Going out of town

I'll be gone for a few days

4-28-07 Reigning With Christ "Revelation 20:4-6"

Memory Verse: Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Tough you may never hold public office in this life, you have a future in government. When Jesus comes to establish His Kingdom on this earth, those who have received Him as Saviour will rule and reign with Him.

That government will be without earthly flaws. There will be no corrupt officials, no crooked politicians and no unjust practices. Political justice and international peace will prevail. Isaiah wrote: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:2-4).

Just what will be our responsibilities in that Kingdom? We cannot say precisely but we know that we will have part in carrying out God's will on earth.

Meanwhile, we now have an opportunity to share in doing His will by taking the Gospel message to others. Doing His bidding now is good training for the future!

4-27-07 Satan Chained "Revelation 20:1-3"

Memory Verse: Revelation 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.

You may not believe in the reality of Satan. If you do not, try resisting him! The Bible is clear in its description of this evil personality and it is a delusion to deny his existence.

Walter Brown Knight wrote: "God's children are engaged in an incessant warfare. Our adversary, the devil, is a implacable foe. In your warfare, no armistice can be declared. Some are lulled to sleep by the suavity and graciousness of false religionists who deny the existence of our adversary. It is hazardous for God's children to cease to be watchful and wakeful."

Satan's trail is traceable from the Garden of Eden to this present day. Sin and death are his trademarks, temptation his tool. Many become weary in the battle of resisting temptation. Perhaps you are one of those tired soldiers. If so, I have good news for you. There is a day coming when the devil will be unable to tempt anyone.

During the Kingdom of Christ on this earth, Satanic influence will be forbidden. This act reminds us that Satan's power is limited. We are not to be defeated and downcast. John put in well: "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" (I John 4:4).

Whatever temptation is troubling you can be overcome: "There hath no temptation taken you buy such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (I Corinthians 10:13).

Satan will be chained later. But even now, in Christ, we're free!

Going away

Going out of town for a few days, no postings till I get home.

4-23-07 666 "Revelation 13:11-18"

Memory Verse: Revelation 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six.

Who is the coming world ruler known as the "beast?"
Speculation abounds!

Actually no one can know who the beast is until after the Rapture of the church: "And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming" ( II Thessalonians 2:8).

While we cannot know who the beast will be, it is clear that the world is getting ready for his appearance. Peace efforts continually fail. Economic conditions become increasingly complex and it is not difficult to understand how buying and selling will ultimately be totally controlled by a super-powerful government. Commerce is already moving on a system of numbers and proposals to make money as we know it obsolete are now on the drawing boards. Computers that speak are common and it no longer seems out of the question to have an image erected during the Tribulation period that will be able to do so. The stage is set for the coming of the man of sin whose number is 666.

It must be emphasized that Christ returns for His church before these things spoken of in Revelation 13 come to pass. With the world now ready for the fulfillment of his prophecy, all Christians must get ready for the coming of their Lord and Saviour. We are to be occupied with Him. We are to look for the coming of Christ -- not the Antichrist.

When will Christ return? Perhaps today!

4-22-07 The Lamb's Wrath "Revelation 6:12-17"

Memory Verse: Revelation 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand.

Who ever heard of an angry lamb? It is hared to imagine. Jesus is called the Lamb of God. John the Baptist said: " . . . Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away sin of the world" (John 1:29). Christ came as the Lamb of God to pay for our sins on the cross.

The Lamb of God is a fitting title for the gentle Saviour. His tender heart was broken over the needs of people. He had time for the children, for lepers and others who were hurting.

As the Lamb of God, he stood silent before his persecutors. Isaiah described Him as follows: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth" (Isaiah 53:7).

Few in this world anticipate a coming day when the Lamb will display wrath. Yet that day is coming. And those who have not been saved and therefore miss the Rapture of the church will be here for the Tribulation -- the wrath of the Lamb.

A Christian who was being ridiculed for going to a prayer meeting, said, "It is better to go to prayer meeting now than to wait for the largest prayer meeting the world will ever know. In that one, men will pray for the rocks, and the mountains to fall on them to hide them from the wrath of The Lamb.

Our God is a God of love -- and justice.

Respond to His love today so you will not be here for the day of His wrath.

4-21-07 Come Up Hither "Revelation 4:1-8"

Memory Verse: Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come p hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

There is a key to understanding the book of The Revelation. It is found in Revelation 1:19. There John is told to write the things he has seen, the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. This verse gives an outline of the entire book. The first chapter records the things that John had seen. Chapters two and three present a picture of the church age -- the things that are -- the age in which we live, as did John. The things which shall be hereafter begin in chapter four. The remainder of the book explains events that follow the coming of Christ for His church. It is not surprising then that the first verse of chapter four gives a preview of the Rapture.

John heard a voice and a trumpet and so shall we: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangels, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:16:17).

John was taken immediately to heaven. And we shall be also. On that day when the ties of gravity are overcome by the power of God and Christians meet their Lord in a moment, they will go with Him to heaven.

John saw the Lord, And so shall we!

What a good day that will be!

4-20-07 Assembling Together "Hebrews 10:22-25"

Memory Verse: Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting our another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

As the day of Christ's return approaches, there will be an increasing tendency among Christians to stop attending the meetings of their local churches as regularly as before. Perhaps you are a fulfillment of this prophecy!

There are probably a number of reason for the coming increase of this problem. Television may be one of the major factors. Some are so caught up in the entertainment mania that they actually miss gathering with others in worship just to catch one of their favorite programs. Also, affluence allows a considerable amount of traveling and vacationing. Though vacations are needed and can be healthful, it is wrong to flee to the mountains or the seaside every weekend to the detriment of your church and your spiritual health.

It is important to remember that assembling with others for the study of God's Word and for worship and praise is commanded in the Bible. Attendance at your church is not optional -- it is obedience. Are you disobedient in the matter of church attendance?

The question is asked: "Can you be a Christian and not go to church?" The question is a contradiction. If one is born again, he should desire the fellowship of other Christians and should hunger to hear God's Word. This should be his normal experience.

The day of Christ's coming is approaching. If he comes on the day of worship (the Lord's Day), I want him to find me obedient.

How about you?

4-19-07 Perilous Times " I Timothy 3:1-7"

Memory Verse: I Timothy 3:1 This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come.

Most students of the Bible do not have to be convinced that we are living in perilous times. The splitting of atom has given man the power to bring about total destruction. In addition, we have learned to live twenty four hours a day in the rocket sights of our enemies who are bent on world domination.

Nevertheless, Christians need not panic. Not one recent event has taken God by surprise. He is in control and is allowing man to work out His program. The words of the Psalmist are relevant today: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

Though times are perilous, we never walk alone: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. For I the LORD they God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee" (Isaiah 41:10 & 13).

Though times are perilous, we can never be separated from His love: "For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth nor things other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

Though times are perilous, these conditions are but reminders of better days ahead: "And when these things begin to come to pas, then look up, and lift up your hands; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28).

4-18-07 Good Ministers " I Timothy 4:1-6"

Memory Verse: I Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of those things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

Courageous ministers point out dangers to their flocks. Though it does not make a preacher popular, he has a responsibility to refute false teaching to which his congregation may be exposed. Christians will do well to stand with God's servants when others are criticizing them for speaking out against evil.

Cults are not new, but are to multiply in the last days. We should not be surprised to see many new ones come into existence. Nor should we be taken in by numerical success attained by false teachers. Financial empires and growing membership rolls are not the test of Biblical accuracy. Seeming prosperity may not be the blessing of God. Satan has been known to offer the kingdoms of this world to those who would follow him.

The needs of men are met only through the preaching of the Gospel. No changes in the message are needed. Spurgeon said that the greatest compliment ever paid him was spoken by one of his enemies who said: "Here is a man who has not moved an inch forward in all his ministry. At the close of the nineteenth century he is teaching the theology of the first century, and is proclaiming doctrine current in Nazareth and Jerusalem in the first century!"

That is the need of this hour. Stand with the men who proclaim that message and do not desert them when they obey God by exposing those who preach and promote another gospel.

Thank God for the "good ministers of Jesus Christ."

4-17-07 Therefore "I Corinthians 15:51-58"

Memory Verse: I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

When you find the word "therefore" in the Bible, it is a good idea to read the preceding verses and find out what it is there for. In the text above, this linking word reaches back to the message of the Lord's return and calls for the kind of life described in our memory verse in view of that return.

Because the Lord is coming, we are to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Like soldiers assigned to duty in wartime, we have been charged to serve God faithfully. Distractions must be resisted. Laziness overcome. Compromise with evil is out of the question.

In Chicago, One Sunday morning, a minister pointed to a young woman who had been converted about a year and a half, and said, "What are you doing for God? Why don't you do something for God?"

To give emphasis to his words, the minister stepped down from the pulpit, went to where the young woman was sitting, took her hand, conducted her out to the middle aisle, made her turn towards the door, and giving her a push, said, "I want you to start doing something for God."

That push sent the young woman to the other side of the globe. She became a missionary to Africa and led many to Christ, including General Allenby of Britain. Her name was Miss Malla Moe. The pastor who gave her the push was D.L. Moody.

Christ is coming! That should be all the push we need.

4-16-07 A Woman To Rememeber "Luke17:26-37"

Memory Verse: Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife.

Of all the women in history, Jesus chose Lot's wife to be a warning to those who live in the last days. What can we learn from this woman who turned to a pillar of salt while fleeing from wicked Sodom during its destruction? What is there about her that is worth remembering?

Let us remember her privileges. Concerning her, J.C. Ryle wrote: "In the days of Abraham and Lot, true saving religion was scarce upon earth: there were no Bibles, no ministers, no churches, no tracts, no missionaries. The knowledge of God was confined to a few favored families; the greater part of the inhabitants of the world were living in darkness, ignorance, superstition, and sin. Not one in a hundred perhaps had such good example, such spiritual society, such clear knowledge, such plain warnings as Lot's wife. Compared with millions of her fellow creatures in her time, Lot's wife was a favored woman." In spite of such surroundings, however, this favored woman evidently rejected the truth. There is no evidence of faith in her. She died as one who had no knowledge of God.

Let us remember the pleadings of God to her. Angels were sent to Sodom with specific instructions for her safe deliverance. She did not have to be a recipient of judgment. Still, we remember her for that very reason.

Let us remember the finality of her punishment. It happened in a moment and was irreversible. Like those who perished in the flood, she died after the repeated warnings of God.

Have you turned away from repeated invitations to be saved? Do not wait another day to get right with God.

Remember Lot's wife!

I'm Away

I'm away for the weekend

4-13-07 Increased Knowledge "Daniel 12:1-4"

Memory Verse: Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

For centuries it seemed as if the world slumbered. Thousands of years passed without major changes in most areas of life. Paul and Columbus sailed in similar ships though their voyages were nearly fifteen hundred years apart. Medical know-how moved at a snail's pace. Men watched the birds fly but all efforts to copy them were in vain.

Then, in the lifetime of many alive today, there came an explosion in knowledge and travel. People who went about in buggies and other horse-drawn vehicles lived to see the skies filled with jet planes and watched men walk on the moon. The atom was split, ushering in the nuclear age with all its perils and possibilities. Miracle drugs were discovered that conquered old killers and vaccines were developed that eliminated former plagues producers.

Now we are in the age of the computer. This mind boggling invention is entering every area of life. Old methods of office procedures have been made obsolete. Records on millions of people are available at the push of the proper buttons, a scary fact if wicked men come into power.

Each day, some new invention seems to outdo another. What does it all mean? It means that we are living in what the Bible calls "the time of the end." One who is in possession of the Biblical facts would have to close his eyes to the truth not to recognize the signs of the times.

What are you doing about it?

4-12-07 The Purifying Hope "I John 3:3-11"

Memory Verse: I John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

"What a difference does it make if Jesus is going to return?" a minister asked. Sadly, he had missed one of the greatest incentives for holy living given in the Bible. The constant expectation of the Lord's return is a purifying hope.

Did you expect the Lord to come last week? How did it change your life? What did you leave out of your conversation, not wanting to stand in His presence with wicked words? What thoughts did you dismiss from you mind? What temptations did you conquer?

Or were there no changes due to His expected return? Perhaps the second coming of Christ is but a doctrine to which you say you subscribe, a part of your church statement of faith. To some, the rapture is only a point to argue, a good bumper-sticker topic or slogan producer. Like the Pharisees, they have all their prophetic events properly placed in their minds but their lives are not affected by these tremendous truths. How about you?

If you are not living differently because Christ may return at any moment, you have missed the point of the Lord's command: "Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" (Matthew 24:42).

Try this tough question. If the prospect of Christ's imminent return has not changed your way of living, do you really believe He's coming again?

What adjustments need to be made in your life today, in view of His promised return? In making them you will demonstrate the power of the purifying hope.

4-11-07 Like Him "John 3:1-2"

Memory Verse: John:3:2 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.

The child of God is accepted in the beloved, but may be rejected by his associates. He has come into earth's greatest fellowship, but in doing so has become a riddle to his friends. He has become a citizen of heaven, but is now a pilgrim and a stranger in this world.

This turn of events should not surprise us. Jesus said: "If the world hate, you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you. The servants is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also" (John 15:18-20).

The Christian may not be popular on planet earth.
Never mind. A better day is coming. And on that good day, we shall be like Jesus.

What will it mean to be like Him? We cannot fully understand. But we know that we will have perfect bodies that will never be affected by sickness or infirmities and that death will be no more. This anticipation should fill our hearts with joy!

If we are alive when Christ returns, we shall escape death. If death has overtaken us, our bodies will be resurrected in that perfect form. David, the Psalmist, said it well: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness" (Psalm 17:15).

4-10-07 Ashamed "I John 2:21-29"

Memory Verse: I John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we my have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

When Shackleton was driven back in his attempt to reach the South Pole, he was forced to leave some men on Elephant Island, promising to come back for them. Time and again he tried, but was unable to reach them.

At last, although it was the wrong time of the year, he made another great attempt. An open channel formed between the sea and where he had left his men. He rushed in with his boat at the risk of being caught by the moving ice, got his men, and rushed out again before the ice crashed together. It only took half an hour.

Afterward, he turned to one of the rescued men and said, "How was it you were able to come so quickly?" The man answered, "Sir, Mr. Wild (Shackleton's second-in-command) never let a chance slip. You had promised to come and we were waiting for you. Whenever there was a chance of your coming, Mr. Wild said, 'Boys, roll up your sleeping bags, the boss may be here today,' and, Sir, our sleeping bags were all rolled up; we were ready!"

When Christ returns, some will not be ready. Lost people who are not ready because they have not been born again through faith in Christ will be left for the awful time of tribulation. Christians who are not living as the ought will be ashamed when they are caught up into the presence of their Saviour.

If Christ had come last week would you have been ashamed? Last night? Abide in Him, that, when He shall appear, you may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

4-9-07 Dissolved "II Peter 3:10-18"

Memory Verse II Peter 3:11 Seeing then, that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness.

Most people spend their lives gathering trinkets, all of which will someday be dissolved. The God who formed every visible thing out of atoms will one day release them from their responsibility for a time and allow all things to be dissolved. This in not going to happen soon for the rapture of the church, the tribulation and the one thousand year reign of Christ on earth precede the event. Nevertheless, it is good to be reminded that everything we see about us is temporary.

In view of this, wise people look for better investments than can be found on planet earth. Jesus said: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matthew 6:19-20).

Peter said that the coming dissolution of all things calls for holy living. What an object lesson! Every sign of decay is to remind us of our Holy God and our responsibility to live in His will. Every sign of rust on our automobiles is a message to live holily. Every building that is falling apart and returning to the soil is a reminder that we should be holy in our conduct.

Someone said it well long ago: "There's only one life; It will soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last."

What do you possess that cannot be dissolved?

4-8-07 Scoffers "II Peter 3:1-9"

First off I'd like to say Happy Resurrection Day to all.

Memory Verse II Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, than there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts.

Some doubt the second coming of Christ. "Scoffers," the Bible calls them. They have heard preaching about Christ's return for many years and since it has not taken place, these self-styled experts have concluded it isn't going to happen. Interestingly, their doubting is a sign of the Lord's coming.

We are so tied to time that two thousand years seems like a long period to us. Actually, it is but a moment in eternity. Peter explains that a day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. The Psalmist added another dimension when he wrote: "For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night" (Psalm 90:4).

It is true that prophets and preachers have been announcing the return of Christ for centuries and it has not taken place. But think how long the world waited for His first coming! The first promise of the birth of Christ was given right after the fall of man. Century rolled into century and the promise remained unfulfilled. Prophets spoke from time to time and some believed while others doubted. When the hour arrived, God's appointed hour, Christ was born. Doubters did not alter the fact. Nor will unbelief make any difference in the sure fulfillment of Christ's promise to return.

Someday, a preacher will say, "Christ may come this week," and He will come. Every hour brings us closer to the moment of His return. the countdown continues. Don't let the scoffers deceive you.

Live in the light of His return.

4-7-07 The Whole You "I Thessalonians 5:14-28"

Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God loves you, all of you; body, soul, and spirit. He is not like the hypocrite who claims to love a man's soul but can't stand the rest of him. It is true that your spiritual needs have priority. You are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), but stopping there embraces only half the truth.

Consider creation.

Everything is the universe, except the human frame, was simply spoken into existence: "And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so" (Genesis 1:24).

Not so the body of man: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth" (Genesis 1:26). "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:7)

The bodily resurrection of Christ further demonstrates God's interest in our bodies, for when He returns we will be resurrected too: "But every man in his own order; Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming" (I Corinthians 15:23).

You have a great future -- the whole you -- at the Lord's return. That will be a great day!

4-6-07 Source Of Comfort "I Thessalonians 4:13-18"

Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Death is an enemy. The Bible calls it the last one that shall be destroyed. For Christians, however, the sting of death is removed.

Heaven awaits the soul.
Resurrection awaits the body.

Rapture awaits all Christians living at the time of the Lord's return, at which time they will be caught up to meet Christ and will be taken to heaven. That fortunate generation will not experience physical death but will be changed in a moment; "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" (I Corinthians 15:51-52).

Rivers of tears have been shed because of losing loved ones in death. This is not wrong -- it is normal. God has wisely equipped us with the capacity for weeping when we sorrow. Jesus wept at a grave. Still, Christians need not sorrow in the same way as those who are without hope.

Though grief is to be expected because of separation, we have the assurance that our loved ones are in heaven Beyond this, at the return of Jesus, the resurrection will take place and there will be a glad reunion.

If your heart is heavy because you have recently been touched by sorrow, comfort one another with these words.

4-5-07 Abounding In Love "I Thessalonians 3:6-13"

Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.

In ascending to the Father, after His resurrection, Jesus left his disciples all of one accord. Humanly speaking they would have had good reason for being divided. Their personalities were very different. One of them had denied his Lord before the crucifixion and another had doubted the resurrection until he saw the risen Saviour. Nevertheless, those personal problems were laid aside and they were united in love for one another. A few days later, on the day of Pentecost, the city of Jerusalem felt the impact of a group of Christians who were of one accord and three thousand were saved in a day.

Through the centuries, there have been periods of revival in the church when carnality was conquered and the church moved forward in power. These have been times when love among Christians was evident. Love for Christ and one another has been counted more important than personal gain.

In awaiting the return of Christ, it is important that Christians abound in love. To often churches are bogged down in personality clashes, struggles for power in the local group, petty grudges and carnal gossip. How sad to have the Lord return and find any local church in that condition!

What steps would you have to take to make love abound in your church? What would you have to forget? Who would you have to forgive?

Are you willing?

4-4-07 The Crown of Rejoicing "I Thessalonians 2:11-20"

Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye to the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

An aged farmer visited his son, a popular senator in Washington D.C. The farmer was a zealous Christian. During his stay in the nation's capital, his son introduced him to the ambassador of Belgium. As soon as they had exchanged greetings, the farmer earnestly asked, "Sir, are a you a Christian?" The senator was greatly embarrassed by his father's question and before the ambassador could reply, changed the subject of conversation.

Shortly thereafter the senator's father became ill and died. Hearing of his death, the ambassador sent flowers. A note was attached to them that brought tears to the eyes of the popular senator. There not said: "He was the only man in America who asked me if I was a Christian."

In the Bible's final chapter, there is a message from Jesus about rewards that will be given to Christians at His return: "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be" (Revelation 22:12). If we knew the real value of those coming rewards, we would surely be more diligent in our service for Him.

Paul wrote of another reward that he anticipated at the Lord's coming -- that of seeing people whom he had led to Christ. He called them his "Crown of Rejoicing," and added that these converts were his glory and joy.

Many Christians miss the joy of leading others to the Saviour. Opportunities abound. And taking advantage of them is the only way to have the Crown of Rejoicing at the Lord's return.

4-3-07 Waiting " I Thessalonians 1:5-10"

Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

In 1860 the French scientist, Pierre Berchelt, said, "Within a hundred years of physical and chemical science, man will know what the atom is. It is my belief that when science reaches this stage, God will come down to earth with His big ring of keys and will say to humanity: 'Gentlemen, it is closing time.' "

The first part of Berchelt's prediction has come true. We live in the age of the atom. Signs on every side indicate the last part of his prediction may be near. That is, God may soon intervene, closing this present age. The prophetic event to signal that miracle will be the Rapture of the church -- the personal return of Jesus Christ. Christians have been waiting for that event through the centuries. Now it seems imminent.

How should we then live?

We must live waiting for the Lord's return. But we must not wait idly. D.L. Moody said, "I have felt like working three times as hard since I came to understand that my Lord is coming again."

The Thessalonian Christians gave themselves to labor, love and service while awaiting Christ's return. They were known far and wide for dedicated Christian living. They turned from idols and served God with all their heart. Had the Lord returned at that time He would have found them faithful. Ready.

Are you waiting for His return?

4-2-07 This Same Jesus "Acts 1:1-11"

Memory Verse: Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

What will Jesus be like when He returns? Will we see Him? Recognize Him? Take His hand?

Angels announced the answer. He will be the same as when He went away. The disciples saw Him, viewed the scars from the cross and ate with Him. And all this after the resurrection.

Some expect Christ to return as an invisible spirit. Anticipating that coming error, He refuted it saying: "Behold my hands and my feet, that is I myself: handle me and see; for the spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have" (Luke 24:39). Following this revelation, He ate broiled fish and honeycomb before them.

Writing of His return, John said: "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also who pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen? (Revelation 1:7).

The Bible calls the return of Christ the blessed hope; "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13).

Are the skies dark today? There is a better day coming.
Does the future seem hopeless? Remember the blessed hope.
Do you feel like giving up? Look up, Jesus is coming.
Are you burdened? Depressed? It will be worth it all when we see Christ.

4-1-07 The Promise "John 14:1-6"

Memory Verse: John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Jesus is coming again.
He promised.

Two ministers, long friends, met one day after being apart for a time. The discussed their churches; then began to talk on present-day events. One said, "I don't preach on the Lord's return at all. My congregation doesn't like it, I hear you have many against you for preaching it. There's no use in setting people against you."

"My friend, " said the other pastor, "by God's grace, I preach His whole Word, and if the Lord Jesus comes in my lifetime no one who is left behind will be able to say that I did not give out the truth. How about?"

Nothing could be more sure than the return of Christ because He gave His promise that He would come again. That promise was given to encourage the disciples because of His coming crucifixion. They would soon be separated from Him and reunited only for the brief time following the resurrection. These men had left all to follow Him. He had their dedication and devotion. They needed to know about His plans for the future.

But what does the return of Christ mean to you and me?

It means there is a coming resurrection of all Christians. It means that all Christians will be caught up to meet Him when He returns, never experiencing death. It means that all should prepare for His coming.

Are you ready?