Vol. 73 “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” No. 11

"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." - Matthew 7:14.

ARE YOU ONE OF THE FEW? Turn to page 12.

November 2015 Editorial to us. We sing about it, we preach about it, we testify about it, we talk about it, but the half has never yet been told! “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, Thanksgiving while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We try to comprehend just what Jesus paid for our salvation, and we should, but what did the Father “pay” HANKSGIVING is some- for our salvation in giving His only begotten Son to die thing we should give to in our stead? T God throughout the year, not just on Thanksgiving Day. SALVATION IS A GIFT The Pilgrims had a very rough Salvation is not of works. It is a gift, the greatest winter. They had lost many of gift one can ever receive; therefore, let us give thanks the group in death, yet God had for this unspeakable gift. “O wretched man that I am! given them a good harvest and who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I they gathered to give Him thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord ... There is thanks. Some native Americans, who had taught them therefore now no condemnation to them which are in about planting corn and had helped them in other ways, Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after gathered with them for the occasion. the Spirit” (Romans 7:24, 25a; 8:1). I would point out, even though salvation is a gift, there is something we THANKSGIVING TO GOD must do to obtain this gift. The Scriptures clearly teach Thanksgiving to God is always in order. From what that we must repent of all our sins and forsake them. I understand we had a good season in our part of the Also, after being converted, we are to be baptized. country this year, while California and other western states had their fourth or fifth year of drought. Of THANKFUL FOR ALL BLESSINGS course, good crops are not the only thing we have to be We should be thankful for all our blessings. “Every thankful for. good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh We read in Psalm 50:14: “Offer unto God thanksgiv- down from the Father of lights, with whom is no vari- ing; and pay thy vows unto the most High.” In regard ableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). We to paying the vow, Adam Clarke comments, “The vow- also read in Psalm 103 that we are to “forget not all his offering was a male without blemish, taken from among benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth the sheep or the goats. ... Now these were offerings, in all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruc- their spiritual and proper meaning, which God required tion; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and ten- of the people: and as the sacrificial system was estab- der mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good lished for an especial end—to show the sinfulness of things.” sin, and the purity of Jehovah, and to show how sin Thanksgiving should be a part of our praying: “Now could be atoned for, forgiven, and removed; this system when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went was now to end in the thing that it signified,—the grand into his house; and his windows being open in his sacrifice of Christ, which was to make atonement, feed, chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees, nourish, and save the souls of believers unto eternal and gave thanks before God, as he did afore time” life; to excite their praise and thanksgiving.” (Daniel 6:10). “Be careful for nothing [be not fretful, worrying]; but in every thing by prayer and supplication THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR with thanksgiving let your requests be made known Let us consider some of the things we are to be unto God” (Philippians 4:6). Thanksgiving is a part of thankful for and how we are to go about it: our worship service: “I will give thanks in the great In the name of Christ: “Giving thanks always for congregation: I will praise thee among much people” all things unto God and the Father in the name of our (Psalm 35:18). Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). ALL OF GOD’S SAINTS ARE TO GIVE HIM It is through Christ that we have access to the Father: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man THANKSGIVING cometh unto the Father by me” (John 14:6). “O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: It is in the name of Christ that we are to pray: make known his deeds “Whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, among the people” (Psalm ABOUT THE COVER that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 105:1). An autumn shot of Morraine Lake in Alberta, Canada, 14:13). Don’t forget, it is with thanksgiving that we are “Let us come before his to let our desires be made known to God. graces our cover this month. It presence with thanksgiv- is a glacially-fed lake in Banff We should be thankful for the Lord’s mercy: “O give ing, and make a joyful noise thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy National Park. It is situated in unto him with psalms” the Valley of the Ten Peaks, at endureth for ever” (Psalm 136:1). What hope would we (Psalm 95:2). have if God was not a merciful God? We have no merit an elevation of approximately of our own. “Enter into his gates 6,183 feet. The color is due to with thanksgiving, and into the refraction of light off the THANKS FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT his courts with praise: be rock flour deposited in the lake Paul wrote to the saints at Corinth: “Thanks be unto thankful unto him, and on a continual basis. How God for his unspeakable gift” (II Corinthians 9:15). We bless his name” (Psalm beautiful is God’s creation! can’t fully grasp or understand what this really means 100:4).  THE WAY OF TRUTH PRAISE (Registered Trademark) By S. O. Alade, Nigeria Vol. 73 November 2015 No. 11 RAISE is giving honor, glory, and adoration to God. Devoted to the gospel of our loving Savior, the Lord It is an act of praising God and our worship of God Jesus Christ, who gave freely His life-blood, to save us P as demanded by Him (Isaiah 43:21). from our many sins, to sanctify our fallen nature and to KINDS OF PRAISES bring into one body all true believers, by whose stripes we are healed. High praise—It is a kind of praise offered in a very loud dimension. A fearful praise to God that moves some- Published the fifteenth of the month prior to the date of one when it is being offered (II Samuel 6:13-16). High issue by the Church of God which assembles at 12819 Point praise provokes God to work wonderfully well in the life Salem Road in Hagerstown, Maryland. Publishing office: of the one who offers it. Another example of high praise 12811 Point Salem Road, Hagerstown, Maryland, U.S.A. is the type offered Christ Jesus at His entrance to Jeru- The Way of Truth is published without any given sub- salem (Matthew 21:9-14). scription price, and is supported by freewill offerings from Heartfelt praise—This is a kind of praise that origi- our readers and funds supplied by the local congregation. nates from the depth of the heart. It is a praise that comes It is sent out free to anyone who is interested enough to ask from a blessed heart (Psalm 103:1-5). for it. We shall continue this policy as long as God sees fit Casual praise—This is a praise that does not come to make it possible. FOREIGN READERS are requested to from the bottom of the heart. This type of praise does not write us at least once a year if they wish to continue receiv- move God (Matthew 15:8, 9). ing the paper the following year. Address all correspondence WHY MUST WE PRAISE GOD? to: The Way of Truth, P. O. Box 88, Hagerstown, Maryland Praise is a platform for the fresh oil of the Holy Spirit. 21741, U.S.A. Always when writing, give your name and God dwells in praises (Psalm 22:3). Based on this fact, address clearly, please. praising God moves Him to come down by the power of —Alvin A. Craig, Editor the Holy Spirit to perform miracles, signs and wonders, Our telephone number is 301-739-2980 and to destroy all forms of wickedness (Psalm 92:1-14). These are the reasons why we must praise God at all Our fax number is 301-739-7173 times: Our e-mail address is [email protected] • God created us for His praise (Isaiah 43:21); also, it Visit our website at www.wayoftruth.org is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus to be thanking Him all the time (I Thessalonians 5:18). • The more we praise God, the higher the level of His intervention in our challenges of life (Acts 16:25-30). • We praise God because He is God Almighty, and for IN THIS ISSUE: His wonderful acts! (Psalm 103:1-5). Poems of Thanksgiving Page 2 • Praising God promotes divine healing, because praise For Poetry Lovers comes from a merry and joyful heart (Proverbs 17:22). • In praising God, there is an earth-shaking testimony The Dangers and Consequences and wonders and deliverance from the bondage of the of Rejecting the Lord’s Rule Page 3 enemy (Acts 16:25-30). • Praise is a source of long life, prosperity, and living Full-length sermon by Terry Deville in pleasures (Job 36:11). Living a Life Without God Page 7 • With praise, God is moved to take over our battles; therefore, David was able to cut off the head of Goliath Radio message by David Shaw (I Samuel 17:34-52). Bible Lesson of the Month Page 9 MAKING OUR PRAISE ACCEPTABLE “Abstain from Fleshly Lusts” BEFORE GOD The Question Box Page 11 For our praise to be acceptable before God, the follow- ing conditions must be considered: Our monthly feature • Our praise must originate from the bottom of our The Few Page 12 hearts. Full-length sermon by Doug Shenberger • We must live a life fit to the glory of God, and do not join multitudes to do evil (Exodus 23:2). What About This? Page 15 • At all times, we must acknowledge God in all areas Editor comments about religion of our lives (Proverbs 3:5-8). CONCLUSION The Children’s Corner Page 17 For our praise to be acceptable before God, the need “Live and Learn,” by Rebecca Bland to become a child of God cannot be overemphasized! Therefore, give your life to Jesus by receiving Him as your Young People’s Page Page 18  Message by Thomas Harris Lord and Savior (John 1:12). Radio Log Page 21 Stations airing The Way of Truth Broadcast PRAISE YE THE LORD!

November 2015 Page 1 WE WILL PRAISE THEE Poems John White Great Jehovah! we will praise Thee, of Thanksgiving Earth and heaven Thy will obey, Suns and systems move obedient To Thy universal sway. FOUNTAIN OF MERCY, GOD OF LOVE Alice Flowerdew In Thy wondrous condescension Thou hast stooped to raise our race; Fountain of mercy, God of love, Thou hast given us a Savior How rich Thy bounties are! Full of goodness and of grace. The rolling seasons as they move Proclaim Thy constant care. By His blood we are forgiven, By His intercession free, When in the bosom of the earth By His love we rise to glory The sower hid the grain, There to reign eternally. Thy goodness marked its secret birth And sent the early rain. God of power, we bow before Thee, God of wisdom, Thee we praise; Seedtime and harvest, Lord, alone God of love, so kind and tender, Thou dost on man bestow; We would praise Thee all our days. Let him not then forget to own From whom his blessings flow. THANKFUL FOR ALL THINGS Fountain of love, our praise is Thine, E. C. Baird To Thee our songs we’ll raise, And all created nature join I tried to count my blessings, In sweet harmonious praise. And found an endless store Of treasures—priceless, precious— WE THANK THEE, GOD All clustered at my door; There was, indeed, a legion, Edna Grandfield Unrecognized before. We praise Thee, God, for everything: For, ’mong these countless blessings For food we eat, for air we breathe, For shelter warm and clothes we wear, Were many in disguise; For summer’s air and winter’s breeze, They changed from tears to sunshine, Father in heaven, we thank Thee. Before my very eyes; All tinged were they, with glory We praise Thee, God, for everything: That reached beyond the skies. For love of home and friends each day, For every kindness shown to us And so, I pray: “Kind Father, By friends and neighbors on this way, Help me, through faith, to see Father in heaven, we thank Thee. That ‘all things work together For good,’ when I love Thee. We praise Thee, God, for everything: Oh, may my heart be thankful For Christ who died on Calvary’s tree, For all Thou sendest me!” For Thy great love in calling us From darkness into sonship free, Father in heaven, we thank Thee. BOW DOWN YOUR HEART Amy C. Phillips We praise Thee, God, for everything: Because Thou doest all things well Bow down your heart in gratitude We rest content in Thee, dear Lord, To Him who gives us every good; Content in life and saved from hell; Lift up your head and let us sing— Father in heaven, we thank Thee. This is our day of thanks-giving.  Page 2 The Way of Truth The Dangers and Consequences for Rejecting the Lord's Rule

2015 ICC Message by Bro. Terry Deville

TRUST THAT for the next few minutes or be rejected in this you will allow me to speak to you on Theme: time world. But you I what God has laid on my heart. Believe “GOD know, depending on if we me, we ministers don’t try to come up with accept it or reject it, there’s a message. We seek to get messages from SET THE STANDARD— coming a day called the Great Day of Judg- God. That’s what a minister does. Then PREACH IT!” ment. Depending on what we have done when he feels certain that the message is in this time world will be whether or not from the Lord, he wants the congregation God accepts or rejects us for eternity. Paul of people to be able to hear it, because perfectly understood this and said, “Where- when he considers the message being from fore we labour.” We have to labor. We have the Lord, it’s important for every one of to strive to get into God’s kingdom, because us. So please allow me to preach what the Lord has there are all kinds of obstacles and excuses the devil laid on my heart. likes to bring to us to keep us out of the kingdom of Don’t close your mind to what the Lord would have God. He will try to keep us out of the greatest thing me to say. Let me be honest and truthful to you, because that God has given to mankind. The devil throws as we heard this morning, truth is a valuable, valuable obstacles to keep us out of that strait gate that leads thing. It can be one of our greatest friends, or it could to the narrow way. Saints, we have to labor. So Paul be an enemy, depending on how we accept it or reject has said, “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present it. or absent, we may be accepted of him.” I can’t think of I love you all, and I know you love me, so let us anything better than to know that I am accepted of the enter into this part of this service. I believe you will Lord. I can’t think of anything more concerning to know pray and support me. that I might be rejected by the Lord. It will be one or I will be reading from Luke, chapter 19, verses 10-14: the other. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that GOD WANTS TO RECONCILE FALLEN MAN which was lost. And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Take note now: When there is a special work or Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom effort by God to reconcile fallen man and the people, in of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, effect, say, “We will not have this man to rule over us,” A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive there are consequences. Do you all believe what I am for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his saying? If we refuse to give our lives to God and sur- ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said render, in effect, that’s what we are saying. Now, we unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated don’t want to admit it, but that’s what we’re saying in him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not our hearts: “We will not have God to rule our lives.” I have this man to reign over us.” I want you to listen to am amazed at what the devil can get people to believe. the title: “The Dangers and Consequences for Rejecting Can we rule our lives better than God? Do we under- the Lord’s Rule.” stand the world that we’re living in tonight? I can tell There are many excuses and all kinds of excuses you, I want God to rule all aspects of my life. This is given as to why people are not surrendering their lives not a safe world. This is a dangerous world. I want God unto God. Jesus heard excuses in His day. If I can tell to be leading me every step of the way. Whether it be you the truth without offending you, I think it will help humanity as a whole, a nation or a society, a country us. Please do not feel offended nor shut your mind to or a city, even a village or a community, or a home or anything I’m going to say, because I feel that most often an individual, there’s a rejection by a special effort the problem with people is their own will in not sur- taking place. rendering to the Lord. You see, deep in the hearts of Let me tell you what a special effort is. It is the people, they want to run their own lives. Admit it or “Holy Spirit” coming to your heart. Do you realize how not, that’s the truth. They’re going to make their own special that is? We’re talking about God sending the decisions, and they don’t want anyone, even God, to tell third Person in the Godhead, the Holy Spirit, to speak them what they can do or not do, or tell them how to to your heart, to reason with you, to let you know there live their lives. That’s deep in the hearts of most are consequences to not allowing God to have His spe- unsaved people. cial place in your life. When that special effort is made, I want you to listen tonight. There is a God in heaven, it’s usually followed by consequences; maybe not right and His rule or His reign in your life will be accepted then, but a lot of times it begins at that time. When November 2015 Page 3 there’s a special effort and we say no, Dear Ones, it you.” But they are preaching a message on peace, peace, does something to our hearts. and it’s all built on a false sense of security. They’re There are many examples in the Bible. We will be secure in sin-you-must and can’t backslide and in eter- looking at some of those tonight. Also, there are some nal security. They’re living it up in the religious world, in history, and they teach us of some severe conse- and the Church of God is having to face this form of quences for rejecting our Lord’s rule. godliness which is all around us. There’s a spirit in the JEREMIAH WARNED THE PEOPLE religious world that’s trying to draw you away. I’m going to tell you what the Bible says. That’s not a good place One of those examples is found in Jeremiah 6. I to be in. Don’t be offended by what I’m going to say, but think we all can get some understanding from verse the Bible says, “It’s a habitation of devils.” Religious 16. This is just before the siege of Jerusalem and Judah spirits! You don’t want to fool with that. Do what Paul by Babylon. But God gave them an opportunity. Here told you: “Turn away from it.” It’s a false message of is what He says: “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the peace. I heard one commentator say, “Well, you know ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the heaven or eternity is pretty well-taken care of.” That’s good way [Praise the Lord, it is still the good way!], and false! Well, it’s taken care of if we allow the Lord to rule walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But our lives. Just because Jesus died on the cross doesn’t they said, We will not walk therein.” This was a special mean it’s automatically taken care of. appeal—“Thus saith the Lord.” He was telling them Listen to Jeremiah 6:15: “Were they ashamed when what they needed to do, and they boldly said, “We will they had committed abomination? nay, they were not not walk therein.” Jeremiah 6:17, “Also I set watchmen at all ashamed, neither could they blush.” That reminds [preachers] over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of me so much of today. They’re not even ashamed of their the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.” We abomination. They’re proud of it. A few years ago that have individuals who say, “I’m not going to hearken.” was kept secret, but now they’re proud of it. They call Do you realize how serious that is? I don’t think people it Gay Pride. They’re so proud of it that they don’t even understand how serious to say that to the watchman blush over it any more, but it is still an abomination on the walls who gets his messages from God and blows in the sight of God. Let me tell you something, we bet- the trumpet. “But they said, We will not hearken. We’re ter be sure we get ready. We’re fighting a force out there just not going to hearken.” that is powerful, but I believe our God is still more Then God said in verses 18 and 19: “Therefore hear, powerful than all the devils of the world. In Him I live ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among and move and have my being. That’s what I’m hiding them. Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this in, because there are consequences for letting Him rule people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they over us. He told us one time that the battle is not ours, have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but it’s His. Keep your eyes on the Lord. He’ll fight for you. rejected it.” That sounds like some pretty severe con- The Bible says in Jeremiah 8:13, “I will surely consume sequences. Was it because God wanted to bring evil them, saith the Lord.” Do you see the consequences? upon this people? No, it was because they said, “We will not walk therein. We will not hearken.” They were NOAH WARNED THE PEOPLE rejecting God’s way and rule over them. They wanted In Noah’s generation, “God saw that the wickedness to live their lives the way they wanted. of man was great in the earth, and that every imagina- Jeremiah 8:9 says, “The wise men are ashamed, tion of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continu- they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the ally. And it repented the Lord that he had made man word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them?” Do we on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. ... But understand that when we reject any of the Word of God Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:5, we’re rejecting the wisdom of God? We heard a lovely 6, 8). Noah was a preacher of righteousness. Through message today on truth by Bro. Greg. We better make the 100 years or so he preached, he warned, and no sure we love the truth, because there’s coming a time doubt pleaded with the people, “Get right with God! when people are not going to endure sound doctrine. Destruction is coming. Get right with God. Let Him be Why? Because they don’t love the truth. They reject the the Ruler of your lives.” It seems to me they mocked Word of God; they reject sound doctrine. We know what Noah. God is longsuffering. It is not His will that any the consequences will be. They will be turned over to should perish, but He will not always strive with man. fables. “After their own lusts shall they heap to them- He said that during His time, but it is still prevalent selves teachers, having itching ears” (II Timothy 4:3). today. It almost seems like we’re living in that type of “Just tell us what we want to hear.” The Church of God day, doesn’t it? Jesus said, “For as in the days that were is different. The preachers will tell you what God wants before the flood they were eating and drinking, marry- you to hear. I need the wisdom of God, don’t you? ing and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah Notice, too, verse 11 of Jeremiah 8. It is the same entered into the ark.” We know that when Noah went way today. So many are given a message of false hope into the ark God closed the door. That was it! Jesus being predicated by false religion: “Saying, Peace, also said, “And knew not until the flood came, and took peace; when there is no peace.” Do you know what that them all away.” means to me? The message that false religion is offer- Do you have the feeling today that we’re on the ing is not the peace of God that Jesus said, “I’m going verge of something? You know, God was grieved with to give unto you.” That’s the kind the world gives unto that generation. I cannot help but believe that God is you. I don’t want that kind. I have the peace of the Lord grieved with this generation. This same-sex law came Jesus Christ, which He said, “I’m going to give unto on so suddenly, right out of the bottomless pit. It’s Page 4 The Way of Truth affecting the whole world, Dear Ones, but it seems to Because you’re lost, undone without God. You need to be affecting the United States of America more than get out of that place. You need to escape for your life. any other country right now. It seems like everybody God has a home for you right here. There’s a welcoming is for it, except the Church of the living God, which for you right here. The Father is watching and waiting reminds me that even the Supreme Court were the ones for you to come. You need to get out of that place. It’s who used to be a line of defense, and some of the old a dangerous, dangerous place to be. If you don’t get out, holiness movements; but let me tell you, there is only there will be consequences. You don’t want to go there, one line of defense left, and that’s the Church of the especially when God is offering you so much more. Isn’t living God. We better stand strong in the gap, Dear God good to you in what He’s giving and offering you? Ones, because God must be grieved with this genera- I wouldn’t trade this for all the world. tion. The consequences of that generation stands as a They mocked Lot. Instead of taking heed, they warning to us today. mocked him. The angels got ahold of Lot, his wife, and II Peter 2:4 and Jude 1:6 speaks of a time of “the his two daughters, and took them out. Dear Ones, those angels which kept not their first estate, but who left daughters and sons-in-law who did not take heed but their habitation.” In other words, they were under the rejected Lot’s message were not spared. I feel for Lot. rule of God, but they left because That was his children, but still they rebelled and rejected God’s “I’m not here to scare you or God gave them a chance, but rule. The consequences Peter they rejected it. God is not will- and Jude gives us: God “deliv- anything like that, but I have to tell ing that any should perish, but ered them into chains of dark- you the truth. I love your soul—saved that all should come to repen- ness, to be reserved unto judg- and unsaved. You don’t know how tance. They suffered the conse- ment.” Can you visualize that? much I love your soul.” quences instead of taking advan- God has reserved in everlasting tage in making their escape. Are chains under darkness unto the you glad you made your escape, judgment of the great day those angels that rebelled Saints? Do you know where we are tonight? We’re in and rejected God’s rule. They’re without hope, without Beulah Land. We were in prison, but Dear Ones, when God, and they know hell is going to be their portion. the Lord set us free, He brought us up to Beulah Land. Why? They rejected the Lord’s rule. Can you visualize That’s here right now. It flows with milk and honey. that tonight? That’s in the spirit world. “And they shall That’s where we want you to be, Dear Ones. We want be cast into everlasting hell,” the Bible says. you to be with us in God’s presence, under His precious II Peter 2:6 says, “And turning the cities of Sodom wing. and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an Matthew 21:42, “The stone which the builders overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that rejected, the same is become the head of the corner.” after should live ungodly.” Did you hear what I said? They rejected Him. When Jesus was here on Earth, He The overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah is giving us an went to many, many people, and the Bible says that example today to those who are not saved. That’s what most of them were offended at Him. He didn’t meet up it means by living ungodly. If you’re not saved, that’s to their standards. “Who is this man?” The Bible says, the way you’re living. Again, don’t get offended. This is “He marvelled because of their unbelief.” He said, a warning by Peter inspired by God. These cities were “Even if a man came back from hell who was raised overthrown, making them an example to those living from the dead, some would not believe.” If the Spirit is ungodly. Going after strange flesh. Jude 1:7, “Even as working with your heart, there’s a special effort made Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like for you. If I were you, I’d take heed to it. Come to God. manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going God will be good to you. after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suf- JESUS WARNED THE PEOPLE fering the vengeance of eternal fire.” The consequences: they would suffer the vengeance of eternal fire. As Jesus came near the city of Jerusalem, do you know what He did? He wept over the people. He loved THE EXAMPLE OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH them. He said, “O if you only knew the thing that would Again, I’m not here to scare you or anything like become your peace, but you would not! Therefore, your that, but I have to tell you the truth. I love your soul— house is left unto you desolate.” During the siege by saved and unsaved. You don’t know how much I love the army, the siege around Jerusalem, I think it has your soul. That’s why I have to tell you the truth. What been said that over a million people died. Jesus said is this generation going wild over now? Strange flesh. that it would be such a great tribulation as never had They’re doing things to each other that I can’t even become upon the Jewish people. Were there conse- comprehend. God rained hail and brimstone on Sodom quences? We have rejected the Lord too long, Dear Ones. and Gomorrah and destroyed it, making it an example He’s longsuffering, but there comes a time we need to to us today. get on the Lord’s side. Lot was a righteous man. He had two daughters This is my last example: Peter and Jude said, “There that were with him. He went to warn his daughters shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their and sons-in-law of what was going to happen. I’m going own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his to put it in my own words. Knowing what was to hap- coming?” Listen, I don’t know if I’m hearing those pen, he told them, “Get out of this place. God’s going to words, but I see the spirit. Do you all see the spirit of destroy it. It’s going to come suddenly.” Please listen to that attitude today? They think we are just delusional. this: If you’re in sin, you’re in a dangerous place. Why? We believe a fairy tale. Thank God, I believe what I November 2015 Page 5 believe, and in whom I believe. They’re mocking. They’re I could really make it plain. You’ll be with all different scoffing at it. They’re saying, “You all said He was com- devils and Satan himself. Let me tell you, I’ve had some ing a long time ago, but everything is the same when struggles and fights with the devil. I don’t want anything you all used to say that. Nothing has changed.” to do with him. There’s no mercy in hell. It won’t be for Mark this: Peter said, “The Lord is not slack con- a few months or years, but it’s for eternity. Lost forever! cerning his promise, as some men count slackness; I can’t comprehend it. “And these shall go away [Can but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any you see them going?] into everlasting punishment: but should perish, but that all should come to repentance. the righteous into life eternal” (Matthew 25:46). But the day of the Lord will come.” Why is this men- Are you going to reject the Lord tonight? Please tioned? These last days are just before the end of time. don’t reject this precious Lord who has done everything II Peter 3 goes on to tell what shall happen: “The Lord possible for you. “What more can I do,” He says, “to will come as a thief in the night.” Do you have anything make it possible for you to escape Satan, his works, to get right? You better get it right now, Dear Ones. and the consequences of you being eternally lost?” Jesus said, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an CONCLUSION hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” You’re not going to have any time to get ready then. You need I know this is not one of those make-you-feel-good to get ready now. We need to tear down some things messages. I love to preach them, but I gave you what and build up some things. We need to make sure we’re God has given me. There are results for serving the letting God rule over all of our lives. “But the day of Lord. There are benefits, but there are consequences the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which for rejecting the Lord’s rule. Don’t let the devil keep the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and you out of this. The Door has been opened. I’ve used the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth the gospel keys to open the Door tonight. You need to also and the works that are therein shall be burned up” escape. You need to get out of that place. You need to (II Peter 3:10). That day is coming! I’m not predicting come home where the people of God are, where there’s it, but I’m telling you, there’s not much salt left. safety, security, hope, love, joy, and peace. II Peter 3:11 says, “Seeing then that all these things Will you come? Don’t let the devil keep causing you to reject the loving rule of our Lord. Give your heart to shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to  be in all holy conversation [living] and godliness.” Let Him tonight. me tell you the person you need to be: you need to be a child of God. If you’re a child of God, you need to be 2015 Convention CD’s surrendered to God. Everything needs to be on the altar, CD’s are available of these wonderful services. These may be purchased and as you go through life, you need to continue sur- for $3.00 each. Any orders of 10 or more $2.50 each. The complete set of rendering things to God. If there is any bitterness in 18 preaching services plus for 5 musical CD’s are only $50.00. our hearts, then let’s get rid of that bitterness. Give it Please indicate how many you would like by filling in the blanks. Send to the Lord. Surrender it to the Lord. Bitterness will check or money order to: The Way of Truth CD Ministry, P. O. Box 88, Hager- ruin you and others around you. So what manner of stown, MD 21741-0088. persons we ought to be? That’s almost a question that answers itself. We need to be right with God, making ___ #515 God Set the Standard - Preach It! A. A. Craig sure He is our King and Ruler. ___ #516 God Set the Standard Gary Alwell At the judgment, there will be consequences for ___ #517 Which Way Is the Right Way? Marion Trisler, Jr. rejecting the Lord, but there will be rewards for accept- ___ #518 Learn the Truth, Love the Truth, Live the Truth G. E. Tyler ing Him. Jesus said He shall separate the sheep from ___ #519 Rejecting God’s Standard - Clinging to Corruption David Shaw the goats. The sheep will be on the right hand and the ___ #520 The Consequences for Rejecting the Lord’s Rule Terry Deville goats on the left. There is going to be an incredible separation. He puts it in words we can understand. I ___ #521 God Set the Standard Raymond Martin don’t like the word separation—the sheep from the ___ #522 God Set the Standard - Preach It! Franklyn Bascoe goats. ___ #523 God’s Commended Love Harley McClung ___ #524 Divine Healing Message Marion Trisler, Jr. THIS MESSAGE IS WARNING THE PEOPLE ___ #525 God Set the Standard - Preach It! Rupert Shippy We want you to go with us. We want you to be on ___ #526 The Few Doug Shenberger the right side. We don’t want you to be separated from ___ #527 God Set the Standard Douglas Koerner us for eternity. But Jesus said that on the judgment day, He’s going to separate the sheep from the goats— ___ #528 Order My Steps Paul Wilson the saved from the unsaved. “Then shall the King say ___ #529 What Does Almighty God Think About You? G. E. Tyler unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my ___ #530 The Christian Banner Harley McClung Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from ___ #531 Don’t Give In Donovan Barnaby the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). What ___ #532 Salvation Marion Trisler, Jr. beautiful words! “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me [the most horrible words], ___ #269 2015 ICC Convention Singing #1 ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil ___ #270 2015 ICC Convention Singing #2 and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). ___ #271 2015 ICC Convention Singing #3 Dear Ones, if you’re not going to accept the Lord in ___ #272 2015 ICC Convention Singing #4 this time world, the consequences will be that you’ll be ___ #273 2015 ICC Convention Singing #5 lost forever. I’m going to make it plain as I can. I wish Page 6 The Way of Truth His glory and honor, but man has changed the nature LIVING A LIFE that God gave him into a vile and wicked one. Man desires to have the things that are present, the things WITHOUT GOD that seem important in life, and so he holds on to the things that are not good. He automatically denies the things that are good. “What man is he that desireth Radio Message by life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?” A Bro. David Shaw life without God is vain. (aired in Jamaica) We must understand the importance of serving God. The Lord said that we must keep ourselves in the nucleus of His love. He desires that our hearts be filled T IS another grand privilege to be with you on with His Word, with the commands He gave unto us to another broadcast. It is a privilege to speak to you live thereby. He doesn’t want us to live vicious and wild I and to inform you of God’s love towards mankind. like the animals do. He wants us to please Him in all I would like to speak to you from Psalm 34:12-16: our ways. We are reminded, “In all thy ways acknowl- “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many edge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, 3:6). and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and Oh, so many lives have been wrecked! So many lives do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord have been brought to naught, all because God was not are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their in the picture. If you are intending to have life in an cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, enjoyable manner, I invite you to seek the Lord. You to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.” have been told that it is not just when you want to I would like to entitle my thoughts to you, accept Christ. It is when He calls you. God converses “Living a Life Without God.” Think of with man. He constantly bids man to give Him his how awful it is for one to live not know- heart, and He will give him His Father’s kingdom, but ing that God cares, and that He is the down through the years mankind has rejected the call Author and Finisher of all things. I of God, and he is left destitute. I trust you will find it want to inform you that your life is in a necessity today to make God the choice of your life. the hands of God. He giveth life, and The things of the world look so welcoming, and the He can take it away. Man was made things you see around you look so attractive. Don’t for God’s glory, His honor, and for His forget they last but for a season. That which God gives praise, but man faltered along the path- is eternal, and it will take you to the eternal destination way of life and chose evil rather than good. that God has provided for mankind. The Psalmist came to a conclusion by noticing the In the book of I Peter, chapter 3, verse 10, Peter life of man as he lived through his days, and he began said, “For he that will love life, and see good days, let to be concerned about man’s future. He knew that man him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they loved life, and that life is only found in God. It is really speak no guile.” Verse 11 says, “Let him eschew evil, sad to see that man is seeking life in the wrong direction and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.” Verse in the time we live in today. Life can only be found in 12 says, “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous God. I’m speaking of eternal life after death, the life [Praise God!], and his ears are open unto their prayers: that Christ came to give by dying on the cross that but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” through Him we might live with Him forever. This Think of that! I’ll repeat it for your benefit: “The face morning I want to inform you that living a life in this of the Lord is against them that do evil.” Do you believe time world without God spells eternal doom. One cannot it’s really good that God’s face is against you? If you’re find real joy, real comfort, real happiness in this time not aware of that, I want you to know that God’s face world unless God is his friend, his associate, his com- is against all evildoers. He hates, He despises, and panion. God wants to have a relationship with man. He rejects the evil ways of mankind. What He wants out desires that man will find Him as his only source and of us is that we work the works of righteousness. God his only reason for living. Someone has asked, “What desires that man will find in Him the peace, the joy, am I living for, if not for Thee?” This is important. the love, the contentment that there is to be found. The Psalmist has asked, “What is man, that thou We understand that in the world of choices, it is art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou vis- very difficult for some people to make the right choice. itest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than That is what we’re seeing today. People are making the the angels.” So life is a valuable asset. It is the most wrong choice because it is easier to do. Let me remind enjoyable state when life is lived in health, in prosper- you, do not follow your friends. “Seek ye the Lord while ity, and in happiness, but let me remind you, those he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let things will only last for a time. Soon those things will the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man vanish away, and you will be left destitute. A life in his thoughts” (Isaiah 55:6, 7). Don’t forget this: you will Christ is the most important. When you give your heart stand on your own at the judgment bar. You will not be to the Lord and desire to live holy, righteously, godly, able to tell the Lord that your friends were the ones and soberly, life begins anew. That is a new asset. who instructed you on the pathway you trod. God has You’ve found something that will last for time and given you His Word as your guide. It is for you to obey eternity. God is the God of all. He made mankind for Him; and if you disobey, it will bring disaster. November 2015 Page 7 I am certain that no true heart is intending that and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed hell be his or her destination. Every conscientious from death unto life.” What a privilege! When you give individual desires to make heaven his final destination. God a chance in your life by committing your time, your How can you make it except the Lord be your guide? talents, your all in His service, you will be transformed You do not know the pathway ahead. It is not in man from condemnation to life everlasting. to do the things that are good. It is God’s Spirit that John 5:25, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour dwells in man that allows him to do whatever God is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the demands of him. So I pray that you will invite Him into voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” your life. Give Him a chance. Ask Him to take full I’m talking about your dead works of life. Christ calls control of your entire being. Ask Him to have an upper you to Him. If you will obey His voice, you will be hand in your life. Unless you are willing to submit transformed into a life of contentment, peace, and love. yourself, you will not be able to progress in the life you Verse 26: “For as the Father hath life in himself; so now live. The Lord desires that mankind will find hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.” It is peace, joy, happiness, and contentment in this world, important that we realize it is in Christ that we have but man chooses his own pathway. life. Verses 27-29: “And hath given him authority to We are told in Psalm 37:27, “Depart from evil, and execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. do good; and dwell for evermore.” That’s life. Life is an Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which eternal blessing. You need to understand, too, that all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall there is an eternal death, an eternal punishment. I am come forth; they that have done good, unto the resur- certain you are not going to choose eternal death. What rection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the you need to choose is eternal happiness, peace, and resurrection of damnation.” contentment in Jesus. So to have that privilege today, Are you conscious of the fact that you need God, you must make the Lord your choice. Ask Him to change and that now is the time? He calls mankind, and He your thoughts, your heart, and you will be able to live desires that man would hear and live. If you don’t hear, above sin and do whatever He commissions you to do. you won’t obey. The word hear in this verse means, “to You can have life in Jesus Christ. I want you to remind obey.” When you obey God, you’re admitting that life is you that He is the great Life-giver. It is through Him in Him and in Him only. The fact remains that man is that man finds life in abundance. always rejecting God’s Word and is more willing to obey Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief cometh not, but the devil. for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that God spoke through Micah in 6:3, “O my people, what they might have life, and that they might have it more have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied abundantly.” That’s a privilege today. Every individual thee? testify against me.” God has done so much for is able to have life abundantly, but sad it is that man mankind, and yet in the midst of all He’s done, man chooses death. The things that men do that are wrong still rejects and disobeys God. He is saying to you that will pronounce death at the end of life’s journey. Today, if He has done anything evil unto you, testify, tell it is man’s privilege and opportunity to choose life. someone. I’m certain if you do, you are accusing God Today, God is calling, “Give Me your heart, and I will wrongfully. God has never done anyone evil. I often- give you my Father’s kingdom.” What a privilege! God times have heard people saying, “God doesn’t do this, has intended that whatever we do, we do all to His God doesn’t do that.” What have you done to obtain glory, His honor, and His praise. Why not give Him a God’s mercy and blessing? You need to obey Him; and chance in your life today? Why not ask Him to give unto like a child in a parent’s home who disobeyed is pun- you the strength you need, the wisdom, the knowledge ished, so it is with God. He will punish those who need and the understanding to make the right choice? punishment. In John 1:4, it says, “In him was life; and the life This day is your day of choice. It is your day to find was the light of men.” What is that saying to you? life and to find it in Christ Jesus. Living your life with- Walking in sin, you’re walking in darkness. You’re out God is living in vain. Make the choice that will stumbling. You don’t know where you’re going; and elevate you to a higher standard in life. Life will be when you end up at the last day of time, you will real- worthwhile living as you make your daily voyage. Don’t ize how awful it is to be found at the threshold of eter- give in to the wiles of the enemy. Continue to seek the nal disaster. Why not change your thinking? Why not Lord and ask of Him to bless your heart with the under- change your ideas? Why not change your companion- standing you need that you may finally commit your ship? Why not seek the Lord today while He calls upon all into His trust. I oftentimes have heard people say- ing, “I’m not ready.” What are you waiting for? you? One song writer viewed the entire scenery and In John, chapter 5, verse 24, Jesus said, “Verily, asked these questions: verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life Why do you wait, dear brother, [Think of that today—life everlasting! The Lord offers O why do you tarry so long? spiritual life. You will get life everlasting only by believ- Your Savior is waiting to give you ing and doing. So many people profess to believe in God A place in his sanctified throng. but refuse to obey Him. It is impossible to believe in What do you hope, dear brother, God and constantly disobey Him. He desires that if you To gain by a further delay? believe in Him, you should obey. That’s when you’ll be There’s no one to save you but Jesus, privileged to enjoy this eternal life He speaks about.], There’s no other way but his way. Page 8 The Way of Truth Do you not feel, dear brother, Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in His Spirit now striving within? times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and O why not accept his salvation, of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. And throw off your burden of sin? Memory Verse: Dearly beloved, I beseech you as Why do your wait, dear brother? strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, The harvest is passing away, which war against the soul.—I Peter 2:11. Your Savior is longing to bless you, There’s danger and death in delay. Aim: To show that after one is saved, he is to abstain from fleshly lusts. I am certain the Lord is not willing that any should INTRODUCTION perish, but that all should come to repentance. A life OD HAS always wanted a separate people. There lived without God is a life lived in vain. A life lived for was a young man who was the son of Tera, who God and with God is a life that will last through time g lived in Ur of the Chaldees, which was in the and eternity. Peace, happiness, joy, and contentment present country of Iraq. They had a good home and can be yours today if you’ll seek the Lord with all your were living a comfortable life, but the time came when heart and commit your all into His trust. Why not say, Tera decided to move. He took part, if not all, his fam- “Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee; ily with him, including Abram and his wife Sarai, and Take my moments and my days; let them flow in cease- traveled to Haran, which was on the border of present- less praise ... Take my intellect, and use every power day Turkey and Syria. After they were there for some as Thou shalt choose”? time Tera died. May the Lord bless you and assist you to find in  After the death of his father, the Lord told Abram Him the privilege of having eternal life. He wanted him to leave. “The Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew BIBLE LESSON OF THE MONTH thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt A STUDY OF PETER’S FIRST EPISTLE be a blessing” (Genesis 12:1, 2). Abram’s nephew, Lot, and his family went with his uncle, and they came down across Syria to the land of ABSTAIN FROM FLESHLY LUSTS Canaan. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. “The Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto Scriptures: I Peter 2:9-12; 4:1-5; Galatians 5:16, 17; thy seed will I give this land.” The Lord entered into a Romans 8:5, 8; Ephesians 2:3. covenant with Abram, and the sign of it was they were all to be circumcised. I Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an Many years later Abraham’s seed—the Lord gave holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: him the new name—were slaves in Egypt, and God called Moses to lead them out of slavery. When they 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. left Egypt, the Bible says they were “a great nation,” 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. While from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; they were still in the wilderness, the Lord said to them, 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. people unto himself, above all people that are upon the I Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 7:6). Also we read in arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in Deuteronomy 14:2, “For thou art an holy people unto the flesh hath ceased from sin; the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations lusts of men, but to the will of God. that are upon the earth.” 3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will To be a part of the nation of Israel—the name the of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, Lord gave Jacob—all it took was to be born an Israelite revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: and be circumcised. They were to be a separate nation 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same from all others. However, the day was to come when excess of riot, speaking evil of you: there would be a change in covenants. We read in Hosea 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and 2:23, “I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will the dead. say to them which were not my people, Thou art my Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.” In this fulfil the lust of the flesh. lesson you will study about that change and what it 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the means to be a part of spiritual Israel. flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. MEDITATIONS Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of A CHOSEN GENERATION—I Peter 2:9—A the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. holy nation—The apostle Peter is not talking about 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Old Testament Israel in this verse! It takes something November 2015 Page 9 more than a literal birth to be a part of the nation he AFTER THE FLESH—Romans 8:5—We must speaks of. It takes the new birth. The Church of God make a choice—In this verse Paul states a simple is God’s chosen people, a holy nation, a royal priesthood. truth: they that are living after the flesh, living in sin, Under the Old Covenant it was the priests that repre- are going to commit sin. It cannot be otherwise. It is a sented the people before God, but now every child of natural thing to them! They will mind the things of the God is a “priest,” and they individually have the privi- flesh. lege of coming to God in the name of Jesus Christ. Peter It is also true that the Christian who is being led says this holy nation, this separate people who have by the Spirit, living after the Spirit, will mind—do—the all been saved from sin, are to “show forth the praises things the Spirit leads him to do. What a blessing to of him who hath called you out of darkness into his be led by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth! Jesus said marvellous light.” of the Spirit, “When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he IN TIMES PAST—I Peter 2:10—Now the people will guide you into all truth.” Verse 8—It naturally of God—Under the New Covenant with God, there is follows that they who are living after the flesh—living no difference between the literal Jew and the Gentile. a life of sin—cannot please God. God has never, and He has concluded all under sin, and when Jesus died will never, put His approval on sin. To please God, you on that cruel cross and rose again the third day, He must forsake sin. made it possible for everyone to be saved and a part of CHILDREN OF WRATH—Ephesians 2:3—All this holy nation. are born with a bent toward sin—Whether you call DEARLY BELOVED—I Peter 2:11—I beseech it carnal nature, native depravity, or Adamic nature, you—Having been born again and become a part of all of us came into this world void of the divine nature, this holy nation, we are not to continue a life of sin. No, and all go into sin fulfilling the desires of the flesh. But Christians do not commit sin more or less every day! God gave His only begotten Son so we could be delivered Peter says we are to abstain from fleshly lusts which from that sinful nature and have the divine nature war against the soul. Living a holy life is a warfare, through the experience of salvation and sanctification. and if we are unwilling to fight, we cannot be children Behold, what manner of love! of God. CONCLUSION CONVERSATION HONEST—I Peter 2:12— Speak evil—The word conversation here means “our Salvation does not mean sin-you-must after becom- manner of living,” so we are to live among the sinful ing a Christian. Salvation means, “deliverance from world honestly, and even though they may speak evil sin.” Jesus came to set the captive free, and the Word of you, when the Spirit visits them they will remember tells us, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye your godly life, and the Lord can use it to help them to shall be free indeed.” We do not speak of self-righteous- see their need of salvation. ness or church joining or just being religious, but of being taken out of that horrible pit and from the miry CHRIST HAS SUFFERED—I Peter 4:1, 2—Arm clay and having our feet set on the Rock, Christ Jesus. yourselves—Why do Christians have to suffer? Why We are taken off the broad road that leads to destruc- did Christ have to suffer? He lived a holy life which tion and placed on the narrow way that leads to life condemned some, He told them the truth which many eternal. We are translated out of the kingdom of dark- did not appreciate, and He told the Pharisees about ness into the kingdom of His dear Son. their “form of godliness” while denying the power thereof—sticking to their traditions which set aside the FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION Word of God. Jesus said, “If they hated me, they will 1. Who are God’s chosen people today? hate you.” He also said they would be hated because 2. Who is God’s Israel today? they were not of the world. 3. Can all be saved? TIMES PAST—I Peter 4:3, 4—Lived in sin—The 4. Who is a spiritual Jew today? word Gentiles, as used in this verse, means “sinners.”  When we were sinners we did sinful things, of course, 5. Have you been saved from a life of sin? but when we became Christians, we ceased the old life and began to live Christlike, not doing the things we VISIT OUR WEBSITE! once did, and some think it strange. Verse 5—We all Log in and browse our website and let us know will be required to give an account of the way we live what you think. in this present world. www.wayoftruth.org WALK IN THE SPIRIT—Galatians 5:16—The Spirit will lead right—Paul tells us in Romans 8:14: Our general services are broadcast live on this site. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are Sundays 10:40 A.M. & 6:00 P.M. the sons of God.” This verse informs us that if we walk Wednesdays 7:00 P.M. in the Spirit we will not fulfil the lusts of the flesh; and o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o of course, the word flesh here means “sin.” CONTRARY—Galatians 5:17—There is a war- SUNDAY SCHOOL LITERATURE fare—Just because you become a Christian does not We have a six-year series of lessons. Each quarter we mean you will never be tempted! Satan will do his print quarterlies for Adults and Young People, Intermediates utmost to get you to return to the old life, so you must and Juniors. We also print leaflets for young children. walk in the Spirit to have victory over the works of the Order your sample today. flesh. Page 10 The Way of Truth QUESTION: Psalm 8:5. What was the Hebrew word THE translated to “angel” here? Many say it ought to be God and not angel.—E. E., e-mail QUESTION ANSWER: As to Psalm 8:5: The word angel means messenger. Note this verse says “angels” not angel. BOX There is no way could it be God. The verse says that God made man a little lower than the angels. Angels are spirit beings; man is spirit Answered by the Editor and flesh, which makes him a little lower. UESTION: Is there any difference between being QUESTION: Why did God judge Eli for the corrup- Q sanctified and being consecrated? tion of his sons but overlooked that of Samuel’s whose —G. C., North Carolina sons were also corrupt?—S. L., e-mail ANSWER: You have to fully consecrate yourself to ANSWER: First, let me say, God did not overlook the Lord to be sanctified. It is possible that a sanctified the sins of Samuel’s sons. person may be called to be consecrated to a special work. There is a vast difference between Eli and Samuel. QUESTION: In the April 2015 issue, the last sen- “Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did tence of the message of Harold Barber’s says, Holiness unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that is the lowest standard we can love. How is holiness the assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congrega- lowest standard we can love? Comparing this statement tion. And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? with Isaiah, please enlighten me.—O. O., Nigeria for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. Nay, ANSWER: Isaiah 35:8 speaks of the highway of my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make holiness, and it says the unclean [the unsaved] shall the Lord’s people to transgress” (I Samuel 2:22-24). Why not pass over it; it is for the redeemed. As to the state- did he permit such to go on at the place of worship? ment you question, the word live is what was meant, Adam Clarke says in regard to Samuel: “If there and not love. Barber is saying that a life of holiness is ever was a heaven-born minister, it was Samuel; in required to be a Christian—to be on the highway that whose public and private conduct there was no blemish, leads to eternal life. and whose parallel cannot be found in the ancient or modern history of any country in the universe.” QUESTION: I need help on Romans 11:29, “For the When Israel demanded a king, Samuel challenged them gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” to say where he had taken a bribe, or misled them in any —I. K., Africa way. Their answer was they found no fault in him. ANSWER: God keeps His promises, thus the gifts In I Samuel 8:3, we read, “And his sons walked not will not be revoked. That is not to say a person cannot in his ways, but turned aside after [money], and took backslide and lose the gift God has given him. bribes, and perverted judgment.” As to “without repentance,” it has no reference to It is not that God was showing respect of persons. repenting of evil, as applied to God. It means He will He dealt with both sets of sons according to their sins. not change His purpose. QUESTION: Is it a sin for a Christian to buy stocks QUESTION: Are the horses in Revelation 6 and or be engaged in the stock market?—P. A., e-mail Zechariah 6 the same?—E. E., e-mail ANSWER: As far as I can understand the Scrip- ANSWER: No, the two are not the same. tures, it is not a sin, but you may lose money and not According to Adam Clarke, those in Zechariah rep- make money by doing so. resent “four monarchies or empires”— QUESTION: Does the Bible teach that we don’t 1. The empire of the Chaldeans, which overthrew need to save our money (open a bank account, an invest- the empire of the Assyrians. ment such as houses, etc.)?—P. A., e-mail 2. The empire of the Persians, founded by Cyrus. ANSWER: Jesus taught that we are not to lay up 3. The empire of the Greeks, founded by Alexander treasures on Earth, but rather lay up treasures in the Great. heaven. What He was teaching, as I understand, was 4. The empire of the Romans or of the Greeks. The that we are not to set our hearts on this material world, Greeks divided after the death of Alexander (End of for where our treasure is, there will our hearts be also. quote). This does not forbid having a bank account. Many people According to the early ministers of the Church of have an account from which they pay their bills. God Reformation, the four horses in Revelation 6 are: The apostle Paul, in II Corinthians 12:14, speaks of 1. The white horse was Christ and the early morn- parents laying up for their children. When it comes to ing church. saving for old age, for instance, I see no wrong in that 2. The red horse was the Pagan Roman kingdom. as long as you obey the Scriptures in helping the poor 3. The black horse was a symbol of the compromised and needy, taking care of widows and children, etc. church that developed into the Roman Catholic Abraham lived before the Old Testament law was church. given to Moses, but he was a very rich man, and he left 4. The pale horse was Protestant sects. his riches to his son Isaac.  November 2015 Page 11 Theme: THE FEW “GOD SET THE STANDARD— 2015 ICC Message by Bro. Doug Shenberger PREACH IT!”

THANK the Lord for being in service again this person to achieve, to go evening. I hope you all are as proud of our young through, to do the thing that I people as I am. It was inspiring to see all those who is necessary to attain that status. One of the reasons took part and to hear the beautiful song, “Glory I’m is, they’re looking for people who will never quit. Saved by the Crucified One.” What a wonderful, won- They’re looking for people who will never give up; and derful privilege! It makes life worth living; it makes when the going gets tough, they won’t stop, but they’ll life exciting. It gives us hope for eternity. It’s the best die before they quit. There’s a similarity there in Chris- way to live. To be saved, what a testimony! tianity. Truly, there are many more qualified ministers who God is looking for the few. He’s looking for the ones could stand and speak to us this evening, but we want who are going to be willing to do something different to endeavor to do our part for the Lord’s work. I have than just to follow everyone else down that wide, easy served the Lord and endeavored to live for Him long way. They’re not looking ahead, not seeing the destruc- enough to know that it’s a wonderful, wonderful way. tion, not worrying about the future, just living from It’s a good way to live, and we have a good message. day to day, and not wanting to hear about another way, We have a message of hope; we have a message of vic- the popular way. tory. We have the reality of a better way to live. OPPORTUNITY TO BE ONE OF THE FEW I’d like to read two scriptures from the book of Mat- thew. Matthew 7:13, 14, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: In thinking about how we can become one of the for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth few, one of the first things that we need is an opportu- to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: nity. We need an opportunity. Because of the narrow Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which way not being the popular or obvious way, we need leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” In some someone to point it out to us. We need someone to show ways, those two scriptures spoken by Jesus Himself it to us. We need someone to live an example before us, are some of the saddest and most sobering scriptures who helps us to see that there’s a different way to go that you can find. What a statement to make about the through this life than following the world and doing fate of humanity! whatever the masses of people do. We need an example, Let me read those verses again, and really consider someone living before us who shows that life can be what they say: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide better, that it can be more beautiful and worth living. is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruc- The Bible tells us in Romans 10:14, “How then shall tion, and many there be which go in thereat [Think they call on him in whom they have not believed? and about that!]: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is how shall they believe in him of whom they have not the way, which leadeth unto life [Where does it lead? heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” It leads to life.], and few there be that find it.” So we People need an opportunity. There’s a reason why have this wide gate and this broad way, and maybe off the great commission was given by our Lord and Savior to the side, maybe hidden, is a narrow entrance. This to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every narrow entrance doesn’t look attractive to the world. creature. It is because people need help to find the way To people, as they come up through life, it doesn’t look that leads to heaven. It’s not natural. When we’re born attractive, and they see the masses of people going into this world, there’s a seed of evil, a tendency toward down this wide-open pathway. They just follow along, evil in the heart of mankind. We tend toward wrong. and they miss that better way. We tend to make the wrong decision, to go the wrong What is the many versus the few? Is it 90/10? We direction. We need an opportunity to hear the gospel can’t put a number on it, but Jesus didn’t lightly use message, to have an opportunity to see, to grasp, to those words. He didn’t lightly make that comparison. realize there’s something different. He compared the wide and the narrow, and the many If you’re here tonight in the presence of God, in the and the few. We’d like to entitle our message, simply, midst of His people hearing the gospel in word and “The Few.” The strait gate, that narrow way, which song, just by that fact alone, you’re in a very select leads to life, how do you find it? How do you become group. You have an opportunity that many people of one of the few? How do you get started on that path? the world never have. Think of the people around the How do you get off the wide way? world who are living in nations where Christianity is In the natural world, sometimes you’ll hear about oppressed or hardly even known. There are so many people looking for the few. I think that’s a slogan of the places that you could be born that you would have Marines. They’re looking for the few. You see it in spe- much less opportunity, let alone the opportunity to be cial groups, e.g., the Navy Seals. They’re looking for a in an actual gospel service and hearing the truths of very few people, and they make it very difficult for a the gospel from the Word of God. “How then shall they Page 12 The Way of Truth call on him in whom they have not believed? and how When you’re in that situation and you hear the gospel, shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and realize there’s pardon for sin, you can be set free and how shall they hear without a preacher?” from whatever bondage that you’re in. There’s a plan The last half of our theme for our convention says, of salvation. There’s a loving heavenly Father who has “Preach It!” There’s a reason for preaching. The Bible perfected the plan of salvation through the death of His tells us, “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching Son on the cross for us. Think of that! This is the way to save them that believe.” It’s possible for people to be you become one of the few: through the shed blood of saved outside of a service, but they need to be preached Jesus Christ who died to bear our sins. to in some fashion or another, whether it’s an actual We cannot just decide that we’re going to be new preacher speaking, or whether it’s a life being lived creatures. We cannot purchase salvation with money before them, or an example that inspires them. They or good works, or beg for forgiveness from someone and need an opportunity to see the gospel at work. I believe receive it because of what we’re willing to do for that it’s difficult for a person to make it to heaven living by person in exchange. Salvation is a free gift. It’s a gift his conscience alone. I don’t know if it’s impossible, but that’s only available from God. He’ll set you free from that’s a difficult thing. We need the message of salva- the old life and make you a new creature. He’ll take tion. We need to hear the gospel. you off the broad way. The destruction at the end of the When we have an opportunity though, there’s some- broad way is not so far out in the long term for most thing more that’s needed than just that opportunity. A people. Most people who travel down the broad way lot of people have an opportunity to hear a gospel mes- have a lot of suffering now. They have a lot of guilt, a sage, to be in a service, or to see an example, but they lot of shame and problems, because they know some- need more than just to be there. Attendance isn’t thing is not right. Something is missing in their lives. enough. They have to be willing to hear. The Bible tells DELIVERANCE FROM BONDAGE us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” It’s good to attend, but to receive the We live in a world today where the devil has suc- real benefit, we have to pay attention. ceeded to a large extent in making sin seem normal and all right. We live in a world today where blatant, A CHANGE IS NECESSARY drastic immorality is increasingly accepted. It becomes If you want to become one of the few, you’re going commonplace. You know, whenever you’re around some- to have to do something different. You’re going to have thing all the time, you get used to it. It doesn’t seem so to go a different way. That’s just a reality. If you want bad any more. I believe that young people are faced to be one of the few, something is going to have to be with some very serious temptations today at earlier done differently than what everybody around you does. ages than others used to be tempted with. They are not Many come to church and have the opportunity to be very well-equipped to deal with them. I read something in the gospel service, to see the examples of those who recently that there’s a virtual epidemic amongst young are living for God, but they do their best to just ignore people being exposed to sexual immorality and pornog- it. They try to put it out of their minds. But if you will raphy on the Internet. What a world we live in! People listen and hear the gospel message and realize it’s for are becoming addicted to these things. you, and you see that there’s a better way, it becomes Any addiction is serious, and it’s bondage, whether something attractive. And if you will comprehend that it be addictions like smoking and drinking that you strait and narrow way and where it leads, it becomes thought of more in days gone by. But what about these attractive. things that people are becoming bound in, things that To make a change in your life usually requires that are mostly secretive to begin with? They’re destroying you see that there’s something better, or that there’s people. People’s lives are being wrecked and ruined. something you need. People use that in advertising all They’re in bondage to them. They can’t escape it on the time. No one gets out here and advertises a brand their own. It’s the reality of the world we live in; and of soap and says, “It’s not very good, but it’s pretty it’s not right, even though the world accepts it and is cheap.” No, they all tell you it’s the best. They want traveling down the wrong path. It’s the wrong path. It you to change what you’re doing now. They tell you will bring destruction and misery upon you. It destroys there’s something better. That’s the reality of human your ability to actually live a normal, happy, healthy beings. For us to really come to a place where we’re life. People are being robbed by the devil and by the willing to make a change in our lives, we’re going to world of all that’s beautiful in life. They’re in bond- have to see if there’s a better way, or we’re going to age. have to see that there’s something we’re lacking, or People who are in bondage to sin have a hard time something that our lives are missing. hearing and grasping the message of the gospel. It’s To become one of the few, we need to come to the hard whenever you’re bound by sin. Do you know what place where we see ourselves as we really are in the it means “to be bound by sin”? It means that the devil sight of God. We need to be able to see ourselves in the has some power over you. He has some degree of control mirror of God’s Word. Whenever a person comes to a over your life. He’s working in your life. He’s endeavor- place that he can see himself as a sinner outside of the ing to keep you under his control. He’s endeavoring to will and plan of almighty God, and he sees himself on destroy you as much as he can in this world and for that broad way and gets a glimpse of where that’s head- eternity. We think in the terms of slavery as something ing, he sees his need of something better. That person we would want to avoid at any cost; but the reality is, is taking advantage of his opportunity. He’s starting to when you’re bound in sin, the devil is working to make hear, he’s considering and realizing he sees a need. you a slave to that sin. He’s building walls around you November 2015 Page 13 to keep you under his control, to make sure that you tion. Conviction is a wonderful gift. It’s the Holy Spirit don’t escape him, and to make it hard for you to escape of God touching your heart and helping you to under- him. stand that there is some guilt in your life before God It’s difficult for someone who is bound in sin to that you’re responsible for, and that you need to do believe that there is hope. It’s difficult for you if you’re something about it. There’s a lot of people who feel bound in sin to really believe that you can become a conviction, but the walls that Satan has built around new creature, that you can be one of the few, and that them, the bondage that they’re in keeps them from you can be one who walks in that narrow path which taking action. Only the few stand up and move out and lies behind the strait gate. The devil does his best to change their lives. continually keep you from seeing the destruction that’s I’d like to read you a story. Some of you have heard ahead on the path that you’re on. The devil truly is a this and it is familiar to you, but I like this story because hard taskmaster. His pleasures bring guilt, and in the it talks about action. This is one of the key things that end despair, bondage. If you’re here and willing to hear you need to consider tonight: Are you willing to come the message of the gospel, it will become a mirror that to a place where you’ll take action to help yourself and helps you to see yourself and how you stand before deal with your needs? God. July 2, 1863. It was a hot, humid day, and a school- Someone has said: “The unexamined life is not teacher from Maine was in the fight of his life. His name worth living.” That’s one of the things we that we would was Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, formerly a profes- like to inspire you to do tonight. Examine your life. sor of rhetoric at Bowdoin College, presently a thirty- Think about the path that you’re on. Think about where four-year-old colonel in the Union Army. The place? you’re headed. The devil doesn’t want you to see your- Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He and his regiment were self as you really are. He doesn’t want you to see the the extreme left of the Union Army, the end of a line of future. He wants you to just look at today, right now! troops that stretched the whole way back into Gettysburg. Live in the immediate. Leave the future for itself to A withdrawal by him would open up the entire flank to worry about, because he doesn’t want you to see what’s the Confederate forces allowing the main bulk of the ahead. That doesn’t fit his plan. If you could really see Army of the Potomac to be attacked from the rear. into the future, you’re more likely to become one of the After five bloody attacks from the Rebels, Chamber- few. You’re more likely to be able to see your need and lain realized that his options were running out. More to desire a change. than half of his regiment was dead, and many of his The wonderful thing about it is that there’s power remaining soldiers were wounded. The Colonel who had in the gospel to break down those walls of bondage. directed him to his position was dead. The leaders of There’s power! You’re not just under the control and the reinforcements that had tried to help him were dead. influence of Satan, but there’s power to break down The forces to his right were also in very bad shape and that bondage and those walls. There’s power to set you could offer no assistance. He was outnumbered by better free. The devil doesn’t want you to feel the conviction, that five to one and the last attack had taken place on the guilt from seeing yourself through God’s eyes. He both sides of the wall, face-to-face. He didn’t know how doesn’t even want you to know that you’re bound. they had pushed the Rebels back down the hill. Some We need to see the reality of sin. It is wrong to of his men, he later wrote, had been punching the enemy disobey your Creator. He is our Law-giver. He has the with their fists. As they quickly surveyed the situation, right of creation. He has the right because He made us. it became apparent that there were less than two bullets He made this earth. There is a God! He is alive! We’re per man remaining. For all intents and purposes, the responsible to Him. Twentieth Maine was out of ammunition. Glancing downhill and seeing the attackers readying themselves THE NEED TO TAKE ACTION for a final assault, looking at what seemed to be certain The Bible tells us that God made man upright. He defeat, certain death, Chamberlain’s own officers coun- made man beautiful. He made man precious in His seled retreat. “They outnumber us,” the men cried, “and sight. He made man to live as one of His children, but we have nothing with which to fight. It is hopeless!” man has sought out many inventions, many evils, and Joshua Chamberlain stood quietly for a moment. he’s bound in those. But you don’t have to live a “Here they come, Sir,” a sergeant said urgently. Cham- degraded life by rebelling against God and His laws. berlain didn’t respond. He was calculating the cost of You don’t have to just blindly travel down that wide freezing, remaining, staying where he was. The cost, he road to destruction pretending, not examining yourself, determined was essentially the same as falling back. trying to put it out of your mind, trying to bury your There was no way that they could hold the position. misery or unhappiness and excitement in the things “Joshua!” It was his first lieutenant, his brother Tom. the world has to offer. You don’t have to live like that. “Joshua!” he screamed. “Give an order!” And so he did. You have an opportunity tonight. You’ve heard. You’re Chamberlain knew he had not been put on this earth to in a place where God is. You have an opportunity. If fail. But failure is the only possible result of a life that you followed the message, if you heard the gospel, if it accepts the status quo. We move forward, or we die! has touched your heart at all, if you paid attention and “Fix bayonets!” he barked. And his men looked at you see your need, you’re fortunate. There’s a lot of him as if he were crazy. “Excuse me, Sir?” the sergeant people who go down that path that far. asked, and for a moment, they all just stood there and It’s not unusual for people to have an opportunity stared. “They’re coming!” came a yell from down the to hear and to see themselves and to experience convic- line. “Fix bayonets, I said,” he yelled, “and charge!” Page 14 The Way of Truth As his men scrambled to fasten their steels, Cham- berlain drew his sword and jumped to the top of the WHAT ABOUT THIS? wall. With the enemy now little more than fifty yards away, he pointed his sword at them and screamed, By Bro. Alvin Craig “Charge! Charge!” and the fighting men of the Twenti- eth Maine Regiment, the pride of the Army of the Poto- RELIGION mac, poured over the wall and followed a schoolteacher “A religion is an organized collection of beliefs, cul- into history! tural systems, and world views that relate humanity The Confederate troops, upon seeing the leader of to an order of existence. ... A global 2012 poll reports the opposition mount the wall, immediately stopped, 59% of the world’s population as ‘religious’ and 36% as unsure of what was happening. But when Chamberlain not religious, including 13% who are atheists.”—Wiki- pointed his sword at them and commanded his men to pedia Encyclopedia. charge, they literally turned and ran. Many threw down “Many of the great world religions appear to have their loaded weapons. They were certain that these were begun as revitalization movements of some sort, as the not the same soldiers they had been facing. Surely there vision of a charismatic prophet fires the imaginations had been massive reinforcements. In their minds it was of people seeking a more comprehensive answer to their not possible that the beaten regiment would charge. In problems than they feel is provided by everyday less than ten minutes the ragged group of men under beliefs.”—John Monogram and Peter Just. Chamberlain’s command, without any ammunition at “The term religion has many definitions. None is all at this point, captured four hundred men, including agreed upon by everyone, but certain common aspects the commander of the Confederate forces. Of course, it and implications of religion can be observed. We define all happened because one man made a decision to religion as that aspect of one’s experience in which he charge. I have used that story to help you to see the attempts to live harmoniously with the power or pow- reality is, it’s difficult to take action. ers he believes are controlling the world.”—Handbook I know that you’re bound in sin, and Satan has built of Today’s Religions. those walls around you. He has built walls around you “All religions imply in one way or another that man that cause you to think about what other people will does not, and cannot, stand alone, that he is vitally think, to cause you to think about your friends, your related with and even dependent on powers in nature job, and about all the things you might have to change and society external to himself. Dimly or clearly, he in your life; but then, on the other hand, you feel the knows that he is not an independent center of force convicting power of the Holy Spirit touching you and capable of standing apart from the world.”—John B. helping you to see your need. You feel the convicting Noss. power of the Holy Spirit helping you to see the reality that there’s something better for you, and that you A BRIEF LOOK AT SOME OF THE WORLD’S could have a better life. You’re between the two deci- RELIGIONS sions and you don’t know what to do, and you’re strug- Atheist: It may seem odd to speak of Atheism as a gling with that decision. religion, but since religion is an “organized collection If you’re going to be one of the few, you’re going to of beliefs,” and since 13% of the world’s population claim have to take action. You’re going to have to get up and to be Atheists, then why not? An atheist is one who go. You’re going to have to make the decision that “I’m believes that there is positive evidence that there is no going to be one of the few that chooses the strait and God. narrow way. I’m not going to focus my fears of the The Bible says, “The fool hath said in his heart, future. I’m going to leave that in God’s hands. I’m going There is no God” (Psalm 14:1). The apostle Paul said, to find out what it’s like to be a Christian, to be forgiven, “Because that which may be known of God is manifest to be free from the bondage of sin.” in them; for God hath shown it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world CONCLUSION are clearly seen, being understood by the things that Our text of scripture are the words of Jesus Christ: are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so they “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and are with- out excuse” (Romans 1:19, 20). broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many Buddism: A way of living based on the teachings of there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, Siddhartha Gautama. It has many books and many and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few religions all under one head. It started in India in 500 there be that find it.” B.C. and split off from Hinduism. There are five pre- Will you be one of the few? You have an opportunity. cepts taught by Buddhism that all Buddhists should I believe the Spirit is here to help you to see your need. follow: 1. Kill no living thing including insects. 2. Do It’s up to you to take action. There’s no hope in continu- not steal. 3. Do not commit adultery. 4. Tell no lies. 5. ing on in a life of sin. It’s not a good way to live today, Do not drink intoxicants or take drugs. But no Savior! and it’s a terrible way to die. With Satan as a taskmas- Hinduism: A group of faiths rooted in the religious ter, under his bondage and control, you don’t have any ideas of India. One of the beliefs of this group is that hope. No hope in retreat. You can’t fight against him the cow is a very sacred animal and a possessor of great in your own strength. You have to flee with the help of power. “The Hindu views man as a manifestation of the almighty God to escape that bondage. Be one of the impersonal Brahman, without individual self or self- few.  worth.”—Handbook of Today’s Religions. November 2015 Page 15 Islam: Founded by Muhammad who was born in various splits. Among some of the largest groups were: 570 A.D. It is said that when he first began to have The United Church of God, which later suffered a split, visions he thought he might be devil-possessed, but his and The Philadelphia Church of God, which also suf- wife convinced him the visions were from God. There fered a split. There were various others, all claiming are a number of groups. The largest two are the Sunnis to be the true church. and the Shiites. The Baha’i are a split off from Islam. Mormonism: The founder of “The Church of Jesus Some of the beliefs of this religion: Christ of Latter-day Saints,” was Joseph Smith, Jr. In 1. One God named Allah—but he is so far above 1820, he allegedly received his first of many visions man in every way that he is not personally knowable. which led him to start his own church. They say, “We 2. Angels; all angels have different purposes. believe the Bible to be the Word of God in so far as it 3. They have five inspired books: (a) The Torah of is translated correctly.” However, they have their own Moses; (b) The Psalms of David (Zabin); (c) The Gospel “Bible,” The Book of Mormons, and they claim they are of Jesus Christ (Injil); (d) Qur’an; (e) Prophets; (f) The the “restored church of Jesus Christ.” Last Days. “The Mormons believe in many gods and teach that According to “Jihad” the holy war, it is the duty— God himself was once a man. Moreover, Mormon males when the situation warrants—men are required to go have the possibility of attaining godhood.”—Handbook to war to spread Islam or defend it against infidels of Today’s Religions. [Some seem to think all who are not Moslems are infi- According to Mormonism, man is a preexistent soul dels]. One who dies in a Jihad is guaranteed eternal who takes his body at birth in the world. “Man is a life in Paradise. spirit clothed with a tabernacle. The intelligent part of They do not believe Jesus Christ was the Son of God, which was never created or made, but existed eternally that He was crucified, or that He was resurrected. They —man was also in the beginning with God.” Joseph believe if your good deeds outweigh your bad, you will Smith—Progress of Man. go to heaven. So, in effect, you are your own savior. “The Book of Mormons, according to Joseph Smith, Jainism: A heretical movement within Hinduism Jr., is ‘the most correct of any book on earth’ ” (History but became a separate group. Started in India. of the Church). However, “the ‘most’ correct book has Jehovah’s Witnesses: They are a product of the work from the 1830 edition to the modern edition, undergone of Charles Taze Russell, born February 16, 1852. In some 3,000 changes.”—Handbook of Today’s Reli- 1870 while still in his teens he organized a Bible class gions. whose members eventually made him “pastor.” In 1879 Note: There are many more non-Christian reli- he founded the magazine, Zion’s Watchtower. The gions and many, many supposed Christian religions I Watchtower claims, “It is God’s sole collective channel could speak of, but I will stop at these and close with for the flow of biblical truth to men on earth” (July 15, some thoughts on true Christianity. Among the sources 1960). I have quoted are some from the Internet, and some This group does not believe in the Trinity. They do from the Handbook of Today’s Religions, and others I not believe Jesus Christ was God manifest in the flesh have not listed the source in every quote. and that He was a created being. The Bible is so full True Christianity: Personally, I do not like to speak of traditions and mistakes they have their own “Bible” of true Christianity as mere “religion” since there are called The New World Translation. so many and varied religions as is shown in the first Judaism: Had its origin when Abram received a part of this article, yet there is one verse in the New divine call from the one true God to leave his idolatrous Testament that speaks of “pure religion”—James 1:27. people in Ur of the Chaldees. God entered into Cov- Of course, pure religion would be true. enant relationship with him, which came down through We are told that the disciples were first called Chris- Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve tribes. The Lord gave Moses tians at Antioch, Syria, but they were not called that the law of the Old Covenant. He also gave the promise out of respect! They were being mocked, or as we might of a Messiah—Savior. say, being made fun of. However, it was nothing for the When the promise was fulfilled, the Hebrew people, disciples to be ashamed of, but it showed they were in the main, did not accept Him. “Judaism, while admit- striving to live as Christ lived, and when a person has ting the existence of sin, its abhorrence by God, and true Christianity, he will strive to live as Christ lived. the necessity for atonement, has not developed a system Of course, you would not have Christianity if there of salvation ... Atonement is accomplished by sacrifices, was no Christ. The word Christ means, “the Anointed penitence, good deeds, and a little of God’s grace.”— one,” and He is recognized as the Messiah. The Old Handbook of Today’s Religions. Testament spoke of His coming: “For unto us a child is Worldwide Church of God: Founded by Herbert W. born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall Armstrong, claimed to be the true church, preaching be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called the true gospel that had not been preached for hundreds Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting of years. He taught that England and the U.S. were Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Matthew and two of the ten “lost tribes” and that the Queen of Eng- Luke tell us of the fulfillment of this prophecy. Isaiah land was sitting on David’s throne, among other teach- speaks of His ministry while here on Earth: “The Spirit ings. He set aside his son, Garner Ted, in the late 70’s of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath who started his own church, which later set him aside, anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he so he started another! After Herbert died, the leaders hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim began to change some of the doctrines, which caused liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to Page 16 The Way of Truth them that are bound.” Jesus Himself tells the people in Nazareth that Isaiah was speaking of Him! “This day THE is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Luke 4:21). The one thing that makes True Christianity what CHILDREN’S it is, is that it has a Savior, a Redeemer. Many of the world’s religions do not claim one. Even one of the larg- CORNER est, Moslem, does not. Your good deeds being more than your bad is what determines your going to heaven. LIVE AND LEARN When we think of Christ and the atonement, we think first of His incarnation, which means, “in the A Bible Lesson by Sis. Rebecca Bland flesh.” John tells us “the Word was made flesh.”—1:14. “What about these shoes?” I asked my mother, pick- He could not remain as He was in heaven and be our ing up a pair of shiny black shoes from the rack. Savior, so we are informed that the Holy Spirit came “Hmmm,” my mother said thoughtfully. “I don’t on a virgin and she conceived and bore a Son that the know about those.” She held out a different pair for me angel named Jesus. I shall not give a number of scrip- to see. “I think this pair would wear better and be more tures that speak of His divinity, but He was divine; if comfortable.” not, He could not be our Savior. My heart sank as I looked at the shoes my mother Christianity is based upon the death and resurrec- was holding. They were plain and unattractive, with tion of Jesus—the atonement. “We also joy in God through thick soles and wide straps. I didn’t want to disagree our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received with my mother, but there was nothing I liked about the atonement” (Romans 5:11). “The proper idea of the shoes she had chosen. atonement is the satisfaction which Christ in his death “Don’t you think these are pretty?” I asked my paid to the justice of God, and by which the relations of mother, holding my choice of shoes up to her for closer God toward guilty men were altered. Thus, we see that inspection. the atonement was Godward.”—F. G. Smith. “Well,” she said, “the bows on those little straps are True Christianity is the only one that has a Savior! cute, but they have hard edges.” She ran her finger over Peter, in speaking of Jesus Christ, said, “Neither is the underside of one bow where it was attached to an there salvation in any other: for there is none other elastic band that held two ends of a thin strap name under heaven given among men, whereby we together. [can] be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, “I really like these shoes,” I insisted. but by me” (John 14:6). Paul said, “There is one God, “Well, try them on,” my mother said doubtfully. and one mediator between God and men, the man With a smile, I seated myself on the bench in the Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all” (I shoe store aisle and slipped on the new shoes. They’re Timothy 2:5, 6). John said, “He that hath the Son hath pretty! I said to myself as I saw them on my feet. life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” “How do they feel?” asked my mother. (I John 5:12). “For God so loved the world, that he gave “OK,” I told her. The place where each bow was his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him attached did rub against the top of my foot, but I was should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God so enamored with the overall look of the shoes that I sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; barely noticed. but that the world through him might be saved” (John “Are you sure they feel all right?” my mother asked 3:16, 17).  again. “You’re going to be wearing these shoes day in and day out for a long time.” OUR SERVICES ON CD’S “Yes, I’m sure,” I said. I could already imagine CD’s of our services are available for purchase. These myself wearing the beautiful new shoes to school and are $3.00 each; however, orders of 10 or more are only $2.50 receiving looks of admiration from my classmates. Ever each, postage paid. Please write in the blank how many you since I had become a young teenager, the opinions of would like to receive. Send check or money order to: The Way other children my age had begun to matter a great deal of Truth CD Ministry, P. O. Box 88, Hagerstown, MD 21741- more to me. 0088 U.S.A. My mother paid for the shoes, and I rode the whole ___ CD #545 Recognizing the Real Jesus G. E. Tyler way home with the shoebox on my lap. ___ CD #546 God’s Creation Brian Richards On Monday morning, I headed for the bus stop, ___ CD #547 How Should We Live in this World? A.Craig avoiding any loose gravel that might scratch my new ___ CD #548 Keep Your Eyes on Jesus Thomas Harris shoes. By the time I returned home that evening, how- ___ CD #549 Essentials for Christian Labor G. E. Tyler ever, my mind was not on my shoes but on my poor, ___ CD #550 Ye Are of God Paul Wilson hurting feet. I could hardly wait to take off the pretty ___ CD #551 Be Not Conformed to this World A. Craig shoes. The hard undersides of the cute little bows had ___ CD #552 Potential Mick Akers rubbed against the tops of my feet all day long, and ___ CD #553 When God Turns His Back on People A. Craig raw patches of skin had begun to develop. ___ CD #554 A Mind to Work Doug Shenberger I tried putting Band-Aids on the sore spots, but in no time at all the bandages were pulled away by the ___ CD #555 The Incredible Journey G. E. Tyler elastic straps of my shoes. How I wished I had paid more ___ CD #556 Are You a Victim or a Victor? Paul Wilson attention to my mother’s opinion in the shoe store! November 2015 Page 17 For days I kept the sore spots a secret, doing my Dear Young People, best not to limp when my mother was watching. Finally, Happy Thanksgiving! it became impossible to walk in the shoes any longer. This is a wonderful time “Mom,” I said sadly. “I can’t wear these shoes any of year when families more. My feet hurt too much.” gather together to cele- “Where do they hurt?” she asked me. brate all the blessings “Under those little bows,” I told her. “Every time I wherewith God has given walk they rub the skin off my feet.” to all. James 1:17 says, My mother shook her head when she saw the raw “Every good gift and places on my skin. every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down “I didn’t think those shoes looked very comfortable,” from the Father of lights, she said. She thought for a moment. “I guess you’ll have with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turn- to wear your old ones until we can afford to get you ing.” Everything we have, we have received from Him. another pair.” Well might we pause to glorify our heavenly Father. “I’m sorry,” I mumbled. “I should have listened to We should not only thank Him for all the material you in the store.” blessings we enjoy, but also for the gift of His Son “Live and learn,” my mother said. It was one of her Jesus and His plan of salvation. “Thanks be unto God favorite sayings. for his unspeakable gift” (II Corinthians 9:15). “Live and learn,” I repeated to myself as I sat on One of our local young people, Bro. Tom Harris has the bed in my room later that evening, looking at the been leading some prayer meetings in recent months. shoes that had caused me so much pain. Now I hated He was invited to bring a sermon (his first) on August them as much as I had once loved them. 30. It was very inspiring. I have decided to share it In time, the raw places on my feet healed, but the with our readers. scars remained for many years. All the best to one and all, and remember, “In every Today, as a grown woman, I look back and realize thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ that my mother’s advice came from a wealth of experi- Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18). ence. She had already “lived and learned” for a long Sincerely yours for His sake, time before she began to instruct me. In Proverbs 15:22 we read, “Without counsel pur- Bro. Greg Tyler poses are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsel- lors they are established.” The word counsel means KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS “advice.” This proverb tells us, in other words, “With- out advice, things often don’t turn out as we hope they By Bro. Thomas Harris will; however, if we listen to the advice of those who WOULD like to read for a text, Matthew have experience, we will be successful.” 14:22-33: “And straightway Jesus Children, learn to trust the advice of godly adults. I constrained his disciples to get into As you grow older, you will have decisions to make that a ship, and to go before him unto the are a lot more important than which shoes to buy. Fol- other side, while he sent the multitudes low the advice of those who have already “lived and away. And when he had sent the multi- learned,” and you will be well on your way to a happy, tudes away, he went up into a mountain successful life. apart to pray: and when the evening was Activity come, he was there alone. But the ship was In the Bible we read of a young king who did not now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the follow the advice of those who were older and wiser. As wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night a result, he lost part of his kingdom. Can you find his Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when name? (Hint: His father’s name was Solomon.) the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for Answer to Last Month’s Activity fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, These Bible characters experienced the sweet Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter accomplishment of their desires by praying hard and answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come trusting God in the face of adversity. Were you able to unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when name them all? Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the 1. Hannah prayed until God rewarded her with the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind bois- son she had so long desired. terous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, 2. Elijah prayed until rain poured from heaven saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched after a three-year drought. forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O 3. Solomon prayed until God gave him wisdom to thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And rule the people of his kingdom. when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 4. Esther prayed until God delivered her people Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped from the wicked Haman. him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” I would 5. Jesus prayed until God gave Him the strength like to entitle my thoughts this evening, “Keep Your to go to the cross to accomplish our salvation.  Eyes on Jesus.” Page 18 The Way of Truth As I was thinking about this message this evening, thought about what it meant to not be wise in our own I thought there are so many things in this world that eyes. Sometimes I think that means that what we con- are trying to turn us away from God. There are so many sider to be a good idea, and what God considers to be things that would cause us to turn our eyes away as a good idea are two totally different things. Peter did. This is a burden that has been on my heart I know from a personal standpoint I sometimes get for sometime lately. If we’re not careful, we can lose so wrapped up in my studies that I forget to spend as sight of Jesus. much time with God as I should. I feel like, if I know I The society that we live in today is not at all sup- have a test or a deadline is fast approaching, I tell portive of the Christian lifestyle. I think it’s fairly myself, “You know, Tom, you need to study for this. I obvious. Society, or the world, has its own set of pri- want to study now, and I want to have prayer later.” I orities or things they consider to be important. Now, can tell you, when I get with that mind frame, it’s not what we consider to be important as Christians needs very far. I know it happens. My study session does not to be very different than what the world considers go well. I do not get near as much time as I wish I could important. have; and in the end, I find that I’m so tired that I only The text that Bro. Alvin brought this morning, I have a few minutes to spend with God. That original have written down here. I John 2:15-17, “Love not the decision seemed wise to me, but it didn’t seem wise in world, neither the things that are in the world. If any the end. I find that the hardest thing to do is to trust man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. God with our time, but I believe that if we trust God For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and with our time in the beginning that He’ll bless with the the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the remainder that we have. If I have three hours to study Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, for an exam, and I decide to spend that first ½ hour in and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God prayer, I believe God will bless the 2½ hours that I have abideth for ever.” left more than He would have if I had just spent the I would like to take some time to look at what the original three hours without seeking Him first. I world places emphasis on today and try to use a few believe that is so applicable to every day. points to bring out one of the tactics, I believe, Satan The Bible says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, is so successful in turning people’s eyes away from and his righteousness; and all these things shall be Christ. added unto you.” Sometimes I feel that when we’re in Education is something that society puts so much those positions, it’s good to take a step back and look. importance on. If you want to succeed, if you want to Look at what’s really important. Oftentimes I go outside do well in the world today, you have to have an educa- and stand up on the porch at night and just take a deep tion. Just as equally applicable, I would say, it’s the breath, because it’s good to think of what is really same in the workforce. According to the world, if you important in life. Whatever I’m struggling with becomes want to do well, if you want to move up, you have to so small in comparison when I think about what really work hard and try to be incredibly successful. Society is important. It gives me a sense of calmness and the puts a lot of emphasis and stress when going as high grace to go on, and then when I go back and look at as you can go in the world, whether it be in the work- what I was struggling with, it doesn’t seem near as big force or in education. I want to be quick to say that I a deal. But that’s the way Satan works. He’s always don’t believe there’s anything at all wrong with educa- trying to distract us. I believe he’ll distract us with tion. I’m in college. Many here have gone to college. common everyday things. Many here have spent their lives in the workforce and I am thinking about technology. Isn’t technology have done very well, but Satan will try to make that great? In some ways, it is really great. All the programs the most important thing to us and more important and calculations that they have can do different things, than God. but sometimes I feel that it’s easy to get hooked on I believe that if our want to succeed in general is technology. I’m thinking about the computer and our becoming so important to us that we’re beginning to Smartphones. It’s so easy to spend time on them. Some- lose sight of God, we need to take a step back and get times I find myself wasting a little bit too much time our priorities straight. If we find we’re missing church on them. I believe they become dangerous whenever services, or our time spent with God is diminishing, I we develop a dependence on them and whenever we think we’re in a lot of danger. If we want to stay strong have to consistently have our minds turned on them. as Christians and be all that God would have us to be, I’ve told myself that God doesn’t speak in a loud boom- it’s so important that we have a personal relationship ing voice. If God has something to tell me, He’s not with Him. If anything is taking away from that time, going to yell it to me in whatever I’m doing at the I believe it’s becoming too important. Now, I know moment. I think sometimes that if we are too dis- everyone has responsibilities. I feel like I have a lot of tracted, God can’t talk to us if He wants to. God talks responsibilities. I can’t imagine the responsibilities of in a still, small voice. I believe it’s good to just go with- those who have children and actual jobs in life. out so many distractions sometimes and not allow I’d like to read Proverbs 3:5-7: “Trust in the Lord ourselves to become so wrapped up in technology with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own today. understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and Another thing that I see emphasis placed on so much he shall direct thy paths.” The next verse after those today is looks and styles. It is to a humorous degree two is one that I don’t hear very often: “Be not wise in sometimes. I’ll share a little story: I was at college, and thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” I someone I know came up to me and said, “I’m transfer- November 2015 Page 19 ring next semester, and I want to buy a book bag.” She what she has.” I would be like, “Get me away from rattled off her name brand and said, “But I know some whatever he has!” Does that make sense? at the college are buying the book bag and tearing the When I think of an example of self-pity, I can’t help name brand off. Do you think I should do that?” I was but think of Joseph. I think so much can be learned like, I don’t know, and I said, “You mean such-and-such from the life of Joseph. So many messages could be a name brand?” She said, “Yes, that’s the one.” And I preached on the life of Joseph. But if there was ever said, “Isn’t that the name brand Walmart sells?” Her anyone who had a right to feel sorry for himself (if one mouth dropped open, “Well, then I’m definitely taking has a right to feel sorry for himself), it was definitely it off.” The emphasis that some people put on such Joseph. He was hated so much. He was sold by his superfluous, outward things! It is sometimes funny, but family, then he was built up, and then had his feet cut it seems sort of sad. So much importance is placed on right out from under him again. But through it all, something that matters so little. Joseph kept his eyes on God. He kept the joy of God in Some people base their confidence on how they feel his heart. There’s a verse in the Bible which says, “All they should look. People base their confidence on how things work together for good to them that love God.” fit they feel. A lot of people say, “You have to go to the I believe that verse was truly portrayed in Joseph’s life. gym. You have to work out. You have to get so fit.” There That verse has so often been a comfort to me. Knowing is so much emphasis based on this, and it’s the wrong that our hearts are in the right place, we know all things thing the emphasis is placed on. If we come to the place work together for the good of them who serve Him. where we realize that’s happening, I believe we’re los- I believe that losing sight of Jesus can sometimes ing sight of Jesus. We’re allowing something to distract be a lot easier than we might think. One of the favorite us and catch our eyes and turn us away. Paul told stories I have in the Bible is in Matthew 19. We read Timothy, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godli- of a young man, the rich young ruler, who came to Jesus. ness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the He had a very good question for Jesus. He said, “Good life that now is, and of that which is to come.” I don’t Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have believe Paul would have mentioned that if it hadn’t eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “If thou wilt enter into been important. The world places way too much empha- life, keep the commandments. Thou shalt do no murder, sis on how we look. Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, I’ve mentioned all those things with no one par- Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father ticularly in mind. Surely, there are so many other things and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as we could apply to this, but this is one of the tactics that thyself.” The young man said to Jesus, “Jesus, I’ve done Satan uses. He takes things that are implicitly not all of those things from my youth.” Then he said, “What wrong in themselves. Education is great. There’s noth- lack I yet?” He knew something was missing in his heart. ing wrong with technology. There’s nothing wrong with Jesus said unto him, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell looking nice. There’s nothing wrong with exercising, that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have but Satan would have us to blow these things way up treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” out of proportion. He’ll try to cloud our minds with I can picture that young man throughout that con- them. That’s when they start to be a danger. versation. I believe when he initially came to Jesus, he I feel that we need to be on our guard and examine was probably excited. He had a question for Jesus. He ourselves all the time. Bro. Brian mentioned in a mes- wanted to get the answer. He believed Jesus would give sage recently that he believes it is a good idea some- him the answer. Then as Jesus began to tell him what times in the evening before you go to bed to take a he needed to do, I believe disbelief came over his face, minute to reflect on how your day went, on what you and then fear. Jesus told him to give up something that think you can do differently. I’ve tried to do that, and he loved. I think it is safe to assume that this young I think it is a very good idea. We need to be so care- man was a very religious person. He told the Lord, “I’ve ful. kept the commandments from my youth.” But I think I want to take a step slightly backwards from these as he was growing up, at some point, he started to make tactics that Satan uses as things of the world and look money. Maybe he was very smart, maybe just a hard at something else, something a little bit more subtle. worker, but somewhere along the line, I’m pretty sure, Again, this is something I talk about because I have probably without him really realizing it, his riches began experience with it, and that is self-pity. If Satan can to mean more to him than his personal relationship with cause us to feel sorry for ourselves as Christians, he God. When Jesus told him he must give them up, he has us in a great place for himself. Now, anyone will couldn’t do it. The Bible says, “He went away sorrowful.” readily testify to the fact that life isn’t all fun and He was sorry, but he couldn’t give his riches up. He had games. It’s not always smooth sailing; but you know, if allowed them to turn his eyes off the Lord. Satan can rob us of our joy and make us feel sorry for You know, just one thing can keep our eyes away ourselves, he robs us of our strength. How true that is! from Jesus. One thing can keep us out of heaven. It The joy of the Lord is our strength. With our strength tears my heart out that there are so many people who gone, I believe we become vulnerable to his attacks and don’t understand. If you think it sounds hard that we become depressed and discouraged. I believe that we’re must be willing to sacrifice anything and everything not able to serve God to our fullest extent. I believe we for Jesus, you don’t understand. Jesus said, “My yoke become a bad example of a Christian. If we’re walking is easy, and my burden is light.” If there is something around depressed and discouraged, I’m pretty sure no that is standing in the way of people becoming Chris- one is going to say, “I want what he has,” or “I want tians, I think that they don’t understand. God can help. Page 20 The Way of Truth He can take away any problem. I think so many people Kentucky, Prestonsburg, WDOC 1310, 7:30 A.M. decide not to become Christians simply because they 5,000 Watts—Heard in part of KY, WV and VA have one thing standing in their way, but they don’t Louisiana, Ball, KWDF 840, 9:00 A.M. understand. 10,000 Watts—Heard in part of TX, AR, MS and LA God can change your life and turn it completely North Carolina, Mooresville, WHIP 1350, 6:30 A.M. Sat. around. The one thing that you might be struggling 1,000 Watts—Heard in part of NC over and holding you back, once you give your heart to Listen live—tunein.com/radio/whip-1350-s29320/ Jesus, you won’t care anymore. It doesn’t even matter. Some things in life seem so big, and it’s so hard to give Oklahoma, Marlow, KFXI-FM 92.1, 7:00 A.M. up some things, but God can make anyone a new crea- 100,000 Watts—Heard in part of OK and TX ture. I wish I could get inside of everybody’s head and Oklahoma, Sulphur, KFXT-FM 90.7, 8:30 A.M. make them understand what it means to be a Christian. 7,000 Watts—Heard in part of OK It’s not bondage; it’s not slavery. Jesus’ yoke is easy, Pennsylvania, Altoona, WFBG 1290, 9:00 A.M. and His burden is light. Matthew 16:25, “For what is 5,000 Watts—Heard in part of PA and MD a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and Pennsylvania, Martinsburg, WJSM 1110, 11:03 A.M. lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange 1,000 Watts—Heard in part of PA Listen live—Go to www.wjsm.com for his soul?” So many people think that they have one Pennsylvania, Martinsburg, WJSM-FM 92.7, 11:03 A.M. & 7:30 P.M. thing to lose, but they have the world to gain. There’s 1,460 Watts—Heard in part of PA Listen live—Go to www.wjsm.com nothing to lose by giving your life over to God. People just don’t understand. Tennessee, Chattanooga, WJOC 1490, 9:00 A.M. Sun. & 5:00 P.M. Sat. Again, I believe it is so important for us as Chris- 1,000 Watts—Heard in part of TN, GA and AL Listen live—Go to www.wjoc.com tians to take the time to examine ourselves and to make Virginia, Blacksburg, WKNV 890, 8:00 A.M. sure that there isn’t something that’s threatening to 10,000 Watts—Heard in part of VA, WV and NC take away our eyes from Jesus. We are in a dangerous Virginia, Lynchburg, WKPA 1390, 1:30 P.M. Fri., 5:30 P.M. Sat. & 6:00 A.M. Sun. position if Satan can cause our eyes to be diverted from 4,700 Watts—Heard in part of VA Jesus. As Peter did, we’ll sink. Virginia, Lynchburg, WKPA-FM 106.7, 1:30 P.M. Fri., 5:30 P.M. Sat. & 6:00 A.M. Sun. If you’re a Christian, that is so wonderful. I would 250 Watts—Heard in part of VA encourage each and everyone to keep your eyes on Jesus, to be careful, to be vigilant. If you’re here tonight Virginia, Roanoke, WKBA 1550,1:30 P.M. Fri., 5:30 P.M. Sat. & 6:00 A.M. Sun. and you know that your eyes aren’t on Jesus, or if you 10,000 Watts—Heard in part of VA and WV know your eyes are threatening to be diverted, it is Listen live—Go to www.wkbaradio.com something you need to fix now. It is something that will Virginia, Smithfield, WKGM 940, 6:30 A.M. only be harder later. 10,000 Watts—Heard in part of VA and NC I know my thoughts have been short, but I trust West Virginia, Summersville, WCWV 92.9, 8:30 A.M. they were a blessing. Saints, let us always do our best 50,000 Watts—Heard in part of VA and WV to keep our eyes on Jesus. We have heaven as our home in the end, and in this world we have peace and joy, INTERNATIONAL and a Friend to turn to. I wouldn’t trade the Christian PHILIPPINES, Malaybalay, Valencia, Bukidnon, Mindanao life for anything in this world. No one will ever tell you DXWS-105.3 FM, Saturdays at 1:30 P.M. & Sundays at 2:30 P.M. that he was sorry he became a Christian. PHILIPPINES, Sariaya, Quezon DZNG 107.7-FM 3:00 P.M. Sunday God bless you all.  Listen live—Go to www.radyokaisahanary.ustream.tv JAMAICA, MELLO-FM, 88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 7:00 A.M. Sundays Radio Log Heard throughout Jamaica SHORTWAVE The Way of Truth Broadcast WWCR, Nashville, Tennessee 4.840 on SW band Alvin A. Craig, Radio Minister Sunday, 7:30 A.M. Eastern Time—12:30 G.M.T. Listen live—Go to www.wwcr.com Check the following listing to find a station near you that airs the truth and then tune in! WINB, Red Lion, Pennsylvania 9.320 on SW band (Aired on Sundays unless otherwise noted.) Friday, 9:30 P.M. Eastern Time, Saturday, 9:30 P.M. Eastern Time—2:30 G.M.T. Listen live—Go to www.winb.com Alabama, Mobile, WIJD 1270, AM & 95.7 FM 6:00 A.M. 5,000 Watts—Heard in part of AL, and MS Arkansas, No. Little Rock, KMTL 760, 10:30 A.M. Listen to The Way of Truth Broadcast at any 10,000 Watts—Heard in part of AR, MO, TN, MS and LA time on the world-wide web at Listen live—Go to www.kmtl760am.com www.wayoftruth.org Georgia, Augusta, WFAM 1050, 9:30 A.M. 5,000 Watts—Heard in part of GA and SC Illinois, Carmi, WROY 1460, 9:00 A.M. THE BIBLE STANDARD BROADCAST 1,000 Watts—Heard in part of IL and IN Church of God (Universal) James Arch, Pastor Kentucky, Lancaster, WKYY 1280, 7:00 A.M. Sat. Radio Cayman 1:30 P.M. Sun. Grand Cayman 1,000 Watts—Heard in part of KY Listen live—Go to www.radiocayman.gov.ky November 2015 Page 21 Church of God (Universal), Inc. Non-Profit Organization The Way of Truth U. S. POSTAGE PAID P. O. Box 88 Mercersburg, PA Hagerstown, MD 21741–0088 U.S.A. Permit No. 15

COMING MEETINGS THE CHURCH OF GOD 2015 CAYMAN CONVENTION STANDS FOR 83-A Walkers Rd. An eternal God Psalm 90:2 A divine Christ John 1:1, 14 George Town, Grand Cayman An infallibly inspired Bible II Timothy 3:16 November 24-29, 2015, Lord willing Salvation from sin Matthew 1:21 The new birth John 3:1-7 Bro. James Arch, Host Pastor Entire Sanctification Ephesians 5:25, 26  A holy life Titus 2:11, 12 Hebrews 12:10-14 2015 PHILIPPINE CONVENTION Unity of God’s people John 17:21 I Corinthians 12:13 Lacayanga Subdivision Divine Healing James 5:14, 15 Paniqui, Tarlac, Luzon The ordinances Matthew 28:19, 20 Eternal life Matthew 25:46 December 26-30, 2015, Lord willing John 3:15; 6:54; 10:28 Bro. Reynaldo Fabian, Host Pastor Eternal punishment Mark 9:43-46 Revelation 20:15  2016 JAMAICA CONVENTION YOU SHOULD KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CHURCH OF GOD, Lapland, Catadupa, St. James THE CHURCH OF THE NEW TESTAMENT February 9-14, 2016, Lord willing Jesus bought it with His own blood Acts 20:28 Bro. Hezekiah Lamey, Host Pastor It has a good foundation Ephesians 2:20 I Corinthians 3:11  Christ is the Head Ephesians 1:22; 5:23 Isaiah 9:6 2016 HONDURAS CONVENTION Christ is the Door John 10:9 John 10:1 Sandy Bay, Roatan Acts 2:47 Only the saved are members John 15:2-6 April 5-10, 2016, Lord willing I John 3:8, 9 Bro. Garry Jeffries, Host Pastor Membership is offered to all II Peter 3:9 Revelation 22:17 PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE MEETINGS Membership is rewarded John 14:2, 3