Jam 3.16 +

Jam 3.16

“For where envying and strife is,

there is confusion and every evil work.”

 

“Perfect Christians need as much the virtue of Christ’s blood to prevent the guilt & pollution of sin from returning, as imperfect Christians want it to drive that guilt & pollution away.”

– John Fletcher /Works II/

 

Years ago I saw a couple who’d gotten confused about which day to Not work (the 7^th day or 1^st Day) & (as I understood) “kept” both days. If you’re confused about what Day to worship, Or about speaking in tongues, Or about which Bible to read, Or about whither to divorce & remarry. Stop. Take time to Read your Bible with an open heart & mind. God will lead you. – 10/22/19

 

…all Christian believers are who either stand in it or press after it.

And if they do neither we are ready to prove that they rank among fallen believers…”

– John Fletcher /Works III/

 

FINAL FLIGHT

The soul is now preparing for its firm and final flight;

To plunge, to fall, to slip into the endless realm of night,

Or to soar, to climb, to lift, into the glorious light.

That soul, my Friend, is yours.

To choose is a God-given “right.”

Forsake sin, choose Christ

Who’ll make heaven a constant delight.

Flee the devil’s coming doom,

Where flame and fear both affright.

The Blood at Calvary spilt,

Has not lost it bright, mighty might.

– eab, 10/29/06

 

“How many pastors, preachers, authors, & Christian Leaders have phony doctorates in front of their names. They would never been tempted by such vanity had they kept an eternal perspective.”

– Dave Hunt

 

Many a sinner, in a pinch, has cried out, “Lord, help me” (or similar words). Many a formal christian has “prayed” over his “beans & tators.”  Many prayers (some even read) have been heard at weddings/funerals. Few (if-any) of these touch God’s heart.  But, praise God “…The prayer of the upright is his delight” (Pro 15.8). – 10/28/19

 

1Th 5.8

“But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith & love;

& for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”

 

If you knew you’d die before sunrise, what – – – WHAT would you do today? What phone call would you make? Whose door bell would you ring? Would you need to go to the police station before you die?  Do those  Today, Friend, Do those Today. – 10/28/19

 

“Luther…wrote, ‘In the beginning I devoured Augustine, but when…I knew what justification by faith really was, then it was out with him.’”

– Dave Hunt

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Mat 11.29 +

Mat 11.29

“…I am meek & lowly in heart.”

[words of Christ – are you, am I, like Him?]

 

Proud

11 of 47 “…Give ear; be not PROUD: for the LORD hath spoken”(Jer 13.15)

Psa 101.5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbor, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a PROUD heart will not I suffer.

 

“…The great prophet chiefly insists upon OBEDIENCE, the FRUIT of faith;

& the great apostle chiefly insists upon FAITH, t root of obedience.”

– John Fletcher, /Works II/

 

Christians do not need disney. Period. Please, christians awaken to the fact this industry is not of God. Stop wearing clothing, hats with mickey mouse, donald duck etc. Stop thinking disney is innocent – there’s an agenda behind almost everything (disney/hollywood/broadway). Don’t waste your time or money on anything from disney & thus show a degree of support – it is rotten. – 10/23/19

 

TRADITION? NO,  BIBLE!

If we had no Bible of our own

Tradition, previous men have sown

Could matter more to us, today.

Praise God, we have His fine, precious Book

Each of us must study, as we look

Daily, learning the holy way.

– eab, 10/28/08

 

“Can the husband or the wife, have children alone?

Can free grace do human good works without human free will?

– John Fletcher, /Works II/

 

All the ads on fb “bug” me. But out of their persistence I’ve derived one pleasure – I click to remove the ad & then click “irrelevant.” Movie ads pop up – “irrelevant.” (Haven’t been to a movie since spring of 1951.) Fancy restaurant ads pop up – “irrelevant.” (It’s close a sin to spend too much buying “atmosphere” pricy foods, costly amenities.) [This somewhat relevant, the higher the income, the “higher on the hog” one eats.] It’s a pleasure to not need much of what the world craves. 10/28/19

 

1Jo 5.4

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: &

this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

 

“Lord, I thank You for letting me see the sights of NY

& Lord, I thank You, that I didn’t see anything I wanted.”

– Buddy  Robinson

 

Our faulty schools have included much that’s heathen. Pagans were fascinated by math & its “magical” powers. (In fact, many mathematicians were magicians – seems to be connected.) The heathens emphasized sculpture – it fit with their idolatry. (God was not amiss when He forbad Israelites to have images/statues.) Some ancient pagans (& “christianized” heathens) left behind two-dimensional images. Faulty schools (state, private, “christian”) have included too much about idol-worshipping civilizations. -10/28/19

 

“…If sin is a sore spot as big as your hand, grace is a plaster as big as a blanket.

If sin is a mud puddle, grace is a Lake Superior.”

– Buddy  Robinson

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1Jo 2.15 +

1Jo 2.15

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.

If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

 

“True reason, alas! is as rare as true piety.”

– John Fletcher /Works III/

 

You love “Ball” – footBall, soccor, basketBall, golf, baseBall, tennis, softBall, bowling, volleyBall, rugby, etc. Truth-be-known, you’re addicted: you’ll miss sleep, miss meals with family, miss church, maybe miss work to watch (TV/in person) 1 or more of these.  You may not smoke/drink/do drugs (& condemn those who do) but you’re addicted.  True, “Ball” is not as harmful as tobacco & ilk but – – – is it good that you’re addicted to it? Must have it or you’re Not happy?  Think about it Friend. – 10/24/19

 

“…Before the Supreme Being, nothing can appear more detestable than

 the pride of a degenerate & ungrateful creature.”

– John Fletcher /Works III/

 

DUSKING DARK

A cedar against a pink-lavender sky,

In the space between the neighboring oaks,

The silhouetted bird flies by,

The crickets sing an evening song,

A lowly cow lows, the day is closed

While along the horizon

The pink fades and goes

Sights and sounds the heart and mind

Senses but lets them slip.

A day is closing as others closed,

Slowly slips beyond our grip,

The pink has departed

Now the trees stand dark and still

Black trees on a gray-blue sky,

As tree frogs “che che” at will.

– eab, Oct. ‘75

 

“Already the high priests, prayers & temples of the universal cult are with us. Curriculums are being drafted to indoctrinate our children in… ‘The Church of all People’ the 1^st step…”

– Dave Hunt

 

You found your first gray hair & are Aghast. What to do? As father of 4 middle-aged children, as Gramp to 18 (+ those who’ve married in) allow 2 suggestions:

1.) Pull it out (JK), but if you do, “frame” it; it’s the proto-type of many more to come.

2.) Seriously, don’t start dyeing. Why? A.) You’ll be locked-into that Expense & Bother for as long as you live, or B.) The day’ll come when you decide to go natural, you’ll suffer the embarrassment of “gray roots” for months & people will then know you were trying to fool them (& fool yourself) all the time. – 10/24/19

 

Act 16.16

“…As we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us,

 which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:”

 

halloween is a devilish day. Has it purposefully been “pushed” to cover over the REALLY important event of Oct. 31? (It very possible has.)  On 10/31/1517 Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses. That was a huge step forward for the much needed Reformation. Luther did not start the Reformation but was The Key Man of his day. There are those who want us to forget the Best October 31 of all time. – 10/25/19

 

“…paganism survived…in the form of ancient rites & customs condoned…by an often indulgent Church…Statues of Isis & Horus were renamed Mary & Jesus.”

– Will Durant, quoted by Dave Hunt

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Luk 10.18 +

Luk 10.18

“And he [Christ] said unto them,

“I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.”

 

“…Ardent love cannot but be zealously obedient.”

– John Fletcher /Works I/

 

Become more Aware of the importance of Up & Down.

Jesus was Up – He came Down

Jesus went back Up – He comes Down again

The devil was Up – he fell (forced out) Down

The devil is going further Down

We never were Up – Christ came to prepare us to go Up

We weren’t made to go Down – but will go down if sinning

The devil knows we can go UP, knows he can’t, & is doing everything he can to stop us. – 10/22/19

 

“So preach that those who do not fall out with their sins

 may fall out with thee.”

– Luther, quoted by John Fletcher /Works I/

 

PURSUE TRUTH

Make it your firm conviction

To not live in the world of fiction.

Search Truth, cherish, love her;

Never put a fable above her.

Pursue her as one does an addiction.

– eab, 10/24/17

 

“The early church knew nothing of this [rituals, ceremony, candles, incense,

prayer stations, & images] idolatrous & sense-oriented worship.”

– T A McMahon

 

You dad lived separated from the world (or mother/other relative) & you had confidence in his testimony. By contrast, you chose to dress similar to the world, go (to some extent) where the world goes, & now look lightly on some sins. Do you expect to go to heaven? Does God have a double standard? It took Obedience to the Bible for dad – it’ll take Obedience to the Bible for you. Your dad (other relative) believed the promises of God you must too. If you expect to see the saints in Glory, you’ll have to live like one. Amen? Ouch? -10/24/19

 

Luk 16.23

“And in hell he [“certain rich man”] lift up his eyes,

being in torments…”

 

People have complimentary biographies written about them. The others have nice-sounding, detailed obituaries read at memorial services. These are earthy. The bio or obit mean absolutely nothing to the deceased. If he went down (& is aware of such) it may (IMO) add to his torture. If he went up but (& is aware) he may (IMO) wish more was said about his Savior & His holy leadership than about him. – 10/19/19

 

 “Communism, socialism, fascism, nazism, all destroy

when any compromises are made with their systems.”

– Carl McIntire

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Pro 29.23 +

Pro 29.23

“A man’s pride shall bring him low: but

honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.”

 

Proud

10 of 47 “…Give ear; be not PROUD: for the LORD hath spoken”(Jer 13.15)

Psa 94.2 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the PROUD.

 

“…Sincere obedience or the good works of faith, are a condition…indispensably required of all that stay long enough upon the stage of life to act as moral agents.”

– John Fletcher

 

The Bible is the longest Book – from pre-history till after the ages close.

The Bible is the broadest Book – covering all major disciplines of educated men.

The Bible is the highest Book – addressing the highest place in or above the heavens.

The Bible is the deepest Book – describing the lake of fire perhaps as low or lower than hell.

The Bible is the greatest Book – no human has ever exhausted its riches & ideas – Nor. Ever. Will

Yet this Grand Text is simple enough that a child can read It, fed on It, & enjoy It for a life time. -10/16/19

 

RIGHT

If you are going to die right,

You have to live right,

And righteous here below.

If you expect to go up,

You have to pray up;

We always reap what we sow!

If you want God,

Read the Word of God;

Walk, walk in the light.

Be sure to do,

What you know to do,

With all your will and might.

eab, Oct 1972

 

“Part of St. Paul’s triumphant song just before he received the crown of martyrdom was ‘I have kept the faith!’ What wonder was it that he should have kept what even the incestuous Corinthian could never lose!”

– John Fletcher

 

The christian “service” which tends to have little-to-no-Gospel light, is the funeral. However there may be one which has even less: the wedding.[1] Why? Modernity has too often “taken over” our weddings. A home, God’s first earthly created institution, is being founded, right before our eyes. If ever a service should have the truth of clean & pure living, of the source of true love, & of responsibility to God, it is the wedding. – 10/19/19

 

Rev 19.20

“…the beast was taken & …the false prophet that wrought miracles before him…These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”

 

“The man who is intimate with God

is never intimidated by man.”

– Leonard Ravenhill

 

The devil has developed an anti-christ to oppose Christ. If satan as tried (he can’t, but tried) to imitate Christ please, Please, Believers, be aware satan will try to fool us in almost every conceivable field. He has his own “ministers”(2Co 11.15). The devil has false “gospel singers.” He has churches were a little truth is mixed with false “doctrine.” Not all “bibles” are real Bibles. There is false “science:” evolution is a myth (as are some other “scientific” yarns). There are false “histories,” false “statesman,” & false “money.” Media, schools, hollywood, disney lie to us. Open your heart more to Christ’s Truth. – 10/19/19

 

“The more joy you have in the Lord the less entertainment you need.

Entertainment is the devil’s substitute for joy.”

– Leonard Ravenhill

[1] Thankfully Lucas & Natasha’s (our older daughter’s oldest daughter) summer wedding was the happy exception. J

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Pro 16.19 +

Pro 16.19

“Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly,

than to divide the spoil with the proud;”

 

Proud

9 of 47 “…Give ear; be not PROUD: for the LORD hath spoken”(Jer 13.15)

Psa 86.14 O God, the PROUD are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.

 

“Holiness as an ethical reality does not make one less than human

but more fully so.”

– Ray Dunning, PhD

 

You walked through my dream this predawn AM & when awake I prayed for you. O, come back to careful living. You are a likeable person but, Friend there are who-knows how many likeable souls in hell. They didn’t love Christ; for if we love Him, we obey His commandments. Please come back. You can. Oh, yes you can. Even if family won’t you can. Today. – 10/18/19

 

A FEW MORE YEARS

A few more years, or months, or days,

And we’ll be shouting our Savior’s praise,

In that home He’s prepared,

Beyond the stars.

 

A few more miles, or yards, or inches,

A few more of this world’s knocks and pinches,

And the crown and the victory

Will all  be ours.

 

So hold on to thy Brother, Light, and Friend.

Around the corner is the Living “End.”

Our troubled souls will soon fly

These mortal “bars.”

– eab, Oct. 1973

 

“Increased religious activity without ethical living only increases sinning.”

– Ray Dunning, PhD

 

The carnal heart wants man’s attention. Wants us to see how Smart they are, how Good looking they are, how Athletic they are, how Rich they are, and yes, even how Spiritual they are. The Holy heart wants God’s attention, wants to be honored by Him. And, in reality, doesn’t want man to notice them. Where, Friend, is your (my) emphasis? – 10/18/19

 

Rom 8.7

“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:

for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”

 

“…get rid of the idea that faith is a matter of spiritual heroism…There are heroes of faith but faith is not for heroes. It is a matter of spiritual manhood. It is a matter of maturity.”

– P T Forsyth, quoted by Ravenhill

 

It was perfectly natural, not long ago, for sons to imitate dad’s chores, girls, mom’s work (thank God, some still do). Do I see parents NOW imitating their kids? Trying to dress like them? Trying to wear their hair like kids? Shifting from the separation they once believed? Falling in love with drama, “music,” church-athletics of modern churches? Dad/Mom, hold steady. Your child may act like they like your “new look” but deep inside they’re disappointed. They need you to be an anchor in their slippery world. – 10/18/19

 

“God does not want partnership with us

but ownership of us.”

– Leonard Ravenhill

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Luk 4.8 +

Luk 4.8

“…Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God,

& him ONLY shalt thou serve.” [emphasis added]

 

“Men sent from God…tell us there were demoniacs in their time; you say, ‘No; they were only diseases.’ Whom shall we credit? The men sent from God or you?”

– Adam Clarke

 

Now & then I see someone refer to roman catholism as a christian denomination. It is not. Their worship of Mary (& belief in her “prayers”) disqualifies it, if nothing else, but there are other serious problems. – 10/11/19

 

“The church is weak, dark, poor &

imperfect, because it prays little.”

– Adam Clarke

 

CHURCH

A certain kind of people

Meeting under a tall steeple

Imagine that that’s the church.

Tall walls do not a church make.

New birth is more than a handshake;

Which these find out when in a lurch.

 

The church is made of redeemed hearts,

And though they meet in various parts,

Under clear sky, under a huge tree;

Worship, that’s why we gather

Even in cold, wet weather.

Church is you and me.

– eab, Oct.  2008

 

“Emerging Church Movement(ECM)…“positive Sermons…top-forty style contemporary music, dramatic productions, food courts…rock-style worship for the youth.”

– T A McMahon

 

The study of theology can interest people, even consume their mind for life, but their souls can fail to believe Christ, His glorious promises, & hell become their end. Allow religion/salvation to go deeper than your head. – 10/16/19

 

Pro 14.34

“Righteousness exalteth a nation:

but sin is a reproach to any people.”

 

We’ve tried to believe our land is “christian.” We’ve wanted to look at the Pilgrims (far from perfect), at Edwards, Asbury, Finney & the circuit-riders & I thank God for these men. What we don’t want to look at are millions killed by our wars, killed by our legalized liquors (states make untold $ on taxes), killed by our abortionists. Nor the sins of adulterous leaders, sodomy in high places, & immodesty, even in church. Decades ago I realized I was a Christian 1^st an American 2^nd That Is Serious! I hope it fits readers also.

– 10/16/19

 

 “The Bible is the Book of Freedom;

the Author of the Bible is the Author of liberty.”

– Carl McIntire

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Eph 5.25 +

Eph 5.25

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church,

& gave himself for it;”

 

The male to female marriage is for life but only for earth – it stops here. The Christ-to-His-church marriage is for eternity AND. HAS. NO. END. Hallelujah! Have you made Christ your Lover? – 10/16/19

 

“Be prudent, be cautious, neither eat, drink, nor wear but as you pay for everything.

Live not on trust [credit-eab]…Labrt hard to live honestly.”

– Adam Clarke

 

It should make us Happy to see someone else Happy (if it is not sin). “Even if I’m not Happy?” Yes, salvation & especially holiness, allows us, without great effort, to be Happy for others (even when we have sorrow). This is how holiness works. -10/16/19

 

WET WORLD

A wet world is a different world

Drippy, droopy, and drear

But, oh how great when the sun comes out

With skies tinted sky-blue clear.

– eab, 10/16/07

 

“He who gives his heart to the world robs God of it & in snatching at the shadow of earthly good loses substantial & eternal blessings [in in place of it].”

– Adam Clarke

 

Home schooling is the earliest form of school. (Who taught Adam/Eve’s kids?) It can be argued it’s the best form. (If anyone loves your child more than you do, drop on your knees. Now.) And, for some parents it may seem the hardest. Please Dad (yes, you, Dad should be involved), Please Mom, ask the Master Teacher to give strength. Ask Him for wisdom. Ask Him to give fresh ideas, little jingles, new approaches (Christ is totally unlimited.) This is a major part of Christian parenting – hold steady. – 10/16/19

 

Jer 10.2

Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen &

be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.”

 

“We’re just a few steps behind as we try to coddle perversion

& act like that people cannot be delivered.”

– James Plank

 

Parents – don’t yield to pressure from evangelical friends, even holiness ones, to include “ideals” of ancient heathens. Greeks/Romans were Heathen without question. Some catholic (& other) sources may try to lead you to think they “saw” God but their paganism far exceeds glimpses of divinity. Your child may need to know name, approx. era, maybe 1 concept of Socrates (& ilk) but never require a Christian home schooler to know much. Study Moses (& like) “Moses alone…gives a consistent & rational account of…creation.” (quote from Adam Clarke) – 10/16/19

 

“If you’ve been talked into an abortion…

God can forgive you!” [essence of statement)]

– James Plank

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Jude 21 +

Jude 21

“Keep yourselves in the love of God,

looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

 

“Love her without jealousy; oblige her without flattery; honor her without making her proud;

& be hers entirely without becoming either her footman or her slave.”

– Adam Clarke [good advice for a husband]

 

You & I can do nothing to change God. Nothing.  But we can develop an attitude toward Him which foolishly shuts Him out of our lives.  If you find yourself here, I counsel you to come back, to seek His forgiveness for such an attitude.  By His grace you can change until you have great delight in Who God is. He did not change – He graciously allowed you to change. – 9/25/19

 

“Prayer is the most secret intercourse of the soul with God…

Prayer is the language of a conscious dependence on God…”

– Adam Clarke

 

Naaman

A general from Syria came,

As a “leper” – he had that shame.

Wise action followed unwise speech;

Assenting, he walked Jordan’s “beach.”

He went home clean, without blame. [2Ki 5.1]

– eab, Oct. ‘05

 

“Above all books the Bible passes as iron into a man’s blood & gives vigor to his will &

he that lives with Jesus catches the infection of his aims & spirit.”

Ian Maclaren

 

* H E L P * If you disliked & struggled with grammar, yet found a series of “formulas” “ideas” “constructions” (I care not what you “call” them) which allowed you get a handle or smoothed the way for understanding the complexities of our language PLEASE consider posting an idea today, another tomorrow (or every-other-day, OR once a week) so home schooling parents, people trying to educate themselves, & others may benefit from your valuable discovers. We need your help. -10/13/19

 

Psa 27.14

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage & he shall strengthen thine heart:

wait, I say, on the LORD.”

 

Are we (yes You, yes me) praying for a Spiritual Awakening? An Awakening which would revolutionize our Holiness meetings? That would find us more in our prayer closets? That would bring heavy burdens for our neighbors? That might mean less fancy restaurant visits & more prayer meeting visits? Or, hear it, Or, will we see our churches cool further, without our tears & our moans? Amen?  Ouch?

[~Please, this is not “holier-than-thou. I need help right here.~] – 10/15/19

 

 “What think ye of Christ?

…is the question that confronts every man who has ever heard His name.”

– Carl McIntire

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1Co 9.27 +

1Co 9.27

“But I keep under my body & bring it into subjection: lest that by any means

when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

 

“A preliminary work of the Holy Spirit must be done upon a person’s heart

before he is ready to be filled with the Spirit of God.”

– John R Church

 

Pray for others; witness to others – Christians want others to go to heaven (& do not want them to go to hell.) Yet, I urge you (& me) to an increasing earnestness about our OWN salvation. You & I cannot be praying as we ought, nor be timely & Spirit-lead in witnessing, if our experience is cooling-to-cold.

“Lord, keep us near Thy heat & Thy heart.” – 10/11/19

 

“Some people talk about revivals splitting churches…they do…split dead churches

…revivals don’t split live churches; they stretch them.”

– John R Church

 

He’s with us

Man’s walk is short, at the longest length.

His way is weak, at its strongest strength.

Birth and schooling, and marriage and death

Breeze by. We run, are soon out of breath,

What looked so distant when we were young,

(Our road was untried, our song unsung)

Clambers up, levels, clatters down hill.

Take the walks, pop vitamins at will

Age still comes. No matter how you “feel,”

Gray hair, wrinkles, glasses are all real.

But don’t worry. Yield to God your ways,

He’s with us. He’s the Ancient of Days.

– eab, 10/13/10

 

“What India most needs

is not Christianity but Christians.”

J H Barrows

 

To my youngest fb Friend (whoever you are), start memorizing Bible verses. If you, reader, are in your teens I encourage you – begin committing Scripture to memory. Are you in your 20’s 30’s 40’s? I hope long ago you began placing verses (& references) of God’s Book in your mind. If you’re a Friend in your 50’s or 60’s please increase efforts to know Scriptures by heart. I’m in my 70’s & have a stack of index cards (cut in 2) beside my rocker with Bible words on one side & where they’re found on the other. I work on some nearly every day. We can’t start too early. Neither can we start too late. -10/13/19

 

2Ti 3.15

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

 

Is your prayer life (& mine?) increasing? Perhaps increasing in minutes? Perhaps increasing in frequenting the prayer closet? Perhaps increasing in fervency? (“…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” Jam.5.16b.) Perhaps increasing in tears? – 10/13/19

 

 “The tragic thing today is that so many men with a Christian ancestry

are creating a pagan posterity.”

– Donald Sage Mackay

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