Satan cannot wish God out of existence. Satan cannot diminish the power of God’s love. Satan cannot relocate us to a position outside the reach of God and his love. Satan cannot confuse God so He is unable to know those who belong to him. Satan cannot tempt God to do evil. Satan cannot change God’s character. Satan cannot make God lie. Satan cannot overpower God. Satan cannot destroy the seed of the kingdom. Satan cannot make false what is true, nor can he make true what is false. Satan cannot defeat God’s revealed truth. Satan cannot force God to fellowship those who embrace doctrines of demons. Satan cannot steal God’s grace, mercy, love and forbearance. Satan cannot weaken the power of the Gospel of Christ. Satan cannot force me to sin against God. Satan cannot block the path God has prepared for my use when temptation comes. Satan cannot tempt me beyond what I am able to bear and resist. Satan cannot forcibly remove me from God’s watchful care and saving grace. Satan cannot cause the universal church of our Lord to cease to exist. Satan cannot prevent Jesus’ coming again. Satan cannot stop the dead being raised at Jesus’ command. Satan cannot change the standard of God’s Word by which all men will be judged. Satan cannot prevent God’s faithful children from going home to the heavenly city. Satan cannot shield his angels and followers from God’s wrath and punishment. Satan cannot change the destiny God has prepared

We need to read, study and meditate upon the text of Scripture, and pray to God that we may be spiritually enlightened through our study of the Bible. God’s Word enables you and me not only to learn the difference between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14), but it additionally gives insight into the devices Satan uses in his efforts to gain the advantage over us (2 Corinthians 2:11).     God has a plan. We know it by divine revelation as one He formulated in the person of Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world. God’s plan is one characterized by love, mercy and grace to reconcile sinful men to Him and to one another in one body. God wants to bless all of us with abundant life presently and eternal life when Jesus comes again.     Satan has a plan. We know it as an alternative plan he has devised in his attempt to counteract, disrupt and frustrate God’s plan of redemption. Satan’s plan is to harden hearts so they become unresponsive to heaven’s call and directives, drive wedges to create disunity among God’s children and bring together in fellowship those he has begotten with those the Heavenly Father has begotten (Matthew 13:24-30).     Isaiah writes how God’s thoughts and ways are higher or superior to our own. His plan is superior to Satan’s plan. Satan is a loser, and all those who allow themselves to be deceived by his lies will suffer enormous loss together with him.

Are we ashamed of others knowing we believe the Bible is an infallible work whose author is God, and that it represents heavenly authority? Are we ashamed of others knowing we are Bible-believing people? Are we ashamed of others knowing we believe in the miracles recorded in the Bible? Are we ashamed of others knowing we believe God meant what He said when he gave us commands recorded in the Bible? Are we ashamed of others knowing we believe that Jesus died and rose again for our justification? Are we ashamed of others knowing we believe Jesus’ teaching about His kingdom and the terms    of entrance He has given? Are we ashamed of others knowing we believe Jesus has only one spiritual body—one family of     people? Are we ashamed of others knowing we profess Christianity with Jesus as the only Lord and Savior? Are we ashamed of others knowing we are God’s people, and we’re heaven-bound? Are we ashamed of others knowing we believe Jesus is coming again to receive His own? Are we ashamed of others knowing we believe in a place of heavenly reward for the righteous? Are we ashamed of others knowing we believe in the Bible doctrine of hell, and that it is a place of punishment for the unrighteous? [As Christians, we believe these things because they are amply and often taught in the in the Word of God. As Christians, then, we ought to believe these things—and more, and we ought not be ashamed to admit the

By: Tim Childs Recently, James Dobson was speaking on radio about the various forces that are presently engaged in the battle for the minds of our young people. It is understood that whatever political and cultural changes are brought about in the world of tomorrow will be made by those who are the youth of today. This is why there is such a pernicious, aggressive battle for their minds.     To that end, a movement has been underway for some time to affect the thinking of our young people about marriage and the family unit as they move through their 12 to 16 years of school. The “gay and lesbian lifestyle” is continually placed before our young people in a favorable light and as being normal in hope that the future generation will be more accepting and “tolerant.”     Every society has its cumulative set of attitudes, values, ideals and beliefs. This is known as the “culture” of the people. Over decades, there often are striking changes in culture, even as there have been quite significant ones in our own culture over the past ten to twenty years. The following well illustrates the point. In an article dated March 2, 2006 and titled “Minister May Get Tossed After 30 Years for Marrying Gays,” one female denominational leader who is an activist and proponent of same-sex marriage was quoted by the Associated Press as saying, “Certainly the founder of the Christian faith was someone who challenged all oppressive systems that kept

The Holy Scriptures give us insight into the lives of certain men, women and young people whose hearts were filled with towering faith. In our generation, when we read and meditate upon the Bible text, we are able to discern the significance of faith in action and how it leads to our Father’s good pleasure.  Unlike others whose minds were burdened with unbelief, these men and women lived triumphantly in walking with God by faith (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:7). In his epistle, John writes, “…and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4 KJV).     Contrary to thoughts of the worldly mind, a man or woman of faith is not someone who has swallowed a “gullible pill.” An individual driven by faith is not one who has chosen to wear blinders and is willing to make a supposed “leap in the dark” unaware of where his landing might be.     The first couple was defeated in the Garden of Eden as they allowed Satan to undermine their faith in God. Satan wanted Adam and Eve to question whether God truly had their best interest at heart in his forbidding them to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (cf. Genesis 3:5). A stronger faith on their part would have empowered them against the temptation to succumb. Unbelief and distrust are favorite tools Satan continues to employ to wield victory over the weak and faithless.     Hebrews Chapter 11 gives us some of the more notable examples

Now that I have “tasted that the Lord is gracious,” I will intensely crave “the sincere milk of the word” so I may continue to grow spiritually (1 Peter 2:2-3; Matthew 5:6). I must remember that when I am young and weak in the faith, I am in a vulnerable stage of my development. Satan wants to steal the Word out of my heart, or otherwise render me unable to produce fruit for God (cf. Matthew 13:18-23). Jesus said, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:8). I must remember it is the Word of God that brought me to this point, and it is the Word of God that will move me along in my spiritual development and fortify my faith (2 Timothy 3:14-17).     Now that I have learned of God’s love for me, I want to love him back and prove my love for him (John 3:16; 1 John 4:19). I am able to demonstrate my love for God by drawing nearer to him as James instructs his readers to do in his epistle (James 4:8). Further, I will seek his counsel, walk in it, and obey his Son (John 14:15), whom he has made Lord (Acts 2:36), and the Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). I will not be deceived by satisfaction in hearing only. I will be a doer of the Word (James 1:22).     Now that I am washed, sanctified and justified through Jesus’ blood in his

We should consider it a tremendous blessing to sit down at the Thanksgiving Day dinner table with family and friends to enjoy a bountiful feast with turkey, dressing and all the fixin’s. God has been so good to you and me and we need to impress upon him that we are truly grateful.     But, think with me about the heavy feeling that comes over us about 30 minutes to an hour following the meal. Maybe you’re sitting in your recliner trying to watch a football game, but find yourself saying, “For the life of me, I just can’t stay awake.” “Good night.” “Oh, but it’s just 1:30 p.m.” “zzzzzzz”     Could it be that this is the current state of the church in today’s world? We are full and satisfied. We are content and complacent. We are sleepy, lifeless and without the energy to accomplish anything productive for our Master.     Admittedly, there are times when one has to catch his breath. That’s ok. Jesus, our busy Lord, took occasional breaks from His pressing work. However, we have not been called of Jesus to be “sleepers.” “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand… (Romans 13:11-12).     Are you still in your spiritual p.j.’s? How long have you been resting? Haven’t we had enough rest? Is there not a cause? Some

When we read, study and meditate upon the text of Scripture, we need to be alert and prayerful, desiring divine illumination. God’s Word enables you and me not only to learn the difference between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14), but it additionally gives insight into the devices Satan uses in his efforts to gain the advantage over us (2 Corinthians 2:11).     God has a plan. We know it by Divine revelation as one he formulated in the person of Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world. God’s plan is one characterized by love, mercy and grace to reconcile sinful men to Himself and to one another in one body. God wants to bless all of us with abundant life presently and eternal life when Jesus comes again.     Satan has a plan. We know it as an alternative plan he has devised in his attempt to counteract, disrupt and frustrate God’s plan of salvation. Satan’s plan is to harden hearts so they become unresponsive to heaven’s call and directives; drive wedges to create disunity among God’s children; and, bring together in fellowship those he has begotten with those the Heavenly Father has begotten (Matthew 13:24-30).     Isaiah writes how God’s thoughts and ways are higher or superior to our own. His plan is superior to Satan’s plan. Satan is a loser and all those who allow themselves to be deceived by his lies will suffer enormous loss together with him.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines “persevere” as “to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement.” Perseverance is a “key word” in the Christian’s life because without it one will surely digress into unfaithfulness and ultimately be rejected and burned as the chaff when it has been separated from the good grain (Luke 3:17).     God has neither deceived us by telling us that living a faithful Christian life will be easy, nor has he told us we may win the incorruptible crown of eternal life by charting our own courses (Jeremiah 10:23), or by seeking the downhill path of least resistance. Rather, our Father has revealed how we are engaged in a life and death struggle where our adversary, the devil, wants to separate us from the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls (1 Peter 2:25). Like Peter, Satan wants to sift us as wheat (Luke 22:31). Like a lion, Satan’s heart is definitively set on tearing us “to shreds” in destruction (1 Peter 5:8).     The great news is, however, you and I can escape “the tempter’s charm” and we can overcome in this spiritual warfare because “God is faithful.” In addition to “delivering us out of the kingdom of darkness” (Colossians 1:13), he has given us “access into his grace” (Romans 5:2), along with everything pertaining to “life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). Our Lord’s apostle, Paul, writes, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God

In our Lord’s famed address on a mountain near the Sea of Galilee, He powerfully taught the multitude of individuals who had gathered around regarding an array of spiritual principles that were to guide His disciples in their daily lives. In the beginning of the discourse, Jesus delivers what is commonly referred to as the “beatitudes” (Matthew 5:3-12). Within this portion of Scripture, Jesus pronounced incomparable blessings to befall us when we possess certain qualities of spirit and behave in a way that is worthy of the kingdom of heaven. If you and I are judicious, we will consciously pursue the cultivating of these attitudes that we may be in complete alignment with Jesus Christ and continually grow in His favor.     May you and I never forget that we are daily to reflect the unity that we share with God by manifesting a spiritual like–mindedness. It is imperative we hold and highly esteem the same spiritual values as our Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit.     May we carefully consider a couple of Jesus’ affirmations from the text: First, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (verse 7). Second, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (verse 9). Do we agree with Jesus here?     God is “rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4), and he calls upon you and me to follow His example in extending mercy to others (cf. Matthew 23:23). God’s will and power unite those who are truth-seeking and truth-loving.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:13-16)     Our Father has prepared a city for you and me, too. Through eyes of faith, we also can see it just ahead in the distance. We, too, acknowledge we are pilgrims here. This world is not our home, and this is something we want to be mindful of each day of our sojourn.     God has reserved heaven for those of us who have placed no one and nothing before him. Having God first-place in our lives is to put the things of God first in our lives. Jesus taught that his disciples would set themselves apart from those who are worldly minded. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).     God has reserved heaven for those who love him. We show God whether our love for him is truly genuine in the daily choices

The hedonistic sirens’ song plays beautifully in the ears of America’s youth, and the lure of the appeal is so attractive to the eyes of the majority. As with the Greek mythology of Homer’s Adventures of Odysseus, the sirens tempt our young men to fall prey to the fleshly trap: “Come, come, drink of the fountain of sweet pleasures and know what it is to be a man. You don’t know the thrills you’re missing so come now, hurry and drink of the fountain…” (of death).     Satan has done his work so well of polluting the subject of human sexuality that many of us find it hard to even bring up the topic to discuss it with our children at home or our young people when we meet together as a body of believers. Someone has rightly observed this is a subject that needs to be reclaimed by God’s people. God is the giver of human sexuality. Rather than allowing our children to learn from their eager friends or humanistic teachers at school, we need to teach them what God says, along with the boundaries he has given us.     God commands his children to “flee fornication” (1 Corinthians 6:18) and “youthful lusts” (1 Timothy 2:22) and “fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). The living God says that those who commit fornication are going so far as to even sin against their own body [thus distinguishing itself from other forms of sin as this one brings greater

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“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Our secular world is like the Sadducean sect of Jesus’ day in that there is the disbelief in the spirit (or soul) of man (Acts 23:7-8). We must guard against being influenced by such a worldview so we, too, get hung up on the periphery. Our discerning Lord rebuked the “spiritual elite” of his day for their focus on the exterior rather than the inner man. They were basically concerned how things looked to others around them. In his censure, Matthew records Jesus’ piercing words: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Matthew 23:27-28). Are You Fit to Live In?     There are a number of considerations we undertake when we are searching for a new house. There are important questions to ask the realtor or current homeowner. There are things the prospective buyer or other professional wants to look for when going through the visual inspection. If we are careless in the examination, there could be significant underlying problems that could be costly to repair down the road. Do the drains flow properly? Is the electrical system up

Soteriology is the theological study pertaining to the doctrine of human salvation through Jesus Christ. A pertinent and timely question that should be of universal interest is presented in the title of this writing. It is one that has been researched and studied, discussed and debated over the past several hundred years. Conclusions drawn will help direct the precious soul, desperately in need of the Savior, down the broad way unto destruction or in the straight and narrow way unto life eternal (Matthew 7:13-14).     There are those, having been influenced by the theological persuasions of men like Augustine, Martin Luther and John Calvin who have advocated the position that man contributes absolutely nothing whatsoever to his salvation. With this line of reasoning it naturally follows, then, that baptism (which involves action on the part of the sinner) is not a contributing factor.     Salvation is spoken of in Holy Scripture as being a gift from God to man, and obviously one that is undeserved. We come to learn, then, that God has acted with gracious benevolence and overwhelming love in providing the very means for our redemption and reconciliation, a Savior which is Jesus Christ, the Lord (cf. Luke 2:10). It logically follows, too, since salvation is a “gift” it is unearned, and it is supposed the recipient doesn’t need to do anything to qualify to receive it.     In the past, there have been those who have tried to bolster their position by using the analogy of a

The Living Word of God has much to say about relationships. When we are Christians, our relationship with each member of the Godhead (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) is to take top priority. It is imperative that you and I are drawing near to God daily (James 4:8) as there are so many worldly influences trying to come between us and God to lure us away from our Savior.     What is to be the nature of our relationship with God? God knows man inside out. He knows all about our DNA and every fiber and cell that make up our composition. He knows what is best for us, and because of his deep abiding love, he seeks to provide guidance and strength for us to overcome temptations and maintain our fellowship and spiritual union with him.     Just as Jesus was “one with the Father,” so it is heaven’s objective that you and I be “one with God.” God wants you and me to be likeminded with him, and so we are called upon to grow up spiritually into the image of his dear Son. We are to grow in our love and affection for God to such a great extent that we, too, are willing to meaningfully pray: “Not my will but thine be done.”     God has created us as social beings and so we are able to communicate and interact with one another. Having been given this blessing, he has also taught us

The numbers that are drifting, expecting by blind chance to find heaven’s shore, is staggering. They are as endangered children in a small boat wandering aimlessly upon the dark sea. “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them” (Hebrews 2:1 ASV). When we examine the life of Jesus, we see one whose mind was filled with purpose and determination to work tirelessly accomplishing the will of our Holy Father in heaven. Unlike Jesus, some have not accepted that Christianity is a selfless, self-giving way of life. Examining the ministry of the apostles, we often see them on the move traveling to various regions carrying the Gospel of Jesus to those who had drifted away from God through sin. The apostles were busy making a difference in the kingdom. They did not wait on tables and thus drift from their function, but rather gave themselves “continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). The elders of the early church had a significant God-given role to fill in shepherding the flock within their midst. Paul pens: “…If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work (1 Timothy 3:1). The work of elders is spiritual and extends light years beyond counting the Sunday morning contribution. However, some elders have drifted away from their God-given function as it seems that is nearly all they are interested in. Brethren, if it is

Does sin have an “up” side? Satan would have you and me focus exclusively on what he might term the positives of disregarding the Word of the Lord. For instance, when Eve was being seduced by the father of lies (John 8:44), he directed her attention to the supposed benefit of rejecting God’s command while seeking to negate the force and warning God gave them concerning the consequences of sin (See Genesis 3:1-8). As it was, so it is. There is always a price to be paid for sin. Freedom isn’t free. Neither is sin! “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). How much will a man give up for the temporary pleasure sin may supply (Hebrews 11:25)? How terribly sad it is that some are willing to give up their families for sin. Such was the case in Jesus’ immortal parable of the immoral son in Luke 15:11ff. The young man was willing to permanently distance himself from his loving father and the security his stable home life provided. Two other biblical examples are Cain, who slew his brother (Genesis 4:8), and the brothers of Joseph who sold him into slavery because of their envious hearts (Genesis 37:28). How deplorable it is for homes to be broken up when a parent simply walks away and creates permanent separation due to greed or lust (See Proverbs 5:15-23). Some are willing to sacrifice their good health for sin. Good health is such a wonderful blessing from God that is often

A friend recently shared a book entitled Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. In her heartrending story, Immaculee gives an account of her horrific experiences and those of her family, friends and tribesmen during those 100 days when about 1 million Tutsis (including nearly all of her family and friends) were being massacred by the Hutus. Survivors were few and far between. Some were able to get out of the country and join others who were refugees from previous conflicts decades earlier. Some hid in the woods, eating leaves and grass or whatever they could find. A few were able to find refuge as they were hidden and provided for by moderate Hutus who disagreed with all the killing being prompted by the government in Kigali. For the few who were willing to do so, to hide Tutsis put themselves and their own families at incredible risk. This is how Immaculee was able to survive as she and a few other ladies were stowed away in a small concealed bathroom for three months by a preacher near her town. The militia (whether by tens or hundreds) came unannounced to the preacher’s house any hour of the day or night in effort to find Immaculee (as they called out her name) and other Tutsis they believed were hidden there. It is hard for us to comprehend such egregious behavior, the ferocious, animal-like actions produced by ill-will and deep-seated hatred that can find its place in the

The Holy Scriptures are replete with lessons concerning the way of Christian living, and many are drawn from the analogy of walking. On one occasion Jesus pronounced, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Those who have put to death the “old man” having been crucified with Christ, then buried together with him in the water of baptism are risen together with Christ to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). The word of Christ teaches us to “walk after the Spirit” and to “walk by faith.” We’re not to walk as the Gentiles walk “in the vanity of their mind” but rather to “walk worthy” of our calling and as “children of light.” We are to “walk in love,” just as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6). There are men, women and young people at various stages of development in their Christian walk. There are some walking at a brisk pace. They’re out in front and swiftly approaching the finish line. These are leaders, strong and mature. They have cultivated the Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5-7), and still continue to press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). They will not let up until they have drawn their last breath and are ushered into “Abraham’s bosom.” There are some who are just beginning their Christian walk. They have been “born again” and are feeding upon

The term “church” is used to refer to those who are “called out” for a special purpose. It is used as a term of distinction and separation. Jesus of Nazareth promised to build his church when he was among his disciples at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:18-19). His purpose was clear and resolute: “I will build my church and the gates of hell [hades] shall not prevail against it.” Nearly in the same breath he said he would give the keys of the kingdom of heaven to Peter. On the first Pentecost day after the crucifixion, resurrection and Ascension of Jesus (events recorded in Acts 2), Peter and the other apostles gave access into the kingdom as they preached the Gospel of the kingdom. The text says, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). God wanted to reveal to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon things that would transpire in the future. God gave him a dream wherein he saw a terrible image. Ultimately, God provided to the king the details of his dream and the interpretation through one of his servants by the name of Daniel. Daniel identified King Nebuchadnezzar as being the head of gold and three successive kingdoms that would be inferior to his. Of the fourth kingdom, that is, the Roman Empire, the text reads, “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not

Jesus does not have to wait until some indefinite time in the future to be crowned King since he, the seed of David, is already reigning on his throne from heaven. The prophet Gabriel told Mary, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:30-33). John, the forerunner of Jesus being filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb, was sent of God to prepare the people’s hearts to receive Jesus, the Son of God, and enter into his eternal kingdom. Like John before him, Jesus preached the message of repentance: “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). The kingdom was soon to appear for the benefit of “Israel” as Jesus declared: “Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power” (Mark 9:1). The kingdom came with power according to the plan of God on the first Pentecost day after the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus when he had taken his seat to

In the news recently is a brief report about two adults who became lost over the weekend in the rugged mountains of North Carolina. The couple from Miami, FL had planned to hike only a couple of miles from the parking lot to a waterfall where they had planned to have a picnic. As they went on their way, however, they lost the trail and became confused about their direction. They were lost for three nights before they finally came to the Blue Ridge Parkway where they were able to flag down help. How frightening the experience must have been not only for them, but for the friends and family who did not know what their fate would be. The couple may be embarrassed about it all, but they are not alone because we all have experienced the anxiety of having lost our way. It is quite an uneasy feeling that hangs over us as a threatening cloud when we don’t know which way to turn or whether we’ll even be able to survive. Many of us are uncomfortable with death, but there is also the distressing state experienced by the realization that spiritual death has occurred when we have wondered away from God like the prodigal of Luke 15:11ff. The prophet writes, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). Through the grace of God, we may

What a wonderful thought for our minds to focus upon, to be actively engaged in contemplation. It is a noble thought, a healthy and most worthy one. It gives the faint-hearted cheer and encouragement in a moment of trial. It empowers the struggling to make the right choice in a time of temptation. However, this is no time for self-satisfaction by having the realization we are heaven-bound. Together we must continue to diligently sow, water and “bring in the sheaves” for our Master. It is undetermined on our part just how many more souls may yet be won to Christ as we reach out in love with the Gospel of the everlasting kingdom. “Together” is used with purpose in the title of our considered topic. In God’s superior and infinite wisdom, he has so arranged that we be “together” in fellowship with him and with one another. Deity’s plan is for God-fearing, Christ-following, Spirit-filled believers to walk the Christian walk together in love and unity as dear children (Ephesians 5:1-2). Satan’s objective is to get us off by ourselves where we feel we are isolated, alienated and all alone without a Christian friend to care. There is strength in numbers, but only when God is among the number. May we continue to walk together along the straight and narrow path (Matthew 7:13-14). We need God. We also need each other. “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness