect example of love. Because without it, we cannot profit (1 Cor. 13:1-3).

Hans de Reis left the Church of Rome on account of its idolatries and joined the church of the reformers. But because they held to the belief of force and war, he subsequently sought among the believers the true church of Christ. When his good friend, Hans Bret, was put to death in 1577 by the reformers, his desire to learn the truth was increased. This good man and his co-laborers searched the scriptures constantly to see what God’s will was for them. According to history, they accepted the regular observance of the Lord’s Supper, immersion for the remission of sins and scriptural names for the Lord’s people. Because of their insistence of these truths many of them were put to death.

Galthazar Hubmeyer of Zurich was another of the martyrs of the 16th century. The followers of Zwingli were determined to punish all who would not accept their form of baptism and who insisted on baptism by immersion or re-baptism as they called it. Balthazar Hubmeyer was burned at the stake on March 10, 1528 for such a belief. Here is his statement of what he believed: “I believe and know that Christendom shall not receive its rising aright unless baptism and Lord’s Supper are brought to their original purity.” He rejected their self-invented infant baptism and teaching with all his power and contended for the baptism of believers according to the command of Christ. He thus became a proclaimed adversary of Zwingli and quickly fell to the hatred of Zwingli.

Yes, I believe that there have been men in every century since the time of Christ who have contended for the truth. Because of prejudices of that time, little is said about the work of these restorationists.

There are two seas in Palestine, one is fresh and the fish are in it – splashes of green adorn its bank. Trees stretch out their branches over it and stretch out their thirsty roots to sip of its healing waters. Along its shores the children play as children played when He was there. He loved that sea. He could look across its silver surface as He spoke in parables. On the rolling plain not far away, you remember, He fed 5,000. The river Jordan makes it to the sea with its laughs from the sunshine. Men build their houses near it, and the birds build their nests, and every kind of life is happier because it’s there.

The river Jordan flows on south to another sea though. Here there is no splash of fish, no fluttering leaf, no song of birds, no children’s laughter. Travelers choose another route unless on urgent business, and the air hangs heavy above its waters. Neither man nor beast nor fowl, will drink of this sea.

What makes this mighty difference in the neighboring sea? It’s not the Jordan – it empties the same good water into both. It’s not the soil in which they lie. It’s not the country round about. Here is the difference: the Sea of Galilee receives, but does not keep the Jordan. For every drop that flows into it, another drop flows out. The giving and receiving go on in equal importance. The other sea is shrouded, hoarding its income jealously. It is not – it will not -- be tempted with any generous impulse. Every drop it gets, it keeps. The Sea of Galilee gives and lives. The other sea gives nothing and so it is named – The Dead.

There are 2 kinds of people in this world, and there are 2 Seas in Palestine.

Two things must dominate in determining God’s will: (1) Scripture, (2) Sense. We are destroyed for lack of knowledge. We had rather die than think. Two things always problem us: (1) Biblical ignorance, (2) Spiritual immaturity. Ignorance & mysticism result in superstition and silliness. Catholics and denominations have always had problems with weddings/funerals. Catholics have sacraments administered by priests. The scripture knows nothing about either. Catholics have a mass for events. The Bible is silent about a “mass.” With the Lord’s Supper, Catholics have transubstantiation; Lutherans have consubstantiation. This brings in mysticism, not reality. Culture today is confused with tongues, demons, experiences. This ends with the ridiculous.

No man stands between God and man! But we get carried away with ourselves and our spirituality. Preachers are called “Right Reverent Doctor.” Some religious clergy wear pompous clothes. Doctors of law, education, medicine are proper. Doctor of Christianity, holiness and humility, doesn’t fit. Titles are out! “Super-spirituality” is out! There are no distinctions down at church. Weddings/funerals are not the place to exhibit our spirituality. It is too late at a funeral to get anyone into heaven and keep a sinner out of hell. Someone has observed there are “more lies at a funeral” than anywhere. Weddings/funerals are not a religious display. Scripture and sense suggest several sins can be involved.

(1) PRESUMPTION. God decides worship! Don’t connect God’s worship with human activity. Worship is God’s turf! Moses struck the rock and said “me” (God, too). This does not seem like a heinous sin. Moses presumed to walk upon God’s turf. Man doesn’t speak for God. Paul and Barnabas had a “panic-attack” when called gods (Acts 14). When John tried to worship an angel (twice) in Revelation, the angel said, “Worship God!” Peter refused the worship of Cornelius (Acts 10). King Saul offered sacrifices when Samuel was tardy. This, too, seems harmless. For this he lost his throne.

David Gergen’s editorial, found in U.S. News and World Report (January 3, 2000) is titled “Roaring into 2000”. In the article, he points out that around the world three things are happening: (1) democracy is surging, (2) there is a revolution in capitalism, and (3) there are daily breakthroughs in science and technology. Mr. Gergen states that “70% of Americans are optimistic about the nation’s future and 81% about themselves and their families.”

The author concludes by asking: How can we realize the promise of the 21st Century? Then he answers: (1) we must elect people of character, inspiration and vision, (2) we must remain strong, vigilant and engaged overseas, and finally (3) quote: “But our most important protections in a new world will be our old values. Nothing we learn on the Internet will give us deeper insight into the meaning of life than the answers men found in the desert 2,000 years ago.”

Values like: Let your light shine before men, do not murder, keep your marriage commitment, be a person of your word, show mercy, love your enemies, be righteous in God’s sight but not self-righteous in men’s, store up treasure in heaven, trust God more and worry less, treat others the way you want to be treated, pray, and build your life upon the solid foundation of God’s Word. (See Matthew 5, 6, and 7.)

Some people love to feel important, and once given a position – or assuming one – they use it to their full advantage. Filled with pride, they do not hesitate to throw their weight around. Maybe you know the type. From some invisible pedestal they hurl instructions to be obeyed. And nothing pleases them more than having others bend to their will.

Meet Diotrephes. He had such a feeling of importance that he would not even acknowledge John’s authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ. (How haughty can one get?) Moreover, he refused to welcome the brethren – and even put some out of the church who did (3 John 9-11). John promised that when he arrived, he was going to deal with this arrogant brother.

What a difference there was between the attitude of Diotrephes and the apostle Paul. Paul was a man of real weight, yet hesitated to employ it. He reminded the Thessalonians that he and his companions were not seeking a reputation, or standing on their dignity to require respectful attention and subservience. They viewed themselves as “earthen vessels” in which the treasure of the gospel was placed. Far from demanding service and deference, they presented themselves as “servants for Jesus’ sake.” Paul wrote, “…we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse taking care of her children” (1 Thessalonians 2:6,7).

Maybe it’s time for all of us to become imitators of the apostle Paul. The work of Christ is far too important for any of us to strike a pose, develop an attitude, or throw our weight around.

The only survivor of a shipwreck came to safety on a small deserted island. He prayed constantly and fervently that God would rescue him. Each day he would scan the horizon and search the island looking for signs of help, but none arrived.

Eventually the man built a hut to protect himself and his few possessions from the elements. One day after searching the island for food, he arrived back at his hut only to find it completely engulfed in flame. Huge billows of smoke were rolling toward the sky. When the fire died down the man found all his possessions were destroyed.

In grief, anger, and disbelief the man cried out, “God, how could you do this to me?” Early the next day, still hung over from his pity party, the man was awakened by the sound of an approaching ship. The man asked the captain of the ship, “How did you know I was here?” “We saw your smoke signal,” he repled.

In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus made this statement, “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives and he who seeks finds and to him who knocks it is opened to him.” As we go through life, we often find ourselves seemingly stranded on an island. At times, we are stranded in loneliness, at others we are stranded in despair and grief, and still at other times we are stranded on an island of sin. Just as the man did in the above story, we need to pray daily to God for strength and wisdom to be rescued from those islands.

In the book of James, we are taught several valuable lessons on prayer and our attitude about prayer. First, we are to pray with faith with no doubting (James 1:5-8). We should know and understand that God is able to do all things if He wills (Matthew 19:26). God is going to keep His promises (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus told us He would be with us until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). If we ask in faith for the right things, God will supply.

Second, we must ask for the right things and in the right way (James 4:1-3). If we pray only for that which will give pleasure to ourselves, are we praying as we should? We should always pray with the attitude that God’s will be done and not ours (James 4:15, Matthew 26:39-42). We are to pray with humility (James 4:6-10). We are to seek those things which will build us up spiritually and build up the kingdom of God.

Third, we must be righteous when we pray. “The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16). When we approach the throne of Grace, we need to examine ourselves and see if we are right with God (2 Corinthians 13:5). If we will confess our sins, God will forgive those and cleanse us from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Before we can expect God to answer our prayers, we must be willing to live our lives as He commands.

When life gets discouraging and things are going bad, do not lose heart. We have a God who cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We have a God who hears our prayers (Acts 10:4). Sometimes the answers to our prayers are found in “smoking huts” and not where we are looking!

There are certain things the Bible unequivocally commands us to do and other things it expressly forbids. Then there are the so-called “gray areas,” matters the Bible doesn’t directly address such as going to movies, watching certain television shows, listening to certain kinds of music, or determining what recreational activities are appropriate. How are we to decide what to do in the “gray areas?” The following principles will help you in your decision making:

One of the more interesting studies in the Bible involves the study of individual personalities and what each one had to face in his or her life. Noah had to stand virtually alone as he built the ark while preaching to the world about righteous living. The Bible calls Noah a “preacher of righteousness.” In these dark days of the flood, God found only eight souls who were still willing to follow Him. Moses had to face the pagan empire of Egypt, along with a group of hard-to-please Israelites who always seemed to find something to complain about during their 40 years of wilderness wanderings. David tried to bring together a nation of people who had forgotten God while dealing with heart-breaking rebellion.

The same story is found in the New Testament as well. God chose a devout woman named Mary to raise Jesus as a young bot. It is hard to imagine the responsibility this dedicated mother must have surely felt as she went about her task of bringing up a young child who also happened to be the Son of God and the Savior of the world! Peter, John, Paul and the rest of the apostles had the task of taking an unpopular gospel to a very hostile world. But they knew that the Lord himself had given to them this world-wide commission; it rested in their hands during the early days of the church and weight of such a responsibility must have surely been immense.

But one thing all of these people had in common: they knew they were never alone. We may feel outnumbered and alone at times in this life, but we can all rest assured of the fact that the Lord will always be with His people. In giving the great commission, Jesus said…”and lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” That promise applies to you and me just as much as it applied to Peter and Paul. The Hebrew writer writes in Hebrews 13:5”… be content with such things as ye have, for he has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” That is a promise that will never fail. You must travel your own personal road in this life, and that road will eventually lead to eternity; but you and I can rest assured of this one thing: the one who remains faithful to God will never have to travel that road alone.

Once upon a time there was a family of wayward church members who had once been active, but had lost all interest and had fallen by the wayside. There were the father and three sons, Jim, John, and Sam. The elders had talked with them about their condition, the preacher had visited them, and many of the brethren had tried to get them to come back to the church - but all this did not seem to do the least bit of good.

One day when the boys were out in the pasture, a large rattlesnake bit John and he became very. ill. The physician was called and after an examination, he pronounced John to be in a very critical condition. Said he, "About all you can do now is pray." The father called the preacher, and told him of John's condition. He asked the preacher to pray for John's recovery, and this was his prayer.

"O Wise and Righteous Father, we thank Thee, for Thou hast in thy wisdom sent this rattlesnake to bite John, in order to bring him to his senses. He has not been inside the church house for years and it is doubtful that he has in all that time felt the need for prayer. Now we trust that this will prove a valuable lesson to him, and that it will lead to genuine commitment.

"And now, O Father, wilt Thou send another snake to bite Sam, and another to bite Jim, and another BIG ONE to bite the old man? We have all been doing everything we know for years to restore them, but to no avail. It seems, therefore, that all our combined efforts could not do what this snake has done. We thus conclude that the only thing left that will do this family any good is rattlesnakes; so Lord, send us bigger and better rattlesnakes. Through Christ we pray. Amen”

-Author Unknown

Who is the most important teacher in this congregation? Is it the Adult Bible Class teacher? Well, they are important because they teach and encourage people to know God and follow' Christ. But they are not the most important teachers.

Are the teachers in the teen class the most important? They certainly have a wonderful opportunity to touch the lives of young people at a critical time when their faith and lives are in transition and they are making life ' choices that will have an impact for the rest of their lives. But, they are not the most important teachers.

Maybe the most important teachers are those who spend countless hours preparing lessons and activities for children. After all, these teachers introduce Bible stories that will be with the students for the rest of their lives. These teachers help form the tender faith of children at a time when they need positive adult role models. But, even these people are not the most important teachers.

There is one teacher that does more to teach the people you know than anyone else. This Person may not always be in front of a classroom but this teacher has more impact on your family than anyone else. 'This teacher also teaches your friends in a direct way that none of the other teachers I mentioned can teach them.

The most important teacher in this congregation is - - YOU. What kind of lesson are you teaching? -

1. Wake Up!! - Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psm. 118:24
2. Dress Up!! - The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Sam. 16:7
3. Shut Up!! - Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Prv. 13:3. "Gossip betrays confidence. Avoid men who talk too much." Prv. 20:19 Listen to advice, accept instruction and in the end, you will be wise."
4. Stand Up!! - For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Gal. 6:9-10
5. Look Up!! - To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13
6. Reach Up!! - For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path" Prv. 3:5-6
7. Lift Up!! - Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Phil. 4 A POSITIVE THOUGHT. If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

   What about the gift He sent you in Bethlehem; not to mention that Friday at Calvary. Face it, He's crazy about you! I thought this was mighty special, just like you. Pass this on and brighten someone's day, and remember .....

By God's own design, labor is an area for all to be involved in, and is most beneficial to man. Even in the paradise of the Garden, God provided labor for man, giving him the job of dressing and keeping it (Gen. 2:15). Summing up man's responding to God, Paul said he was to "...labor, working with his hands the thing which is good" (Eph. 4:28). Man was not made for idleness, and that very thing - idleness - brought some in Thessalonica to the point where the congregation was going to have to discipline them (2 Thess. 3). The blessing then, of honest and continual labor!

That same principle applies, of course, in the kingdom. Time in the kingdom must be a time of labor, so that the promised rest is needed (Rev. 14:13). Let us mention an application or two in this regard, and notice the remedy when it comes to some ills. The remedy is, simply, GET TO WORK! We mention these:

1. Those with very little concept of the work of the congregation, and having very little interest in her functioning, and thus put forth very little effort, can correct all of these things by becoming faithful and active - GET TO WORK!
2. Those who find time only to make criticism of the church, its elders, its program of work, its preacher, etc., should simply get involved. GET TO WORK, and then there will be very little time to engage in idle gossip and giving way to disgruntled feelings. Idleness carries some busybodying (2 Thess. 3:11).
3. Those who spend their time on themselves, thinking about themselves, and feeling sorry for themselves - those whose whole world revolves around "me, myself and I" - should pitch in and help in the Lord's work. GET TO WORK, and when one does that, he loses himself in the work of the kingdom, gets away from his selfishness, and thinks of others.

Yes, the blessing of labor! And the blessing, especially, of labor in the kingdom, wherein one knows (1) he is working in the most eternally important areas, (2) his labors are blessed by God, (3) he is blest in this life and has eternal blessings promised, and (4) his work is of spiritual benefit to others. For all of us the question, "Am I truly laboring in the kingdom of God?" If the answer is "No," then that explains why I have so much time on my hands and so much time for other things.

- Bill Jackson (Deceased)

Let's say that you are a Christian and for some reason people decided they wanted to look and act just like you. I mean a perfect copy of your appearance and every thought and action. Would you encourage them to do so?

The Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippians, "Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us,"(NASB). He gave the same instruction to the Corinthians, "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ," 1 Corinthians 11:1.

Paul wasn't being arrogant when he called on others to imitate him. He knew that he had not achieved perfection; but he was determined to, "Press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus," Philippians 3:12b. Paul felt safe in offering himself as a pattern because he had confidence that Christ Jesus was working in his life. ~

Would you be willing to say, "Let my example of commitment and dedication be the standard by which you determine who are the genuine Christians among you?" Would you offer yourself as an example in humility and service, in Christ centered trust, in zeal or morality?

If every Christian were just like you, what would Christianity look like? Whether you know it or not someone is looking to you to be an example. Children look to their parents. Younger children look to older children. Young adults look for mature individuals they can respect and follow.

Go look in the mirror. Try to imagine a congregation where everyone was just like you. It's a sobering thought, isn't it?

Jerry Linker
Minister
Meadow View Church of Christ Mesquite, TX.

If we leave the truth unread and unapplied, it will die like an unwatered plant. We read of a church that fell from its first love (Rev. 2:5). It needed to repent and do the first works.

We begin to regain our lost love for truth by recognizing that truth is simple. When I began to preach, an older preacher was relating some of his experiences to me. He said that a member of the church told him, "I don't love my wife any more." The preacher said, "I told him to go right back home and start loving his wife again." You see the simplicity of the answer.

It's like a husband and wife wanting to renew their love for each other. A lot of times they are told to write what they did with each other and what they did for each other when they first met.

Can you remember when you first believed and obeyed the Truth? Remember your commitment, devotion, consecration, and feeling of well being? Well, renew that! We must also recognize the worth of the Bible.

Every piece of the Christian armor in Ephesians 6 points to truth. The "helmet of salvation" points us to Romans 1:16. The "breastplate of righteousness" which points us to the righteousness of God in Romans 1:17. The "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of Cod" is seen in John 17:17. The "shield of faith" points to Colossians 1:4, 5. The "feet shod" prepares one to tell the Gospel as he walks in truth (3 John 3,4), and even one's loins are girt about with truth" (v.6).

"Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).

---Anonymous

CHOOSE

This tremendous power gives us control over our own destinies. We can choose obedience to God and thus be happy, or we can choose to disobey Him and reap unhappiness in this life and eternal damnation.

YE

The choice is ours. No one else can make our choice for us. Everyone will give account of himself unto God. (2 Cor. 5:10).

THIS DAY

This is an urgent matter. Delaying the choice to obey God is to jeopardize one's soul. Now is the time to decide (2 Cor. 6:2).

WHOM

God will not force man to worship and serve Him. Man can yield himself to serve Satan (Rom. 6:16). Again, it is his choice.

YE WILL SERVE

The question is not "Will I Serve?" but "Whom will I Serve?" Every man serves a master. Jesus said that man cannot serve two masters (Matt. 6:24). He added, "He that is not with me is against me (Matt. 12:30). To fail to choose is to have chosen.
Your life is what you make it. Whom will you choose to serve?

-- James A. Horton