“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth” (John 17:17).
“The Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction, in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:15-17).
“Widespread neglect of the Bible by churches and by church people is just simply appalling. Oh, we talk about the Bible, and defend the Bible, and praise the Bible, and exalt the Bible. Yes, indeed! But many church members seldom ever look into a Bible – indeed, would be ashamed to be seen reading the Bible. And church leadership generally seems to be making no serious effort to get people to be Bible readers… Present day Protestantism seems to care so little for the Book it so loudly professes! And Roman Catholicism avowedly prefers its own decrees above the Bible! We are intelligent about everything else in the world. Why not be intelligent about our religion? We read newspapers, magazines, novels, and all kinds of books, and listen to the radio and watch TV by the hour. Yet most of us do not even know the names of the Bible books. Shame on us! Shame on us! Worse still, the pulpit, which could easily remedy the situation, seems, with rare exception, not to care!” (Henry H. Halley- Adapted)
The Bible should be the Book we live by. It reveals the existence of God, all certain knowledge of God, God’s own thinking, nature, character, and will. It tells us there is a Heaven, a Hell, a Day of Judgment, and a Savior. By the Holy Bible, and by it alone, can be learned the way of salvation.
We need to read God’s Holy Word regularly and frequently that we might know the will of God for our lives here and hereafter. We need to study it diligently until God’s thoughts become our thoughts, His character and virtues our own, His heart becomes one with our heart, and we come to be transformed into God’s own image and made partakers of the divine nature!
“Till I come, give attention to reading…” (I Timothy 4:13). “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15). Brothers and sisters, let us be readers of the Word and not merely professors of religion!
Larry Atkin, Preacher
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
“AN OLD INDIAN TALE”
There once was a young Indian boy who was ready to prove that he was man. As a test, he was sent into the wilderness to survive on his own for several days. It was winter, and the nights were bitterly cold. He came upon a poisonous snake, nearly frozen from the frigid temperatures. “Please,” the snake begged, “Let me warm myself under your blanket before I die in this cold.” The young warrior replied, “You are a poisonous snake. If I pick you up, you’ll bite me and I’ll die.” “Oh no!” assured the snake. I promise I will be forever grateful, and no harm will come to you.” The boy thought, then relented and placed the snake against his body under the blankets. As the snake began to warm, he began moving. Then, he coiled and struck – sinking his venom-filled fangs into the young boy. “But you promised you wouldn’t hurt me,” the boy whispered as he lay dying. The snake slithered away, and replied, “You knew what I was when you picked me up.”
Christians can learn from this fable. Satan is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). He is in the world deceiving just as he was in the beginning. His tactics are not bold and blatant, but more subtle and deceptive. If you are tempted to pick up pornography, drugs, alcohol, an illicit affair, or gambling – remember this story. The bible tells us:
“… and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Eph. 4:27) “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8) “… and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trip of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Tim. 2:26)
Copied from Church Newsletter Neelysville, Ohio
“IF…”
· A man rocked the boat to see if it would tip. It did.
· A man looked into a gun to see if it was loaded. It was.
· A young girl kept late hours to see if it would really affect her office work. It did.
· A young man tried drinking to see if it would make him behave like a fool. It did.
· A man said, “I’ll ignore Jesus Christ to see if I go to hell.” He did.
(Luke 16:19-31)
“I will tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents that over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent (Luke 15:7).”
Heaven in waiting for you!!!
Copied from Church Newsletter Neelysville, Ohio
Christians can learn from this fable. Satan is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). He is in the world deceiving just as he was in the beginning. His tactics are not bold and blatant, but more subtle and deceptive. If you are tempted to pick up pornography, drugs, alcohol, an illicit affair, or gambling – remember this story. The bible tells us:
“… and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Eph. 4:27) “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8) “… and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trip of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Tim. 2:26)
Copied from Church Newsletter Neelysville, Ohio
“IF…”
· A man rocked the boat to see if it would tip. It did.
· A man looked into a gun to see if it was loaded. It was.
· A young girl kept late hours to see if it would really affect her office work. It did.
· A young man tried drinking to see if it would make him behave like a fool. It did.
· A man said, “I’ll ignore Jesus Christ to see if I go to hell.” He did.
(Luke 16:19-31)
“I will tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents that over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent (Luke 15:7).”
Heaven in waiting for you!!!
Copied from Church Newsletter Neelysville, Ohio
Monday, July 13, 2009
“PRAYING FOR PRESIDENTS!”
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good... Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to who fear, honor to whom honor.” (Romans 13: 1-4, 7)
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (II Timothy 2: 1-4)
There is much dissatisfaction and disappointment among Christians with the current President of the United States of America and his administration. I cannot speak for others, but I can for myself.
I am concerned, disappointed and alarmed by our President’s promotion of unbiblical and blatantly unchristian activities destructive of the lives, health, morals, and souls of men and women, such as: abortion, homosexuality, and militant feminism.
Yet, because our Lord commands it, and He never errs, I pray for our President and government, respecting the office, honoring the authority, loving the soul.
I am alarmed by our President’s attempts to compromise our nation’s security by softening our resistance to Islam. While campaigning for office he denied that his Muslim background would affect his foreign policy. But this has proved untrue.
Yet, because our Lord commands it, I pray for the man, respect his office, submit to his authority, and long for his conversion.
I am disappointed with our President’s attempts to move America into becoming a socialist state, especially in the realm of corporations (Government-owned banks, Auto manufacture, housing, etc.) and medical care. Every socialist (or communist) state ever created has failed miserably.
Yet, because our Lord commands it, I pray for the President, do not resist his authority, do not curse, threaten, or lie about the man, but give honor where honor is due.
It has long been my conviction that the best man qualified and capable of leading this great nation of ours can never be elected. We have no doubt a number of godly, competent, intelligent, courageous, and compassionate men who could do an admirable job as President. But they are unelectable, due to their faith in Jesus Christ, their unwillingness to brag about themselves or make empty promises, or support sinful causes or laws, or raise and squander millions of dollars in campaigning. (Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a genuine Christ-like man in the White House!)
But since that is not the case, let us nevertheless pray for the leaders we have and do our part as good citizens. Remember, it is God’s command and our duty!
Some day, when our real King, Leader, and Lord appears, things will be made right and the evils of this fallen world will be
but distant memories! We can count on it!
Larry Atkin, Preacher
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (II Timothy 2: 1-4)
There is much dissatisfaction and disappointment among Christians with the current President of the United States of America and his administration. I cannot speak for others, but I can for myself.
I am concerned, disappointed and alarmed by our President’s promotion of unbiblical and blatantly unchristian activities destructive of the lives, health, morals, and souls of men and women, such as: abortion, homosexuality, and militant feminism.
Yet, because our Lord commands it, and He never errs, I pray for our President and government, respecting the office, honoring the authority, loving the soul.
I am alarmed by our President’s attempts to compromise our nation’s security by softening our resistance to Islam. While campaigning for office he denied that his Muslim background would affect his foreign policy. But this has proved untrue.
Yet, because our Lord commands it, I pray for the man, respect his office, submit to his authority, and long for his conversion.
I am disappointed with our President’s attempts to move America into becoming a socialist state, especially in the realm of corporations (Government-owned banks, Auto manufacture, housing, etc.) and medical care. Every socialist (or communist) state ever created has failed miserably.
Yet, because our Lord commands it, I pray for the President, do not resist his authority, do not curse, threaten, or lie about the man, but give honor where honor is due.
It has long been my conviction that the best man qualified and capable of leading this great nation of ours can never be elected. We have no doubt a number of godly, competent, intelligent, courageous, and compassionate men who could do an admirable job as President. But they are unelectable, due to their faith in Jesus Christ, their unwillingness to brag about themselves or make empty promises, or support sinful causes or laws, or raise and squander millions of dollars in campaigning. (Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a genuine Christ-like man in the White House!)
But since that is not the case, let us nevertheless pray for the leaders we have and do our part as good citizens. Remember, it is God’s command and our duty!
Some day, when our real King, Leader, and Lord appears, things will be made right and the evils of this fallen world will be
but distant memories! We can count on it!
Larry Atkin, Preacher
Monday, July 6, 2009
"WHEN WE PRAY..."
“When you pray…” (Matthew 6: 5, 6, 7, etc.)
“I do want to make this clear. The man who does not pray, who does not have even five minutes a day in his own room face to face with God and heart to heart with Christ, is simply playing with his soul. And if he is the father of a family, he may be playing with his children’s souls. I want to ask him: What does he believe? He says he believes in God the Father Almighty. But does he? He says he believes there is such a thing as the soul. Does he? He says he believes we are moving on to eternity. Does he? Has he ever sat down and thought out what a single one of these great beliefs involves for himself and his family, if such are really true? Would not half an hour’s hard, honest thinking about God, his soul, where he shall spend eternity, drive him to his knees?... I am not saying prayer is everything. I am not saying that without prayer a man cannot make a decent show in life at all. But I am saying that without prayer there is no Christian life possible that is worthy of the name! Why? Because it is down the channel of prayer that the power of God gets into a man! And you cannot live the life for which Jesus stands, you cannot love your neighbor as you ought, you cannot keep a spiritual perspective of the world, you cannot accomplish the purpose to which we have been called and sent, without the power of God to help you do it!”
(James S. Stewart – Adapted.)
A prayerless Christian is a contradiction of terms. Again and again in teaching people to live for God, Jesus said, “When you pray.” He assumed all who would know God and who profess to know God would pray.
Prayer is the line of communication between earth and Heaven. Prayer is the life-line that rescues drowning souls. Prayer is the anchor that holds Christians and churches steadfast through storms of life. Prayer is the sharing of our thoughts, the making of our requests, the dreaming of our dreams, and the pouring out of our love to our Heavenly Father. Prayer is the high voltage wire that brings the mighty power of God to His people.
Prayer is to be made in faith and love to the Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, through the Holy Spirit. Where there is no prayer, there is a desert. Where there is no prayer, there is fear. Where there is no prayer, there is weakness. Where there is no prayer, there is sin. Where there is no prayer, there is heresy. Where there is no prayer, there is no beauty, no love, no joy, no peace, no light, no truth.
How can we live without prayer, then? We can’t! Then why do we try?
“When you pray…”
Larry Atkin, Preacher
“I do want to make this clear. The man who does not pray, who does not have even five minutes a day in his own room face to face with God and heart to heart with Christ, is simply playing with his soul. And if he is the father of a family, he may be playing with his children’s souls. I want to ask him: What does he believe? He says he believes in God the Father Almighty. But does he? He says he believes there is such a thing as the soul. Does he? He says he believes we are moving on to eternity. Does he? Has he ever sat down and thought out what a single one of these great beliefs involves for himself and his family, if such are really true? Would not half an hour’s hard, honest thinking about God, his soul, where he shall spend eternity, drive him to his knees?... I am not saying prayer is everything. I am not saying that without prayer a man cannot make a decent show in life at all. But I am saying that without prayer there is no Christian life possible that is worthy of the name! Why? Because it is down the channel of prayer that the power of God gets into a man! And you cannot live the life for which Jesus stands, you cannot love your neighbor as you ought, you cannot keep a spiritual perspective of the world, you cannot accomplish the purpose to which we have been called and sent, without the power of God to help you do it!”
(James S. Stewart – Adapted.)
A prayerless Christian is a contradiction of terms. Again and again in teaching people to live for God, Jesus said, “When you pray.” He assumed all who would know God and who profess to know God would pray.
Prayer is the line of communication between earth and Heaven. Prayer is the life-line that rescues drowning souls. Prayer is the anchor that holds Christians and churches steadfast through storms of life. Prayer is the sharing of our thoughts, the making of our requests, the dreaming of our dreams, and the pouring out of our love to our Heavenly Father. Prayer is the high voltage wire that brings the mighty power of God to His people.
Prayer is to be made in faith and love to the Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, through the Holy Spirit. Where there is no prayer, there is a desert. Where there is no prayer, there is fear. Where there is no prayer, there is weakness. Where there is no prayer, there is sin. Where there is no prayer, there is heresy. Where there is no prayer, there is no beauty, no love, no joy, no peace, no light, no truth.
How can we live without prayer, then? We can’t! Then why do we try?
“When you pray…”
Larry Atkin, Preacher
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