The Word is anointed with supernatural power by the Holy Spirit, symbolized by oil. It is by the power of God’s love and the light of His truth that the Holy Spirit draws the sin-stained heart of fallen man into a transforming relationship with Him. No amount of human power or might can enact the metamorphosis from sinner to saint!
Read MoreWycliffe’s work of Bible translation shattered fetters of ignorance and vice, liberating and elevating his countrymen. Since this was still before the printing press, copies of the Word were multiplied by hand. The copyists could hardly keep up with the demand….
Read MoreWycliffe also organized a body of simple, devout men—who loved the truth and desired to share it—into preachers who went all over England—in the cities, marketplaces, country lanes seeking out the poor, sick, and aged in order to open to them the glad tidings of God’s grace.
Read MoreCries of agony were heard throughout the land, not only from bereft parents, but from the young people themselves who regretted the sorrow they had inflicted. Sadly, once in the sinister snare it was all but impossible to regain their freedom.
Read MoreWycliffe did not deliberately set himself in opposition to Rome. But inevitably, as the extensive errors were exposed by the Light, he fearlessly sought that the Bible be restored to the people and its authority re-established within the church.
Read MoreThese humble guardians of truth kept the Sabbath along with the rest of the articles of their simple faith. But Sabbath-keeping was against the command of the church of Rome. In fear and terror, there were churches across Europe who submitted to the prevailing error and superstition regarding church traditions.
Read MoreBeing followers of Christ and His principles of truth were valued above houses and lands, friends, kindred, even life itself. And even though the persecution of papal Rome often meant death for self, family and friends, they knew that no action of cruel men could blot out even one of His promises to those who love Him and desire do His will.
Read MoreThe ideas that lend credence to the coercive mark will be marketed in a positive light and probably sound very good economically and ecologically. But they will undermine the Lord’s foundational teachings regarding worship. The very words of God will be co-opted and misapplied in order to deceive people and divert worship away from Him.
Read MoreOnce again we encounter the theme of buying and selling. When any exchange between men is tainted with greed, the heart of the Lord is grieved. But when that which is set apart to represent Him to the lost world is polluted from within, the deadly cause of the enemy of our souls is promoted and advanced.
Read MoreBy God’s grace, the task of rebuilding the wall was completed in only fifty-two days! The opposition of surrounding enemies, plus abuses among his own brethren, made the quick completion of the task a feat that no one—not even their enemies—could deny was enabled by God. Nehemiah’s godly leadership continued for years as he endeavored to bring spiritual revival to the people of God within those rebuilt walls.
Read MoreEveryone who claims the name of the Lord Jesus (as a bride takes the name of her husband), should understand that he or she is to be the habitation of the Spirit of God, who has imparted the responsibility to rule over “the temple of God” and supplies the grace needed to live it out.
Read MoreGod, who looks upon the heart, knows the attitude and inclination of every heart. Two people who possess the very same information, can be moving in opposite directions: one towards the Lord and one away from Him—and all because of an attitude. Failing to esteem God’s truths renders one vulnerable to counterfeits …
Read MoreThe fact that God is our provider spills over into every area of life. The earliest lesson taught to Adam and Eve came on their first full day of life: day seven. Created on day six, they had been placed into a setting prepared for their enjoyment, filled to the brim with every conceivable provision for life and health and joy. Therefore day seven, their first full day, was a day of rest and celebration with the Creator.
Read MoreOur loving God exercises His omnipotent power of divine restraint in that He will never override the personal choices of the individual. The Word of God will always lead the believing one heavenward. But unbelief opens the heart of an individual to accept the seeds which Satan is sowing. Unbelief will always find an excuse for doubt and disobedience.
Read MoreYour decision to change directions and move toward alignment with God’s plan will seem foolish to the world. But it is met by our heavenly Father with spiritual “bear hugs”! His tender eyes, so full of love, are watching for any desire for Him on your part. He will run to your aid. Go ahead: make His day!
Read More“Divine instruction came after God had already blessed them. God did not blackmail them by saying, ‘Do this . . . and then I will bless you.’ That’s why we do not follow divine commands so that we can be blessed. Rather, it is because we are blessed that we follow divine commands.”
Read MoreThere is a wonderful “tiredness” leading to true rest that follows selfless giving for the benefit of others. The sleep that Jesus experienced on the pillow in the stern of the boat was sweet. True peace! That pillow symbolizes the rejuvenation that comes during the rest that God provides.
Read MoreNow is the time to learn to live in the pure, white light of the Lord. Here and now, maintain an awareness of the judgment seat of Christ. The result will be utter delight in how the Lord has worked in you, making you an overcomer of the enemy’s devices. In contrast, sin left unaddressed has an inherent self-fulfillment: the affirmation you receive for it in your own mind (and from like-minded peers) eventually renders the sinner incapable of recognizing sin.
Read MoreThe primitive Christians were eventually encountered and thus a striking contrast was seen between a simple, pure faith rooted in Scripture and the manner of the emissaries of Rome who demanded that these Christian churches acknowledge the supremacy of the Roman pontiff.
Read MoreThere is not a single detail of your existence — in thought or deed — that escapes the loving scrutiny of the Holy Spirit. When He brings conviction, hand over that thing, whatever it is, to judgement. The moment you are willing, His recreating forces begin the work of the needed change.
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