Gal 5.22 – 23a
“ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance:”
“…I am persuaded that the translators of the Bible were masters of an English style
much fitter for that work than any we see in our present writings.”
– Jonathan Swift, quoted by Gilchrist Lawson
MATURING. Salvation is great & essential. Sanctification is wonderful & oh, so necessary (“…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” Heb 12.14). God’s Perfection allows growth beyond these. You may ask, “If we’re filled at sanctification how can there be growth?” Mankind is not stagnant – we shrink or grow. As we move on with the Lord our vessels can hold MORE “love, joy, peace.” We can mature, then Mature more, & rising to heaven; who knows how much growth will be there. – 3/22/23
“There never was found in any age of the world either religion or law
that did so highly exalt the public good as the Bible.”
– Francis Bacon, quoted by Gilchrist Lawson
Here or There?
The next time you check your checking account,
You smile with delight – what a fine amount,
Or you frown, disappointed at the low count,
Remember, it all stays here.
The next time you survey all the surveyor agrees
Is yours to do with, Just. As. You. Please,
You’ve paid all taxes, paid on fees,
Remember, it all stays here.
The next time you sail on your sleek sailboat,
The wind in your hair, a “sea song” in your throat,
Taper the glee, turn down the wild sailor’s gloat,
Remember, it all stays here.
The next time you climb into you favorite fast car,
Or the other one that can travel on a gallon, so far,
Or the third that you polish and clean the least mar,
Remember, it all stays here.
“Here” is the place for toys: great, medium or small,
“Here” is the arena for games of chance, or of ball,
“Here” is the land for buildings spacious and tall,
‘Here” is where all the above stay.
There is, Thank God, beyond the blue clear,
Where the folly of all we’ve held so dear,
Will fully, honestly, in cheapness appear,
And life there is one grand, glorious Day.
There is a place where streets are made of gold,
A land where bodies and souls are never Sold,
The hope of the holy – at the same time the bold.
The road to such serenity is called the Narrow Way.
Release your hold on fleeting toys of this short life,
Give in to God. Give help to men. Stop selfish strife.
Take your children, your siblings, your noble wife,
“You must be born again” & Friend, you also may!
– eab, 3/25/08
ILLUSTRATION. [see First, Second work, Maturing – above] Allow an earthy example. “Engagement” takes place when you stop dating ALL others & settle on one. You’re “saved” when you settle it to walk with Christ *alone. Marriage makes this “settle on one” final. Sanctification is similar to marriage. And allows an intimacy mere engagement didn’t allow. As all newly weds should find there are pleasures beyond the honeymoon. Adjustments yes but solid pleasures are found in a maturing marriage. – 3/22/23
“I never knew happiness till I found Christ as a Savior.
Read the Bible; read the Bible.”
– Wm Wilberforce, quoted by Gilchrist Lawson
Yrs ago we vacationed in some Northeast states & Nova Scotia, New Brunswick & PEI. One day in Boston I asked directions & was informed (in neat New England words) to “do a uey.” The Boston native was telling me to turn around & go the opposite direction. Friends – – – some of you are headed AWAY from heaven; please “do a uey.” God is not going to re-write His Gospels to suite your desire for the world & its sinful habits. You must turn around – God is NOT going to change. – 3/25/23
Act 14.15
“…We…preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God,
which made heaven & earth & the sea & all things that are therein:”
A number of former Peers, too many former Pupils, & several former Parishioners are religious but ARE NOT SAVED. (I hope you will acknowledge to God, who you are.) They’re missing two very important motivations: 1.) They have so little desire to be Holy. (Some think they “kinda, sorta,” want to go to heaven but not strongly enough to seek a Holy Heart.) 2.) They do not allow themselves to see how Firey & how Full of Memories (Christian Services when they could’ve prayed, etc.) hell will be. – 3/25/23
“All the wonders of Greek civilization heaped together
are less wonderful than is the simple Book of Psalms…”
– Wm Gladstone, quoted by Gilchrist Lawson
Separate-Holy 