Author: GinoCascieri

Christ has no hands to do His work today;

He has not feet but our feet to lead men in His way;

He has no tongue but our tongues to tell men how he died;

He has no help but our help to bring them to His side.

We are the only Bible the careless world will read;

We are the Sinner’s Gospel, we are the scoffer’s creed;

We are the Lord’s last message, given in deed and word;

What if the type is crooked? What if the print is blurred?

What if our hands are busy with other work than His?

What if our feet are walking where sin’s allurement is?

What is our tongues are speaking of things His lips would spurn?

How can we hope to help Him and hasten his return?

-Annie Johnson Flint

Our text is found in one of the outstanding experiences of the Apostle Paul as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. He is on his way to Rome. He had asked the Christians here to pray for him (Romans 15:30-31). God gave him a safe journey, but it was a rough one. The apostle had begged the sailors before they started on the voyage saying that the sailing would be dangerous and that it might be better to cast the anchor for the time being. “Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.” (Acts 27:11). Against the protests of Paul, the vessel put out from port, and Paul’s advice not heeded.

Paul was one of those men who lived in close contact with God. He had the mind of God. Such a man should not only be listened to but also heeded. The vessel had not gone far until it met the storm. It was not long until everything was shipwrecked. This is the story of a soul going its own way against the plain will of God. Let us notice some warnings:

I. Beware of Satan’s South Winds “And when the south wind blew softly…” (Acts 27:13). It was very seductive. It blew so softly that those in command of the vessel thought that there was no danger. This is the devil’s way of enticing a soul to Hell. His ways are smooth, cunning, and sly. He often uses the south wind of prosperity to lead a soul slowly away from God and a desire for spiritual things. Prosperity, in its mildest form, can be a dangerous thing in the life of an uncoverted man. The Lord Jesus said, “… How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23). Few rich people are saved. The Bible gives many warnings about the danger of riches, even to the extent of saying, “…the love of money is the root of all evil…” (1 Timothy 6:10). The natural man grabs gold instead of God. Beware of the south wind of honour, worldly friendships, and pleasures. They all quietly allure the soul away from God and the Gospel. Satan’s wind blows softly at first, but when he gets a soul under his control, then the wind becomes tempestuous. Hear the warning: Beware of Satan’s sound winds that blow softly.

II. Beware of Relying on Supposition “…supposing that they had obtained their purpose…” (Acts 27:13). They supposed that they were getting along nicely. Let us not rest our eternal destiny on a mere supposition when you can have the sure Word of God. Beware of merely “feeling safe” when you are not safe at all. Let not your confirmation, baptism, church membership, generosity, or personal virtues hold you back from experiencing the transforming power of regeneration that comes to the human heart when one believes the Gospel. Let us not rely on “a mere supposition,” but let us rest our souls on the inerrant Word of God that brings certainty and satisfaction. Every New Testament writer speaks very dogmatically about the necessity of conversion. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:12). Examine your heart now before the Lord and make certain that you have the life of God in your soul.

III. Beware of Self-Will “…supposing that they had obtained their purpose…” (Acts 27:13). Every man by nature desires “his own way.” “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man…” (Proverbs 14:12). While the south wind was blowing softly, these sailors felt they were floating along nicely toward their destination. They thought they were perfectly all right; they did not feel any danger around them, nor did they fear any danger ahead of them. Our wills are only ours to yield to the Almighty God. Do not allow self-will to carry you off the course that would lead to salvation through the cross of Jesus Christ.

IV. Beware of Feeling Safe When You Are Only Close to Safety. “…they sailed close by Crete” (Acts 27:13). Many a soul is very near salvation, but in that condition they are lost. Let us not deceive ourselves by thinking that we can disobey God a little and be safe. This is a device of Satan, and it may seem all right, but it is not. Agrippa said, “…Almost thou persuades me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28). The reason he was not a Christian was that he was “almost a Christian.” Almost being a Christian does not make a man a Christian. There was safety for the people of Noah’s day in being near the door of the ark. The only safe place was “inside the ark,” and man’s only refuge is in Christ, not merely near Christ. Millions of people in our so-called Christian America are not Christians because they are “almost Christians.” They have affiliated themselves with everything that has to do with Christianity but Christ. They have never put their trust in Him.

V. Beware of Consequences Acts 27:14 opens with some very simple words, and there are only four of them, “But not long after…” Dangers are not always seen from the position where we stand. The sailors did not see the danger. Paul had warned them of it, but they refused to hear and heed his warning. Judgment for disobeying God does not always come at once.

Beware of the “…not long after…” “…whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Beware of the devil’s south wind! Make sure you have anchored your soul in the Rock, Christ Jesus our Lord.

“I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” Psalm 119:59-60

There are three things that we should consider in entering the New Year:

Reflection. “I thought on my ways…” We need to think, not just on 2018 in itself or even 2019, but we should turn our thoughts to ourselves and our relationship to God. Are you saved born again?

Testimony. “I…turned my feet…” This is repentance. We need to turn our backs upon sin and our faces toward God.

Regeneration. “I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” This is the new birth. The new life shows itself in a desire to keep God’s Word.

May we enter the New Year knowing for sure that we are saved. If you are not sure, then make sure you have received the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart and believe God’s Word. “

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 A NEW WAY FOR 2019

A MESSAGE FOR THE CHRISTMAS

It is Christmas! The best diagnosis of the true meaning of Christmas was given by a doctor over 2000 years ago, and it cannot be improved upon. The doctor is Luke, and the diagnosis is found in the second chapter of his inspired “prescription”. Which is known to us as the Gospel according to St. Luke. In the eleventh verse, we have the very core of the message, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11) Note how clear and sharp is the doctor’s diagnosis! “…unto you…” – that is personal. “…this day…” – that is present. “…a Saviour…” – that is precious. There is all the difference in the world between Christmas and Christ. Millions make a holiday over Christmas and forget Christ. Christ is frequently crowded out of this special day, which is meant to remember Him the most. Holiness is hidden beneath the holly. The wreath is hung higher than the cross. Often the Saviour is replaced by Santa Claus. Yet without Christ, there is really is no Christmas. Without Him, there is nothing to sing about or rejoice over. Outward merriment all too quickly becomes inward mockery to the starved soul. It is time for us to turn back to that perfect prescription of the old doctor and spend a quiet moment with his words. “…unto you…” This a personal message, and there can be no evasion nor denial. What have you done with the Lord Jesus Christ for this occasion? You have remembered family and friends with gifts, but have you remembered Him? “…this day…” Yes, this day, this very moment! Thoughts of Christmas fill the air, and there is at least the passing acknowledgement of His person. But do you know that the thoughts of Christ concerning you are those of grace and eternal life? He offers, you the most wonderful Christmas gift available – the gift of your soul’s salvation. What will do with Christ this Christmas? “…a Saviour…” Yes, this is the powerful source of the prescription. The road from Christmas to Calvary is really a short one, for the Babe of Bethlehem came to die as the Sin-Bearer upon Calvary’s cross. Not “Santa” but the Saviour; not “Claus” but Christ. It is only the man or woman, the boy or girl, who has truly been to Calvary, whose sinful heart has been broken at the foot of the cross, whose life has been cleansed and transformed, who can really and truly know the blessed joy of a “heavenly Christmas” within the heart. How precious are those words, “..unto you…this day…a Saviour…”, when the heart is open to receive Him. How is it with you? Do you belong to the Lord? Or are you still passing by the manger, forgetting that the Holy Babe long ago climbed from His cradle and died on the cross for your redemption. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”, but we are “…justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24) MAKE THIS REDEMPTION YOUR OWN BY ACCEPTING INTO YOUR HEART GOD’S GIFT, THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS, AS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOUR.

C – Comfort. The Christ of Christmas promises, “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5)

H – Hope. “…Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27)

R – Redemption. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)

I – Inspiration. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16)

S – Salvation. The Bible says, “…now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

T – Truth. Jesus said, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6)

M – Mercy. “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8)

A – Assurance. “…the effect of righteousness guietness and assurance for ever” (Isaiah 32:17)

S – Satisfaction. “…he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:9)

 

All these longed for blessings can be yours today. They are all wrapped up in one “…unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15) – Jesus Christ. What better time is there than this sacred season to receive Him into your heart and life?” “Bust as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12)

 

Long ago David was searching for a way to show thanks for all his blessings. He cried out, “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” (Psalm 116:12). In Psalm 116:13, he answered his own question, “I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the LORD,”

Strange words, aren’t they? Showing gratitude by taking some more. Yet, it shouldn’t be so hard to understand. The cup of salvation is the finest gift God has to offer us. It was prepared at great cost because it meant the blood of His own son. None of His blessings in nature have cost that much. He created all the marvelous resources of this earth out of nothing, but the cup of salvation was costly-God had to surrender His own Son for that!

We are quick to take whatever we can get our hands on in the way of earthly abundance. We even set aside a national Thanksgiving Day. But don’t we look ridiculous when we refuse the cup of salvation for our souls?

How can you say thanks to God for food, shelter, health, freedom, and happiness if you have refused His cup of salvation? The real test of your thanksgiving is what you have done with Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

On the walls of a large room in a public building are two small instruments. As one glances at them casually, their appearance is similar. Upon closer inspection, however, we find that the one is a thermometer, while the other is thermostat.

The thermometer does its job well. It records the temperature in the room. It is affected by its environment, but it does nothing to change the environment.

The thermostat, on the other hand, is also affected by the heat or cold of the room, but instead of merely reflecting the temperature, it proceeds to do something to make the temperature as it should be in case it is too low or too high. It determines, in fact, what the temperature of the room shall be.

We meet people like that sometimes. Some are “thermometers.” They are affected by their environment, associates, circumstances – whether good or bad, they reflect that environment. They take on the mannerisms, habits, and conversation of associates. They “do as the Romans do.” They go up or down with their environment, but they never do much, if anything, to make that environment better, more helpful.

Then we occasionally meet some “thermostat” folks. They too, are affected by environment, in that they quickly sense whether it is good or bad, proper or improper, helpful or degrading. If it should be raised in its standard, they proceed to do something about bettering it.

The thermometer cannot do anything to change the temperature of the room because it hangs by itself. It has no connection with the source. The thermostat, on the other hand, is connected with the heating plant. It reaches and controls the source of power. It can and does, change things. A Christian is like a thermostat in some respects. He is sensitive to conditions around him, and he knows that it is his duty to do something to help make them better, both for himself and others. He is connected with the Source of Power – God. He can reach the throne of grace through prayer. That makes the difference, and the results are according.

A thermometer and a “thermometer person” conforms to the environment about him. A thermostat and a “thermostat person” transforms the environment.

If we are merely conforming, merely reflecting present conditions about us, thermometer-like, perhaps we are out of touch with the Source of Power. T thorough check-up would be helpful.

Everything is new when you become a Christian. The Bible says, “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

You Have A NEW FATHER

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:12)

You Have A NEW HEART

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)

You Have A NEW LIFE

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

You Have A NEW HOME

^“ In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2-3)

You Have A NEW HOPE

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” (Titus 2:13)

You Have A NEW WALK

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:” (Colossians 2:6)

You Have NEW THINGS TO DO:

Talk to God

“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” (Psalms 55:17)

Let God Talk to You

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105)

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

Tell Others About Jesus

“Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” (Mark 5:19)

Every day you live, you are getting nearer the time of Christ’s Return.

When he comes, will you be ready to leave the world and go to be forever with Him, like Enoch?

Enoch disappeared one day, and the Bible says it was because God took him. Why did God take him? Because he kept good company. The Bible says that “…Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” (Genesis 5:24).

It will pay you to examine your situation and make sure you are keeping good company. The apostle gave sound advice when he exhorted the believers to separate themselves from the lawless, the people who walk in spiritual darkness, the people who make idols of earthly things. To those who separate themselves from these people, God says, “..I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16).

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)

Paul posed these questions to the Corinthians but did not answer them, for the answer is self-evident. You may say, “But we have to work together, and live in the same neighborhood. We have to be friendly and cooperative.” Yes, but we don’t have to be intimate.

What Paul is opposing is the yoking together of believers and unbelievers. This would include the marriage yoke, the business yoke, the social yoke-any voluntary binding of oneself together in intimate association with unbelievers. He calls it an unequal yoke. It can be a very galling yoke.

How different is the yoke of Christ! Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

When the Lord comes to catch away his people, it will pay us to be found keeping good company and walking with God, like Enoch.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

1. TRY THEM

1 John 4:1-3  ^“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

2. MARK THEM

            Romans 16:17 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

3. REBUKE THEM

            Titus 1:13 “This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;”

4. HAVE NO FELLOWSHIP

            Ephesians 5:11 “¹¹ And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

5. WITHDRAW THYSELF

            2 Thessalonians 3:6 “ Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”

6. RECEIVE THEM NOT

            2 John 1:10-11 (KJV) “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”

7. HAVE NO COMPANY WITH HIM

            2 Thessalonians 3:14 (KJV) “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.”

8. REJECT THEM

            Titus 3:10 (KJV) “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;”

9. BE YE SEPARATE

            2 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV) “ Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,”

Too many people are looking to man for guidance rather than the clear teachings of the Words of God.