Our Lord understood quite well the hearts of his people - how prone they were to fear. They were so few. The number of the enemy was so great. So many difficulties stood in the way. And there was a sense of both weakness and unworthiness. Therefore, in a single golden sentence, the Lord attempted to calm their fears - and OURS! "Fear not, little flock; for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom!" (Lk. 12:32; comp. Matt. 14:27; 17:7; 29:10; Rev. 1:17).
    God's people have ALWAYS been a "little flock"; nor will it ever be otherwise until our Lord returns (Matt. 7:14). But a glorious kingdom awaits the true people of God - though it be necessary that we presently face trials, persecution, mockery, hatred and rejection! (Rom. 3:18; Col. 3:4). This is the "good pleasure" and "will" of our heavenly Father, (Eph. 1:5, 9; comp. Matt. 3:17; 17:5).
    Even now God rejoices over His people: 1) as members of Christ, His Son; 2) as His own dear children. He views us through the blood of His Son. Thus, He sees no spot

    "But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises", (Heb. 6:9-12).
    Paul has just been calling his brethren to lives of continuing growth and development toward MATURITY. Only in progressively pursuing the goal set before them are they truly SECURE.
    He has urged them to progress: 1) From infancy to maturity; 2) from foundations to superstructure; 3) from tasting to feeding on divine realities; and 4) from barrenness to fruitfulness.
    Instead of PRESUMING THEMSELVES SECURE, upon the basis of an initial trust in Jesus, their sense of security OUGHT to be based on a consciousness of SPIRITUAL PROGRESS! But the apostle assures them that he is not despondent with regard to their PROSPECTS! He is persuaded "better things" of them than

what his warnings may have seemed to indicate.
    It is not without significance that ONLY IN THIS ONE PLACE does Paul address his Hebrew brethren as "Beloved". It is as if he said to them: "If I did not LOVE YOU SO MUCH, I would not speak to you with such frankness!" Nor is it unusual for him to attempt motivating his brethren to a walk of uprightness by a reminder of his love for them, (I Cor. 10:14; 2 Cor. 7:1; 12:19). In addressing these same people, Peter makes a similar appeal, (I Pet. 2:11; 2 Pet. 3:1). Likewise with John (I Jn. 2:7); and (Jude 3).
    Even though he warns against such shameful slothfulness, and refusal to GO ON TO MATURITY, Paul is persuaded to expect "better things" of the brethren to whom he writes, (comp. Porn. 15:14; Phil. 1:6). They have already manifested such a labor of love as God will not forget, (vs. 10; Prov. 19:17;

14:31; Matt. 10:40-42; 25:40; Acts 10:4; I Thes. 1:3). This has been done in recognition and honor of God's name, or character. Their love for Him has been demonstrated in their ministering toward "the saints" - His beloved people, and their fellow body members, (Heb. 10:32-34; 13:1-3; comp. Gal. 6:9-10).


    Paul clearly expects the lives of his brethren to be characterized by the things that "accompany salvation", (2 Cor. 5:17). NOT wicked hearts of UNBELIEF, in departing from the living God; but A FAITH THAT IS REAL - involving a WALK of trusting expectancy in fellowship with God and with their brethren; a walk characterized by the very spirit and obedience of Christ, (Heb. 11:6; 10:39; Psa. 40:7-8). NOT "self-love", but a LOVE FOR GOD, for the brethren and for God's HOUSE! (2 Cor. 5:14-15; Psa. 84:2; Heb. 10:24-25).
    Christian love for God is but a reciprocation of His great INITIATIVE 0F LOVE! (I Jn. 4:10; Jn. 3:16; Isa. 116:1). We are to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, (Psa. 18:1; 42:1; 73:25). In like manner are we to love our brethren, (I Jn. 3:11-14).
    Rejecting PRIDE, we must walk humbly and honestly before God, (Prov. 29:3; 16:19; 22:4; Isa. 57:15; Matt. 19:4). Such an attitude is beautifully illustrated by such men as: 1) Jacob, (Gen. 32:10); 2) David, (2 Sam. 7:18); 3) Solomon (I Kings 3:7) and 4) Paul, (I Tim.

    Avoiding FAINT-HEARTEDNESS and weariness in well doing, the people of God are to manifest such patience as awaits God's own time and way for the working out of His glorious will, (Heb. 10:36; Jas. 5:7; 14; Lk. 21:19; Psa. 40:1). Instead of slothfulness, we are to manifest such DILIGENCE as is rooted in the "full assurance of HOPE" - and that to the end of life's journey! (Prov. 13:4; Rom. 11:13-14; I Cor. 9:20-23; 2 Pet. 3:14; 1:10-11). Instead of being ANXIOUS, we are to be PRAYERFUL, (Phil. 4:6-7; I Chron. 16:11; Luke 18:1; Eph. 6:18).
    Despising FICKLENESS - being tossed back and forth by the changing opinions of men; we are to be STEDFAST! Such steadfastness may be illustrated by: 1) Josiah, (2 Kings 22:2); 2) the Hebrew children (Dan. 3:18); 3) Christ, (Lk. 9:51); 4) Peter & John, (Acts 4:19--20) and 5) Paul, (Acts 20:24; 2 Tim. 4:6-8).
    Instead of pragmatically wondering: "What's in it for me?" we must learn to manifest an attitude of absolute, faithful and loving LOYALTY TO JESUS CHRIST AS LORD OF ALL! (Deut. 7:9; 1 Cor. 1:9; I Pet. 4:19; Heb. 10:32; Psa. 103:17-18; Luke 19:17; Rev. 2:10; I Cor. 15:57-58).
    Indeed, TO BE SAVED is to become so deeply indebted to Jesus Christ as requires a LIFE of joyful bond service under His loving lordship!
Pardon our mess this month! Our typewriter quit. Bear with us. THANKS! E. G.

    The First Missionary Baptist Church, of Honolulu, Hawaii, desires a man of God, and one of like faith, who will shepherd them according to the pattern set forth in God's word.
    Any information concerning a servant of God who might be willing to fill this need may be sent to:

    During the week of September 29, through October 4, my wife and I were privileged to be with the Melvin Gray's and Trinity Baptist Church, of Garnett, Kansas, for a series of studies in Daniel's prophecy. We received royal treatment and enjoyed a week of fellowship with a people who appear to dearly love their spiritual leader and to sincerely desire to serve and honor the Lord. May the Lord's blessings strengthen, encourage and enlarge them - both numerically and spiritually, as they reach out to others in the love of Christ!
    Then, following our evening service on October 13, I drove to St. Louis and picked up Pastor John Coleman, who helped me drive to the Pillar Bible Conference at Mauldin, S.C. We enjoyed three days of intense study and dialogue. In the evening worship services we enjoyed some stirring musical presentations by the Hallmark choir, and heard messages by brethren

Leonard Garlington, Edward Byrd and Roger Sanders.
    Though I am not certain that any issues were settled unanimously, some things were set forth with more clarity than in any previous meeting. I will be looking forward to the next meeting in October 1992. E.G.


or blemish within us. He is well pleased with our trust. Freely, willingly, liberally and joyfully He provides for our eternal joy, (Jude 24; I Pet. 1:3-9; 2 Pet. 1:2-4).
    Since, we have a relationship of blessed fellowship with both the Father and the Son, we have no cause for fear or worry. Greater are. those who are FOR US than those who are AGAINST US! The world, the flesh and the devil may be mighty enemies, but, with our lives hidden with Christ, in God, we surely need not be afraid! (Col. 3:3).

    "Heavenly Father: forgive me for turning off the alarm and going to sleep again last Sunday morning. I thank you, Lord, that I can hear. Many are deaf.
    "Forgive me, Lord, for closing my eyelids so tightly to shut out the Sunday morning light. Thank you for the beautiful day. Many are blind.
    "Forgive me, Lord, for losing my temper during the Sunday morning rush --- when socks were lost, the children were annoying, and all those heads of hair needed combing. Thank you, Lord. Many are childless.
    "Forgive, Lord, my failure to return a friendly greeting as I hurried to my place on Sunday. I thank you for Christian friends. So many are imprisoned in far-off places --- away from friends and loved ones. Let me not forget them.
    Forgive me, Lord, when I find fault with the Sunday School. I thank You for men and women who so invest their time as will enable them to open unto us the riches of your precious book. So many do not have the opportunity of learning your perfect will as I do.
    "And Forgive me, Lord, when I complain about the length of the service, or the hardness of the pews. I am thankful for a place to worship with my brethren. Many can only worship under trees, or on dirt floors, or even in prison.
    "Forgive my ingratitude, Lord, and help me to be more thankful for the many blessings, so undeserved, that your rich grace affords. And, let my life count for your glory."