Why Vote?

Every voter ought not merely to vote, but to vote under the inspiration of a high purpose to serve the nation. It has been calculated that in most elections only about half of those entitled to vote actually exercise their franchise. What is worse, a considerable part of those who neglect to vote do it because of a curious assumption of superiority to this elementary duty of the citizen. They presume to be rather too good, too exclusive, to soil their hands with the work of politics.

Popular government is facing one of the difficult phases of the perpetual trial to which it always has been and always will be subjected. It needs the support of every element of patriotism, intelligence and capacity that can be summoned.
—Calvin Coolidge

10 Reasons Why You Need to Have a Deaf Ministry

1. God's Love is for Everyone. "For God so loved the world" (John 3:16). Deaf people need to know the Gospel - they need to know about God's love. He still has compassion for everyone, including the deaf.


2. The Great Commission Includes All People. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). The command to the church is to go to all nations. The Great Commission includes the deaf in your community and country.


3. Because Deaf People Can Bring Glory to God. "And God hath chosen the weak things...to confound the...mighty" (I Cor. 1:27). When deaf people sing, pray and serve the Lord, it touches the hearts of others to see what God can do. Deaf people do not have their country as other people groups, but they do have their own language and culture.


4. Because Deaf People Must Know That Someone Cares for Them. "I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul" (Ps. 142:4). They need to know that God loves them and that God's people also love them.


5. Because When You Reach One, You Reach Others. You will be reaching some people to whom no one else has ever taken the Gospel. 


6. Because Deaf People Need to be Discipled. "Go...and teach all nations" (Matt. 28:19). Deaf people should be taught to reach other deaf people. Who can best reach the deaf? Another deaf person.


7. Because Deaf People Have Souls. They have lost their hearing, but they do not need to lose their souls. You may be the only witness to the deaf in your area!


8. The Lord Had Time for a Deaf Person. "And they bring unto him one that was deaf" (Mark 7:32). The Lord took time from His busy life to help one deaf man. If Jesus helped one deaf person, so should His church.


9. God Calls Some to go to the Deaf. Not everyone is called to minister to the deaf, but God does call some. God calls some to use their hands to be His voice for deaf people. Someone must learn Sign Language and "go" into the deaf world as a missionary.


10. It Is Delightful. The deaf ministry at times may be very difficult, discouraging, demanding, and disappointing; but it is also very delightful. It is exciting to interpret, teach and preach the Bible in Sign Language and see the deaf understand with their eyes and be saved. 

Wednesdays in the Word 1 John 4:11-21

1 John 4:11-21

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

We love him, because he first loved us.

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

And this commandment have we from hi, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

What to Look Forward to on Wednesday at the 2016 National Sword of the Lord Conference

Join us for the 2016 National Sword of the Lord Conference!

All Sessions Are Free

No Registration Fees

Practical Workshops

Nursery Provided

Wednesday Workshops Include:

• Bus Ministry - Jeff Fugate
• Reformers Unanimous - Paul Kingsbury
• Legal Issues - Terry Hamilton
• Home and Family - Jim Townsley
• School of the Prophets - Dr. Shelton Smith
• Ladies Seminar - Betty Smith and Janet Walsh
• Music Seminar - Sterling Walsh

Less Than 2 Weeks Away!

This year the Sword of the Lord is celebrating 82 years of ministry, and we are looking forward to a blessed NATIONAL SWORD OF THE LORD CONFERENCE! In addition, we are also honoring a very special anniversary for Bro. Bobby Roberson (Conference Host)...60 years as pastor of the Gospel Light Baptist Church in Walkertown, NC. In less than 2 weeks, we will get to hear biblical preaching with 14 main preaching sessions! We will also have seminars that will help you in your ministry. Additional workshops will be held for men and women on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons! We have something for your kids too-classes during the day sessions and a nursery are provided. The NATIONAL SWORD OF THE LORD CONFERENCE is an exciting 4 days for your whole family! Vendors representing all types of ministries will be located in the gymnasium-something for everyone! (Colleges, printers, educational materials, literature, technology, missionaries, evangelists, teaching helps, clothing, and others!) START PACKING YOUR BAGS AND PROGRAM THE GPS! We'll see you there! God bless you, Dr. and Mrs. Shelton L. Smith

Wednesdays in the Word 1 John 4:1-10

1 John 4:1-10

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Plan Now to Join Us for the 2016 National Sword of the Lord Conference July 25-28, 2016

feel free to download and print off a copy for your own use!

Wednesdays in the Word - 1 John 3:11-24

1 John 3:11-24

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

2016 National Sword Conference Speakers

2016 National Sword of the Lord Conference

Gospel Light Baptist Church

890 Walkertown-Guthrie Road

Walkertown, NC 27101

Don't miss the opportunity to hear from:

• Mike Allison
• Joe Arthur
• Max Barton
• Norris Belcher
• Larry Brown
• Mark Campbell
• Sam Davison
• Jeff Fugate
• John Hamblin
• Jon Jenkins
• Tim Rabon
• Bobby Roberson
• Lou Rossi
• Shelton Smith

Special Music:

• The Barnes Family
• Don and Kim Case
• Daniel Cox
• Terry Lawson
• Lonnie Moore
• The Smith Family
• The Sounds of Faith
• Sterling Walsh

All sessions are free. 

No Registration fees.

Workshops.      

Nursery is Provided.

Reflections for the Fourth

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

—II Chronicles 7:14

"I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining.

I believe in love, even when I feel it not.

I believe in God, even when He is silent."

—written on the wall of a concentration camp in Germany in WWII

Passing Patriotism

Patrick Henry shouted, 

"Give me liberty, or give me death!"

The next generation shouted,

"Give me liberty!"

The present generation shouts,

"Give me."

In times of danger nothing is more common and nothing more dangerous to the Republic than for men to avoid condemning the criminals who are really public enemies by making their assault on the shortcoming of the good citizens who have been the victims or opponents of the criminals.

—Theodore Roosevelt

The Bill of Rights

What is The Bill of Rights?

It's the term for the first 10 Amendments to the United States Constitution. They are as follows:

I. Congress must not interfere with the freedom of religion, speech or press, assembly, and petition.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

II. The people may bear arms.

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

III. Soldiers may not be arbitrarily quartered on the people.

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

IV. Unreasonable searches are forbidden.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

V. The individual is guaranteed certain rights when on trial and the right to life, liberty, and property.

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

VI. An accused person has important rights.

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

VII. The rules of common law are recognized.

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

VIII. Excessive fines and unusual punishments are forbidden.

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

IX. The people retain rights not here enumerated.

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

X. Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states and the people.

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Except the Lord Build the House

We have been assured, sir, in the Sacred Writings that "except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel.

—Benjamin Franklin at the Constitutional Convention, June 28, 1787

National Sword of the Lord Conference is just 3 weeks away!

Join us for the 2016 National Sword of the Lord Conference!

All Sessions Are Free

No Registration Fees

Practical Workshops

Nursery Provided

Tuesday Workshops Include:

• Bus Ministry - Jeff Fugate
• Reaching Adults - Norris Belcher
• Soul Winning - Ray Shutt
• Home and Family - Jim Townsley
• School of the Prophets - Dr. Shelton Smith
• Ladies Seminar - Betty Smith and Janet Walsh
• Music Seminar - Sterling Walsh

Wednesdays in the Word - 1 John 3:1-10

1 John 3:1-10

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Wednesdays in the Word - 1 John 2:18-29

1 John 2:18-29

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

Let that therefore abide in you which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

In Daddy's Steps

I watched him playing around my door. 

My neighbor's little boy of four.

I wondered why a child would choose

To wear his dad's old worn-out shoes.

I saw him try with all his might

To make the laces snug and tight.

I smiled to see him walk, and then

He'd only step right out again.

I heard him say, his voice so glad,

"I want to be just like my dad."

I hope his dad his steps would choose

Safe for his son to wear his shoes.

And then a shout and cry of joy,

A "Hello Dad" and a "Hi-yu, boy!"

They walked along in measured stride

Each face aglow with love and pride.

"What have you done today, my lad?"
"I tried to wear your old shoes, Dad.

They're big, but when I am a man

I'll wear your shoes, I know I can."

They stopped and stood there hand in hand.

He saw his son's tracks in the sand.

His words—a prayer—came back to me,

"Lord, let my steps lead him to Thee."

—selected from the Sword Scrapbook II by Viola Walden

A Father's ABC's

Always trust your children to God's care
Bring them to church
Challenge them to high goals
Delight in their achievements
Exalt the Lord in their presence
Frown on evil
Give them love
Hear their problems
Ignore not their childish fears
Joyfully accept their apologies
Keep their confidence
Live a good example before them
Make them your friends
Never ignore their endless questions
Open your heart to their love
Pray for them by name
Quicken your interest in their spirituality
Remember their needs
Show them the way of salvation
Teach them to work
Understand they are still young
Verify your statements
Wean them from bad company
Xpect them to obey
Yearn for God's best for them
Zealously guide them in Bible truth

Wednesdays in the Word - 1 John 2:1-17

1 John 2:1-17

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not is him.

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. 

Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walked in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Wednesdays in the Word - 1 John 1

1 John 1

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life.

(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

The Wordless Sermon

A member of a church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him on a very chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire.

Guessing the reason for the visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a big chair near the fireplace, and waited.

The pastor said absolutely nothing. In grave silence, he contemplated the play of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, he took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember, and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent.

The host watched all this. As the one lone ember's flame diminished, there was a momentary glow, and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and "dead as a doornail."

Not a word had been spoken.

Just before the pastor was ready to leave, he picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire, and immediately it began to glow once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the pastor reached the door, his host said, "Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday."

The Mercy of God

by Dr. Sumner—used with permission

Psalm 136:1—O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.

Psalm 136 has 26 verses. Each verse ends with the statement for His mercy endureth for ever. It is a phrase that is found many times in Scripture.

Mercy means kindness and favor. God shows us His mercy, His kindness, and His favor. Three lessons for us regarding the mercy of God.

God's Mercy is with us Always.

Titus 3:5—Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

1 Peter 1:3—Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Each day—in every circumstance, health, financial difficulties, or trials—I have the kindness and favor of God. Regardless.

God's Mercy Cannot Fail.

26 times in this chapter alone, we are reminded that God's mercy endures forever.

Much of life is fleeting. We cannot be certain of many things in life. Our finances today might be great, but tomorrow, it could be very different. Today, if we have health, we should thank God for it because tomorrow may bring another chapter of illness into our life. One thing we can be sure of is that God's kindness and favor will be with me each moment of each day.

God's Mercy Lifts us in the Darkest Hour

Lamentations 3:18—And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: 

Lamentation 3:21-23—This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Hebrews 4:16—Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The Psalmist rejoiced for the mercy of God that was bestowed upon his life. You and I today should rejoice—for the same mercy is given to us.

A Mother's Creed

Lord, who am I to teach the way
To little children, day by day,
So prone myself to go astray?

I teach them knowledge, but I know
How faint they flicker and how low
The candles of my knowledge glow.

I teach them power to will and do,
But only now to learn anew
My own great weakness through and through.

Lord, if their guide I still must be,
Oh, let my little children see
Their mother leaning hard on Thee.
–copied from Under Construction–Pardon the Mess by Viola Walden

The Devil's Compliment

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.—Luke 22:31

Satan does not have a sympathetic or considerate bone in his body. He doesn't back off or give one a break in times of stress or serious problems. His 'sifter' is set in motion to destroy or defame the children of God.

I doubt you are grist for his mill if you are an unfaithful, careless saved person. The non-tither, the no-time-for-the-Bible-and-prayer kind of Christian. 

If you ever find yourself in the Devil's sifter, take it as a compliment. He is concerned enough about you and your life to go after you with a vengeance. Remember, the more seriously you take God and His work, the more seriously the Devil will take you.

No true Christian is fool enough to desire a few shakes in Satan's sifter. But if you find yourself there, please recall what Jesus said to Peter - "But I have prayed for thee." Grateful am I that "he ever liveth to make intercession". Though troubles and trials come from the hand of our enemy, take hope. Christ Jesus is there to deliver and sustain amidst the fiery trials.

Recalling a Forgettable Character

Remember Lot's wife.—Luke 17:42

Why would anyone want to be reminded of this foolish woman's track record? She was disobedient and selfish, and her last look is frozen in time as a monument to all that is negative in a lady, a wife, or mother. But the Lord has commanded us to remember this loser.

First, pity her for her poor decision to look back on Sodom and its environs. What could possibly be there that would cause her to disobey God's Word? Her children, friends and home were all behind the blazing walls of the city of sin. She could not or would not look ahead in faith; only back in disbelief.

We should also remember her so as not to follow in her footsteps. Obedience to God's direct Word is not only implied as the only path to follow but also illustrated in the pillar of salt she became. Salt is a preservative, but being preserved in our memories in this way is a tragic end.

The reminiscence of this tragedy must encourage us to reinforce our resolve to do as God commands, leads, guides and directs. Even though we may not understand the why, God help us to act in faith without doubting.

Positive Bible Teaching that a Saved Person Cannot be Lost

Now let us turn to some of the many passages wherein the Bible very clearly teaches the eternal security and safety of the man who has trusted in Christ.

Everlasting Life

More than forty times the terms or some form of the terms "eternal life" and "everlasting life" are used in the Bible.

God promises everlasting life to the believer - John 3:36 - He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.

John 6:47 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

John 5:24 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Take God's Word for it and be happy. If you have trusted in Christ, you now have everlasting life, life that will alst forever; and you will not lose it!

Suppose that ten years after I believed in Jesus and got everlasting life, I sinned and lost it. That would not be everlasting life because it only lasted ten years. God has guaranteed everlasting life to the one who trusts Christ. Notice that in each case the word "believeth" is used in the present tense, but the everlasting life runs on into eternity. Look not at your own unworthiness, but look to the eternal promises of God that when you believed in Christ you got everlasting life. 

John 6:37 - All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 

—abridged from Can a Saved Person Ever Be Lost? by John R. Rice. To read the full article, order the pamphlet here.

Can a Saved Person Ever Be Lost? Lest I Should be a Castaway

I Corinthians 9:27

In this passage, Paul tells how carefully he controlled and buffeted his fleshly nature, lest he should be a castaway. Did he mean that he was afraid he would lose his soul?

"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

The word "castaway" here is translated from a Greek work making unworthy or not approved. Paul really means that after God has greatly used him to preach the Gospel and has shown His approval on Paul's ministry by Holy Spirit power, that even Paul could lose that Holy Spirit power. He could find himself not approved of God for the ministry if he lets the fleshly nature control his life.

As far as the ministry is concerned, some men who were once used are now castaways, unprofitable servants, instruments not fit for God's use in the ministry.

In John 6:37, Jesus plainly promises that the individual soul that comes to Him for salvation will in no wise be cast out. The Christian is in no danger of losing his soul. He may lose the approval of God and it was this disapproval of God which Paul feared, not of losing his salvation.

—abridged from Can a Saved Person Ever Be Lost? by John R. Rice. To read the full article, order the pamphlet here.

Can a Saved Person Be Lost? Falling From Grace

Galatians 5:4

"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."

The Scripture does say in Galatians 5:4, "Ye are fallen from grace" but read the whole verse and see that this refers to one who would be justified by the law. One who is counting on his own righteousness to save him.

Grace is a higher plan than the law, and these Galatians had begun to teach salvation by circumcision and the Law of Moses instead of staying with God's high Gospel of mercy which teaches that people are saved by faith. It has no reference to a saved person's becoming lost.

—abridged from Can a Saved Person Ever Be Lost? by John R. Rice. To read the full article, order the pamphlet here.

Can a Saved Person Be Lost? Dogs and Sows

There are many Scriptures which doubtful Christians think teach that a saved person can be lost. I want to review those Scriptures and show you that none of them teaches or implies that a saved person can be lost. —John R. Rice

II Peter 2:20-22
"For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire."

Notice that the escape was through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Scripture does not say that these trusted Jesus. Many lost people know about the Gospel and about Christ. We see from verse 21 that they knew the way of righteousness, but the Scripture does not indicate that they ever walked in it.

The dog is still a dog and the sow is still a sow. God never calls His people either dogs or hogs anywhere in the Bible. Both are used as symbols of the unsaved. In this chapter, verses 1 & 2, it is easily seen that the Lord is not talking to saved people at all but to enlightened lost people who return to their sins and do not accept Christ.

—abridged from Can a Saved Person Ever Be Lost? by John R. Rice. To read the full article, order the pamphlet here.

Germans Say Alcohol is Toxic

There's no such thing as good alcohol: it's toxic to the body's cells, and regular consumption carries considerably more health risks than generally assumed, experts are warning.

Illnesses due to high or regular alcohol consumption are among "the most serious avoidable health risks in Germany," according to Rudolf Henke, president of the Dusseldorf-based North Rhine Medical Association.

Regular alcohol consumption, even in supposedly small amounts, can damage the liver and brain, he said. It also increases the risk of inflammation of the pancreas and stomach lining, high blood pressure and heart disease. Long-term alcohol abuse can cause cancer.

—WND.com

Understanding God's Nature as Revealed by His Names

Throughout Scripture, many different names are given to God. Remembering that Scripture is inspired by God, studying the meaning of those names tells us things about God that we need to know. As we see different facets of His character revealed in the names, our faith in God is strengthened and increased.

El Shaddai - Almighty God

This reflects His unfailing capacity to meet every need that we have. Abraham's faith was greatly challenged when he was called to leave his home and family to seek a new country, but God was with him each step of the way, faithfully leading him and supplying all his needs.

Jehovah Jireh - God Sees; God Provides

The story of Abraham offering Isaac on Mount Moriah reveals this name of God to us. God sees every need we have and He goes beyond seeing—He meets those needs.

I AM 

When God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of bondage, this is the name He chose to identify Himself to His suffering people. There is a wealth of truth in this name; but the primary relevance is that God is everything we need. He is not in the past. He has not changed. 

Jehovah Shalom - The God of Peace

People everywhere are seeking for peace. Yet beyond the struggles of nations, individuals also are seeking peace. The only true source of peace is an understanding of the God of peace. 

Jehovah Shammah - The God Who is There

God is not an abstract concept-He is real; and He is present with us. God's presence should be a visible testimony to all with whom we come in contact. 

Bible names have deep meanings. When we look at the names of God, we see facets of His character and nature that increase our faith and help us grow as Christians. WE find in Him our supply, our present help, our peace and our constant companion. Living in light of who God is changes everything. Living with such an awareness is the only way we can achieve "the high calling of God" for our lives.

Understanding the Filling of the Spirit

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.—Galatians 5:16

We cannot succeed in the Christian life unless we are living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is the source of power to live a godly life. Understanding what it means to be filled with the Spirit prepares us to walk in step with His leading. Although we receive the Holy Spirit when we are saved, there is a marked difference between our possessing the Spirit and His possession of us. To be filled with the Spirit means that we are living under His control.

It is:

A Continuing Filling

It is not a one-time event. As a car cannot be filled with gas just once, we must experience repeated fillings of Holy Spirit power. Walking through a world that constantly opposes the plans and purposes of God requires a renewal of power and strength. 

A Controlling Filling

It is no accident that Paul uses the illustration of drunkenness to symbolize the effects of the filling of the Holy Spirit. We say that a drunk person is "under the influence". He is controlled by something that makes him say and do things he would not normally say and do. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we allow Him to take over and lead us into God's plan, even if that takes us outside of our natural comfort zone. 

A Consecrating Filling

When we are filled with the Spirit, we are not yielding to the temptations that come from the lusts of the flesh. His presence in power brings us into the holiness in which God intends us to walk. Rather than allowing the evils of the world to dominate our lives, He guides us into productive Christian living. The works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit are mutually exclusive. His filling produces the good fruit that pleases God.

As well allow ourselves to be controlled through His filling, we live in a way that fulfills God's purpose for us. This filling is an ongoing process whereby the Holy Spirit takes control.

Understanding Faith in God

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.—Hebrews 11:6

Very few things are said to be impossible in the Bible. When we find that word in Scripture, it is usually in the context that nothing is impossible with God. Yet the Bible tells us that we cannot please God without faith. The three levels—or aspects—of faith we need to have are these:

Believe God Is

Believing God is goes beyond a mental awareness that He is real. This level of faith requires that we understand that He wants to be an effective presence in our lives. Living with that awareness drives us to turn to Him when in trouble. 

Believe God Can

Beyond believing that God is real, we should learn to have faith in His ability to handle our problems. The reason the father of the demon-possessed boy doubted God's ability to heal was that the disciples were powerless; but when he questioned Jesus; power, the answer was a challenge to his own faith. Obtaining the answer did not take complete and total faith—just enough to request, "Help thou mine unbelief."

Believe God Will

The mature faith not only believes in God's ability but also in His promises. Paul was confident that what he had been told would come to pass. After you have seen God work time and time again, you will begin to develop a settled confidence that He will answer your prayers. Those answers will not always be on your timetable or exactly what you were expecting. Faith believes that God will do what is best, not necessarily what you think is best.
—taken from A Vision of God by Robert Byers. To read this book in its entirety, please purchase your copy here.

Understanding the Fear of the Lord

When we have a proper understanding of the Lord, it changes the way we live. We cannot live the way God means His children to live unless we fear Him. Our modern culture has lost the meaning of the fear of the Lord. We have traded the power of the fear of the Lord for the weak imitation of it—reverential trust.

What is the Fear of the Lord?

To fear God means being afraid of Him. This isn't the terror we would feel at facing an unjust tyrant, but rather, a realization of God's holy wrath at sin.

Why Should we Fear the Lord?

We are commanded to fear Him. The Bible so often warns what will happen if we neglect this duty. Because He is holy, fearing Him is only right and proper. 

What Happens When we Fear the Lord?

Dozens of blessings are associated with fearing God. Among them are wisdom, knowledge, long life, blessings for our children, confidence, comfort, and growth for our churches. When we fear Him, He pours out so many blessings upon us. 

Properly understanding the fear of the Lord prepares one to live a holy and blessed life. When we realize that the scope of His love demands that He keep us from things that will harm us and we decide to live in the light of that knowledge, everything changes. There is great comfort and confidence for God's children in walking in the fear of God.

—taken from A Vision of God by Robert Byers. To read this book in its entirety, please purchase your copy here.

Understanding the Greatness of God

God is even greater than we can imagine. Moses saw as much of God's working as anyone, yet he said in his prayer that he had only seen the beginning of God's greatness. This is an amazing statement when you consider all that Moses had seen.

God's Power

Moses saw the burning bush, his rod turn into a snake, his hand infected and healed of leprosy. He saw the plagues, the Red Sea parted so an entire nation could walk on dry ground and another nation drowned. Yet these are just a fraction of God's power. 

God's Glory

Moses asked God to show him His glory, but God would only allow him to see His back because he couldn't survive after seeing Him. Yet that limited exposure made Moses' face shine so brightly he had to wear a veil. 

God's Provision

Moses saw manna fall consistently for forty years. He saw water flow from a rock  and quail blow into camp when the people were tired of manna. He saw bitter water made drinkable and again, this is only a fraction of God's ability to provide.

God's Mercy and Forgiveness

God repeatedly threatened to destroy the children of Israel for their constant complaining and turning away from Him. Time and again, Moses would intercede on their behalf, and God would forgive. There was no limit to His forgiveness.

Conclusion

When we begin to understand how great God really is, we have a firmer basis for our faith. We can always rely on His power to meet our needs and at the same time, we can rely on His great mercy and love, knowing that He will do only what is best for us.

—taken from A Vision of God by Robert Byers. To read this book in its entirety, please purchase your copy here.

It's Impossible

To sow tares and reap roses.

To sow jealousy and reap love.

To think wrong and live right.

To do wrong and live right.

To dance without paying the fiddler.

To bat below par and maintain self-respect.

To be unfair and succeed for any length of time.

To make decisions tomorrow rather than today.

To carry hatred in the heart without reflecting it in the face.

12 Ways to Tell if You're Backslidden

 

When you grow bolder with sin, or with temptations to sin, than you were in your more watchful state—be sure something is wrong!

When you make a small matter of those sins and infirmities which once seemed grievous to you and almost intolerable.

When you settle down to a course of religion that gives you but little labor, and leave out the hard and costly part.

When your God and Saviour grows a little strange to you, and your religion consists of conversing with men and their books and not with God and His Book.

When you delight more in hearing and talking than in secret prayer and the Word.

When you use the means of grace more as a matter of duty than as food in which your soul delights.

When you regard too much the eye of man and too little the eye of God.

When you grow hot and eager about some disputed point, or in forwarding the interests of some party of Christians more than about those matters which concern the great cause of Christ.

When you grow harsh and bitter towards those who differ from you, instead of feeling tenderly towards all who love Christ.

When you make light of preparing for the Lord's Day and the Lord's Table and think more of outward ordinances than you do of heart work.

When the hopes of Heaven and the love of God do not interest you, but you are thirsting after some worldly enjoyment and grow eager for it.

When the world grows sweeter to you and death and eternity are distasteful subjects.

—Charles H. Spurgeon

It's Spring Planting Time

Plant five rows of peas:

preparedness, promptness, perseverance, politeness, prayer.

Next plant three rows of squash:

squash gossip, squash criticism, squash indifference.

Then plant five rows of lettuce:

let us be faithful, let us be loyal, let us be unselfish, let us love one another, let us be truthful.

No garden is complete without turnips:

turn up for church, turn up with a smile, turn up with a new idea, turn up with real determination.

Friday Funny

What is Faith?

Faith is the eye by which we look to Jesus. A dim-sighted eye is still an eye; a weeping eye is still an eye.

Faith is the hand with which we lay hold of Jesus. A trembling hand is still a hand. And he is a believer whose heart within him trembles when he touches the hem of the Saviour's garment, that he may be healed.

Faith is the tongue by which we taste how good the Lord is. A feverish tongue is, nevertheless, a tongue, and, even then, we may believe when we are without the smallest portion of comfort; for our faith is founded, not upon feeling, but upon the promises of God.

Faith is the foot by which we go to Jesus. A lame foot is still a foot. He who comes slowly, nevertheless, comes.—George Mueller