And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3.
In our life here, earthly, sin-restricted though it is, the greatest joy and the highest education are in service. And in the future state, untrammeled by the limitations of sinful humanity, it is in service that our greatest joy and our highest education will be found.
“If any man’s work abide …, he shall receive a reward.” 1 Corinthians 3:14. Glorious will be the reward bestowed when the faithful workers gather about the throne of God and of the Lamb…. They have been partakers with Christ in His sufferings, they have been workers together with Him in the plan of redemption, and they are partakers with Him in the joy of seeing souls saved in the kingdom of God, there to praise God through all eternity.
A Christian once said that when he reached heaven he expected to meet with three causes of wonder. He would wonder to find some that he did not expect to see there. He would wonder not to see some that he expected to meet, and, lastly, he would wonder most to find so unworthy a sinner as himself in the Paradise of God. Many who have stood in high places as Christians upon earth will not be found with the happy throng that shall surround the throne. Those who have had knowledge and talent, and yet have delighted in controversy and unholy strife, will not have a place with the redeemed…. They desired to do some great work, that they might be admired and flattered by men, but their names were not written in the Lamb’s book of life. “I know you not,” are the sad words that Christ addresses to such. But those whose lives were made beautiful by little acts of kindness, by tender words of affection and sympathy, whose hearts recoiled from strife and contention, who never did any great work in order to be lauded of men, these are found recorded in the Lamb’s book of life. Though the world counted them as insignificant, they are approved of God before the assembled universe.
The Faith I Live By p. 370
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Prayer Requests
—-Pray for Travis he needs a job and the Lord. Rosemary
—- Remember us in prayer as we travel early in the morning. I think there are thunderstorms along our path. Keffie
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Dear Friends
Last week, I had to renew my car license. I chose the wrong time and had to wait over an hour to get waited on. Some years ago, I had a wait, but it was not as long a wait and I had a very sweet incident to watch as I waited. I happened to notice a grandpa and his granddaughter (probably age four) in line a ways ahead of me. He was tall and thin, had his long yellow-gray hair tied back in a ponytail, and was covered with tattoes. Despite his hard-looking exterior, he was smiling at the little girl. Their relationship was obviously deep and happy. She showed that she had perfect love, perfect trust and confidence in him. He was squatted down and she was whispering “secrets” in his ear. When it was his turn to renew his vehicle, the little girl tried and tried to see over the counter. Again smiling tenderly at the girl, he lifted her up and sat her on the counter. When the lady behind the counter asked the little one what was her favorite animal, the girl asked her grandpa for advice. Rather than telling her outright, he helped her decide for herself by making several suggestions. She then answered the woman. When it was time to go, grandpa and child left hand in hand.
How our Heavenly Father longs to have us have perfect love, perfect trust and confidence in Him even more than that little girl had in her grandfather. We can tell Him anything and everything. We cannot weary Him. Indeed, He is even now bending over His throne listening for our prayers. He bids us, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” Matt 7:7-11; 18:19 There is a qualification that must be met in the asking, however. We must abide in Christ for He says, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7
Jesus used the example of an unspoiled child to illustrate the perfect love and trust we should have in Him. “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” Mark 10:13-16
May we “pray without ceasing” to our Heavenly Father for He loves us with an “everlasting love.” 1 Thes 5:17; Jer 31:3 May we have strong confidence that He will do what is best for us in all circumstances. May we continually keep our hand in His Strong and Mighty Hand is prayer.
Rose

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1.
In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed out the singlehearted purpose that should characterize the Christian’s race for eternal life…. Envy, malice, evilthinking, evilspeaking, covetousness—these are weights that the Christian must lay aside if he would run successfully the race for immortality. Every habit or practice that leads into sin and brings dishonor upon Christ, must be put away, whatever the sacrifice. The blessing of heaven cannot attend any man in violating the eternal principles of right. One sin cherished is sufficient to work degradation of character, and to mislead others.
“If thy hand cause thee to stumble,” the Saviour said, “cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather than having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. And if thy foot cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life halt, rather than having thy two feet to be cast into hell.” Mark 9:43-45, R.V. If to save the body from death, the foot or the hand should be cut off, or even the eye plucked out, how much more earnest should the Christian be to put away sin, which brings death to the soul!
The competitors in the ancient games, after they had submitted to self-denial and rigid discipline, were not even then sure of the victory….
Such is not the case in the Christian warfare. Not one who complies with the conditions will be disappointed at the end of the race. Not one who is earnest and persevering will fail of success. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. The weakest saint, as well as the strongest, may wear the crown of immortal glory. All may win who, through the power of divine grace, bring their lives into conformity to the will of Christ.
The Faith I Live By p. 369
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Prayer Requests
—-Praise—My echocardiogram and EKG were good! I no longer have Afib! Please pray that it will not come back. Rose
—-Please pray for me today I am going to have triple bypass surgery. Ernest
—-Please pray for my grandson Jake who is recovering from being burned over 23 percent of his body. Sabrina
—-Please pray for me, my endometriosis pain is back. It’s a killing pain like sharp jagged wire in my womb. Please, please pray so the pain will be bearable and I won’t be too dependent on the bad drugs. Samantha
—-Prayers for M. she has stage 4 cancer; very frail & need the miracle touch of Jesus! K
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Dear Friends,
Until I was ten, I lived with my grandparents, Edwin and Ida Harmon. I had a good life there. When my mother remarried, I went to live with her. While she and Eddie were married, she did not have to work. Often she would let me stay home from school so we could be together while he was at work. How I enjoyed those times. Evenings and on weekends were not so pleasant, however. Eddie was an alcoholic and was mean and corrupt. Life became unbearable for both my mother and myself.
After three years, I had had enough. I couldn’t go back to live with my grandparents as they had moved away to Florida, so I determined to run away the next day. That very night, in the middle of the night, Eddie was the one who ran away. He took everything of value in the house and went back to his home state of Tennessee. What a relief that was!
From that time, however, life was hard for my mother. She worked long hours to provide even the barest of necessities. She was so tired when she got home from work, that she let me do what I wanted, when I wanted with little protest. She was too exhausted. Even though I had no rules in her home, I was not happy. I got myself into situations that could have been disastrous. Only God’s grace kept me out of serious trouble during that time. He was watching over me and protecting me. How thankful I am for His Fatherly care.
When Ron and I got married, we determined to set up a Christian home with morning and evening worship as a daily occurrence. We decided that when we had children, we would start teaching them about Jesus as soon as they were born. There would be rules in our house that would guide our children in the right way.
It was over four years before Eileen was born, but when she was, we took seriously the admonition, “And these words, which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.” Deut 6:6,7 The morning after I brought her home from the hospital, I sat in the rocking chair that Ron had bought for me, held her in my arms, and read the Cradle Roll lesson to her. Of course, I knew she could not understand it yet, but I read anyway knowing that as I read her understanding would develop. During the years that followed, whenever I would take a rest from housework, I would read the Bible or good Christian books aloud to her. As she grew older, people would be amazed at the spiritual insights she had at such an early age.
When our other two children were born, I did the same, although there was much less time for reading. Now we had a television. I soon realized that the television was a snare. They were not as interested in spiritual things at as early an age as Eileen. How important it is to teach our children right principles when they are young. That is the impressionable, pliable time. The old saying, “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” is so true. Paul’s admonition is no less true today, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil 4:8
The child’s eternal future is in the parents’ hands. The Bible is full of examples of this fact. God said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment.” Gen 18:19 It was Jacob’s careful training of Joseph that sustained him during his captivity in Egypt. Paul gives another example, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” Heb 11:23-25
The sad example of Eli’s lack of parenting skills should serve as a warning to us who are living today. It is said of his sons, “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.” 1 Sam 2:12 After they were hardened in sin, he tried to protest against what they did, but protesting was not enough. He had the power to remove them from the priesthood, but he did not. Because of this, he was told, “Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house? And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel? Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people? Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house. And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever. And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age. And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them. And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever. And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.” vs 27-35 Later, He spoke to Samuel these fearful, “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever. And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD.” 3:11-15 Fearful warning!
May we heed the warnings and admonitions of the Lord. May we diligently teach our little ones the way that leads to everlasting life. May we take them by the hand and bring them to the foot of the cross that they may ever follow Jesus on the path to Heaven is my prayer.
Rose

And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. Isaiah 32:18.
A fear of making the future inheritance seem too material has led many to spiritualize away the very truths which lead us to look upon it as our home. Christ assured His disciples that He went to prepare mansions for them in the Father’s house. Those who accept the teachings of God’s Word will not be wholly ignorant concerning the heavenly abode….
In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called a country. There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the nations. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the widespreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God’s people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home.
“My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Isaiah 32:18. “Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.” Isaiah 60:18. “They shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: … mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” Isaiah 65:21, 22.
There, “the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.” Isaiah 35:1. “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree.” Isaiah 55:13. “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; … and a little child shall lead them.” Isaiah 11:6.
The Faith I Live By p. 368
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Prayer Requests
—-please pray my heart consciousness is healed and I am surrounded by a bubble of light for protection and send the enemy away, and pray I am given a healing cup of life from Jesus to heal my soul. Magdalena
—-This is an update on my dear 85 year old mother. She was taken to the Dr. last Friday for an abscess in her left ear. It had been draining blood and puss for several days and was giving her pain. The doctor cleaned it out really good and put her on some strong antibiotics. My mom said yesterday that the antibiotics seem to be working good because there is much less drainage coming from her ear and no pain. Connie
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Dear Friends,
By the time David was king, the tabernacle that had been made in the wilderness, was hundreds of years old. As he was worshipping one day, David had a great desire to build a permanent dwelling for God. This was not a passing thought but one that bore fruit in action. Yet, God told him through Nathan the prophet that Solomon, his son, would be the one to do the building. At the end of his life, he explained to the people his plans. “Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.” 1 Chr 28:2,3
Although David must have been a little disappointed, he still had a part in the building of that magnificent structure called Solomon’s Temple. His part was to get everything ready. He took years in planning for every detail. He gathered huge quantities of top-quality materials for the building. He made sure that everything was ready. At the end of his life, he gathered the people together, gave his son the plans and materials, and made a plea for willing workers. “And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?” 1 Chr 29:5
Today, God needs willing workers to build up His church on earth. He desires workers who will set self, pride, comfort, and worldliness aside and share with all around what He has done for them personally; workers who will put away feelings of “my way is the only way” and unite in building up the church; workers who will put all their effort into gathering souls for the kingdom; workers who will be consecrated to His service in whatever way God leads; workers who will say, as did the prophet Isaiah, “Here am I; send me.” Isa 6:8
All do not have the same part in working for God. As Paul said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.” 1 Cor 3:6-10 Solomon adds,”Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Ps 127:1 God has given each person certain talents and abilities for this great work. Not everyone can stand behind the pulpit and evangelize. For some, their witnessing may be giving away books and pamphlets. Some people go door-to-door seeking souls for the kingdom. Others share the love of Jesus by helping those in need. For years, every time I sent out a bill, I have added a card for the Amazing Facts lessons. Eileen keeps books and tracts in purse to give out. Wherever she goes, she places some truth-filled literature for someone to pick up.
May the focus of our life be in building up God’s church. May our happiness be in bringing those around us to the foot of the cross claiming the blessing, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Dan 12:3 May our Dear Saviour’s prayer, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us” be fulfilled in our life. John 17:21
Rose

Heaven is to begin on this earth.
Those who take Christ at His word, and surrender their souls to His keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world can make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence. In perfect acquiescence there is perfect rest. The Lord says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3. Our lives may seem a tangle; but as we commit ourselves to the wise Master Worker, He will bring out the pattern of life and character that will be to His own glory. And that character which expresses the glory—character—of Christ will be received into the Paradise of God. A renovated race shall walk with Him in white, for they are worthy.
As through Jesus we enter into rest, heaven begins here. We respond to His invitation, Come, learn of Me, and in thus coming we begin the life eternal. Heaven is a ceaseless approaching to God through Christ. The longer we are in the heaven of bliss, the more and still more of glory will be opened to us; and the more we know of God, the more intense will be our happiness.
When the Lord’s people are filled with meekness and tenderness, they will realize that His banner over them is love, and His fruit will be sweet to their taste. They will make a heaven below in which to prepare for heaven above.
As we walk with Jesus in this life, we may be filled with His love, satisfied with His presence. All that human nature can bear, we may receive here. But what is this compared with the hereafter? There “are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters.” Revelation 7:15-17.
The Faith I Live By p. 367
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for my sister! She is talking to a psychic! I tired to warn her but she believes in him! Debbie
—-Please pray for my dear elderly mother. She has had an abscess in her ear that popped last Monday night and has been draining blood etc. She should have been taken to the Dr. right away but she is finally being taken this morning at 10:45. I have been very worried about this especially since she used to have MRSA in her eyes for a very long time. Please pray for God’s healing. Connie
—-Pray for my friend’s husband Randy who sawed his fingers down to the bone on his dominate hand. Pray that he will regain the full use of his fingers. Esther
—-Please pray for Marty who is in the hospital. Mike
—-Lori needs prayer for her son who underwent brain surgery. Please pray for this sweet little boy. Arlene
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Dear Friends,
When my children were little there was one thing that I did that they hated more than any other. Whenever they had a high fever that was above 102 degrees, I would put them in a tub of tepid water, wrap them in a wet towel, and pour the water over their body while they were sitting in the tub of water. This would always bring the fever down, but to them it was torture.
A few years ago, they got their revenge. I awoke feeling fine, but as the day progressed, I began to feel sick all over. I left work early and went to bed. My temperature was nearly 103. In reality, that was an even higher temperature since my temperature is normally over a degree and a half lower than it is supposed to. The first thing the girls suggested was a tepid bath in order to break my fever. Suddenly, it was now my turn to feel tortured. Tepid water when one has a fever feels very cold indeed. I now knew why my children had screamed and cried. Worse still, was the fact that they were getting way too much pleasure at my discomfort!
How many times in our dealings with others, we fail to take their thoughts and feelings into consideration. Often times we think of ourselves a little too highly and do not do not realize the cares and burdens they are bearing. Often times we misjudge them for the decisions they make and shun them. We do not realize that if we were put into the same situation, we would react similarly in many cases.
Our Dear Saviour was always so kind and caring even to the ones who were most despised by society. He “went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.” Acts 10:38 Isaiah prophesied of Him, “The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD” Isa 61:3 He is our example, in spotless purity, in patience, in kindness, in gentleness, in courtesy, in firmness to truth and duty.
How He longs for us to allow Him to work through us. How He longs for us to speak words of sympathy to those overwhelmed with trials. How greatly He desires us to be burden bearers for those staggering under their heavy loads. Yet, how often we go along our self-centered way, thinking that all is well between ourselves and our Maker. How often we feel like we cannot be bothered.
“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14
The Pharisee in this parable was looked upon by others as being righteous and holy, but inside he was full of pride and selfishness. He did not know himself, however, and viewed himself in the same way that others did. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jer 17:9
Two men went to church that day, but only one partook of God’s grace. Only one had his sins removed from the record books in Heaven. “The LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam 16:7 Our Great Redeemer saw that Pharisee in a very different light than did his countrymen. He tells us, ” I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways.” Jer 17:10 He marked the way this man despised those who were not of his class. He saw the man’s pride and self-centeredness, his uncaring attitude, his “holier than thou” feelings.
The publican in this story was of the most despised class. Others considered him the “lowest of the low,” a traitor to his country and to his God.” So he considered himself to be. Yet, he went to his house justified. Why? Because he was sorry for his sins. He humbled himself before his Maker and asked for the forgiveness that our Loving Saviour so freely offers. John assures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 1:9-2:2
May we treat others as would our Dear Saviour. May we be kind and loving to all as is He. May the “love of God [be] shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” is my prayer. Rom 5:5
Rose

For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. Mark 12:25.
There are men today who express their belief that there will be marriages and births in the new earth, but those who believe the Scriptures cannot accept such doctrines. The doctrine that children will be born in the new earth is not a part of the “sure word of prophecy.” The words of Christ are too plain to be misunderstood. They should forever settle the question of marriages and births in the new earth. Neither those who shall be raised from the dead, nor those who shall be translated without seeing death, will marry or be given in marriage. They will be as the angels of God, members of the royal family.
I would say to those who hold views contrary to this plain declaration of Christ: Upon such matters silence is eloquence. It is presumption to indulge in suppositions and theories regarding matters that God has not made known to us in His Word. We need not enter into speculation regarding our future state….
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season.” 2 Timothy 4:2. Do not bring to the foundation wood, and hay, and stubble—your own surmisings and speculations, which can benefit no one.
Christ withheld no truths essential to our salvation. Those things that are revealed are for us and our children, but we are not to allow our imagination to frame doctrines concerning things not revealed.
The Lord has made every provision for our happiness in the future life. But He has made no revelations regarding these plans, and we are not to speculate concerning them. Neither are we to measure the conditions of the future life by the conditions of this life…. It is presented to me that spiritual fables are taking many captive…. To all who are indulging these unholy fancies, I would say, Stop; for Christ’s sake, stop right where you are. You are on forbidden ground.
The Faith I Live By p. 366
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Prayer Requests
—-Please brothers and sisters in Christ continue praying for my aunt, she has brain tumor and in great pain, she wants to sleep now. Vilma
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Dear Friends,
Shortly after marrying, we moved to Alpena, Michigan. The church there was growing and soon it was decided that we needed a new church, but most of the members did not have the money for it. One of the members who was a building contractor suggested that we build the church ourselves. The pastor offered to solicit materials from the local businesses.
The Great Master Builder gave the pastor success, and many businesses donated much of the needed materials. The members, under the guidance of the contractor, worked long and hard. Gradually, the building took shape. It was a magnificent, white brick structure with a large sanctuary with a balcony, a long hallway that led to rooms for the children’s Sabbath School departments, the grade school, and a large gymnasium. The members were united in their goal. Every spare moment was spent together building, painting, staining that beautiful, high ceiling, getting the children’s rooms ready.
I was honored to be asked to paint a mural on a large piece of felt for one of the departments. (This was years before there were felt backgrounds that could be purchased.) What a lot of planning I did before picking up a brush. Everything must be just right. I drew many sketches until the scene was one that could easily adapt to the various Bible stories.
When the church was finished, how the members rejoiced! Everything was perfect! Something had happened during that time: as we worked together, the bond became very strong. We became more like a family and spent many happy hours in fellowship as well as worship in our new building.
How important it is to work in harmony as David declares, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Ps 133:1 As we work toward the common good, those little irritations vanish and we draw closer to one another and more importantly, to our Great Creator. Paul speaks of the unity that God’s church must have, a unity that never compromises truth, but it united by it. These guidelines are good for all to remember. ”
” For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues” “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” 1 Cor 12:12-28; Eph 4:11-16
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom 12
Rose