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

A Prayer for the United States

Let us unite in imploring the Supreme Ruler of Nations to spread His holy protection over these United States:

To turn the machinations of the wicked; to the confirming of the Constitution;

To enable us at all times to root out internal sedition and put invasion to flight;

And to perpetuate to our country that prosperity which His goodness has already conferred. Amen.

—Composed by George Washington, 1794.

What Can Worldliness do to a Christian?

1. Worldliness Destroys Christian Joy.

If sin wasn't pleasurable, people wouldn't sin. But all the Devil's apples have worms. Remember the pleasures of sin are only for a season. The results of sin will come back to haunt you. What does a Christian lose when he backslides and becomes worldly? He loses the joy of his salvation.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.—Psalm 51:12-13.

2. Worldliness is a Fog.

Worldliness is a spiritual fog that hides the presence and will of God. You will start to pray, and your prayers won't get through the ceiling. You will start to sing, but all the spirit is taken out of the song.

When your heart is out of tune with God, worldly fog hides his presence and his will for your life. When everyone else is praising God, you won't have praise to offer. 

3. Worldliness will put a damper on your zeal for the Lord.

the first thing that happens to a backsliding Christian is that he cools off. He loses his zeal. He starts missing services. He starts withholding tithes and offerings. His prayer life is interrupted. His burden to see the lost get saved is gone. He starts to find fault and criticizes and blames others for everything. 

4. A Worldy Person has his Peace Destroyed.

Peace is the absence of conflict, the absence of war. In peace there is a calmness, a serenity, a contentedness. God calls it "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding."

5. Worldliness Will Tarnish the Christian Testimony.

If you engage in the things of the world, you will have no witness for Christ. Have you ever been around a Christian who so glowed that you knew he was a Christian?

Love the Lord with all your heart. Love the Lord with all your strength. Don't just go through the motions by pretending to love God while loving the enemy of God—the world.