Learn about Doug White, a Christian who safely landed a King Air plane he did not know how to fly. A 15-minute video of this amazing story is here - https://bit.ly/31uDVQl - and a presentation by Doug about this amazing story is here: https://bit.ly/2QOHNJV
Monday, March 29, 2021
Doug White safely lands King Air plane
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Karl Stegall
A Member of the Family
Karl Stegall tells of two brothers who entered the first grade. One said he
was born January 1, 1984. The other said he was born April 4, 1984.
"That is impossible [that you are brothers]," said the teacher.
"No," replied the first brother, "one of us is adopted."
"Which one?" asked the teacher.
"I don't know," he replied. "One day I asked my Dad [that question] and he
kissed us both and said, 'I forgot.'" *
The relationship of these two brothers to their father and to one another
illustrates two descriptions of how one may be brought into the family of
God.
Some Scriptures speak of being born into God's Family. Jesus told
Nicodemus: "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be
born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and
be born?" Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born
of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:3-5).
This is a reference to baptism (immersion) in water when a penitent believer
in Christ receives the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit
(Acts 2:38; 22:16). Upon his or her baptism, the penitent believer is added
to the family of God, the church (Acts 2:41, 47; Galatians 3:26-29).
Other Scriptures speak of the redemptive process as being adopted into the
family of God (Romans 8:15-17; Galatians 4:4-6; Ephesians 1:5). The idea is
that because of our sins, we are orphans and desperately lost. But God
loves us and wants to adopt us into His family. The Son of God, Jesus, paid
the price for our redemption - and our adoption - by dying on the cross for
our sins (Ephesians 1:7). The Apostle Paul wrote to Christians: "For you
did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the
Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself
bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children,
then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer
with Him, that we may also be glorified together" (Romans 8:15-17).
When is one adopted into the family of God? Here is where the two pictures
combine: one is adopted into the family of God when he or she is born again.
God will save and adopt into His family those who place their faith and
trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts
17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized -
"born again" - for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). He adds us
to His family, the church, and we enjoy all the spiritual blessings that are
found in Christ (Ephesians 1:3), including knowing God as our heavenly
Father and sharing relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ.
As Christians we exclaim, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on
us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1
John 3:1).
The Good News is that YOU can be "born again" and "adopted" into the Family
of God, too. Trust and obey Jesus. God wants you to be in His family,
forever.
-- David A. Sargent
* From "Family of God" by Robert C. Shannon as quoted in www.preaching.com.
Karl Stegall tells of two brothers who entered the first grade. One said he
was born January 1, 1984. The other said he was born April 4, 1984.
"That is impossible [that you are brothers]," said the teacher.
"No," replied the first brother, "one of us is adopted."
"Which one?" asked the teacher.
"I don't know," he replied. "One day I asked my Dad [that question] and he
kissed us both and said, 'I forgot.'" *
The relationship of these two brothers to their father and to one another
illustrates two descriptions of how one may be brought into the family of
God.
Some Scriptures speak of being born into God's Family. Jesus told
Nicodemus: "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be
born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and
be born?" Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born
of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:3-5).
This is a reference to baptism (immersion) in water when a penitent believer
in Christ receives the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit
(Acts 2:38; 22:16). Upon his or her baptism, the penitent believer is added
to the family of God, the church (Acts 2:41, 47; Galatians 3:26-29).
Other Scriptures speak of the redemptive process as being adopted into the
family of God (Romans 8:15-17; Galatians 4:4-6; Ephesians 1:5). The idea is
that because of our sins, we are orphans and desperately lost. But God
loves us and wants to adopt us into His family. The Son of God, Jesus, paid
the price for our redemption - and our adoption - by dying on the cross for
our sins (Ephesians 1:7). The Apostle Paul wrote to Christians: "For you
did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the
Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself
bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children,
then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer
with Him, that we may also be glorified together" (Romans 8:15-17).
When is one adopted into the family of God? Here is where the two pictures
combine: one is adopted into the family of God when he or she is born again.
God will save and adopt into His family those who place their faith and
trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts
17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized -
"born again" - for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). He adds us
to His family, the church, and we enjoy all the spiritual blessings that are
found in Christ (Ephesians 1:3), including knowing God as our heavenly
Father and sharing relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ.
As Christians we exclaim, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on
us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1
John 3:1).
The Good News is that YOU can be "born again" and "adopted" into the Family
of God, too. Trust and obey Jesus. God wants you to be in His family,
forever.
-- David A. Sargent
* From "Family of God" by Robert C. Shannon as quoted in www.preaching.com.
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Lisette LeJeune
Didn't Have To
On December 3, 2020, Lisette LeJeune tested positive for COVID-19. A single
mother of two, she immediately quarantined herself and her boys, Matteo, 3,
and Adonnis, 14. The boys tested positive 3 days after she did.
"We took quarantine really seriously ... we were not coming out at all,"
said LeJeune. She even warned her mail carrier of their predicament. "I
opened the door one day with my mask on and told my mail lady that we had
COVID and I would put a bucket in front of the house so she could just drop
it in without touching our mail box."
The next day, LeJeune received more than just mail from the mail lady. The
USPS carrier delivered the LeJeune's mail along with a personal gift. It
was a care package - a bag filled with canned foods, cookies, gummies and
orange juice. Attached was a note from the mail lady: "Get-well wishes ...
I hope you all are feeling better! - USPS Carrier, Mary."
"It just feels really nice for someone to really take the time to do
something kind," she said. It is especially heartwarming when the kind act
comes from someone who "didn't have to" do it.
Because of our sins, we are separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Our
situation is fatal (Romans 6:23). We are in desperate need.
God loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son to die on the cross
for our sins. He didn't have to do it, but He did it because He loves us.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever
believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16 ESV).
Jesus willingly gave His life for us. He didn't have to do it; He did it
because He was obedient to His Father and because He loves us.
Jesus said, "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I
may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I
have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command
I have received from My Father" (John 10:17-18 NIV).
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still
sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
Because of His loving sacrifice, we can have salvation from our sins, be
added to His family, and receive the gift of eternal life (Ephesians 1:7;
2:13-19; Romans 6:23).
God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust
in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts
17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized
(immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will
continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His
Word (1 John 1:7-9).
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his
friends" (John 15:13 NKJV). Jesus demonstrated that great love for us -
even when He didn't have to. That's why it's called grace.
Won't YOU accept His loving offer of salvation and eternal life and commit
your life to following Him?
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "Texas mail carrier sends get-well package to
single mother battling COVID-19" by Daniella Genovese, www.foxnews.com.
On December 3, 2020, Lisette LeJeune tested positive for COVID-19. A single
mother of two, she immediately quarantined herself and her boys, Matteo, 3,
and Adonnis, 14. The boys tested positive 3 days after she did.
"We took quarantine really seriously ... we were not coming out at all,"
said LeJeune. She even warned her mail carrier of their predicament. "I
opened the door one day with my mask on and told my mail lady that we had
COVID and I would put a bucket in front of the house so she could just drop
it in without touching our mail box."
The next day, LeJeune received more than just mail from the mail lady. The
USPS carrier delivered the LeJeune's mail along with a personal gift. It
was a care package - a bag filled with canned foods, cookies, gummies and
orange juice. Attached was a note from the mail lady: "Get-well wishes ...
I hope you all are feeling better! - USPS Carrier, Mary."
"It just feels really nice for someone to really take the time to do
something kind," she said. It is especially heartwarming when the kind act
comes from someone who "didn't have to" do it.
Because of our sins, we are separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Our
situation is fatal (Romans 6:23). We are in desperate need.
God loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son to die on the cross
for our sins. He didn't have to do it, but He did it because He loves us.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever
believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16 ESV).
Jesus willingly gave His life for us. He didn't have to do it; He did it
because He was obedient to His Father and because He loves us.
Jesus said, "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I
may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I
have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command
I have received from My Father" (John 10:17-18 NIV).
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still
sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
Because of His loving sacrifice, we can have salvation from our sins, be
added to His family, and receive the gift of eternal life (Ephesians 1:7;
2:13-19; Romans 6:23).
God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust
in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts
17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized
(immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will
continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His
Word (1 John 1:7-9).
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his
friends" (John 15:13 NKJV). Jesus demonstrated that great love for us -
even when He didn't have to. That's why it's called grace.
Won't YOU accept His loving offer of salvation and eternal life and commit
your life to following Him?
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "Texas mail carrier sends get-well package to
single mother battling COVID-19" by Daniella Genovese, www.foxnews.com.
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Best Bible study pins on pinterest
Get a variety of Bible study videos on Pinterest @ https://www.pinterest.com/bradprice3/video-bible-studies
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Should I accept Jesus into my heart?
GOD’S GRACIOUS PLAN OF SALVATION
From time to time, at least twice a year, I try to present to my readers God’s gracious plan of salvation as set forth in the New Testament. Since it has been several months since I have posted this, I thought that now, early in the new year, would be a good time to do so. Nothing in this will be new to most of my readers, but I hope that they may use it as an evangelistic tool and forward this edition of “Hugh’s News & Views” to friends, neighbors, and family members who are not New Testament Christians. Think of the joy that would come if just one soul learned the truth, obeyed it, and was saved! We must all be faithful in sharing the gospel and its saving truth with as many as possible.
A number of my readers have never obeyed the gospel and are therefore in a lost state (II Thessalonians 1:6-10). I have a deep and sincere love for them and their souls and a compelling desire to share God’s wonderful plan of salvation with them. I want all of them to hear and understand the pure gospel of Christ, as opposed to a perverted gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). I want all of them to know God’s simple plan of salvation as opposed to corruptions of that plan by the doctrines, commandments, and traditions of men (Matthew 15:8-9; II Timothy 4:3-5). The so-called “Sinner’s Prayer” is a travesty of what God’s word teaches about salvation. I urge all to read all the passages cited in this essay.
Salvation begins with the recognition that one is a sinner, and therefore lost and in need of salvation (Romans 3:23; Titus 3:3). God, in His matchless grace (His graciousness), gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as the atonement for our sins (John 3:16; Titus 3:4-7; Ephesians 2:8-9). Christ died, was buried, and was raised from the dead that we might be saved. This is the gospel (I Corinthians 15:1-5). And it is this gospel that is God’s power to save those who will believe and obey it (Romans 1:16-17; Romans 6:16-18). Now follow these Bible steps.
HEAR THE GOSPEL. Christ commissioned the teaching and preaching of the gospel in all nations to every creature until the end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). No one can be saved without hearing the gospel.
BELIEVE THE GOSPEL. The gospel is God’s power to save those who will believe it (Romans 1:16). Without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who comes to God must believe that He is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Christ declared, “For if you do not believe that I am He (the Messiah, the Savior of the world, hf) you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).
REPENT OF ALL SIN. God commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). To repent means to change one’s mind, leading to a change of actions and a change of spiritual direction in one’s life. If one is in Nashville, TN and wants to go to Knoxville but finds himself on I-40 West headed toward Memphis, he must turn around and head in the opposite direction. Spiritually, one must do this with reference to the direction of his/her life. That is repentance.
CONFESS FAITH IN CHRIST. One must acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37 [KJV]).
BE BAPTIZED FOR THE REMISSION OF SIN. Christ made baptism a condition of salvation from sin. He said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16a). In the New Testament sinners were told, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin” (Acts 2:38). Baptism is an immersion in water (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12). Those who have only been sprinkled or had water poured on them (either as infants, children, or adults) have not been scripturally baptized. Those submitting to human substitutes for God’s divine ordinance and those being immersed to “unite with the church” but not in order to receive the remission of their sins (or some biblically synonymous reason) need to make their calling and election sure (II Peter 1:10-11).
LIVE A FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE. Add to your life the Christian graces (II Peter 1:5-9). Avoid the works of the flesh and manifest the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26). Always abound in the work of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58). Be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).
These are the divine actions that every accountable being must take in order to be saved from sin, enter into a right relationship with God, be added to the one church (body) of Christ, and maintain a right relationship with Him. Christ is the author of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). I want all to understand and obey God’s wonderful plan of salvation. Remember: “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man given in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
Hugh Fulford
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Drive-thru Covid-19 vaccine clinic in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
When You Need Help
One day last week, The Medical University of South Carolina teamed up with
two local hospitals to conduct a drive-thru Covid-19 vaccine clinic in Mount
Pleasant, South Carolina. More than 1,000 people registered to receive the
vaccine.
Just as the clinic began, something went wrong with their computers,
grinding the registration process down to a halt. The line backed up to the
point that people had to wait an hour to receive the vaccine.
The mayor of Mount Pleasant needed some help. Who could he call to help
facilitate the process of coordinating the drive-thru so that they could
administer the vaccines more efficiently?
How about Chick-fil-A? They seem to be experts in the drive-thru business.
The mayor called manager Jerry Walkowiak from the Chick-fil-A restaurant
which was across the street from the church parking lot where the clinic was
being held. Walkowiak used his expertise in organizing the drive-thru,
cutting down wait time to 15 minutes.
The mayor tweeted a video on Friday of Walkowiak directing traffic as he
stood in the rain with an umbrella and wrote, "Chick-fil-A manager Jerry
Walkowiak donating his professional drive thru experience to help our
vaccination program in Mt Pleasant today."
"When you need help, call the pros," he went on to write.*
Two applications:
1. Everybody needs a little help at times. Don't be afraid to ask. Ask
someone that you trust. Ask someone with some valuable experience in
dealing with your problem. Ask someone who will give you Godly counsel.
There should be no shame in asking for help. We all need it from time to
time.
2. Be available to help others. When asked for help, Walkowiak responded
immediately. He was willing and available. That's something that you and I
can do: be willing and available to help someone in time of need.
The Bible says, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of
Christ" (Galatians 6:2).
The law of Christ is the law of love (see John 13:34-35). Jesus taught the
law of love and He embodied it.
Jesus helps bear our burdens. He's willing to take your greatest burden
(sin) and nail it to the cross so that you don't have to carry it anymore.
In fact, He already did it. He died on the cross for your sins and mine, so
that we can have the forgiveness of our sins, fellowship with God, and the
gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 1:7).
God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust
in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts
17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized
(immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will
continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His
Word (1 John 1:7-9).
We can't bear the burden of sin; we need help. Call on Jesus by accepting
His offer of salvation and eternal life. "And now why are you waiting?
Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the
Lord" (Acts 22:16).
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "SC mayor calls on Chick-fil-A to help with COVID
vaccine traffic backup: 'Call the pros'" by Talia Kaplan, Fox News,
www.foxnews.com.
One day last week, The Medical University of South Carolina teamed up with
two local hospitals to conduct a drive-thru Covid-19 vaccine clinic in Mount
Pleasant, South Carolina. More than 1,000 people registered to receive the
vaccine.
Just as the clinic began, something went wrong with their computers,
grinding the registration process down to a halt. The line backed up to the
point that people had to wait an hour to receive the vaccine.
The mayor of Mount Pleasant needed some help. Who could he call to help
facilitate the process of coordinating the drive-thru so that they could
administer the vaccines more efficiently?
How about Chick-fil-A? They seem to be experts in the drive-thru business.
The mayor called manager Jerry Walkowiak from the Chick-fil-A restaurant
which was across the street from the church parking lot where the clinic was
being held. Walkowiak used his expertise in organizing the drive-thru,
cutting down wait time to 15 minutes.
The mayor tweeted a video on Friday of Walkowiak directing traffic as he
stood in the rain with an umbrella and wrote, "Chick-fil-A manager Jerry
Walkowiak donating his professional drive thru experience to help our
vaccination program in Mt Pleasant today."
"When you need help, call the pros," he went on to write.*
Two applications:
1. Everybody needs a little help at times. Don't be afraid to ask. Ask
someone that you trust. Ask someone with some valuable experience in
dealing with your problem. Ask someone who will give you Godly counsel.
There should be no shame in asking for help. We all need it from time to
time.
2. Be available to help others. When asked for help, Walkowiak responded
immediately. He was willing and available. That's something that you and I
can do: be willing and available to help someone in time of need.
The Bible says, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of
Christ" (Galatians 6:2).
The law of Christ is the law of love (see John 13:34-35). Jesus taught the
law of love and He embodied it.
Jesus helps bear our burdens. He's willing to take your greatest burden
(sin) and nail it to the cross so that you don't have to carry it anymore.
In fact, He already did it. He died on the cross for your sins and mine, so
that we can have the forgiveness of our sins, fellowship with God, and the
gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 1:7).
God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust
in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts
17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized
(immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will
continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His
Word (1 John 1:7-9).
We can't bear the burden of sin; we need help. Call on Jesus by accepting
His offer of salvation and eternal life. "And now why are you waiting?
Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the
Lord" (Acts 22:16).
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "SC mayor calls on Chick-fil-A to help with COVID
vaccine traffic backup: 'Call the pros'" by Talia Kaplan, Fox News,
www.foxnews.com.
Monday, January 25, 2021
Faithfulness is a choice we make every day of our lives
Faithfulness
Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life--Revelation 2:10
In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul speaks of nine fruits of the Spirit, one of which is faithfulness. Faithfulness is a matter of loyalty as well as strict adherence to allegiance and duty. Faithfulness to God and his word must never be underestimated because it is one of the great conditions of our salvation (Hebrews 3:14). Hearing and being obedient to the implanted word of God is essential as we begin the Christian journey but we must understand that once we begin that journey we must stand firm in the faith (James 1:21-25; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Galatians 5:1; Hebrews 4:14).
Loyalty and a firm adherence to the commitment we made when first we began the Christian journey, namely to obey, serve and honor our God under any and all circumstances is the price we must pay in order to keep us safe from those things we encounter daily that threaten the salvation of our soul (James 1:27; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Timothy 5:22; Hebrews 12:1-2).
A deep, abiding faithfulness in our God will make it possible for us to face with the greatest of confidence any trial or temptation we encounter on our journey to eternity. Because we are weak, frail, imperfect humans we must, every day of our lives fervently fight the good fight of faith lest our faithfulness fail us and we fall prey to the devil as he seeks to devour us (1 Timothy 6:12; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 Peter 5:6-9).
The writer of Hebrews speaks of having an anchor of the soul, one that is sure and steadfast. He tells us that hope is that anchor (Hebrews 6:18-19). The hope that serves as an anchor for the soul is Jesus Christ in whom we have the hope of eternal life (Acts 4:12; Hebrews 5:8-9). But understand that the strength of that anchor lies entirely in the kind of faithfulness we have in God.
Faithfulness is a choice we make every day of our lives. I pray that our faithfulness will never be so shallow that it will not allow us to trust God implicitly (Psalms 62:8). I don't know nor do I understand why this journey sometime becomes a trail of tears but the God I love, trust and serve does know and so long as I remain faithful to him, He will see me safely through this life. What is true for me is also true for each of you To God Be The Glory.
Monday, January 4, 2021
2 Buck Books
The Most Valuable Book
Paul Batura has a friend named Ben that owns a bookstore in Colorado
Springs. The bookstore, which features used books, is called 2 Buck Books.
Explaining to Batura where he obtained the books in his shop, Ben said, "All
of these things come from the boxes of books people bring in - you'd be
amazed what you find."
"Ever find anything really valuable?" Batura asked him.
"My old colleague, Sandy, once took in a big box of books, most likely from
an estate sale. It contained a Bible," Ben replied.
"A valuable Bible?" Batura asked.
"Once she opened it up, she realized it was hollowed out - and it contained
$2,000."
"I think Sandy tried to find out the owner, but never did," Ben added.
Reflecting on his conversation with Ben, Batura wrote: "I've been thinking
about the person who brought those books to Ben's store, never realizing
that the Bible had $2,000 in cash inside - because he or she never bothered
to even crack the cover of the most powerful and most important book ever
written. A book that has changed countless lives for the better."*
The Bible is "the most powerful and most important book ever written"
because it is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Through His Word, God
reveals Who He is, what He has done and will do, and what He expects of us.
In the Bible we learn of God's great power and His great love. We learn
that God loves us so much that He gave His one and only Son Jesus to die on
the cross for our sins (John 3:16; 1 Peter 2:24). God's Word teaches us
that "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in
Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
John Fawcett wrote these lyrics in 1782 extolling the value of God's Word:
How precious is the Book Divine,
By inspiration given!
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine
To guide our souls to heaven.
It's light, descending from above
Our gloomy world to cheer,
Displays a Savior's boundless love
And brings his glories near.
It shows to man his wandering ways
And where his feet have trod,
And brings to view the matchless grace
Of a forgiving God.
This lamp through all the tedious night
Of life shall guide our way
Till we behold the clearer light
Of an eternal day.
God's Word teaches us that He will save those who place their faith and
trust in Christ (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (Acts
17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized
(immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). God will
continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His
Word (1 John 1:7-9).
Paul Batura has a great recommendation: "So if you have a Bible in your
house, open it up. You might just be surprised what you find inside. And you
might never be the same afterward."
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "An old Bible held a shocking surprise that
turned out to be an enriching experience" by Paul Batura, www.foxnews.com.
David A. Sargent, Minister
Paul Batura has a friend named Ben that owns a bookstore in Colorado
Springs. The bookstore, which features used books, is called 2 Buck Books.
Explaining to Batura where he obtained the books in his shop, Ben said, "All
of these things come from the boxes of books people bring in - you'd be
amazed what you find."
"Ever find anything really valuable?" Batura asked him.
"My old colleague, Sandy, once took in a big box of books, most likely from
an estate sale. It contained a Bible," Ben replied.
"A valuable Bible?" Batura asked.
"Once she opened it up, she realized it was hollowed out - and it contained
$2,000."
"I think Sandy tried to find out the owner, but never did," Ben added.
Reflecting on his conversation with Ben, Batura wrote: "I've been thinking
about the person who brought those books to Ben's store, never realizing
that the Bible had $2,000 in cash inside - because he or she never bothered
to even crack the cover of the most powerful and most important book ever
written. A book that has changed countless lives for the better."*
The Bible is "the most powerful and most important book ever written"
because it is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Through His Word, God
reveals Who He is, what He has done and will do, and what He expects of us.
In the Bible we learn of God's great power and His great love. We learn
that God loves us so much that He gave His one and only Son Jesus to die on
the cross for our sins (John 3:16; 1 Peter 2:24). God's Word teaches us
that "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in
Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
John Fawcett wrote these lyrics in 1782 extolling the value of God's Word:
How precious is the Book Divine,
By inspiration given!
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine
To guide our souls to heaven.
It's light, descending from above
Our gloomy world to cheer,
Displays a Savior's boundless love
And brings his glories near.
It shows to man his wandering ways
And where his feet have trod,
And brings to view the matchless grace
Of a forgiving God.
This lamp through all the tedious night
Of life shall guide our way
Till we behold the clearer light
Of an eternal day.
God's Word teaches us that He will save those who place their faith and
trust in Christ (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (Acts
17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized
(immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). God will
continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His
Word (1 John 1:7-9).
Paul Batura has a great recommendation: "So if you have a Bible in your
house, open it up. You might just be surprised what you find inside. And you
might never be the same afterward."
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "An old Bible held a shocking surprise that
turned out to be an enriching experience" by Paul Batura, www.foxnews.com.
David A. Sargent, Minister
Monday, December 21, 2020
https://skyrock.com
https://skyrock.com/m/blog/?public=1&posted=3338040690 – our free video Bible studies are now on “skyrock.”
Monday, December 7, 2020
BESTOWALS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
In our first essay we discussed Holy Spirit baptism as received by the apostles (including the apostle Paul) and the household of Cornelius and the purpose of Holy Spirit baptism in those instances. In our second essay we discussed the impartation of the Holy Spirit to various members of the first century church by the laying on of the apostles’ hands and the purpose of these bestowals.
But what about today? Do Christians today have the Holy Spirit? If so, for what purpose(s)?
The Gift Of The Holy Spirit – In Acts 2:38 the apostle Peter said to inquiring sinners, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Some able Bible students take the view that the gift of the Holy Spirit promised in Acts 2:38 is that bestowed by the laying on of the apostles’ hands, as per the passages discussed in last week’s essay. This is certainly a plausible explanation and not beyond the realm of possibility. Yet, even if Acts 2:38 is talking about the Holy Spirit being received by the laying of the apostles’ hands, it can still be shown from numerous other passages that the Holy Spirit dwells in God’s people today, not to enable them to speak in tongues, perform miracles, etc., but for greater and nobler purposes.
Paul wrote: “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out ‘Abba, Father!’” It is important to note that the Spirit was not sent to make us sons (children) of God, but because we are sons (children) of God. In Romans 5:5 Paul affirmed: “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Ephesians 1:3-14 provides a panoramic “sweep” of God’s magnificent scheme of redemption. As Paul reaches the climax he affirms: “In Him (Christ) you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory” (vv. 13-14). In being saved from sin, one hears the word of truth (see Romans 10:17), believes in Christ (with all that is involved in genuine belief—John 3:36 [ASV]; Hebrews 5:8-9), and is then sealed with the Holy Spirit. This bestowal of the Holy Spirit also serves as the guarantee, deposit, or earnest of our eternal salvation.
To be sealed with the Spirit is to be marked or labeled as a child of God. This mark is not outward or physical, but inward and spiritual. Later Paul wrote: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). If one does not have the Spirit of Christ (another designation for the Holy Spirit), that person is none of His, i.e., he does not belong to Him (Romans 8:9b).
This bestowal of the Holy Spirit to all who obey the gospel in every age also serves as an earnest (as in earnest money in a real estate transaction), a deposit, or a guarantee of eternal life to the child of God who remains faithful to the Lord. After movingly speaking of our “building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (II Corinthians 5:1-4), Paul declared, “Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a deposit” (v. 5; see again Ephesians 1:14).
During His personal ministry Jesus had promised, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” The inspired apostle John then explains: “But this He spoke concerning the Holy Spirit, whom those who believe in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7:38-39). The passages we have cited above, along with numerous others (e.g., I Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 2:19-22; Titus 3:4-7), show the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to all those who become obedient believers in Him.
Christians need not fear believing and fully accepting what the word of God says about the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit in His children. Indeed, we should take great comfort in that promise because it serves as a part of the blessed assurance we have of our being the children of God and of our hope of everlasting life with Him. On the other hand, we must be wary of and reject the ill-informed and highly emotional views of the Holy Spirit espoused and taught by some who are more influenced by Calvinism and Pentecostalism than they are by the Bible.
The Scriptures affirm the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in all of God’s children, but this indwelling is not of a miraculous nature, either in the manner of its bestowal or in its effects. It is important to understand that all teaching, instruction, guidance, and direction from the Lord come from His word (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:3), not by some supposed special “illumination” of the Holy Spirit. Additional divine revelation from the Lord has not been received by anyone since the close of the apostolic age (Jude 3).
Hugh Fulford
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