Category: General

The blood is important because “… the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1 :7). It is through the blood that we have redemption, “…for thou…hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

Through the blood we have “…propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

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

Through the blood we have peace with God, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross … ” (Colossians 1 :20).

Through the blood we have nearness to God, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2: 13).

Through the blood of Christ we are sanctified, “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate” (Hebrews 13: 12).

Through the blood we have cleansing from sin as we walk in the light as He is in the light, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1 :7).

Through the blood of Christ we shall have victory over Satan in the last and final conflict, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12: 11 ).

There is no salvation without the blood of Jesus. Beware of any religion without the blood! There may be solemn services, but without the blood there is no life. There may be splendid ceremonies, beautiful music, scholarly preachers, but without the blood of Jesus there is no life.

There are various features of the work of the Holy Spirit of which it is interesting and important to distinguish. We know that He is the active Agent of all God’s work. Thus, in connection with creation, we read that, “… the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Genesis 1 :2). So, too, in God’s providential care and the administration of order upon the earth, no doubt, the Spirit is the Agent. But in speaking of that work which is connected with salvation, it is important to distinguish between what is common to all time and what is limited to the present dispensation.

1. NEW BIRTH. ” … Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

Water is a type in Scripture of the Word of God, the instrumentality used by the Holy Spirit. In the same connection, our blessed Lord declares, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh … ” (John 3:6) or, as we read elsewhere, ” … they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:8). Thus, if one is ever saved, irrespective of what dispensation he may have lived in, new birth has necessarily taken place. One would be without the faculty of enjoying God – he could not endure His presence – unless he had a nature imparted by the Holy Spirit in new birth, capable of such a relationship. As birth brings one into the natural family, so new birth, by the Holy Spirit, brings one into the family of God, of which the saints in all ages and dispensations are members, by faith in the Word.

2. SEALING AND EARNEST. “…In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession … ” (Ephesians 1: 13-14).

This is a distinctive truth for the present dispensation alone. We never read of Old Testament saints being sealed with the Holy Spirit, for the simple reason that the Holy Spirit was not given until Jesus was glorified (John 7). The gift of the Spirit was bestowed at Pentecost, and, ever since, believers have received this divine sealing. Its meaning is very plain. A seal is a mark of ownership with which no one can interfere. No one dare disturb that which is marked as belonging to God. What a wondrous mark this is! A present, living, divine Being, the Holy Spirit! Each one who has believed, no matter how feebly, or how little his apprehension, has received this seal of the living God. It is a great mistake to confine this to those who have made special attainment in knowledge, or even have a full and distinct apprehension of all that the Gospel means. If there has been faith to touch ” … the border of His garment … ” (Luke 8:44), a single look of faith at Christ, God seals the soul; not according to its measure of apprehension, which would be incomplete in any of us, but according to His knowledge of the value of Christ and His work.

Closely connected with sealing is ” … the earnest of the Spirit … ” (2 Corinthians 1 :22). The “earnest” means a pledge and a foretaste. As the “sealing” is upon the ground of the finished work of Christ, so the “earnest” looks forward to the coming inheritance. It is thus a pledge that those who are marked as belonging to God shall be brought into the full fruition of redemption in glory; and during all this time the believer has the Spirit abiding in him, according to our Lord’s promise in John.

3. THE BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body … ” (1 Corinthians 12: 13).

When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, He took up His abode not only in the individual believer, but formed that assembly of God which is the body of Christ upon earth. He links each believer with Christ and unites them as members one of another, each in his appointed place in that body upon earth. The moment one believes, he is united to Christ and united to that one body which is the only true church, composed of every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

4. THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT. “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4).

The Spirit, who has put us into the body of Christ, endows each one of us with the special functions appropriate to our individual membership. As the body emphasizes the unity of the church of Christ, so the gifts declare the variety of individual activities in that body, ” … all members have not the same office” (Romans 12:4). As each member of the body has its own special function, so every single believer in the body of Christ has a function which none else can perform and which, if neglected by him, affects the entire body. The Spirit has qualified each one of us for just the work that is our privilege to perform. All that is needed is an ungrieved Spirit and abiding communion, and we will, by the very nature of our gift, make use of it.

5. THE ANOINTING OF THE SPIRIT. “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you … ” (1 John 2:27).

This is partly what is suggested by the anointing. It was the mark of induction into office in the Old Testament, whether priestly, kingly, or prophetic; but apart from its official significance, it was typical of the bestowal of power, enabling for the right fulfilment of official duties. Thus, in the anointing of the Spirit, we have no mere official designation of our position in the body of Christ, but rather that endowment of power which enables us for every true activity. This includes instruction in the Word of God and the power of testimony and indeed of the entire life.

6. THE FILLING WITH THE SPIRIT. “…but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5: 18).

This is in contrast with the mere stimulus of human energy, however given. We have the Spirit dwelling in us, but, alas, we may not be filled with the Spirit. Mind and heart may be occupied by other thoughts, so that practically the Spirit has not control in every department of the life. This is intensely practical. If one is to be used of God, if the anointing which we have received is to be practically manifested, it must be in a Spirit-filled life, the opposite of which is the allowance of anything which would grieve the Holy Spirit of God.

7. THE LONGINGS OF THE SPIRIT. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come … ” (Revelation 22: 17).

The blessed Spirit of God has come to glorify Christ. This is His one object in whatever form His activity may appear. Therefore, He forms in the heart of the Lord’s people the longing for His coming again. This has precedence over everything else. No attainment, growth in grace, service, nor Gospel testimony can usurp the mastering desire which the Spirit produces, when unhindered in the hearts of the saints, for the coming of the Lord Jesus. In proportion as He fills the heart and life, the cry will be, ” … Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). May this be true of us all!

In Isaiah 48: 18 are the striking words, “O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river…”

Now, one great feature of a river is that it never stops, it always goes on and on until it empties itself into the mighty ocean. It is even so in the Christian life, it must be a constant going on, going forward, going over (or through). When the river comes against any hindrance along its course, it either rises above it or goes around it.

Go on … go on … is the only motto for the child of God.

Have you on the Lord believed? Still there’s more to follow; Of His grace have you received? Still there’s more to follow.

GO FORWARD

The children of Israel found themselves in a seemingly impossible situation with the Red Sea in front, the armies of Pharaoh behind, and no means of escape on either side, so they gave way to murmuring and complaint. But God is always the God of the impossible, and His word to Moses was, ” … Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward” (Exodus 14:15).

Whenever God says, ” … go forward”, He intends us to go through- any and every obstacle- with Him. He always goes before His people.

GO OVER

This time God’s command was to Joshua. God’s set purpose for His people was not only to bring them out of Egypt, but also Canaan, so now He commands His servant Joshua, ” … arise, go over this Jordan … ” (Joshua 1:2).

Note the precious promises which accompanied this command. ” … as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1 :5); and ” … for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1 :9). So they went through with God.

GO ON

Here, it is the apostle Paul who speaks, “…let us go on unto perfection … ” (Hebrews 6:1). There was no standing still in the life of this Christian warrior. Writing to the Philippians, he says, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3: 12). Then follow the significant words, ” … forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3: 13-14 ).

Paul’s great ambition was ” … that I may win Christ” (Philippians 3 :8), and for this it meant a continual “going on.”

The Apostle John says, ” … it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:2-3).

So then, let our motto ever be, “Go Forward- Go Over- Go On” with God.

A retired minister doing hospital work, says, “The chaplains try to combat the seven enemies of the sickroom – pain, anxiety, hostility, guilt feelings, boredom, despair, and loneliness.”

How wonderfully the Saviour, by His presence, power, and grace, can meet each of these problems.

As to “pain” or any other thorn in the flesh, Christ has said, ” … My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

As to “anxiety,” Jesus said, ” … Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26).

As to “hostility,” “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44). Impossible with men, but possible with God!

As to “guilt feelings,” it is strange that conscience and plain old conviction for sin should be reckoned an “enemy.” If there is one thing a Gospel minister, a true minister, longs to see today, it is conviction of sin. But since psychology reckons a sense of sin as only a “guilt feeling,” then conviction, good old Bible conviction, must be fought off as a foe.

As it is the work of the Holy Spirit to ” … reprove the world of sin … ” (John 16:8), is He then to be resisted in His work of conviction? Must the Holy Spirit then be treated as an “enemy” of the sickroom? Once the convicted person has confessed and forsaken his sin, then there is the all-sufficient remedy, ” … the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1 :7). Thereafter, thank God, “guilt feelings” need to be no more.

As to “boredom,” God’s mercies ” … are new every morning … ” (Lamentations 3:23). Those who meditate day and night in God’s Word are only “bored” with blessing and joy. Blessed boredom!

As to “despair,” the man without Christ may well despair, being without God, without Christ, and without hope. There is no use saying, ” … Peace, peace … ” to despairing souls, ” … when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 8:11); and “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked” (Isaiah 57:21). The only foundation for peace is the blood of Christ, ” … having made peace through the blood of his cross … ” (Colossians 1 :20).

As to “loneliness” – how lonely is the godless man! If even Christians need to be visited in their affliction, how forsaken and lonely must be the lost! But to all Christian persons comes the sweet promise, ” … I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13 :5).

Whether the enemies of the sickroom be “seven” or “seventy times seven,” Christ can overcome them all!

” …How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God follow him: but if Baal, then follow him … ” (1 Kings 18:21).

It looked like a great day for the followers of Baal as they gathered on Mount Carmel. There was no doubt in their minds that they were right and Elijah was wrong. Were there not four hundred and fifty of them and only one Elijah? Was not the vast majority of people on their side? Did not Queen Jezebel support their work and worship at their altars? Had not King Ahab accused Elijah of being the troubler of Israel? Was not the worship of Baal the accepted, popular religion? They would silence that fanatical fellow, Elijah, who refused to accept their god.

So the great contest was on! Baal’s prophets appeared in heathenish pomp and splendor. Elijah, without friends or followers, dared to stand alone.

If ever a man had an excuse to compromise, Elijah was that man. If ever a man had a right to cut comers and hedge to avoid enmity, Elijah had. If ever a case looked hopeless, this one did. If ever a man could claim a legitimate reason for not raising his voice against evil, Elijah could. Fear, compromise, despair, and the dodging of issues, however, failed to move Elijah.

None of these Satanic darts should make a coward of the true Christian today. Elijah stood firm and determined to tum the nation back to God. His faith was anchored in God. God had found a man on whom He could depend. How much easier it should be for Christians to stand for God in this day of grace!

Notice the boldness of Elijah and how quickly he took the initiative. Knowing that he was right and that God was with him, he hurled a stunning challenge into the faces of his enemies, “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. Secondly, Elijah s challenge was an analysis of the cause of their troubles. Ahab had called Elijah the troublemaker, but Elijah reversed the order and bluntly stated that the cause of their troubles was their failure to serve God.

Firstly, observe that this challenge was an accusation that they were not following God. The worship of Baal being the popular religion attracted the masses. It required neither repentance from sin nor deeds of righteousness. It appealed to the vanity of the proud. Dead religion has always been popular, but it has only helped to fill the bottomless pit.

The worst thing the prophet could have done was to question their religion. Such a man is never popular with the crowd. Naturally, he would not gain the support of the multitudes. It is the same today. The greatest need of our nation is for men like Elijah; men full of the Holy Spirit to declare the whole counsel of God.

Happy is the individual, the church, the nation that will frankly and honestly face the cause of any problem. No lasting correction can ever be made unless we are willing to face the fact that disobedience to God is the root of every trouble. ” … How long halt ye between two opinions? … ” he asked. The very word implies hesitation; failure to go forward. They halted. They feared the Lord to a certain point, and they could not totally abandon Him; yet they also feared King Ahab and Queen Jezebel and would not abandon the religion of the state. Their conscience forbade them to do the former; their fear of man persuaded them to do the latter, but in neither were they heartily engaged.

So there they stood “halt,” making not progress. They had four hundred and fifty prophets but no prophecies; an altar but no fire; long prayers but no answers; people but no power; much trying but no triumph.

God save us from such a condition! We cannot serve two masters. We cannot ” … halt … between two opinions … ” and be happy. The only joy and the only victory comes by definitely taking sides with God and standing there, even if we must stand alone.

Thirdly, Elijah s challenge was an argument in favour of action. What he actually said was, “Since you are not serving God as you ought to, and since your failure to serve Him has caused you trouble, the only reasonable thing to do is to repent and return to God and serve Him.”

The failure of the Christian church today to stand for God has caused much trouble. The “halting between two opinions” on the part of God’s people has led to the development of ecumenical apostasy. 0 what compromise there has been! Failure to obey God has resulted in backsliding and worldliness. We have lost the glory of His presence. The desire to follow the crowd and be a part of popular religious movements has brought in false movements. God’s message has been so watered down that thousands upon thousands of regular church goers never hear the Gospel. Modernism and liberalism are stronger than ever before while ordained ministers of the Gospel grow weaker. Isaiah said, ” … darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people … ” (Isaiah 60:2). This is true today. People on every side are in almost total darkness as far as the Word of God is concerned. Only here and there do we find a pulpit where the Gospel is preached, the new birth emphasized, salvation made plain, an invitation given, and God’s people instructed and warned concerning the issues of the day.

May the Lord raise up Elijah’s today. He needs men who, realizing the responsibility of their Holy calling, will fearlessly proclaim the great fundamentals of the faith in these closing days of grace. No other message avails before the God of Elijah. Oh, for an awakening among the people of God. When are we going to get the burden and become conscious of our responsibilities? The Word of God challenges us to repentance and to take our stand for God in the old-fashioned way.

Like Ahab and the followers of Baal, religious leaders today cannot escape. We must either serve God or the devil. We are either right or wrong. We are either all out for God, or not out at all. There is no middle ground. There must be no compromise. No one can be neutral. We must choose. We must stand. Why” … halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him … “

Hudson Taylor was angered by the self-satisfied, hymn singing congregation in Brighton, England, in June 1865. He was so burdened for China that he could not tolerate the cold apathy among Christians. Biographer John Pollock wrote:

“Taylor looked around. Pew upon pew of prosperous, bearded merchants, shopkeepers, visitors, demure wives in bonnets and crinolines, and scrubbed children trained to hide their impatience; the atmosphere of smug sickened him. He seized his hat and left. ‘Unable to bear the sight of a congregation of a thousand or more Christian people rejoicing for their own security while millions were perishing for lack of knowledge, I wandered out on the sands alone, in great spiritual agony.

There on the beach Taylor prayed for “twenty-four willing, skilful labourers” that shared Christ’s burden for the lost in China.

After studying the underlying causes of revival for the past forty years, I have a strong conviction that tears flowing from the eyes of intercessors are the catalyst of revival.

Both the Old and New Testaments record significant incidents where the tears of praying people preceded outpourings of God’s grace and power in bringing about revival blessings.

The great spiritual awakening that took place under Ezra followed the tear-soaked intercession of the godly scribe. In Ezra 10:1 the record states, “Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and woman and children: for the people wept very sore.”

A revival of life-changing, transforming power followed the tears of Ezra.

The intercession of our Saviour is referred to in Hebrews 5:7, “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared.”

There are those who scorn at the thought of a man weeping. They see it as a sign of weakness. Yet the strong Son of God wept as He prayed. God heard and sent His Holy Spirit in great power on the day of Pentecost.

The ministry of brokenness preceding revival is evident since Bible days as well.

D. L. Moody would weep in private prayer before standing to minister the Word with great soul-winning effectiveness.

General Booth admonished a young Salvation Army worker, whose work seemed doomed to failure, “Try tears.”

These wept because they loved, and their tears were expressed in their lives.

Is the same depth of love and passion to be found in our pews? We take our altar flowers to the sick following a service of worship, but there are no tear stains on the card. Is it enough to share the beauty of the flowers? Not if we love as our dear Lord loved. We must indeed share the beauty of our Christian experience. Dare we allow our compassion to become submerged in a whirling mechanics of organization?

Many of us can remember when our churches wept over the lost. Many of the finer, bigger churches of today have their roots watered in the tears of Spirit-filled people who “carried a burden” for unsaved society. (Some churches still carry that burden, Praise the Lord!)

Many a triumphant believer’s testimony might well end in the words of David, ” … the LORD hath heard … my weeping” (Psalm 6:8). The Lord hadn’t seen his weeping; He had heard it. David must have been weeping out loud!

Have you shed tears – tears for others? It is time you did. David wrote often of his tears, and David was not a weak man. In Psalm 42:3, David wrote, “My tears have been my meat day and night … ” In Psalm 126:5-6, we read that “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Paul was not ashamed of his tears. He mentioned them again and again in his epistles. In his last talk with the Ephesian elders, he reminded them how he had served the Lord with ” … all humility of mind, and with many tears … ” (Acts 20: 19).

Pastors, evangelists, missionaries, Christian workers, if we are not shedding tears today, may God have pity on our dry eyes! How can we say we are followers of Jesus if we do not weep for others? “GOD, GIVE US TEARS!”

Andrew Murray says of the precious blood, “I know of no word in the Bible or in human speech that contains such mysteries! In it are concentrated the mysteries of the incarnation, in which our God took flesh and blood; of the obedience unto death, in which the blood was shed: of the love that passeth knowledge that purchased us with His own blood; of the victory over every enemy and the everlasting redemption; of the resurrection and the entrance into Heaven; of the atonement and the reconciliation and the justification that came through it; of the cleansing and perfecting of the conscience; of the sprinkling of the heart and the sanctifying of the people.”

There is no limit to the power of the blood of the Lamb. The church has a right to claim all the fruits of’ the victory which Christ has won for her on Calvary. Is there any limit His victory? If there is, it is altogether on our side and is due to unbelief and to our unwillingness to ” … follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth… ” (Revelation 14:4).

The great enemy of the church has so paralyzed her will and deadened her sense of responsibility, that ripening harvest fields are still waiting for labourers and funds, and the means required for the ingathering of precious souls are refused by the members of the church. Such is the work the devil is accomplishing, and yet the eyes of many are closed to the fact.

If the church will enter into possession of what the Lord Jesus has won through His sacrifice on the cross, she will be able to claim that all the powers of the enemy directed against her shall be utterly broken. Also, by virtue of the precious blood, there shall be loosed, for the glory of God and the need of the world, men and money and all else that is required for the prosecution of victorious missionary enterprise. Calvary is the Lord’s call to the church to be loosed from her graveclothes and to enter into the most aggressive warfare possible against the strongholds of evil. Calvary is II is cull to her to receive the fullest supply of the Holy Spirit and to put on her beautiful garments in anticipation of the coming of her Lord and the dawning of the day of victory.

PURCHASED BY THE BLOOD

” … thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Revelation 5:9). This will be the song of the translated church as she looks back on her earthly journey. It is now the song of every believer who knows his debt of sin is paid.

CLEANSED BY THE BLOOD

” … they … have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7: 14). What the blood purchases, it possesses in order to keep it safe. ” … the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Thank God the cleansing is a continuous act, for that is what we need. ” … Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments … ” (Revelation 16:15).

CONQUERING THROUGH THE BLOOD

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb … ” (Revelation 12:11). The Greek word for overcome means to conquer. In a court of law, it is to win the case; in conflict, to knock the weapon out of the adversary’s hand.

By that blood the accuser is silenced and put out of court (Revelation 12:10). Victory over him, at every point, is grounded on and is a consequence of the blood which has been shed.

The Holy Spirit has come to teach us all that it means and to lead us into personal experience of its powers, so that in every conflict with evil it is the weapon with which we meet the enemy and find victory and perfect peace. The Holy Spirit has an ample supply for us in the struggle. What He requires is that we shall be yielded to Him, receptive of what He offers, obedient to His orders, and active in daily service for the hour of the Victor of Calvary, to the glory of God the Father.

A MAN AND HIS SOUL

“I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir” (Isaiah 13: 12).

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

THE REDEEMING BLOOD OF CHRIST

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD

” … the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold … ” (Psalm 19:9-10).

WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold” (Proverbs 3: 13-14).

THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

“Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold” (Proverbs 8: 10).

A GOOD NAME

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1).

How can a young person know God’s will? The Bible has the answer! It is found in Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

The first step in any acceptable service for God is to yield yourself to the Lord. This means to be governed by His Word, to be obedient, and not to be controlled by the world or its ways. The evidence that you have really submitted yourself to God will be seen in what you do with your body. Your body will be absent from worldly places and functions, and it will be found serving God. Your hands will be dedicated to God’s service, and your time will be at His disposal.

Have you actually decided to please God and not yourself? It is astonishing how Christians deceive themselves into thinking they are serving God when it is evident, to others, that they are actually serving their own comfort, convenience, and choices. This Scripture means that we are to ignore self and the world and tum our bodies and  minds over to God, saying, “Lord, here I am. What wilt Thou have me to do?” This is, in fact, our only reasonable and intelligent service. God’s plan for you is far better than any of your own because it has eternal realities in view.

The next step in true service tor God is a sound appraisal of your gifts. Romans 12:3, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

This means to have a correct idea of your abilities and your limitations. If you over estimate your gifts, you may undertake what you cannot do, and therefore fail and be discouraged. If you under estimate them, you may be idle when you should be active for the Lord.

There are various ways of determining your gift. You know what your natural abilities are, and these abilities are useful to God when consecrated to His service. Can you talk convincingly? Then you should be able to talk to people of their need of salvation. Can you teach? Then you should be able to teach a Sunday school class.

On every hand the need is evident. If you walk with God, these needs will become burdens on your heart. Souls are perishing for lack of Christ. Lives are being ruined by sin. Your vision of the need is God’s call to you for service.

“But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

We note that the devil is branded in Scripture as being an evil character. He is called’ the wicked one (1 John 2:13). He is subtle (Genesis 3:1; 2 Corinthians 11:3). He is deceitful (2 Corinthians 11:14; Ephesians 6:11). He is cruel (1 Peter 5:8).

We observe that the devil is the enemy of God and the truth, and, therefore, the great hinderer of every good word and work. He opposes God’s work (Zechariah 3:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:18). He perverts the Scriptures (Matthew 4:6). He hinders the Gospel by snatching away the Word and blinding the minds of the unbelieving (Matthew 13:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4). He ensnares men by pride, dishonesty, and error (1 Timothy 3:7; 1 Timothy 6:9; 2 Timothy 2:24-26).

God keeps His own from the evil one and from all evil. This is the assurance of the Holy Spirit through the apostle in the passage before us, ” … who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” He keeps from the evil one by His Word as the Holy Spirit operates in and through it. He keeps from the evil one by directing providence to restrain the enemy, or to protect His own, or to overrule the evil intent and acts of the enemy to carry out His own will and purposes. He keeps from the evil one by His own blessed presence and by His mighty power. “The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul” (Psalm 121:7).

We observe further that the Lord’s keeping is assured on the ground of His faithfulness. The apostle has just been saying, ” … for all men have not faith” (2 Thessalonians 3 :2). The reference, of course, is to Christian faith. Some of these unbelievers are unreasonable and wicked; that is, they are perverse and evil minded. Such characters are the instruments of the wicked one and will hinder the truth and people of God all they possibly can. On the other hand, though many will not believe, the Lord is still to be believed. “But the Lord is faithful … “