Jesus is coming to earth again;
What if it were today?
Coming to claim His chosen Bride,
All the redeemed and purified,
Over this whole earth scattered wide;
What if it were today?
Satan's dominion will then be o'er,
O that it were today!
Sorrow and sighing shall be no more,
O that it were today!
Then shall the dead in Christ arise,
Caught up to meet Him in the skies,
When shall these glories meet our eyes?
What if it were today?
Faithful and true would He find us here
If He should come today?
Watching in gladness and not in fear,
If He should come today?
Signs of His coming multiply;
Morning light breaks in the eastern sky.
Watch! for the time is drawing nigh!
What if it were today?
-Tabernacle Hymns
Friday, October 30, 2009
A Short, Fervent Prayer
Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
-Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31
So much said in so few words!
-Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31
So much said in so few words!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Who Shall Separate Us...?
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall:
-tribulation?
-distress?
-persecution?
-famine?
-nakedness?
-peril?
-sword?
Nay! in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us!
For I am persuaded, that neither:
-death, nor
-life, nor
-angels, nor
-principalities, nor
-powers, nor
-things present, nor
-things to come, nor
-height, nor
-depth, nor
-any other creature
shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
--Romans 8:35, 37-39
What a comprehensive list! What triumph sounds in the Apostle Paul's ringing words!
Is there then anything that can separate us from the love of Christ and God?
There is one thing that is notably missing from this list: self.
Self-pity,
Lack of self-denial,
Self-exaltation and pride,
Any focus on self ... can and will separate us from the love of our Lord.
Shall:
-tribulation?
-distress?
-persecution?
-famine?
-nakedness?
-peril?
-sword?
Nay! in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us!
For I am persuaded, that neither:
-death, nor
-life, nor
-angels, nor
-principalities, nor
-powers, nor
-things present, nor
-things to come, nor
-height, nor
-depth, nor
-any other creature
shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
--Romans 8:35, 37-39
What a comprehensive list! What triumph sounds in the Apostle Paul's ringing words!
Is there then anything that can separate us from the love of Christ and God?
There is one thing that is notably missing from this list: self.
Self-pity,
Lack of self-denial,
Self-exaltation and pride,
Any focus on self ... can and will separate us from the love of our Lord.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Abiding in Jesus
Lord, throughout my pilgrim journey,
Let me find Thee by my side;
And when evening shades are falling
Do Thou still with me abide.
And in holy benediction
Lay on me Thy hand of love,
Saying: Son, thy course is finished;
But through faith thou'lt live above!
Stay Thou near me when the shadows
Of chill death are drawing nigh,
Like the frosty breath of morning
Ere the dawn in rosy sky.
When the darkness falls around me,
Then illuminate my soul;
As a traveler home returning
May I reach my heav'nly goal.
--Zion's Harp #205 vs. 5-6
Let me find Thee by my side;
And when evening shades are falling
Do Thou still with me abide.
And in holy benediction
Lay on me Thy hand of love,
Saying: Son, thy course is finished;
But through faith thou'lt live above!
Stay Thou near me when the shadows
Of chill death are drawing nigh,
Like the frosty breath of morning
Ere the dawn in rosy sky.
When the darkness falls around me,
Then illuminate my soul;
As a traveler home returning
May I reach my heav'nly goal.
--Zion's Harp #205 vs. 5-6
My Lord and My God!
This is not the land of the living, but the land of the dying. But we seek one to come where -- when we put on incorruption -- we shall live forever.
And if we then are able to close our eyes in death, knowing that Christ is our Mediator, our High Priest, our Shepherd, knowing that it was for you and me that He died; and being not ashamed, but, as Israel (Jacob), to tell our children and our loved ones the wonderful story that made possible this salvation.
And that we then can die knowing that at the right hand of God, we have such a One who will make intercession for us, even as we go through the valley of the shadow of death. That He will say to the Father (even as He prayed in the garden), "These are those whom Thou hast given me; they are one, even as we are one."
That we might then in heaven -- on the other side of Jordan -- be able to say as Mary (Magdalene) said, "Master! My Lord and my God!"
--Sermon Excerpt: Elder Bro. B.M.
And if we then are able to close our eyes in death, knowing that Christ is our Mediator, our High Priest, our Shepherd, knowing that it was for you and me that He died; and being not ashamed, but, as Israel (Jacob), to tell our children and our loved ones the wonderful story that made possible this salvation.
And that we then can die knowing that at the right hand of God, we have such a One who will make intercession for us, even as we go through the valley of the shadow of death. That He will say to the Father (even as He prayed in the garden), "These are those whom Thou hast given me; they are one, even as we are one."
That we might then in heaven -- on the other side of Jordan -- be able to say as Mary (Magdalene) said, "Master! My Lord and my God!"
--Sermon Excerpt: Elder Bro. B.M.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Contribute Our Part
We sometimes wonder just how long our church can remain a separate church with the forces that are often put to bear and the pressure that is put to bear that we should modify here and there. But the Scripture gives us no right, no leeway. The Scripture, as already mentioned, was yesterday, is the same today and shall remain in all eternity.
And, beloved, in the conclusion of the Revelation, we find very vividly it was made known to John, that he that will take away from the Holy Scripture, he shall lose the reward that was promised there; and he that shall add to the Holy Scripture, until him shall be added the plagues that are described in the Revelation. And it should create a fear in the heart of every one of us and a concern that we preserve our church.
And thus if we individually serve our God, do our part individually, then the church will be preserved. But if we expect others to do it and, possibly, those that assume leadership, this cannot be done. We must every one of us contribute our little part and, beloved, a lot of little lights finally will shine in the darkness of the night. And this is what God expects of us.
--Sermon Excerpt: Elder Bro. J.B.
And, beloved, in the conclusion of the Revelation, we find very vividly it was made known to John, that he that will take away from the Holy Scripture, he shall lose the reward that was promised there; and he that shall add to the Holy Scripture, until him shall be added the plagues that are described in the Revelation. And it should create a fear in the heart of every one of us and a concern that we preserve our church.
And thus if we individually serve our God, do our part individually, then the church will be preserved. But if we expect others to do it and, possibly, those that assume leadership, this cannot be done. We must every one of us contribute our little part and, beloved, a lot of little lights finally will shine in the darkness of the night. And this is what God expects of us.
--Sermon Excerpt: Elder Bro. J.B.
Pray Without Ceasing
If Jesus, the strong Son of God, felt it necessary to rise before the breaking of the day to pour out His heart to God in prayer, how much more ought we to pray unto Him who is the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and who has promised all things necessary for our good.
What Jesus gathered into His life from His prayers we can never know; but this we do know, that the prayerless life is a powerless life. A prayerless life may be a noisy life, and fuss around a great deal; but such a life is far removed from Him who, by day and night, prayed to God.
--Excerpt from Streams in the Desert
"Pray without ceasing." -I Thessalonians 5:17
What Jesus gathered into His life from His prayers we can never know; but this we do know, that the prayerless life is a powerless life. A prayerless life may be a noisy life, and fuss around a great deal; but such a life is far removed from Him who, by day and night, prayed to God.
--Excerpt from Streams in the Desert
"Pray without ceasing." -I Thessalonians 5:17
In The Center of God's Will
In the center of the circle
Of the Will of God I stand
There can come no second causes,
All must come from His dear hand.
All is well! for 'tis my Father
Who my life hath planned.
Shall I pass through waves of sorrow?
Then I know it will be best;
Though I cannot tell the reason,
I can trust, and so am blest.
God is Love, and God is faithful,
So in perfect Peace I rest.
With the shade and with the sunshine,
With the joy and with the pain,
Lord, I trust Thee! both are needed,
Each Thy wayward child to train,
Earthly loss, did we but know it,
Often means our heavenly gain.
--I.G.W.
Of the Will of God I stand
There can come no second causes,
All must come from His dear hand.
All is well! for 'tis my Father
Who my life hath planned.
Shall I pass through waves of sorrow?
Then I know it will be best;
Though I cannot tell the reason,
I can trust, and so am blest.
God is Love, and God is faithful,
So in perfect Peace I rest.
With the shade and with the sunshine,
With the joy and with the pain,
Lord, I trust Thee! both are needed,
Each Thy wayward child to train,
Earthly loss, did we but know it,
Often means our heavenly gain.
--I.G.W.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Do Not Fear the Cross
"Though the cross of Christ has been beautified by the poet and the artist, the avid seeker after God is likely to find it the same savage implement of destruction it was in the days of old. The way of the cross is still the pain-wracked path to spiritual power and fruitfulness.
"So do not seek to hide from it. Do not accept an easy way. Do not allow yourself to be patted to sleep in a comfortable church, void of power. Do not paint the cross nor deck it with flowers. Take it for what it is, as it is, and you will find it the rugged way to death and life. Let it slay you utterly."
--A.W. Tozer
O, do not fear the cross' affliction!
The Saviour suffered on it, too,
To cause eternal joy and pleasure
To ripen evermore for you.
Then bear thy woes with Jesus gladly,
And fear the cross of life no more,
For when thy journey here is ended,
The cross will open heaven's door!
--Zion's Harp #171 vs. 4, 11
"So do not seek to hide from it. Do not accept an easy way. Do not allow yourself to be patted to sleep in a comfortable church, void of power. Do not paint the cross nor deck it with flowers. Take it for what it is, as it is, and you will find it the rugged way to death and life. Let it slay you utterly."
--A.W. Tozer
O, do not fear the cross' affliction!
The Saviour suffered on it, too,
To cause eternal joy and pleasure
To ripen evermore for you.
Then bear thy woes with Jesus gladly,
And fear the cross of life no more,
For when thy journey here is ended,
The cross will open heaven's door!
--Zion's Harp #171 vs. 4, 11
Be Not Thou Discouraged
Be not thou discouraged,
Though the tempters flourish;
Him who calls, obey!
Follow, though they threaten,
For the Saviour's servants
Call: Do not delay.
Don't relent;
Fear not contempt,
Nor the spiteful horde's oppression;
Hold fast thy confession!
See'st thou others wander
Who the Saviour slander,
Dead in unbelief,
Who are ever seeking
With their evil speaking,
Christ's fold to deceive;
Do not fear;
The Lord is near,
Breaks the way to life immortal;
Strive to find the portal!
We must shun the teaching
Of those who are preaching
Sinful greed and lust,
To the Beast allegiance,
To God disobedience,
Whose reward is just.
Wrath and scorn
Must here be borne;
He who here avoids affliction
Forfeits God's affection.
--Zion's Harp #98 vs. 1-2, 4
Though the tempters flourish;
Him who calls, obey!
Follow, though they threaten,
For the Saviour's servants
Call: Do not delay.
Don't relent;
Fear not contempt,
Nor the spiteful horde's oppression;
Hold fast thy confession!
See'st thou others wander
Who the Saviour slander,
Dead in unbelief,
Who are ever seeking
With their evil speaking,
Christ's fold to deceive;
Do not fear;
The Lord is near,
Breaks the way to life immortal;
Strive to find the portal!
We must shun the teaching
Of those who are preaching
Sinful greed and lust,
To the Beast allegiance,
To God disobedience,
Whose reward is just.
Wrath and scorn
Must here be borne;
He who here avoids affliction
Forfeits God's affection.
--Zion's Harp #98 vs. 1-2, 4
Friday, October 16, 2009
Be Careful for Nothing
"...it is very easy for anyone to allow his mind to become cluttered with anxiety about everyday obligations and material possessions. In the parable of the sower, the individual who receives the seed (God's Word) among thorns experiences the following consequences: '...the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.' (Matthew 13:22).
Do we recognize that undue worry and concern about temporal things are dangerous forms of worldliness? The Word says, 'Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.' (Phil. 4:6)"
--Excerpt: Silver Lining - Light From the Word June 1988
Do we recognize that undue worry and concern about temporal things are dangerous forms of worldliness? The Word says, 'Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.' (Phil. 4:6)"
--Excerpt: Silver Lining - Light From the Word June 1988
Christ Is All We Need
Come, let us journey gladly!
Day follows after day;
The way grows shorter daily;
The flesh soon proves but clay.
With courage and more love
To be a little truer,
Of earthly matters freer,
And turned to things above!
Then journey on reliant;
The goal is well worthwhile.
Of all things be defiant
That hinder or beguile!
Earth, thou art small indeed;
With Christ Himself to guide us,
Eternity shall hide us;
For Christ is all we need!
--Zion's Harp #185 vs. 15-16
"Christ in you, the hope of glory." -Colossians 1:27
Day follows after day;
The way grows shorter daily;
The flesh soon proves but clay.
With courage and more love
To be a little truer,
Of earthly matters freer,
And turned to things above!
Then journey on reliant;
The goal is well worthwhile.
Of all things be defiant
That hinder or beguile!
Earth, thou art small indeed;
With Christ Himself to guide us,
Eternity shall hide us;
For Christ is all we need!
--Zion's Harp #185 vs. 15-16
"Christ in you, the hope of glory." -Colossians 1:27
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Keep Your Helmet On
Do we get a little rebellious sometimes? Converts, do you sometimes feel that way? You say, now why do I do this? Why is that in the Bible? You show me that one more time?
You have to have a little faith. You have to realize there are some veterans out here that have been in combat with Satan sixty, seventy years. They know! If they say there is something in the Bible that you and I need to utilize and put open trust in, believe and trust that experience of that veteran. It is a good thing.
We had a second cousin who served in the German army during World War II. Their helmet was a lot more cumbersome and more encompassing. In fact, the United States Army has copied it today. It came way down here on your neck. It was uncomfortable. Especially when you were down in a foxhole.
The German soldiers quite frequently would take their helmet off when they were down in a foxhole, thinking, 'I am safe. I am not going to be under fire here.' Well, it wasn't long before we figured out that if we fired the shells into the trees, the shell would hit the tree, explode and then come down and land on top of the soldiers. Many a German soldier died because he did not have his helmet on. The ordnance came down from the top and hit him in the top of the head. If he would have had a helmet on, he would have lived!
Somebody maybe told him, "keep your helmet on!"
"But it is too cumbersome. It is old-fashioned. I don't like it! It is not cool!"
But it is there for protection.
Who ever said protection is going to be cool? Who ever said that protection is going to please the world? Who ever said that protection and faith and belief in God is going to be what the world likes? They are not! They are going to be rebellious!
Truly, we have been given these traditions, the teachings, the doctrine, the love of Jesus Christ. The world is not going to see why. But let's hope that we do.
--Sermon Excerpt: Bro. C.S.
You have to have a little faith. You have to realize there are some veterans out here that have been in combat with Satan sixty, seventy years. They know! If they say there is something in the Bible that you and I need to utilize and put open trust in, believe and trust that experience of that veteran. It is a good thing.
We had a second cousin who served in the German army during World War II. Their helmet was a lot more cumbersome and more encompassing. In fact, the United States Army has copied it today. It came way down here on your neck. It was uncomfortable. Especially when you were down in a foxhole.
The German soldiers quite frequently would take their helmet off when they were down in a foxhole, thinking, 'I am safe. I am not going to be under fire here.' Well, it wasn't long before we figured out that if we fired the shells into the trees, the shell would hit the tree, explode and then come down and land on top of the soldiers. Many a German soldier died because he did not have his helmet on. The ordnance came down from the top and hit him in the top of the head. If he would have had a helmet on, he would have lived!
Somebody maybe told him, "keep your helmet on!"
"But it is too cumbersome. It is old-fashioned. I don't like it! It is not cool!"
But it is there for protection.
Who ever said protection is going to be cool? Who ever said that protection is going to please the world? Who ever said that protection and faith and belief in God is going to be what the world likes? They are not! They are going to be rebellious!
Truly, we have been given these traditions, the teachings, the doctrine, the love of Jesus Christ. The world is not going to see why. But let's hope that we do.
--Sermon Excerpt: Bro. C.S.
No Longer Doubt
Can it be right with such a Lord,
Even to dread the hour of death?
Waiting in faith the great reward,
Calmly I'll yield my dying breath.
I will no longer doubt Thee, O Lord!
I will forever rest in Thy word.
--Gospel Hymns #150 vs. 6
Even to dread the hour of death?
Waiting in faith the great reward,
Calmly I'll yield my dying breath.
I will no longer doubt Thee, O Lord!
I will forever rest in Thy word.
--Gospel Hymns #150 vs. 6
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
What A Happiness...
He will us as His people then acknowledge,
When He appears on that great Judgment day;
Before His Father, He will then confess us;
His love for us no one can take away!
O, what a happiness for us is waiting
When He, our bridegroom, will appear with might,
Us as His holy bride, with Him uniting
And dry our tears in that eternal light!
--Zion's Harp #191 vs. 5
When He appears on that great Judgment day;
Before His Father, He will then confess us;
His love for us no one can take away!
O, what a happiness for us is waiting
When He, our bridegroom, will appear with might,
Us as His holy bride, with Him uniting
And dry our tears in that eternal light!
--Zion's Harp #191 vs. 5
No More Death
And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
--Revelation 21:2-4
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
--Revelation 21:2-4
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