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CHRIST, THE EVERLASTING KING

    In the Scriptures the Messiah, the Christ, the one anointed of God is clearly represented as sustaining every character, fulfilling every necessary qualification to save and redeem mankind. He is such a Saviour as is adapted to all our diversified necessities, and able to save to the uttermost all those who come unto God by Him. His manhood was similar to that of the original human pair -- being holy, harmless, undefiled, and without a single trace of sin of His own, (I Peter 2:22). And He is infinite in wisdom, power and' righteousness. More than a prophet, to instruct us; He is also a Priest, to atone; and a King, to exercise a righteous rule over His people.
    Christ's dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, (Dan. 7:14). Once established, His kingdom will be an eternal empire of grace -- manifesting eternal qualities of "righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit", (Romans 14:17).
    Though the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing, the Kingdom of our Lord will not be destroyed.

God Most High will have set His Son, as King, upon David's royal throne in the holy hill of Zion, (Psalm 2). Son of David and Son of God, He is eminently qualified to rule gloriously. He is the "King eternal and immortal". Nor will His kingdom ever be left to another. It will break in pieces and consume all other kingdoms; so that "all dominions shall serve and obey Him", (Dan. 2:44; 7:27).
    Established on the principles of righteousness, justice and mercy; the kingdom of our Lord will be worthy the loyalty of all those made in God's image. His plans are made by infinite wisdom; His will accomplished by omnipotent strength; but all is motivated by His eternal love.    "Come, and reign over us; Ancient of days!"

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
   Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us:
   Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's Strength and Consolation,
   Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
   Joy of every longing heart!
***************
    Making God's kingdom our highest priority, all else will be supplied.



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LOVE IS PRACTICAL

    Like every other biblical doctrine, genuine Christian love is a very practical thing. More than shallow sentiment, or passing emotion, it applies to the every-day affairs of life. This is clearly illustrated by considering a few of the New Testament references dealing with the responsibilities of fellow-body-members (in a New Testament assembly) toward "one another".
    By girding Himself with a towel and becoming their "servant", Jesus taught the Twelve the importance of washing one another's feet, (John 13:14). Nor is this the institution of a third church ordinance -- to be taken literally; it, rather, points up the responsibility of watching over one another in love, and correcting such error as creeps in by a faithful application of the cleansing Word, (Eph. 5:25-27).
    Paul urged the saints at Rome to

"be of the same mind one toward another", (12:16); "in honor preferring one another", (12:10). They were also to "receive" and "admonish" one another, (15:7, 14). And they were forbidden by the apostle to "censure" one another (14:13, Berkley) by a nit-picking attitude. Rather, they were to so responsibly conduct themselves as NOT to be a stumbling - block in the way of a weaker brother.
    The saints at Thessalonica were taught to edify, encourage or build up one another, (I Thess. 5:11). And the Galatians were to "bear one another's burdens" (6:2) -- so fulfilling the law of Christ. James urged: "Confess your faults one to another", (James 5: 16). And Peter exhorted his brethren to practice hospitality one to another, (I Pet. 4:9).
    In reality, the Golden Rule becomes operable ONLY in a New Testament assembly where there exists a mutual relationship of love. And while love "covers" a multitude of sins" (I Peter 4:8), it will NEVER "cover up" what God has said must be EXPOSED! E.G.

MEETING IN JUDSONIA JUNE 19-25

    During the week of June 19-25 it will be the pleasure of this editor to spend a week with the Faith MBC, and Pastor Richard Kamerman, of Judsonia, Arkansas, in a Revival effort.
    Though I have been away from that area for the past 26 years, I still have many precious friends and brethren who are in driving distance. I trust that rfr1ny of them will mark



this date on their calendars and plan to be with us in at least part of these services. E.G.

ARVADA FELLOWSHIP
    Time is drawing near for the Fellowship Meeting many of us have looked forward to sharing with the Bethel MBC, and Pastor Willard Spilman, of Arvada, Colorado. The date set for this meeting is July 20-21.
    The hospitality of this church and pastor is always superb. I pray that the Lord will be pleased to grant a good meeting that will be a source of blessing to both the host church and all those who attend. May the witness borne on this occasion be such as will challenge the hearts of the saints, point lost and perishing souls to the Saviour, and redound to the praise of Jesus' name! E.G.

SALINAS, CALIFORNIA IN AUGUST
    During the week of August 7-13 Pastor Jerry Thomas and the brethren in Salinas, California, have scheduled a special week of studies, with Bro. Edward Byrd and this editor speaking alternately each day -- morning and evening. The church has selected the topics that it desires us to discuss in the morning lectures, but has given us liberty to choose our own topics for the evening messages.
    Pastor Thomas reports that some brethren have already indicated their intention of spending a week of their vacation-time in Salinas for these studies -- and would be glad if others should choose to do the same.

NO CAUSE FOR SHAME!

    As Paul wrote His final letter to Timothy he knew full well what awaited him. The attitude and concern manifested in that letter are of deep significance. It is important to note that he made no move to compromise the principles for which he had been so mercilessly opposed. Rather, he calls Timothy to take his stand for the same -- without being ashamed!
    In 2 Timothy 1:6-11 Paul calls his II "son" to a persistent rekindling of the gift he has received by the laying on of the apostles' hand. Apart from a faithful exercise it would be forfeited. Timothy was, further, cautioned against intimidation. The faithful testimony of Jesus was sure to bring affliction and persecution; but Timothy must not panic with fear. This would only give God an opportunity to manifest His power of deliverance. The very power by which Timothy had been delivered from the guilt and bondage of sin would also strengthen and protect him in the hour of trial.
    Paul surely had never been ashamed of the "testimony of Jesus", since he first met the Master on the Damascus Road. He was not ashamed to suffer for the Gospel's sake because he trusted in the Living Christ, (2 Cor. 12:2 Tim. 1:12-14). Knowing Christ, in an experimental way, He was persuaded of His ability and faithfulness to keep whatever was committed to Him.
    Nor was Paul ashamed of having held to SOUND DOCTRINE -- the pattern of which he was passing on to



Timothy. Having received it from the Lord, he had been careful to preserve it from corruption thru compromise). Thus, he was able to pass along a PURE Gospel -- in faith and love -- as a model or pattern to be faithfully followed. If Timothy carefully safe-guards that entrusted to his care; if he will proclaim it in its fulness and purity; then, he will have no cause for shame. And Paul CARED!
The same care is manifested by John who declared: III have no greater joy than to hear that my children WALK IN TRUTH! (2 John 4)
I'm not ashamed to own my Lord,
   Or to defend His cause,
Maintain the honor of His word,
   The glory of His cross.
Jesus, My God I I know His Name,
   His name is all my trust;
Nor will He put my soul to shame,
   Nor let my hope be lost.
Firm as His throne His promise
      stands,
   And He can well secure
What I've committed to His hands,
   Till the decisive hour.
Then will He own my worthless name
   Before His Father's face,
And in the New Jerusalem
   Appoint my soul a place.
(Isaac Watts)

ON HEEDING COUNSEL

    "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning." "He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction; but he that refuseth reproof erreth." "He that refuseth instruction despiseth HIS OWN SOUL; but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. "Heareth counsel and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end." "Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction; but he that regardeth reproof shall be honored." "Cease to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge". (Prov. 9:9; 10:17; 15:32; 19:20; 13:18; 19:27).
    "Fools despise wisdom and instruction .... Understanding is a wellspring of life to him that hath it, but the instruction of fools is folly", (Prov. 1:7; 16:22).