When the ancient Israelites had forsaken the covenant to which they had pledged themselves at Mt. Sinai our Lord pleaded with them, again and again, TO RETURN - assuring them of forgiveness and pardon. Though they continued their rebellion, He did not cease to CARE; He knew what wretchedness lay at the end of a rebellious live.
    For almost 38 years it has been my privilege to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ -. the good news of His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, intercession, second coming and glorious kingdom - in Rockford, Illinois. The Lord only knows how many lives have been touched. Most were unimpressed. Of those who made an initial entrance into the "way of life" (through repentance toward God and faith in His Dear Son), so VERY FEW have actually "followed on to know the Lord" in any real, experiential bond of continuing fellowship.
    Others have made a good start - only to fall by the wayside when it became evident that there were trials and afflictions to face for the name of Jesus. Some have become 'weary in well doing" and, dis-

    As incredible world-events tumble over each other in rapid succession; as long-entrenched political systems crumble and fall; as wave after wave of mobs march, shout, demonstrate and kill to demand their freedom, or their rights; and, as the avalanche of change comes so suddenly and unexpectedly; WHAT CAN IT ALL MEAN? Who is calling the shots? At the behest of what authoritative choreographer do the nations dance, in synchronized cadence - like the waves of a storm-tossed sea that cannot rest?
    Is the long awaited "Utopia" about to arrive? Is the dream of "a world safe for democracy" about to come true? Are we REALLY about to have "A WORLD AT PEACE"?
    Confusion reigns! Politicians, philosophers and preachers alike seem to be at a loss to know just how to deal with current events. Had anyone suggested, just twelve months ago, that Russia and her satellites would experience such social unrest, political upheaval and change, as has actually come to pass, he would have been considered a prime candidate for the "nut house"! But, WHO IS BEHIND IT ALL? Can it be that President Gorbachev

has devised, and set into action, such a tactical strategy as will make himself appear indispensable? not only to his own countrymen, but to the whole world? Is HE the mastermind behind it all?
    In answer, I submit an emphatic, resounding, "NO! NO! NO!!"
    Numerous politicians, the heralds of a social gospel, and even some sincere brethren, may be anticipating a real, lasting peace. In fact, some of our politicians are already demanding that our "swords be beaten into ..." - But, no, that old adage is not really what they want! The farmers may look out for themselves! But, the time is surely ripe, they say, for sharply cutting the defense budget! The surplus to be used, of course;
    NOT FOR REDUCING THE NATIONAL DEBT! There must be more money to assure unwed mothers that the needs of both themselves and their "welfare babies" will be forthcoming! And the sexually promiscuous, among the advocates of "women's rights",

must be assured that their unwanted fetus's will be "SAFELY ABORTED", and that the expense will be borne by the taxpayers! After all, to be re-elected, one must take care to PLEASE THE ELECTORATE! Thus, ANARCHY GAINS MOMENTUM! - aided and abetted by gutless politicians who show no hesitancy to make merchandise of the souls of men - and of innocent, unborn children!
    It is not enough that the people of God meet sporadically and repeat words that make no impression on their hearts. It is IN VAIN to sing:
   We must learn to recognize the movements of His PROVIDENTIAL WORKINGS throughout the world. He raises up kings (and nations) and then casts them down. Nor has He deviated one iota from the purpose clearly set forth in His Word!
    BE NOT DECEIVED! The last days are upon us. Has not the Word of God fore warned that: "When they shall say, 'Peace and Safety'; then sudden destruction cometh upon them as travail upon a woman with child; and they SHALL NOT ESCAPE!"
    The apostle Paul called upon his brethren at Thessalonica NOT to be deceived. The "day of Christ" would not come:
    1) "Except there come a falling away FIRST" - an apostasy, or deliberate standing off, refusing to walk in the way of truth, (2 Thes. 2:3a). The tragedy of the situation is that this "spirit" of apostacy would be found among the Lord's

own people. Though you may not have recognized it, this "spirit" has over-run the Lord's churches in our day! I doubt not that half the dear people who have been members of our own local assembly have been so mastered by this "spirit" of apostacy and rebellion against God's order, that they have DELIBERATELY (knowing full well that they were repudiating the word, the love of caring brethren and the faith of God's elect) TURNED ASIDE - either to "do their own thing", or to prove that "no one is going to tell me what I should do"! This movement toward apostacy has become such a stampede, in recent years, as to crush the heart of any caring under-shepherd!
    2) Before the coming "day of Christ" the "Man of Sin" must "be revealed, the son of perdition", (2 Thes. 3b). It is "out of the midst" of "lawlessness" (anarchy and rebellion) that he arises - the weakened power of civil government no longer able to "restrain" him.
    The Scriptures unequivocally teach that this "wicked one" will come to power under the guise of a "peacemaker", (Dan. 11:21, 24). And the whole world will flock after him (Rev. 13:3) like the brain damaged devotees of a hard rock musician, EXCEPT for a precious remnant who KNOW THEIR GOD (Dan. 11:32), and whose names are written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world", (Rev. 13:8).
    If EVER there was a time when it was IMPERATIVE that the hearts and minds of fellow body members

    be united in a mutuality of love, respect and genuine CARE for each other, THAT TIME IS NOW UPON US! To His little flock the Lord has promised His age-long presence and keeping power - as our hearts are united to "fear His name"!
    "A PESSIMISTIC OUTLOOK!" you say? On the contrary, it is the most optimistic REALISM! With the apostle Paul, "I BELIEVE GOD!" In fact, I will believe Him though forced to regard "every man a liar!" At every crisis-point in human history God's divine intervention has effected the outworking of His eternal purpose - triumphing over the confused maze of presumptuous human ingenuity. The really glorious thing about the current maze of contradiction and confusion is the ever-increasing evidence that the Day of our REDEMPTION is drawing near!
    0, may the Lord find us faithfully watching, waiting and witnessing of His abundant mercy and saving grace to those around us!

A PERSONAL PLEA ... CONTINUED
heartened by the necessity of AWAITING "the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus", have fallen through unnecessary discouragement. A number have been allured by the esthetic appeal, polished programs and success stories of Protestant counterfeits. Among the most tragic are those who simply refused to be governed by the will of the majority, or the principles of God's word.
    The spiritual loss that comes

to ALL who separate themselves from a New Testament church is far greater than ANY WOULD RISK - however humiliating to their pride - if they only STOPPED TO CONSIDER! Nor can any caring pastor, anticipate the prospect of standing to bear witness, IN JUDGMENT, against those for whom His heart so deeply yearns.
    If YOU are among those who have refused the yoke of Christ, or who have forsaken the body to which you once pledged your love and loyalty, in Jesus Christ; the time for repentance and restoration is rapidly passing. Do not wait until it is FOREVER TOO LATE! If you have never RECEIVED the gift (of life) that God offers through His Son, then YOU STAND CONDEMNED ALREADY! A pardon, full and free, is still available through a total

commitment of your all into the hands of Jesus. But you may come to Him ONLY through the divine enabling of the Holy Spirit. Thus, "TODAY, if you will hear His voice, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEART"! E.G.


    A recent visit with the Mitchell Lewis's confirmed (for me) reports that his physical condition continues to deteriorate. A series of seizures has resulted in the loss of all use of his right side, and largely of the ability to speak. Both his eyesight and hearing seem to be weakening. Medication designed to control the recurrence of seizures tends toward severe depression.
    Do remember to pray for this beloved brother and his family. They are deeply conscious of the need of God's sustaining grace. E.G.


    For a number of years, we designated the month of January as "Letter Writing Month" and encouraged our readers to write to us during that month. For the past couple of years, we have not made such a request. This does NOT mean that we do not appreciate your letters and comments. In fact, we always look forward to them.
    A couple have written during the past month to express their appreciation for the CLARION HERALD. We would like to hear from YOU - any time of the year. We want to be a blessing and encouragement to our readers. E.G.