SUMMER IS GONE---CHARLES WOODRUFF

After a brutal summer, with temperatures over 90 degrees for a total of 90 days, today is the first day of autumn. During the summertime we had very little rain, especially in September. Many in our area were quite frustrated about the summer, and are certainly ready for fall. We humans often complain about the weather, one way or another. The weather people often reflect a humanist philosophy that the weather is just patterns and routine changes. They will frequently attribute weather changes they didn’t expect to “mother nature”.

To some extent, they are right about weather patterns and routine changes. God has set up the normal functions that move the universe day by day. He has decreed that the universe will function onward as He has programmed it. Scripture tells us of this normal function that God has set. “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22) This is in normal times. Even in our history we have seen that there are abnormal disruptions to these day by day events.
   
     But, what of abnormal times. Throughout history there have been disruptions of the daily patterns. They do not always reflect biblical changes, at least as far as we can tell. But, God has given us details of weather events that are involved in prophecy. For instance Jesus said in Luke 21:10, 11 “Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” This is speaking of events that shall take place just before He returns to earth for His children. I am not a prophecy expert by any means, but I do know that Jesus, the resurrected one, is to return to earth one day. He said so, the angels said so; the Bible says so. He is going to return! I am as sure of that as I am of anything. Since it has been almost 2000 years since Christ was here, and all that history has passed, we can be sure it will not be long. As wicked as this world is, and with so many denying God, we know the hour is late. We all remember recently the preacher who had predicted the actual day He would return. He had done that one other time, and was wrong both times! He has rescheduled his prediction. Poor man!

      Who is it that told us that Christ would return? First of all the prophets told us. Then in the New Testament, Matthew tells us many things about His return. This stands out “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14) That particular prophecy has largely been fulfilled. Most of the world we can say has heard the gospel at some time, at least one time. It doesn’t say that all will believe, but that it will be preached. Now we ought to continue to preach everywhere until His return, because we have been commanded to do so. We do not know who the elect are. We must preach to every creature. It is an obligation we have to declare the gospel to all men and women.

Next in Mark we have a great prediction from Christ Himself of His return in reply to a question.  “But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:61, 62) Jesus was painting a picture of His return for the high priest (Caiaphas). He was making it clear that even though they would kill Him, He would not be held by death. He was going to triumph over the death, hell and the grave. He was going to return to earth.

Now let’s look briefly at Luke. “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:25-28) There will be many things that will occur at the time of Christ’s return. If we had the time and were motivated to do so, we could look in depth at multiple prophecies. Just keep in mind that it will be a time as no other that has ever been, or shall ever be. It will be too late for any who are not already saved. It will be swift and sure. He is coming for judgement. He is coming back for His own children. Oh, my friend, do not be caught by the wrath of God!

Let us look at John also. Here the risen Christ related to John and Peter some truth regarding His final plans. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.” (John 21:18-24) We can see that Christ was definitely speaking of His return. The disciples question was “What shall this man do?” They wanted to know if John was going to be spared death. It was a good question, but not an accurate understanding of His coming. Jesus did not declare that John was not going to die. He was merely letting them all know that He alone had that power. He is coming back. There is so much more we could reflect on regarding that.

Let me just conclude by urging you to be ready when He comes. Millions will not be ready. God has already told us all “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) You can be ready by turning to Christ now, before it is too late. He is the only Saviour and Lord. Trust in Him today! Amen! He said “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37) “I am that bread of life.” (John 6:48)
            Published by Charles Woodruff- email: oursong2000@yahoo.com

A FEW MORSELS FOR YOU FROM CHARLES WOODRUFF

                                             UNIVERSALISM ANYONE?
A Universal Notice- “God ---now commandeth all men everywhere to Repent.” Acts 17:30.
 
A Universal Necessity-----“As it is written, there is none righteous,
no, not one.” Romans 3:10 (cp. With Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 53:1).
 
A Universal Neglect----“There is none that understandeth, there is
none that seeketh after God”. Romans 3:11(cp with Psalm 14:2
and Psalm 53:2).


                                                GOD'S  SOVEREIGNTY
“ We say again, God’s sovereignty is never meant to destroy
man’s responsibility. We are to make diligent use of all the means
which God has appointed for the salvation of souls. We are bidden to preach the gospel to ‘every creature’. Grace is free; the invitation is broad enough to take in ‘whosoever believeth’. Christ turns away
none who come to him. Yet, after we have done all, after we have
planted and watered, it is God who ‘giveth the increase’ and this he
does as best pleaseth his sovereign will.”
The Seven Sayings of the Saviour on the Cross, Chapter 2   “The Word of Salvation”---A.W Pink

                       SCRIPTURES THAT AIN'T SCRIPTURES
“God helps those who help themselves.”
“Give God a chance.”
“Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
“Prayer changes things.”
“You take the first step--God will do the rest.”
“Let God save you today.”
“Money is the root of all evil.”
“He who builds a bridge will have to cross it one day.”
All of the above sayings are mistaken for Bible quotes. Some are distorted quotes, some not even near quotes of true scriptures. Not all of these sayings are bad, or grossly untrue, just not in the Bible.
                                
                              PROFOUND THOUGHTS
The Old Testament is an account of a nation.
The New Testament is an account of a MAN.
The Nation was founded and nurtured of God,
To bring the MAN into the world.
Quoted from: Halley’s Bible Handbook. Great words, I would only add this:
The MAN spoken of is the GOD-MAN, Jesus Christ.
 
                     REFLECTIONS FROM LUTHER
Three A.M. February 18, 1546---Martin Luther’s dying words:   “We are beggars, this is true. God is free, utterly free in His grace, and we are beggars, ‘pray-ers’. That is how we live. That is how we study, so that God gets the glory, and we get the grace.”

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
 
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever. 

ENEMIES OF THE CHRISTIAN THAT RISE UP AGAINST HIM

BY CHARLES WOODRUFF
 
We know that the world, the flesh and the devil are our enemies. We may have our worst problems with the flesh, though that very flesh may lead us to say “the devil made me do it”. The flesh brings the believer these problems:

1. Indifference= spiritual coldness.
2. Ingratitude= unthankful to God.
3. Inconsistency= unstable in all our ways.
4. Inactivity= Not interested in the things of God.
5. Indecency= Immorality, sin, rebellion.
The remedy can be found in Psalm 3:3, 4

-If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself (Augustine of Hippo).

-A preacher finished the service one morning by saying, “Next
Sunday, I am going to preach on the subject of liars. As a preparation for my sermon, I would like you all to read Mark 17.” On the following Sunday, the preacher rose to begin. Looking out at the congregation he said, “Last week I asked you all to read Mark 17. If you have read the chapter, please raise your hand.” Nearly every hand in the congregation went up. Smiling, the preacher said, “You are the very people I want to talk to. Mark has only 16 chapters”. (Compiled by Charles Woodruff )

IF OUR GOSPEL BE HID--CHARLES WOODRUFF

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4)

Does it seem to us that the gospel is hidden? We see it clearly, but the average person does not seem to do so. It appears to be hidden away from them. You can try to witness to a person, but it often gets bogged down like you are speaking a different language than that lost person. He, or she, doesn’t seem to hear you. It is as their ears were closed, and also their eyes. The apostle had our answer, and wrote it here in 2 Corinthians nearly 2000 years ago. He declared clearly that the gospel is hidden for those who are lost. He also makes it crystal clear that the one doing the hiding is the god of this world. That god is Satan! Satan has blinded the minds of them which do not believe so that they cannot comprehend this truth; this truth that Jesus Christ has paid the price in full for our salvation. The devil does all he can to blur, and distort this truth.

These early Christians were bold. They spoke out, even though they risked imprisonment and even death for speaking out. Paul says “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we faint not” (2 Corinthians 4:1). They were much bolder than most modern people. They knew declaring this gospel was a serious thing. They knew that their lives were being risked. They also knew that unless their hearers believed the gospel, they would remain lost for eternity. Christ had met each one of them with this truth, and redeemed them, so they felt the obligation to spread the word, regardless of the cost. That is why God’s word has been handed down to us in the 21^st century, so that we may share it. Oh, that we would have their boldness; their faith and love. Their determination and commitment to the truth, as it is in Jesus Christ.

Paul said that we have this ministry as we received mercy, we faint not. In other words, we are no better than you are. It is because of Gods mercy that we have redemption. We have been placed in this work by God’s grace. The call of God is a divine gift. It is an experience that has its beginning, its sustenance, and its ending in God. His eternal purpose is being displayed in His work that we are called to do. So, even the fact that we come to you is solely because of sovereign grace. We come to you as agents of God with His powerful word. In verse two the apostle says we have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty. In other words, this is God’s orderly and divine work. It is “up front’ and completely honest. As he says, not walking in craftiness. It is simply straightforward and absolutely honest. It is God’s holy truth to us. We must hear it that way. It is a vessel of God’s sovereign mercy to us.

He goes on to say that it is not handling the word of God deceitfully. It is true, and not dishonest. That is enlightening when so many today attempt to deceive us. The gospel of Christ is not a fraud. It is the genuine article! The enemy is so desperate to convince people of his own slant on the word of God. The enemy has a warped view of the gospel, designed to distort and deceive.

Paul goes on to say but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. Again, the word of God is complete, and it is honest. It has been distorted in our day so much that people can claim it supports everything, and opposes almost nothing. Just today, a very famous preacher said that a man who had a wife with Alzheimer’s disease could go ahead and divorce her, and remarry another to obtain a “better life for himself”. What? What about till death do us part in the wedding ceremony? Doesn’t that count?

To get at the heart of our study, and determine why so many won’t hear the gospel, we need to look at verse four very closely. “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Corinthians 4:4) Who does the apostle say caused this blindness in those unbelievers? He says The God of this world, as I mentioned previously. He is the culprit of deception who has done this evil deed. He had at that time blinded the minds of those being witnessed to. Let me say that he is still doing the same thing nearly 2000 years later! He is successfully blinding the minds of those who would believe, keeping their hearts veiled from the truth that can save them. This is keeping them from the gospel of salvation. Yes, it is because their minds are blinded! They have in them no desire to seek God. If it was not for God’s sovereign deliverance, none would be saved! Their minds have been blinded and the situation is  Lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. It will not shine on them whose minds are blinded. Unless God intervenes, they will be damned!

God has not designed to save every soul who was ever born, as some teach. The teaching of the Bible is that God has chosen some, and bypassed others, according to the good pleasure of His will. Some do not like this. Many do not believe it. But remember, God will have mercy on whom He will. It is not up to you. It is not up to me. It is all by His own choice. It is clear He has shown mercy on many, and that His generosity is great. He is a merciful God. But, do not be deceived. He will not let you ignore Him, and live after your wicked desires, and then save you at the end. If you go on in your sin, ignoring all the warnings, you will be lost forever.

 “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6) So it is evident here that God has the power to overrule Satan in these matters of the soul. He commands the light to shine, and it shines. It is as the difference between night and day when God sends the light. When you are enabled to see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, then you will never be in the dark again. “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5)

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

 (2 Corinthians 4:7-9) Though we still have struggles in this life, we do not have to face them alone. God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost oversees our lives from now on. Hallelujah!

Published by Charles Woodruff- email: oursong2000@yahoo.com             

WHICH IS THE GOSPEL?--CHARLES WOODRUFF

We have recently studied several things about the gospel regarding the definitions of it. There were several good points which I left out, so I thought that today I would expand just a little. About as good a summation of What is the Gospel as you will see was stated by my friend Brother Miles McKee, a missionary to Ireland. He says “The Gospel is summed up in one word ....CHRIST.....He is the gospel. It is not just the good news, or the Matthew, Mark, Luke and John's words in the New Testament. It is about the fact that Christ lived a sinless life, died a sinless substitute and rose from the dead so that we could have the hope and certainty of everlasting life.”  This is a good, sound explanation of the gospel. It is Christ the Lord!

Noah Webster had a correct definition of “gospel” in his 1828 dictionary. Here is the first part.

GOS'PEL, n. {L. evangelium; a good or joyful message.}

The history of the birth, life, actions, death, resurrection, ascension and doctrines of Jesus Christ; or a revelation of the grace of God to fallen man through a mediator, including the character, actions, and doctrines of Christ, with the whole scheme of salvation, as revealed by Christ and his apostles. This gospel is said to have been preached to Abraham, by the promise, "in thee shall all nations be blessed." Galatians 3:8. 

It is called the gospel of God. Romans 1:1.

It is called the gospel of Christ. Romans 1:16.

It is called the gospel of salvation. Ephesians 1:13. 

(This is a very good definition. Why change the meaning?)

If we say nothing else regarding the gospel, we must say that Jesus Christ is the gospel. He is the Good News. He is the Alpha and Omega. He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. He is the Altogether Lovely. He is the Bright and Morning Star. He is the Bread of Life. He is the Water of Life. He is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. He is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. There is so much more in scripture that we could say regarding Him. The main point being, He is God’s answer to this world of sin. Without Him, all men and women are lost!

Under the New Covenant that God has made, Jesus is the divine substitute. He is the Saviour. He is the sacrifice. He is the answer for all our sins. Do you realize that there is absolutely no other way of salvation given but Him? He said it clearly “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) He also said “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37) Men and women laugh about this remedy that God has provided. It is sad, for God will have the last laugh. Over 2000 years ago God sent His only Son, with the only answer for the rebellion of Adam and us; Adam’s children. It seems that so few hear the word today, but those who do will be with God for eternity. Those who do not will be in hell for eternity. Think about this, my friend. You see, there is only one true gospel message. There are a number of imitations. Truly the devil has devised a dubious scheme to bewilder the souls of multitudes. There are other methods he offers. There are other songs he sings. There are other ways he offers. Don’t be deceived! Jesus is the only way; the only saviour; the only Lord. The only true choice.Trust Him!

Satan will tell you a lie. He will tell you that it is all a fairy tale; that you don’t need anyone. Remember, the same devil will tell you that you will never die, or at least it will be many years before you do. There are people dying every day, old and young. You and I will have to die much sooner than we think. If we fail to trust Christ, we have been deceived. The devil will also try to convince you that you are not a bad person. If that doesn’t work, he will agree that you should be saved, but wait a little while. You haven’t sown enough wild oats yet. You have lots of time. The word of God has many warnings such as the following “We then, as workers together with him, plead to you also that all of you receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he says, I have heard you in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I helped you: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2; UKJV) The apostle was speaking of today being the day of salvation. He is speaking of your repenting now!

 Sinners must not toy with God. “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.” (Hebrews 3:12-16) In other words, there are many who heard, but did not heed the word of God.

God’s word tells us in so many places that this is no joke. We can’t expect to spend eternity in heaven with the Lord after rejecting Him here. There are so many that are deceived. He tells us clearly “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) All lost sinners will collect those wages after their deaths. Those who received Christ’s gift of eternal life will go to be with Him. Which is it for you?

When Jesus first came to earth, he was about speaking the word of God to sinners. On the trip he was on at about 12 years old, He went to the synagogue to discuss the gospel truths with the elders. He fascinated them with his knowledge of the word. (Read Luke 2:40-50).Then, when He was grown, He went to be baptized by John the Baptist. One of His first messages was to Nicodemus in John 3, where He told Nicodemus “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John 3:7) That message was not only for Nicodemus, who evidently received it, and became a Christian (see John 19:39). That is what we must also do. There is only one way of salvation; the new birth. The gospel is real, and everlasting. Jesus is real and everlasting. There is no other saviour! “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Published by Charles Woodruff- email: oursong2000@yahoo.com             

GRACE ACTIVE

Grace! 'Tis a charming sound,

Harmonious to the ear;

Heaven with the echo shall resound,

And all the earth shall hear.                       

O God, may Thy Spirit speak in me that I may speak to Thee. Lord Jesus, great high priest, Thou hast opened a new and living way by which a fallen creature can approach Thee with acceptance.

Help me to contemplate the dignity of Thy Person, the perfectness of Thy sacrifice, the effectiveness of Thy intercession.

O what blessedness accompanies devotion, when under all the trials that weary me, the cares that corrode me, the fears that disturb me, the infirmities that oppress me, I can come to Thee in my need and feel peace beyond understanding!

The grace that restores is necessary" to preserve, lead, guard, supply, help me. And here Thy saints encourage my hope; they were once poor and are now rich, bound and are now free, tried and now are victorious.

Every new duty calls for more grace than I now possess, but not more than is found in Thee, the divine treasury in whom all fullness dwells. To Thee I repair for grace upon grace, until every void made by sin be replenished and I am filled with all Thy fullness.

May my desires be enlarged and my hopes emboldened, that I may honour Thee by my entire dependency and the greatness of my expectation.

Do Thou be with me, and prepare me for all the smiles of prosperity, the frowns of adversity, the losses of substance, the death of friends, the days of darkness, the changes of life, and the last great change of all. May I find thy grace sufficient for all my needs.

From The Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennett, via  http://www.oldlandmarks.com/puritan.htm

Of course, this is Labor Day weekend in America. Many of us will be on vacation, and relaxing as we seek to honor the workers of our country. The history of Labor Day is interesting, because it began as an expression of fairness toward workers who were being  exploited by bosses. Today, most in our land simply regard it as a holiday. 

I thought it fitting to call us to prayer, and reflection of God's goodness and mercy to us. There are many things wrong that need correction. Frankly, this country is in great need of revival, and that can only come by God's grace. The effort of Arthur Bennett in England over 30 years ago to spread around some Puritan thoughts has been well received. It is with that in mind that I quoted these words for you. It is my prayer that they speak to you. May God choose to bless it to you and yours.

By Charles Woodruff, editor. Email: oursong2000@yahoo.com

Snail mail: 90 Raymond Ray St., Newnan, GA 30265-1611

Blog site:  http://cyberwordoftruth.blogspot.com/   September 2, 2011

THE WORD ABOVE ALL--CHARLES WOODRUFF

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9). “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).

What shall we study and meditate on? There are many books in the world -- some are good, some are bad. This is true of sermons you can hear and read -- some are good, some are bad. We could suggest as some have that you read nothing other than the Bible. Yet being men and women in a modern world, we are not likely to limit ourselves to that, especially if we are good readers. God gave us a desire for knowledge in many areas, and we fulfill it, sometimes by reading.

Many years ago, in another state, I was asked to preach in a particular church on several different occasions. I suppose I was 39 or 40 then, and the pastor there was considerably younger than myself. I got to know him pretty well, and stayed with him and his young family each time I was in the area. He told me that he read at least one of Charles Spurgeon’s sermons every day. I said, “Very commendable. Spurgeon was a great preacher and left us a great body of work.” The pastor also put a Spurgeon sermon in his church paper each week.

The last time I was there, I met another young couple from his church that was staying in the pastor’s home until their house got repaired. They seemed like a nice couple. A short time later I got word that this pastor fell into sin with the other woman, and left his wife and two children for her. Two homes were broken up! A ministry was destroyed!

What brought about this awful situation? This minister was surely not following the teachings of Spurgeon when he did this. You can’t blame Spurgeon for this, for he was a godly man. It does show that no matter how much a person is claiming to follow sound doctrine, he can err if he is not obeying God’s word. Spurgeon preached the word. Some others he read from, like Arthur Pink, also preached the word. He read his bible regularly. But it doesn’t matter. He could have been reading John Wesley every day. Maybe J.C. Philpot; Or David Wilkerson; Or Billy Graham, or whoever. There had to be something much deeper than which ministers that he was reading. Who was influencing him? This minister himself studied and preached the word. He seemed to have good Bible knowledge. Why did he put another black mark on the cause of Christ?  “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul” (Proverbs 6:32). The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. We are all flesh and blood. For myself I have to say “but for the grace of God, there go I”.

There is an answer, however. Many, as James says, are only hearers (or readers), of the word .“Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). You see, it is not enough to just hear, or read, or be religious, the word must be in the heart to cause the manifestation of doing good works. James also said
“ …To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

This person knew. All thought him to be a true brother. God alone knows. Now he surely does not appear to be God’s chosen, unless he repents. Beloved, as the verse which  I quoted at the beginning says, we must hide God’s word in our hearts. As our theme verse says, it is a lamp to guide our path. But we must be doers of the word. Remember in Ephesians, that great scripture mountaintop, it says: “ For by grace are ye saved. through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For  we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

So many, we can sadly say, have  utterly ruined their lives by taking their eyes off of Christ. We have all failed Him there, of course, and He has proved able and willing to rescue each of us. Even as He did Simon Peter when he fell into sin. But, to consistently walk with Him is the way of a true believer. As His workmanship, we are created unto good works. God has ordained that we should walk in them.

We are in troubled times in our day. This has caused many to forsake Christ instead of following Him. The eye of a saint needs to be entered on the Lord! For our nation, this is the only answer. For our state, this is the only answer. For our region this is the only answer. For or city, our town; this the only answer. There  has never been another answer! All of us must know this! There is no other answer, except Jesus Christ!

Is sin tricking you?  Is the flesh tempting  you? Are sicknesses discouraging you? Are trials overwhelming you? Are you about to throw in the towel? Stop!! Look up!! Your redeemer is near! Satan can defeat you and I, this is sadly true. But he cannot defeat Jesus! Never! He is the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords! He is the Alpha and the Omega! He is the Altogether  Lovely!  Satan  may defeat you and I. We may be even allowed to be taken from this world. If we know Jesus Christ, do not let this worry you. Saved by His blood, you will never be taken from Him. Lift up you heads, for your redemption draws nigh. The Lamb of God who takes away our sin can never be defeated!

 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John.3:14, 15).

Published by Charles Woodruff- email: oursong2000@yahoo.com

GLORY IN THE CROSS

                                          
 THE CROSS

Perhaps you need this verse today: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14). To “glory” is “to boast”. Paul here says we can boast in nothing except the cross of the Lord Jesus. All of our prosperity, all of our fame (even if yours is more than 15 minutes!), all of our accomplishments, all of our power (even if you are a senator, or president or even a king), all of our doctrinal understanding, and even all the accumulated knowledge over our lifetime is nothing to glory about. We can boast only in the cross of Christ! Glory to His name! (Charles Woodruff)

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

To Christ, who won for sinners grace
By bitter grief and anguish sore,
Be praise from all the ransomed race
Forever and forevermore.

Isaac Watts -1707  (Charles Wesley reportedly said he would give up all his other
hymns to have written this one).
“Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen”
(Ephesians 6:24).

 THE PURPOSE OF BIBLE STUDY

Arthur W. Pink (1886-1952)

That against which we are here protesting is the God-dishonoring idea that His Word is merely a piece of literature, which may be "mastered" by a course of "study."  That which we would warn against is an undue occupation with the technical aspects of the Bible.  God's blessed Word is not for dissection by the knife of cold intellectuality -- but is to be laid to heart.  It is not given for us to display our cleverness and "brilliance" upon -- but to be bowed before in true humility.  It is not designed for mental entertainment -- but for the regulation of our daily lives.

Far, far more important than "method" is our motive when approaching the Word.  What we should seek is that which will subdue pride and bring us as supplicants to the footstool of mercy -- not to acquire that which will puff us up in our own conceit.  Of what value is a knowledge of the original Hebrew and Greek, or a thorough acquaintance with the history, geography and chronology of the Bible, if the heart be left cold and hard toward its Author?

I seriously doubt if God has called or requires us to [merely] "study" His Word.  What we need to do is feed thereon. "Nourished up in the words of faith" (I Timothy 4:6).  "Desire the sincere [pure] milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (I Peter 2:2).  This is the only nutritive food for the soul.  By all means, "Search the Scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11) in order to test all you hear and read.  Above all, beg God to write His Word more legibly and fully upon the tablets of your heart.  Put the precepts into practice, heed the warnings of Scripture, and then you will assimilate what you have fed upon.

Concluding Note:  May we humbly hear these words by Mr. Pink, adapted from an Editorial in his magazine, Studies in the Scriptures.  This should cause us to never argue the Bible in a heated debate, nor should we ever read or teach Scripture from mere intellectualism, for "God resists the proud." (James 4:6). (W.F. Bell)
  
 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).

Published by Charles Woodruff- email: oursong2000@yahoo.com

BARABBAS THE ROBBER--CHARLES WOODRUFF

"Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now  Barabbas 
  was a robber" (John 18:40).

Jesus Christ was at the judgment bar of Pontus Pilate. He had already been examined by Annas and Caiaphas, who were joint Jewish high priests around the time of Christ’s birth, as indicated in Luke 3:2.“Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.”  Thirty three years later they still had a sort of joint duty. Some scholars believe that since high priests were usually appointed for life, Annas still had that authority. Others believe he was acting as president of the Sanhedrin, or a coadjutor of his father-in-law, Caiaphas, the current high priest. “Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year” (John 18:12,13).

After they questioned and ridiculed Him, because they didn’t have authority to execute Him, Jesus was sent to Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Then Pilate sent Him to Herod when he heard that Jesus was a Galilean. Herod got no answers, neither did he see a miracle performed as he desired, so after he and some of his people mocked Jesus, they sent Him back to Pontus Pilate.

Now Christ was before Pilate. The Apostles Creed, that ancient document, which is really a bird’s eye view of the Christian faith, tells us “He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried.” It is true, but not because Pilate desired to see Him crucified. He had tried every way he could think of to release Jesus, especially after Pilate’s own wife came and pleaded with him; “When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him” (Matthew 27:19.)

                               JESUS THE INNOCENT

Pilate had likely already decided not to crucify Him before he even heard his wife’s words. Throughout the trial he declared Him innocent several times. “For I find no fault in Him” (John 19:6) -----“Nothing worthy of death is done unto him” (Luke 23:15)-----“Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him:” (Luke 23:22)-----“Why, what evil hath he done?” (Matthew 27:23).

Try as he may, Pontius Pilate could not convince the crowd that Jesus was innocent. Pilate totally believed this himself, but he was under great pressure, and feared the Jews. Why?  It was likely because an uprising would get him replaced by Caesar as a governor. He was already regarded by Rome as headstrong, and had some problems with Caesar before this. His last effort to convince the Jews involved the custom of releasing a prisoner of the Jew’s choice at a feast time, and now it was Passover time. So he suggested Jesus, confident that they would want Him released, and crucify Barabbas. After all, Jesus was innocent, and Barabbas was not only a robber, as our text states, but an insurrectionist, a murderer, a thief, a seditionist, i.e., a real enemy of Rome. He was not exactly morally superior to anyone.  Matthew 27:16 states “And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.” A notable prisoner (translated by some as a notorious prisoner). He was that, but his desire to overthrow the Romans certainly made him popular with the Jews.

                                  BARABBAS THE INSURGENT

Most of us have heard time and again the story of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, especially if we are Christians. It is the central theme of the gospel. But, have we really looked in depth at Barabbas? As we have seen he was a robber, insurrectionist, and all the rest. We have heard the word insurgent a lot during the recent Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Insurgency (1) is basically the same as insurrection. (2) We have already seen that he was guilty of that crime.

“And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection” (Mark 15:7). Who he murdered we are not told, but, this murderer was involved with some others who were also being held. Who were they? I believe two of them were those who were crucified at the same time as Christ. Barabbas was also set to be crucified at the same time, but God had other plans for him.

All we really know about Barabbas is found in the Gospels. Mention of him is most complete in Matthew. Likely he was a Jew, for his surname is a Hebrew word that means son of the father. Some of the early church testimony is that his first name was also Jesus. In the Syriac translation, and even some English translations, we read his name as Jesus Barabbas. This would make an interesting reading in some verses if it was truly supported by manuscript evidence. For instance: “So, when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, "Who do you want released? Jesus Bar-abbas or Jesus the so-called 'Christ'?" (Matthew 27:17, Moffat Translation). Also, the same verse in another version “So when the crowd came together, Pilate asked them, "Which prisoner do you want me to set free? Do you want Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?" (Contemporary English Version). Another English version has “So when the crowd gathered, Pilate asked them, ‘Which one do you want me to set free for you? Jesus Barabbas or Jesus, called the Messiah?"’ (Good News Bible)

It is a theory, and makes a sharp contrast, but there is no real textual support for this reading. It is definitely not the majority reading. Note from ISBE the following: “Origen knew and does not absolutely condemn a reading of Matthew 27:16; Matthew 27:17, which gave the name ‘Jesus Barabbas’, but although it is also found in a few cursives, and in the Aramaic, and the Jerusalem Syriac versions in this place only, it is probably due to a scribe's error in transcription

(Westcott-Hort) App., 19-20). If the name was simply Barabbas or Barrabban, it may still have meant that the man was a rabbi's son, or it may have been a purely conventional proper name, signifying nothing. He was the criminal chosen by the Jerusalem mob, at the instigation of the priests, in preference to Jesus Christ, for Pilate to release on the feast of Passover. (3)

Not only does Mark tell us that Barabbas was a murderer, but Luke states that he was cast into prison “for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison” (Luke 23:19b). (4) “(Compare Acts 3:14). John calls him a “robber” or “brigand” (John 18:40). Nothing further is known of him, nor of the insurrection in which he took part. Luke's statement that he was a murderer is probably a deduction from Mark's more circumstantial statement, that he was only one of a gang, who in a rising had committed murder.(5)

How would you, or I, even known of Barabbas if the scripture hadn’t told us about him? You see, he was just a ruffian, an unknown scalawag except the Bible had told us these things about him. What would make him the choice of anyone to die instead of Jesus Christ? Was it merit? Did he have any merit, or worth? No! Barabbas was the worst of the scoundrels. He had no merit. He had no standing. He deserved to die on the Roman cross. Did he deserve to die more than his fellow criminals? We don’t know that answer. But we do know he had far more low life wickedness than Jesus Christ, who of all men had no wickedness.

                                         

                              YOU ARE BARABBAS!

            And so am I! At least, before our conversions, we were by nature robbers, criminals, seditionists, and more. We were adulterers, backbiters, liars, thieves, and even murderers! Barabbas was like us, and we like him. Even in his release, he is a picture of us who are saved. Christ died in his place; Christ died in our place. Without Christ, we could not have been set free. But, because of Him, we are. We are saved, are redeemed because He shed His blood in our place. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We “Chosen in Him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4a).

Barabbas was a man with guilt of many crimes and sins. He was deserving of the death penalty, which was common in those days. He had lived a despicable life. Likely his desire to overthrow Rome was self-interest as well. He did not come on the earth to be the divine deliverer as Jesus did. Others were not honored before himself. It seems positive to me that he was a self-motivated person. He was sentenced to death, and deserved death, and was scheduled to die.

Jesus Christ was a man without guilt. He was the only perfect, spotless, sinless being who has ever lived! What a contrast he was, and is, to any other being that has ever lived. He had to be this way, for the sacrifice for sin must be without spot or blemish. There had never been one like Christ, nor shall there ever be. He was born, lived and died without sin. If He is not claimed as your saviour; if He is not claimed as my saviour; if He is not claimed by all the lost masses of humanity, then there is no saviour! And, yes we are all lost in our sins without a saviour!

Was Barabbas saved by Him? The scripture does not declare him to be a righteous, justified man. It calls him a sinner. It calls him a thief. It calls him a murderer. It does not call him a redeemed person; a justified person; a saved person. Some say he was literally saved. All I can see in the Bible is that the right one died for him. Did he close with Christ? I personally think he did, but I cannot prove it, so I will leave it there. I know that he had the same one to pay for his sins as we did for own, so that ought to be enough. I think we will see him with us among the saints one day. Remember, there would be no Saint John; no Saint Matthew; no Saint Peter; no Saint Paul; no Saint Christopher; no Saint Thomas, nor any other without the risen Christ! Let us praise Him! Let us serve, and praise the Living Christ! He is the true and living saviour! He is real!

He says “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20)

Christ further says: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son

of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:14-19).

NOTES

 (1).Insurgency-The quality or state of being insurgent; specifically: a condition of revolt against a government that is less than an organized revolution and that is not recognized as belligerency (Merriam Webster Dictionary, online).

2) Insurrection-The act or an instance of rebelling against a government in power or the civil authorities; insurgency (World English Dictionary, online). Strong’s Concordance on Mark 14:7 has the Greek word for insurrection (G4714), as στάσις; stasis; pronounced stas'-is. From the base of G2476; a standing (properly the act), that is, (by analogy) position (existence); by implication a popular uprising; figuratively controversy: - dissension, insurrection, X standing, uproar. (3) Jesus Barabbas- Excerpted from the article Barabbas in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia; Online edition, Bible Explorer 4. (4) Sedition   Incitement of, resistance to, or insurrection against lawful authority (Merriam Webster online). (5) Barabbas the Murderer op.cit.: ISBE in Bible Explorer 4, online edition. Published by Charles Woodruff- email: oursong2000@yahoo.com