A Trumpet's Voice From Heaven
Why a trumpet? Paul says that it is in order that the sound will not only be heard, but that by the clarity of it, a decisive message is communicated to the hearer. Why from heaven? It is from the throne of God in heaven that His dictates are given, revealed to men, so that they should be heard, honored, believed and obeyed. It is in responding to the direction of God, according to His eternal will, that His blessing will come upon His trusting servants on earth.
When Christ Is One's Life
What does it mean for Christ to be one's life? First of all, it means that we cannot fully comprehend our union with Christ, that oneness with Him by the Spirit. However, it does mean that one can, because of this union with Christ, know Him, and have communion with Him. To know Christ is to learn to live BY and FOR Him, deriving all from Him by that inward attitude of faith.
The Spiritually Awakened Church
What is an awakened church? Is it not one where the Spirit of God is free to move wonderfully, accomplising not only an ever-deepening work in the hearts of believers, but revealing Christ by word, deed, and life to a lost and dying world? Christ came into this world to give the word of God, the truth to lost men. But He came also to reveal to men by His blessed, and glorious life, the truth of God, His way to know Him, and the blessed reward of knowing Him.
The Perils Of Compromise
What is compromise but adding to, or taking away from singular devotion to Christ. It may be adding to what Christ has done on Calvary to provide men with salvation. Or it may be taking away some of the truth necessary to honestly, and sincerely believe in Christ. The evidence of compromise is idolatry, the worship of something or someone other than God in Christ, and this because of believing a lie.
The Awakening
What does it mean to awaken? Where there was seemingly little activity, and certainly no sign of working, while sleeping, there would come a moment in time when there was an awakening. It began with a stirring within the heart, a consciousness of the issues of life at hand, and a commitment to rise and deal with such, with a new refreshing power and strength. When God awakens, He moves in might and power. When
Life By The Spirit
What is true life in the sight of God? It is far more than existing, for in God's sight Christ came to give to all men "abundance of life," His life by the Spirit. It is in the measure that one can receive such life that he truly lives, for by the Spirit the Life is not only eternal, but the very life of Christ dwelling in the heart by faith.
Faith's Proof Of True Persevering Prayer
The proof of faith-filled prayer is perseverance, with thanksgiving. The man who knows God, knows also that God can be sought, and found, and will always honor His word. Faileth not. Persevering prayer is that faith-filled prayer that overcomes all obstacles and opposition to it, to believe God, according to His will, to accomplish His purposes in His ways. The believer perseveres because he knows that God will answer, provide.
Wonderful Abounding Grace
Scripture tells us that eye has not seen, nor has the ear heard, nor has it even entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for him that loves Him. What then of the blessing of God in Christ "on this earth?" What is the "much more" of which the Scripture teaches us? Is it not the abundance of life that Christ has promised?
Three Certain Ways To Know God
To know God is not a foolish, or hopeful endeavor. It is a certain reality that is possible to the one who will truly seek Him, according to His ways. That which gives to the believer direction in his pursuit of God is the word of God. Just adherance, and obedience, to the simplest of Christ's commands puts the believer in a position of receiving the blessing of God.
The Spiritual Battle Of Words
Words are very powerful things, especially when empowered either by evil or good. When those words are those of God, they are Spirit and Life. They give hope and assurance, peace, and consolation in a fallen, sinful, and very dry world. Christ's words come with healing, and blessing, Life eternal, and the promise of His presence and provision. What a contrast between those of Christ and those of Satan. It is a matter of life and death.