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Bible Fellowship
Tips for Using WhatSaithTheScripture.com
---New Window
Section Index
by Tom Stewart
"Justification by an Imputed Righteousness", Or, No Way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ ---New Window (1628-1688) John Bunyan "Living by faith begets in the heart a sonlike boldness and confidence to Godward in all our gospel duties, under all our weaknesses, and under all our temptations. It is a blessed thing to be privileged with a holy boldness and confidence Godward, that he is on our side, that he taketh part with us, and that he will plead our cause..." "In Whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him" (Ephesians 3:12). Read the entire book: Justification by an Imputed Righteousness Or, No Way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ by John Bunyan at Acacia: John Bunyan Online Library Poetry, Sermons, and Allegories |
Adoption in the Beloved ---New Window 2-12-2003 Katie Stewart "Jesus' Message to us, His brethren, is a Sober One-- "As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My Love" (John 15:9). To "abide" in God's Love is to "continue"-- to subsist in Him -- in God's Family. "Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. IF that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father" (1John 2:24). If you claim to be a member of God's Family, you must demonstrate your obedience, by love, to your Heavenly Father. "2 By this we KNOW that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His Commandments. 3 For THIS IS THE LOVE OF GOD, THAT WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS... 4 He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth NOT His Commandments, is a LIAR, and the Truth is NOT in him. 5 But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the Love of God perfected: hereby KNOW we that we are in Him. 6 He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked" (1John 5:2-6)." |
An Earnest Appeal to Roman Catholics, Or, Roman Catholicism Examined in Light of the Scriptures ---New Window 2-22-99 Tom Stewart If all would agree that Salvation comes only by the grace of God through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ upon the cross of Calvary-- "8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9)-- then adherence to or rejection of the Church of Rome would simply be a test of Christian nobility, i.e., searching the Scriptures for proof to go out or stay in. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11). Further, if anyone resorts to the investigation of Scripture, then a cardinal rule must be observed. You must be willing to obey the Scriptures. Jesus said, "If any man will do His [the Father's] will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself" (John 7:17). This cannot be an unreasonable rule, for Jesus Christ identifies Himself as the very Word that "was made flesh" (John 1:14), that we must obey. "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in Truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe" (1Thessalonians 2:13). I propose to demonstrate from Scripture that Roman Catholicism is not a Christian religion, and that the Church of Rome is not a Christian Church. And, if so, then it would only be reasonable for all those who truly name the "Name of Christ" (2Timothy 2:19) to separate themselves from this "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH" (Revelation 17:5). Thus, the warning of the Revelation would fall upon your ears to come out of Babylon the Great. "Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" (18:4). |
An Open Letter-"Probably" ---New Window 1-7-98 Katie Stewart A plea to those who have lost their First Love. |
An Urgent Call to Christian Perfection, An Exposition of the Doctrine of Christian Perfection ---New Window 1-7-98 Tom Stewart Call it perfection. Call it sanctification. Call it holiness. The issue isn't what you call it.What's important is that you do it. |
Christian Response to Terrorism ---New Window 10-8-2001 Tom Stewart "The Koran teaches the Muslim faithful to kill idolatrous pagans, unless they repent and convert to Islam. 'When the sacred months are over, slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them. If they repent and take to prayer and render the alms levy, allow them to go their way. God is forgiving and merciful' (Sura 9:5). 'The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel' (Proverbs 12:10). Cruel is the word that best describes the Islamic application of such Koranic teachings, requiring the slaying of idolatrous pagans. 'An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger [Hebrew, malak, i.e., angel] shall be sent against him' (Proverbs 17:11). The very idea of converting by the sword horrifies every true teaching of Christ that demands fidelity to God with 'ALL thy heart... ALL thy soul, and ... ALL thy mind' (Matthew 22:37) as True Religion, '6 not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the Will of God from the heart; 7 with good will doing service, as to the LORD, and not to men' (Ephesians 6:6-7). The Christian Scriptures, as opposed to the Koran, emphasize the necessity of an uncoerced heart confession of Jesus Christ as Saviour and LORD, realizing that anything less is a false profession of Christ, i.e., 'And why call ye Me, LORD, LORD, and do not the things which I say?' (Luke 6:46). '9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be Saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto Righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation' (Romans 10:9-10)." Subpoints of the article: The Face of Terrorism (2001): Militant Islamic Fundamentalism Terror: How Almighty God Uses Man's Wrath to Praise His Name Faith in God: The Christian Response to Terrorism Terror: The Beginning of God's Judgment Question and Answer: On Terror |
Concerning Emanuel Swedenborg 1688-1772 ---New Window 12-3-98 Tom Stewart An email reply to one of our readers (name withheld). We post this in the hope of it helping others. "The Wisdom that is from Above is first pure" (1 Corinthians 6:9). |
Condensed from: A Caution to the Presumptuous ---New Window (1834-1892) C. H. Spurgeon A Sermon (No. 22) Delivered on Sabbath Morning, May 13, 1855 At Exeter Hall, Strand. "'Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall;' but we need not be astonished, for though we have a great right to believe that we stand, if we think we stand through the power of God though we cannot be too confident of the might of the Most High, there is a thing so near akin to true confidence, that unless you use the greatest discernment you cannot tell the difference. Unholy presumption it is against that which I am to speak this morning... I warn you against that evil thing, a false confidence and presumption which creepeth over a Christian, like the cold death-sleep on the mountain-top, from which, if he is not awakened, as God will see that he shall be, death will be the inevitable consequence. 'Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.' ...My first business shall be to FIND OUT THE CHARACTER intended by the presumptuous man, the man who thinks he stands... my business this morning is with God's church.. ...they have not been humbled or broken in spirit, or if they have, they have fostered carnal security until it has grown to a giant and trampled the sweet flower of humility under its foot. They think they stand. I speak now of real Christians, who, notwithstanding, have grown presumptuous, and indulge in a fleshly security. May my Master arouse such, while in preaching I endeavour to go to the core and root of the matter." |
Deliver Us From This Present Evil World ---New Window 5-11-03 Katie Stewart "God has a Plan for His people, "according to the Will of God and our Father." His Plan is to "deliver us", both for today, and forever. And, to accomplish this Deliverance, Jesus Christ, His Son, "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world" (Galatians 1:4). The Heavenly Father "spared not His Own Son, but delivered Him up for us all" (Romans 8:32)." |
Deliverance! ---New Window Robert Gunn Scripture prayed- sending God's Word back to Himself in praise, worship, and supplication. |
Don't Give Up On God ---New Window 10-14-02 Tom Stewart "When we are tempted to cease from doing right, we are tempted to give up on God, e.g., "he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar" (1John 5:10). We have no more right to give up on God than an employee has to disobey a lawful order from his employer. "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God" (Colossians 3:22). Neither should we feel that children obeying their parents is anything but what is expected by God and ourselves. "Children, obey your parents in the LORD: for this is right" (Ephesians 6:1). In fact, we have no right to feel that we have done anything but our duty, when we did not give up on God. "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do" (Luke 17:10). That God is pleased with our faith and right doing is evident by His Word, i.e., "without faith it is impossible to please Him" (Hebrews 11:6), and by His rewards, e.g., "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the Crown of Life, which the LORD hath promised to them that love Him" (James 1:12). But, His punishment for unbelief, disobedience, and wickedness demonstrates His displeasure for our not doing or ceasing to do what we know is right, i.e., "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). "8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the Truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile" (Romans 2:8-9)." |
Escaping the Lie of the Serpent, Or, Humanism: the Religion of the World ---New Window 8-1-99 Katie Stewart "And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said..." (Genesis 3:1). In an ancient quest for his own version of truth and self-divinity, man has historically denied the Counsel of God, and has turned inward-- instead of Upward-- for wisdom. The evolution of the age-old Lie of the Devil, "Yea, hath God said..." (Genesis 3:1), has given birth to our modern-age brand of humanism, which rules as the "religion" of the world. "But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness" (2Timothy 2:16). |
Glory! ---New Window 1-7-98 Charles H. Spurgeon What Jesus once left in Heaven, He now shares with us. |
God Has Done Nothing Wrong! ---New Window 8-19-02 Katie Stewart "Many times have I heard this blasphemous accusation, that, "God has a lot to answer for!" "What is man" (Psalm 8:4) to point a finger at God? How can any man blame "the Only Wise God our Saviour" (Jude 25) for the awful mess that man, himself, has made of his own life and world? "God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). There is one thing that the righteous definitely know about God, and that is, thankfully, that 'God is NOT A MAN, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent' (Numbers 23:19). Hallelujah! For, IF the LORD acts in the same way that man does, then God would treat us in the same unjust way that we treat Him! For instance,
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Good Days, Better Days ---New Window 10-11-2000 Tom Stewart "But the path of the just is as the shining Light, that shineth more and more unto the Perfect Day" (Proverbs 4:18). "Until the Master is ready to take us Home to Heaven by death or Rapture, we must understand our emotions, or stumble over them. 'The entrance of Thy Words giveth Light; it giveth understanding unto the simple' (Psalm 119:130). The pathway before us, in the meantime, has been designated by our God to be an ever increasing experience of growing understanding of Himself (most of all), ourselves, and even our emotions. 'But the path of the just is as the shining Light, that shineth more and more unto the Perfect Day' (Proverbs 4:18)." |
He That Endureth to the End Shall Be Saved, Or, The Biblical Doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints, Or, Endurance is Necessary for Eternal Salvation ---New Window 5-28-99 Tom Stewart In our enthusiasm to promote God's Simple Plan of Salvation, we have made anathema any suggestion that the Scripture demands anything beyond the simple requirement to believe... The desire to protect Gospel Salvation from the Judaizers, who wrongly made the keeping of the Ceremonial Law of the Old Testament necessary for Salvation, has caused the Gospel requirement of persevering in faith, continuing in Christ, holding fast our confidence in Christ, or enduring to the end, to be laid aside from the claims of the Primitive Gospel. "We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end" (Hebrews 3:14)... You may ask, "Don't you believe in the Eternal Security of the Believer?" Most certainly, I do. "And I give unto them Eternal Life; and they shall never perish" (John 10:28). But, we are nowhere to confuse the Security of the Believer with the Insecurity that Rightfully Belongs to ANY Sinner. "Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him" (1John 3:6). The self-deception of sin persuades the one who professes to know Jesus Christ that they have already been saved, even though they presently continue in unrepented sin. "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God..." (1John 3:10)... Persevering to the end is part of Saving Faith; and therefore, it is a condition of Eternal Salvation. Holding fast our faith (or, "confidence") is the same as enduring. "But Christ as a Son over His own house; Whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end" (Hebrews 3:6)... The faith that believes that it is not necessary to endure to the end as a condition of Eternal Salvation prepares the Church for the Apostasy or Falling Away of the End Times... A cardinal tenet of faith is: "According to your faith be it unto you" (Matthew 9:29). And, if we allow and prepare ourselves to fall away from the faith-- ever so briefly-- we will fall away! "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7)... Not only is it necessary for the Saints to endure or persevere to the end; but at the same time, both the Father and the Son have promised to preserve those who "continue in the faith". "...no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand" (John 10:29). This relationship where the Saints Endure While God Preserves was best expressed by the LORD Jesus: "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work" (John 5:17)... Love is the motivation to endure to the end, but faith is the means to carry it out. "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by Love" (Galatians 5:6). Faith or confidence in the character of God is the only thing we can do to please God. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him..." (Hebrews 11:6). How can we ever mature without an ever increasing confidence in the character of God? And, how can we increase in confidence, if we do not persevere? "If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established" (Isaiah 7:9). Considering what the LORD Jesus did for us on the Cross, how can we justify sinning against Him? "Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight..." (Psalm 51:4). Further, if we cannot bear to offend the Lamb of God, would it not be unreasonable for the LORD to preserve us in holiness? |
He Will Subdue Our Iniquities, Or, How God Makes Normal Christians to Walk Without Sinning, Or, How Anyone Can Be Ready to Meet God at Any Time ---New Window 3-22-98 Tom Stewart How can anyone speak of walking without sinning, without being completely out of touch with the human condition? The Son of Man, the LORD Jesus Christ, did exactly that. He said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). |
Hold the Fort, for I Am Coming! ---New Window 10-10-2001 Katie Stewart "Though the ground below your feet quake, though the sky above your head smokes black, though fires rise to threaten your way, 'HOLD THAT FAST which thou hast'
(Revelation 3:11)... |
How to Deal With Backsliders ---New Window 3-8-98 Tom Stewart God has a plan of action that you may follow with Promise to restore the backslider. |
How to Go On When You Can't ---New Window Lester Roloff "A test of a Christian's character is what he does after he comes to the blockade in the road and what his attitude is after everything has left him except Jesus. You will never know down here that Christ is all you need until Christ is all you have left. You will never be able to tell the world for sure that He will do in a crisis unless you learn how to live in a crisis. In this message we are going to walk with men in the crises of life. God is going to prove to us that He is sufficient to see every child He has through. When it gets so hard that you and I cannot live for Christ down here, by His grace, He will grab us up and take us Home. 'He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us' (Ephesians 3:20), and that's the Holy Spirit. The question is, as a Christian, how far are you willing to go after you cannot go any further? What are you willing to do after you reach the place where you can do exactly nothing?" |
How to Promote the Beauties of Holiness, Or, The Beauty of Holiness (Part 2) ---New Window 7-13-2001 Tom Stewart "Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy Power, in the Beauties of Holiness from the womb of the morning: Thou hast the dew of Thy youth" (Psalm 110:3). "Did not even the Old Testament writers comprehend that there would come a day when Pentecost's Promised Blessing of Divine Presence would invigorate all those that repent and turn to Jesus Christ in faith-- and, most importantly, cause us to walk in Perfect Obedience? '26 A New Heart also will I give you, and a New Spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My Statutes, and ye shall keep My Judgments, and do them' (Ezekiel 36:26-27). If the LORD Jesus Christ has already begun His 'perfect work' (James 1:4) of Salvation and Sanctification in us, then He will not only 'perform it until the day of Jesus Christ' (Philippians 1:6), i.e., until Christ takes us Home by death or Rapture; but, He has already begun to work in us 'to will and to do of His good pleasure' (Philippians 2:13). The 'Beauties of Holiness' (Psalm 110:3) extolled by the Psalmist are the decorum of the Saints, in the present day of Christ's Gospel Power. The question for those who already understand their need of the 'manifold Grace of God' (1Peter 4:10) for Salvation, is: 'How can I promote the Beauties of Holiness in my own life (because absolutely nothing is worth sinning against God)?' 'Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the Blood of the Covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of Grace?' (Hebrews 10:29). What cooperation does the Spirit of God require of me to secure me from offending the Father Who loved me, the Saviour Who died for me, and the Spirit Who sought after me? 'My Father worketh hitherto, and I work' (John 5:17). Remember that Holiness means not only separateness or apartness from sin, but consecration or dedication to God. 'In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar. Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be Holiness unto the LORD of Hosts' (Zechariah 14:20-21)." |
How to Succeed in Your Christian Life ---New Window 3-28-04 Tom Stewart "Christianity is a Total Commitment to the LORD Jesus Christ. 'I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing' (John 15:5). The Christian walk is the picture of a man walking with God. 'Noah was a Just man and Perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God' (Genesis 6:9)." |
How to Trust God, Or, Our Necessities Are Merely Opportunities to Trust God ---New Window 9-28-98 Tom Stewart If we would only combine the necessities of our circumstances with the Spirit-led discoveries of who God is and how He will fulfill our needs, then we would avail ourselves of the opportunity to trust Him more. |
How to be Happy in a World Gone Mad ---New Window 5-20-02 Tom Stewart "True Christian happiness must take place regardless of external circumstances. '11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you' (Matthew 5:11-12). The very idea of happiness was the theme of the Saviour in the Sermon on the Mount, for the Greek word makarios is translated both as happy or blessed. '3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the Earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the Children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven' (5:3-10). In other words, to be truly Christian is to be truly happy. '8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the Gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham' (Galatians 3:8-9)." |
If the Shoe Fits ---New Window 1-7-98 Katie Stewart A warning to those who are about to miss the First "Come Up Hither". |
Is Faith the Only Condition for Eternal Salvation?, Or, The Biblical Doctrine of Justification by Faith ---New Window 6-19-99 Tom Stewart "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath Everlasting Life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from Death unto Life" (John 5:24). Faith is anything but passive, for "by faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the Promises offered up his only begotten son" (Hebrews 11:17). Faith is so bound up in the Other Conditions for our Justification, that to knowingly omit those other conditions, would declare our faith to be dead. "Faith without works is dead" (James 2:26). All the Other Conditions of our Justification are part of Evangelical Faith and are conditions for Eternal Salvation. These conditions may properly be called the Works of Faith, such as, perseverance (which is a description of those who follow Jesus to Heaven). "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed" (John 8:31). |
Jesus Christ, the Hope in You ---New Window 1-7-98 Charles G. Finney -edited by Katie Stewart Our only HOPE in a hopeless world. Our ONLY Hope. |
Judge Righteous Judgment, Or, How Judgment-- the Theme for the Tribulation Week-- Should Be Applied ---New Window 8-15-98 Tom Stewart "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24). |
Keeping Covenant: A Covenant of Peace ---New Window 6-5-2000 Tom Stewart Keeping Covenant Part 2. "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the Covenant of My Peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee" (Isaiah 54:10). "The one who needs most the Covenant of Peace, is the one that is most providentially directed to receive it, because 'my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:19). It has been the experience of the Saints throughout the ages that God's Covenant of Peace has been available to those who have been led to lay hold of it. 'There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling' (Psalm 91:10). 'There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief' (Proverbs 12:21). It is just when the enemy casts the greatest shadow, that we need most to turn to the Promises of God and trust in Jehovah's Covenant of Peace. 'When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him' (Isaiah 59:19)." |
Keeping Covenant: God of the Rear Guard ---New Window 6-5-2000 Tom Stewart Keeping Covenant Part 3. "For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your Rereward [literally, Rear Guard]" (Isaiah 52:12). "As the Church approaches the end of this Church Age, the Saints who are now alive, must address the concept that Someone must be guarding the last of us, as we leave this planet, i.e., by Pre-Tribulational Rapture, Pre-Wrath Rapture, etc... the LORD Jesus understands the difficult situation of His people, who are the "Remnant of His Heritage" (Micah 7:18), that vex their "righteous soul from day to day with [the world's] unlawful deeds" (2Peter 2:8). By faith, before the enemy, who spread themselves out against the Saints as a "green bay tree" (Psalm 37:35) to exterminate the Faithful, our God will interpose Himself, watching our back side, to deliver us; even if He must Rapture us. "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36)... Just as we understand the specific Promise of Isaiah 52:12, to be God's Covenant of Himself being our Rear Guard, all of God's Promises may be utilized as Covenants for His protection. "Whereby are given unto us Exceeding Great and Precious Promises: that by These ye might be partakers of the Divine Nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2Peter 1:4). We ought to walk with confidence, when we consider that the God of Omnipotence not only goes before us, but He guards us from behind!" 74 |
Keeping Covenant: The Promise of the Spirit ---New Window 6-5-2000 Tom Stewart Keeping Covenant Part 1. "The grand design of the Spirit's indwelling is to secure the perfect love, complete obedience, or entire sanctification that has ALWAYS been demanded by the Moral Law. '36 Master, which is the great Commandment in the Law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great Commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the prophets' (Matthew 22:36-40). This Law of Love is understood in the New Testament as the Law of Christ. 'Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ' (Galatians 6:2). Always, it has been man's imperative to understand how to submit to this Law; and, now it is plain that a Covenant as old as Abraham has been fulfilled through the New Covenant's giving of the Holy Spirit-- which, BY FAITH secures for us perfect obedience to God. 'That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the Promise of the Spirit through faith' (Galatians 3:14)." |
Lest We Forget, A WStS Prologue to J.A. Wylie's "The History of Protestantism" ---New Window 6-4-99 Tom and Katie Stewart "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men" (1 Corinthians 7:23). Martyrs have added their testimony to the foundation laid by our LORD. "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward" (1Corinthians 3:14). They have given us an heritage unto the LORD, a lineage of faith. They have given us their testimonies of a Love that the flames could not burn out. For example, "These homilies [religious writings-- testimonies] were golden cups, filled with living waters, and when the people of England pressed them to their parched lips, it well became them to remember whose were the hands that had replenished these vessels from the Divine fountains. The authors of the homiliesCranmer, Ridley, Latimerthough dead, were yet speaking. They had perished at the stake, but now they were preaching by a thousand tongues to the people of England. Tyrants had done to them as they listed; but, risen from the dead, these martyrs were marching before the nation in its glorious exit from its house of bondage" (excerpted from "The History of Protestantism", Volume 3, Book 23, Chapter 15). The word "protestant" is a reactionary word. It objects to the errors of the Church of Rome. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (2Corinthians 6:14). In 1755, Samuel Johnson's dictionary defined a Protestant as "one of those who adhere to them, who, at the beginning of the reformation, protested against the errours of the church of Rome." Error-- in the name of Christ-- is to be separated from and reproved. "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11). To passively abide in the darkness of Roman Catholicism is to take sides against the LORD Jesus Christ... "It is that ignorance which paralyses the arm of the Church of Christ, and makes the glorious word "Protestant" senseless, almost a dead and ridiculous word. For who does really protest against Rome today? where are those who sound the trumpet of alarm?" (excerpted from "Fifty Years in the Church of Rome" by Charles Chiniquy). |
Mandatory Traits of A True Christian: Introduction ---New Window 10-22-03 Katie Stewart "As He is, so are we in this world" (1John 4:17). "22 The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, 23 Meekness, Temperance: against such there is no Law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:22-25). "How can you know you are truly a Christian? 'Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit' (1John 4:13). The Holy Spirit of the LORD is only given to those who obey and walk according to His Word. 'And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, Whom God hath given to them that obey Him' (Acts 5:32)." |
Mandatory Traits of A True Christian: Mandatory Trait 1. Loving ---New Window 10-22-03 Katie Stewart "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is Love" (1John 4:8). "The first 'Fruit of the Spirit is Love' (Galatians 5:22). True Christians are to 'live in the Spirit' and 'walk in the Spirit' (5:25). 'What saith the Scripture' (Romans 4:3) concerning this mandatory characteristic that all true children have from their Father?" |
Mandatory Traits of A True Christian: Mandatory Trait 2. Joyful ---New Window 10-22-03 Katie Stewart "These things have I spoken unto you, that My Joy might remain in you, and that your Joy might be full" (John 15:11). "The second 'Fruit of the Spirit is Joy' (Galatians 5:22). True Christians are happy people! We may not have thought being happy important enough to qualify as a mandatory trait of Christianity-- but, the LORD did! It's the Highest Good He can Will for us." |
Martin Burnham Went to Heaven ---New Window 6-20-02 Tom Stewart Martin Burnham was occupied with what he was supposed to be doing, when he left. "Occupy till I come" (Luke 19:13). As a missionary pilot, Martin was transporting people, supplies, or simply encouragement. He was attempting to maintain a Christlike walk-- even in the most difficult circumstances of captivity in the Philippine jungles. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1Corinthians 10:31). Martin said, "We might not leave this jungle
alive, If we will endeavour to serve the LORD in the fullest
way that we understand, then we will be exercising the gifts that the Holy Spirit
has given us. "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to
profit withal" (1Corinthians 12:7). If we "walk in love" (Ephesians
5:2), we will be exercising our spiritual gift, whatever it is, even if we know not
what to call it. "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all
mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove
mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing" (1Corinthians 13:2). If we are
pointing to Christ, then we are walking "in faith and love" (2Timothy 1:13).
We will either be evangelizing the Lost, revitalizing the Backslidden, or discipling
the Faithful. "Make full proof of thy ministry" (2Timothy 4:5). |
Must We Then Sin?, Or, A Response to the Doctrine of Sin Nature or the Doctrine of Original Sin, Or, A Clarification of What is Sin, Why We Sin, and How Not to Sin ---New Window 9-7-99 Tom Stewart "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His Seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God" (1John 3:9). The present, woeful ignorance of the Laodicean Church concerning the LORD Jesus Christ, has begotten a necessity to sin and to entertain all the worst sins of the world, while professing themselves to be "rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing" (Revelation 3:17). This Doctrine of Sin Nature or Original Sin has become an indispensable article of faith to the modern Church, but it has been, and still is, a refuge and excuse for sin and sinning, an unbearable "yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1), and an impediment to any attempt to live apart from sin. "For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the Holy Commandment delivered unto them" (2Peter 2:21). "The dogma of constitutional moral depravity, is a part and parcel of the doctrine of a necessitated will. It is a branch of a grossly false and heathenish philosophy. How infinitely absurd, dangerous, and unjust, then, to embody it in a standard of Christian doctrine, to give it the place of an indispensable article of faith, and denounce all who will not swallow its absurdities, as heretics. O, shame!" (from Charles G. Finney's "Lectures on Systematic Theology", Lecture XLI (41) on "Moral Depravity"). May the Merciful God allow you to "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things" (Titus 2:10). |
My Doctrine Is Not Mine, Or, On the Importance of Maintaining Sound Doctrine ---New Window 9-11-05 Tom Stewart Doctrine is one of those words that often puts people on edge, as if they may be forced to mindlessly parrot things they do not understand, much less believe. However, "Good Doctrine" (Proverbs 4:2) is the teaching that God gives to us from His Word. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for Doctrine [Greek, didaskalia, teaching, learning, instruction, precepts], for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2Timothy 3:16). |
No More Pain, Or, The Instructive Past and Hopeful Future Concerning Pain, Suffering, and Death ---New Window 8-29-98 Tom Stewart The secret to our personal sanctification or holiness is found in our suffering. |
Nothing Happens By Accident Or, Especially, Nothing Happens By Accident When We Practice The Presence Of Jesus ---New Window 5-3-04 Tom Stewart "From the very first words of Scripture, God leaves no doubt that He is The One 'With Whom We Have To Do' (Hebrews 4:13). Whatsoever happened in the Beginning, existed and exists by His permission. 'All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made' (John 1:3). Who but God 'telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names' (Psalm 147:4)? If He is the Master of the greatest totality, why should He not account for the smallest detail? 'But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows' (Luke 12:7)." |
On Preparing for the Rapture, Or, Advice to the Christian About Attachments to the World, Or, Advice to the Christian About Attachments to the World ---New Window 3-17-98 Tom Stewart I read a compelling e-mail from a 15 year old girl, who had such turmoil over her attachment to her unsaved boyfriend, in light of what she understood to be our soon departure. |
On the Importance of Being Hopeful, Or, Hope Does Not Disappoint ---New Window 12-25-98 Tom Stewart "They shall not be ashamed that wait for Me" (Isaiah 49:23). If we believe that the LORD has disappointed us, we will become embittered about trusting Him any further. "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled" (Hebrews 12:15). It is important that we expose ourselves to God fully, to allow Him to show us that "He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (11:6), Whom we hoped in and believed, though we "have not seen" (John 20:29). |
Only God Can Change A Heart ---New Window 8-21-2001 Katie Stewart "Only God has ALL Knowledge. Only God has the Wisdom that can handle such Knowledge. Only God has the Power to use such Knowledge for the greater good of every human being ever blessed with life. 'We have this Treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the Power may be of God, and not of us' (2Corinthians 4:7). This 'Treasure' of Life was given by the 'Power of God' 'which lighteth EVERY man that cometh into the world' (John 1:9). Because 'in Him [that is, in Jesus Christ] was Life; and the Life was the Light of men' (John 1:4). 'For God, Who commanded the Light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ' (2Corinthians 4:6). The 'Life', the 'Light of men' is 'Jesus Christ'. He is the Knowledge and the Wisdom by Whom EVERY man is Lighted 'that cometh into the world' (John 1:9). And it is Jesus Christ, Whose 'Name is called The Word of God' (Revelation 19:13), that promises to all who will believe Him, '26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My Statutes, and ye shall keep My Judgments, and do them' (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Only God can keep a Promise like this. It is His Promise. He will keep it. 'That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the Power of God' (1Corinthians 2:5). 'Is not My Word like as a Fire? saith the LORD; and like a Hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?' (Jeremiah 23:29)." |
Perfect Peace, Or, What is Required and Received by Those Who Truly Wait for Their LORD ---New Window 6-28-98 Tom Stewart Perfect Peace is given only to those whose mind and heart recline upon the LORD, i.e., "whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee" (Isaiah 26:3). Our peace is perfect because it comes from God. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you" (John 14:27). |
Perfection ---New Window 1-7-98 Katie Stewart God's promise of victory over sin, and our responsibility regarding that wonderful offer. "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is PERFECT toward Him" (2Chronicles 16:9). |
President Bill Clinton's Regret, Or, A Scriptural Look at True and False Repentance ---New Window 8-24-98 Tom Stewart "For Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death" (2Corinthians 7:10). |
Salvation is of the Jews, Or, Pray for the Conversion of Israel ---New Window 5-19-99 Tom Stewart "Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for Salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22). We, the Church, are bondservants of the LORD Jesus Christ, "Who gave Himself a ransom for all" (1Timothy 2:6), and we owe the Gospel to all men-- "to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16). But, especially do we owe the Gospel to Israel, for they transmitted to us Jehovah's "Covenants of Promise" (Ephesians 2:12)-- "unto them were committed the Oracles of God [the Scriptures]" (Romans 3:2)-- that pointed us to Jesus Christ. Israel will soon be converted to Jesus the Messiah, Who is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6). Pray that the LORD will fulfill His Word that Israel will again know Him, i.e., "thou shalt know that I am the LORD" (Isaiah 49:23). |
Seek the LORD ---New Window 10-30-99 Katie Stewart "The LORD is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him." (Lamentations 3:25). "The soul that seeketh Him" seeks that which is important to Him. Whatever is important to His Kingdom and pertains to His Righteousness is preeminently important to Him. Therefore, seeking the LORD certainly includes seeking that which benefits His Kingdom and justifies His Righteousness. |
Swedenborgianism (book extract) ---New Window 12-3-98 William Hoste An excerpt from "Heresies Exposed" compiled by Wm. C. Irvine, 1917, pages 181-186, "The Lord Jesus is not honored by such daring perversions of the truth, but profoundly dishonored." 84 |
That Ye May Know That Ye Have Eternal Life, Or, The Biblical Doctrine of the Assurance of Salvation, Or, Only Those Who Abide in Christ May Know That They Have Eternal Life ---New Window 7-11-99 Tom Stewart "These things have I written unto you that believe on the Name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have Eternal Life, and that ye may believe on the Name of the Son of God" (1John 5:13). Perhaps the plainest statement of Scripture that any may use to determine their possession of Eternal Life, is the Apostle John's letter to his Little Children. "3 And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His Commandments. 4 He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His Commandments, is a liar, and the Truth is not in him" (1John 2:3-4). Present obedience means you truly possess Eternal Life, while present disobedience means you are a liar. "And all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the Second Death" (Revelation 21:8). |
The Beauty of Holiness, Or, Beautiful Holiness: The Fruit of Loving Obedience ---New Window 7-14-2000 Katie Stewart "O worship the LORD in the Beauty of Holiness" (Psalm 96:9). "What Beauty is found in Holiness? The LORD. 'Let the Beauty of the LORD our God be upon us' (Psalm 90:17). And what Beauty 'upon us' does He work? 'Establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it' (90:17). The beautiful 'work' of Holy living God will 'establish... upon us'... And Love? Well, Love is the 'greatest' (1Corinthians 13:13) of all spiritual assets, and without Love, we are 'nothing' (13:2). Love is the motive for Holy living. On Love, the whole Moral Law of God is suspended. '37 Jesus said... Thou shalt LOVE the LORD thy God with ALL thy heart, and with ALL thy soul, and with ALL thy mind. 38 This is the first and Great Commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two Commandments hang ALL the Law and the prophets' (Matthew 22:37-40)... Of what value is law, if it is not esteemed and obeyed? God obeys His Law, and He expects the same of us... Holiness is the state we're in when we love God with our joyful obedience. 'For this is the LOVE of God, that we KEEP His Commandments: and His Commandments are not grievous' (1John 5:3). Holiness is beautiful because it is the fruit of Love." |
The Beginnings of Sorrows, Or, How We Can Providentially Tell That Our Rapture Deliverance Is Near ---New Window 1-9-99 Tom and Katie Stewart "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows" (Mark 13:8). We, the Watching and Waiting Body of Christ, have been providentially enabled by the Spirit to sense the nearness of our Deliverance, because of the quickening frequency of the birth pains. "Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in Thy sight, O LORD" (Isaiah 26:17). It is completely appropriate that we would use the sense of our own personal circumstances, as well as the current events of the world, to tell how close together the birth pains are. "I being in the way, the LORD led me" (Genesis 24:27). And, we are in no danger of an inappropriate focus on watching for our LORD, so long as we "occupy" (Luke 19:13). "Blessed are those servants, whom the LORD when He cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them" (12:37). First Advent: Israel Brought Forth the Messiah. Second Advent: The Church Brings Forth the King of Kings. Our LORD Jesus Christ described the signs that indicate that our Pre-Tribulational Rapture Deliverance and-- most importantly-- His Second Coming are near. |
The Blessings of Sound Wisdom ---New Window 12-10-99 Katie Stewart When the righteous plead with the LORD, "Order my steps in Thy Word" (Psalm 119:133), they become stewards of the "Sound Wisdom" the LORD has treasured-up for them. His Word becomes their Staple in life. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4)... "Yea doubtless, and I count ALL THINGS but loss for the Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD: for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." (Philippians 3:8). |
The Death of Selfishness, Or, Understanding How God Prevents Sin ---New Window 9-12-03 Tom Stewart "Since obedience to God is the unselfishness of Love, then selfishness dies the moment we choose to obey. 'He that hath My Commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him' (John 14:21). On the other hand, we resurrect selfishness, when we choose to disobey. 'The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways' (Proverbs 14:14). We must then continually entrust the LORD as the Keeper of Our Soul to deliver us from sin and sinning. 'O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in Thee' (Psalm 25:20)." |
The Essence of Evil, Or, What is Evil? ---New Window 9-23-02 Tom Stewart "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" (Psalm 14:1; 53:1). "There is none good but One, that is, God" (Matthew 19:17). "Both good and evil are mutually exclusive moral choices that demonstrate the heart and character of the Moral Agent. "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh" (Luke 6:45). From Scripture, evil is morally the opposite choice of good, i.e., "refuse the evil, and choose the good" (Isaiah 7:15, 16). And, we have been assured by the LORD Jesus Christ, "There is none good but One, that is, God" (Matthew 19:17). God is the sole personification and definition of good, but what then is evil? The essence of evil is the heart asserting, "No God" (Psalm 14:1)." |
The First Thanksgiving (1621) And, "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come" (1844) ---New Window 10-28-02 Tom Stewart "Since 1863, Americans have celebrated Thanksgiving-- now observed every fourth Thursday of November-- as a national holiday to give thanks for blessings received during the year. As an American tradition, we remember the first Thanksgiving as the gathering of the Pilgrim Fathers in Plymouth, Massachusetts celebrating the success of their Fall Harvest in 1621. And, the familiar Thanksgiving hymn, 'Come, Ye Thankful People, Come,' reminds True Christians of what the Pilgrims certainly knew, that it is God to whom we are to be thankful and that His safe and timely provision occasions our thankfulness. 'In every thing give thanks: for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you' (1Thessalonians 5:18). The Providence of the Pilgrims' deliverance in their newfound land of religious freedom-- from their opportune meeting with the English speaking Samoset and Squanto to their learning of the Indian practice of using fish to fertilize their crops-- demonstrated the providential superintendence of the Almighty that made possible their survival and the bounty of their harvest celebration. 'O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever' (1Chronicles 16:34). Years later, Dean Alford of the Church of England gave the Church a much remembered voice for its gratitude to the 'LORD of the Harvest' (Mark 9:38) through the hymn, 'Come, Ye Thankful People, Come.' Henry Alford (1810-1871), dean of Canterbury Cathedral, is known to theological students and ministers for his exegetical and critical commentary of 'The Greek New Testament' (Volume 1, 1844), but especially the Thanksgiving hymn, 'Come, Ye Thankful People, Come,' has endeared his name to Christians, since its first publication in his 'Psalms and Hymns' (1844). 'I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving' (Psalm 69:30)." |
The Just Shall Live By Faith, Founder of Roloff Evangelistic Enterprises, Inc. ---New Window (1914 - 1982) Lester Roloff "Have you ever learned to live by faith? You may ask, 'Would faith include every need?' It would. Your husband, your home, your provisions. You would not have to want for anything. 'Now the just shall live by faith.' Let me tell you how to live by faith..." |
The Love of GOD for Sinners All ---New Window 1-7-98 Charles G. Finney -edited by Katie Stewart If you've ever sinned, and all have, you need to hear this. |
The Majesty of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Or, Christ's Humanity Provided an Atoning Sacrifice for the Sins of Mankind ---New Window 12-31-99 Tom Stewart "And not only so, but we also joy in God through our LORD Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the Atonement" (Romans 5:11). "At this moment, only a short time before the 'glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ' (Titus 2:13), it is a retrospective of awe and wonder that we would consider again the central, fundamental, and timeless theme of the atoning self-sacrifice of the Creator for the well-being of rebellious and sinful man... he most majestic act of God towards us was the Atonement of Jesus Christ on the Cross for all mankind. So marvelous was this act of atonement, that the angels were quite eager to see how the LORD would handle it. 'Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the Gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven; which things the angels desire to look into' (1Peter 1:12). Eternity cannot exhaust our study of the love of God that was manifested in His atonement for us." |
The Mistake of Lot ---New Window Missouri State Rep. Glenn Hall Our children pay for our failures. |
The Significance of Charles G. Finney's Disinterested Benevolence, Or, God Loves All, But Only the Lovingly Obedient Go to Heaven ---New Window 5-31-2000 Tom Stewart "Love is the fulfilling of the Law" (Romans 13:10). "The great opportunity of properly understanding the love of God, which Charles Grandison Finney faithfully expounded to the Church with the terms 'disinterested benevolence' and the 'love of complacency', is that individual Christians may enter into the covenant blessings of the New Testament by knowledgeably embracing the Spirit of God, Who will work 'in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure' (Philippians 2:13). 'That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the Promise of the Spirit through faith' (Galatians 3:14). Instead of waiting for the Hereafter to see the Promises of God fulfilled, we can and ought to embrace them now. 'As for Me, this is My Covenant with them, saith the LORD; My Spirit that is upon thee, and My Words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever' (Isaiah 59:21). We ought to resist the impulse of misdirected teachings that make the giving of the Holy Spirit only a past event to an Institutional Church, but that the very purpose of the gift of the Holy Spirit, is that the God of love will 'abide with [us] for ever' (John 14:16). More important than the happiness that we immediately receive from the Spirit's presence, or even the anticipation of future Rapture and Heavenly joyfulness, we will have the present fulfillment of the Entire Sanctification or Complete Obedience promised through Jeremiah. 'But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put My Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people' (Jeremiah 31:33). And, we, the Church of Jesus Christ, will presently justify the God Who created us 'in His own image' (Genesis 1:27) as moral agents, and the Saviour Who redeemed us 'by His own blood' (Hebrews 9:12), that we should actually and presently 'live unto righteousness' (1Peter 2:24). 'That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world' (Philippians 2:15)." |
The Spirit of Slavery, Or, The Oppression of Slavery Is Not Worse Than the Selfishness of Sin (Part 1) ---New Window 8-18-2000 Tom Stewart "On February 12th 1793, Congress passed the
first fugitive slave law, which required all states, even those that prohibited slavery,
to forcibly return escaped slaves to their original owners in the South. That law
stated that 'no person held to service of labor in one state, under the laws thereof,
escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be
discharged from such labor or service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim
of the party to whom such service or labor may be due.' The Northern states' disregard
for this law so infuriated the South, that they instigated Congress to pass a second
fugitive slave law (1850), which called for the return of escaped slaves 'on pain
of heavy penalty'. This promoted the growth of the Underground Railroad, which was
a network of free blacks and abolitionist sympathizers that aided fugitives in escaping
to freedom through the North and into Canada. Oberlin College became a station on
that Underground Railroad; and, many of Oberlin's graduates maintained schools in
Canada for children of fugitive slaves. 'Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and
I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith
by my works' (James 2:18)...
...The slavery that was abolished in America in
1865, was an abomination and violation of all the good that is embodied in Christianity;
and, the devastations of the American Civil War were both God's judgment upon America,
as well as the opportunity for the people to cleanse themselves from the oppression
of slavery. 'Thus shall they cleanse the land' (Ezekiel 39:16)." |
The Spirit of Slavery, Or, The Oppression of Slavery Is Not Worse Than the Selfishness of Sin (Part 2) ---New Window 5-1-02 Tom Stewart "Whenever any economic, political, social, or religious system exerts total control of one person by another chiefly for the purpose of economic exploitation-- or, for any myriad of evil purposes that the mind recoils to discuss-- then that is Modern Slavery. As reluctant as any civilized nation is to admit to sanctioning slavery, on February 19th 2002, CNN reported: 'The United Nations is launching a global campaign as part of a stark warning about the 'epidemic growth' in human trafficking... Human trafficking is the fastest-growing business of organised crime with an estimated 700,000 people trafficked every year for sexual exploitation and forced labour. Europol estimates the industry is now worth several billion pounds a year' (excerpted from the article, 'U.N. warns of human traffic boom.') 'The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun' (Ecclesiastes 1:9)... The problem with humanity is the selfishness of sin, for all selfishness is sin, i.e., doing 'evil with both hands earnestly' (Micah 7:3); and, the love of God and the love of our neighbour as ourself that flows from a heart 'born of the Spirit' (John 3:6), is the solution to selfishness. 'Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification' (Romans 15:2). The very fact that the trafficking of humans continues today-- and, will continue until the Second Coming of the LORD Jesus Christ-- indicates that selfishness will not be eradicated from humanity without Divine Intervention." |
The Subtle Trap, Or, Taking Your Eyes Off Jesus ---New Window 10-13-98 Tom Stewart "Ye that seek the LORD: look unto the Rock whence ye are hewn" (Isaiah 51:1). |
The Truth ---New Window 5-1-02 Katie Stewart "To truly KNOW Jesus Christ, is to obey Him. Anywhere in Scripture, this lesson rings True, for 'Scripture cannot be broken' (John 10:35). 'For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I KNOW Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is Able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day' (2Timothy 1:12). To KNOW Him is to respect Him, honour Him, love Him.'If ye Love Me, keep My Commandments' (John 14:15). If you KNOW, deep down in your heart and soul, that 'Jesus Christ is come in the flesh' (1John 4:2), then you will do what He tells you to do. 'I will show thee my faith by my works' (James 2:18). But when you do not obey ALL of the Truth that you KNOW, then you are not 'of God' (4:2). 'Therefore to him that KNOWETH to do Good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin' (James 4:17). '20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the Knowledge of the LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is WORSE with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have KNOWN the Way of Righteousness, than, after they have KNOWN it, to turn from the Holy Commandment delivered unto them' (2Pet. 2:20-21)... You can KNOW that you KNOW Him, The Truth, if you fit His Description. 'Every one that is of The Truth heareth My Voice' (John 18:37). 'And we KNOW that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an Understanding, that we may KNOW HIM that is True, and we are IN Him that is True, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the True God, and Eternal Life' (1John 5:20)." |
They That Wait Upon The LORD: Part 1: Noah ---New Window 6-17-98 David Stewart The days occurring before the Second Coming of our LORD Jesus Christ are likened to the days of Noah. |
They That Wait Upon The LORD: Part 2: Abraham ---New Window 6-17-98 David Stewart His Test has an end. Cross the finish line. "For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off... So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off" (Proverbs 23:18; 24:14). |
They That Wait Upon The LORD: Part 3: Joseph ---New Window 6-17-98 David Stewart Joseph is our example, often called a "type" of Christ, of perseverance in God's refining for service. Joseph lived a pure life of faith and trust in the face of contradiction and hate. |
Thou Maintainest My Lot ---New Window 12-18-2000 Tom Stewart "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot" (Psalm 16:5). "If the Holy Spirit has impressed upon you the importance of Christ's ability to maintain all aspects of your walk with Him-- spiritual, physical, emotional, financial, etc.-- then the Psalmist's assertion, 'Thou maintainest my lot', is more than interesting reading. The Saints throughout the ages have added their own 'Amen' to the truth of that statement. When Jacob journeyed to Padanaram, 'he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the Earth, and the top of it reached to Heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it' (Genesis 28:12). God's Providential Provision impressed Jacob so much that 'Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God' (28:20-21). The Immutable God Who said, 'I change not' (Malachi 3:6), still desires to demonstrate His faithfulness in Provision and Maintenance of our lot in life, through 'His riches in glory by Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:19)." |
True Repentance and Forgiveness ---New Window 9-21-98 Katie Stewart Scriptural definitions of both acts. |
Victory Over Temptation ---New Window 12-13-2000 Tom Stewart "For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). "The choices we make when faced with the temptation to not love God's Word or to speak of ourselves, is the difference between holiness and sin. 'For we have not an High Priest [Jesus] which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in ALL points tempted like as we are, yet WITHOUT sin' (Hebrews 4:15). That holy struggle to overcome the temptation to sin was fought by our Elder Brother, the LORD Jesus. 'For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of One: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren' (2:11). Our High Priest told His disciples at the Last Supper, 'Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations' (Luke 22:28)." |
What About The Hypocrites? ---New Window 4-21-99 A WStS Reader One of our readers reminded us of a common complaint the world has about the Church. After a recent encounter with another person asking the question, "What about all of the hypocritical Christians?", our reader gathered some information from our site and composited it into this comprehensive answer. He then submitted it to us, hoping it would help someone else. We thank him. |
What We Believe ---New Window 3-8-98 Tom Stewart How to Scripturally measure us. |
What is Man? ---New Window 8-8-2001 Tom Stewart "Any attempt to truly understand the nature of man, without the Scriptures, is to foolishly neglect the perspective of man's Creator. 'What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?' (Psalm 8:4). Of course, the very concept of a Creator demands an acceptance of the existence of a God that creates and intervenes in the affairs of man, while the rejection of God's existence can only be viewed as foolishness. 'The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God' (53:1)... Only the godly can truly grasp the meaning of his own existence, for we have been blessed with the opportunity to fulfill the dominion God intended over the works of His hands... In a moment of testing, we may wonder why an All Wise God would create a man, so full of troubles, i.e., 'Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward' (Job 5:7); but, it would be great disservice to the Almighty to not immediately remember that He is the 'Faithful Creator' (1Peter 4:19), that lovingly guardeth our footsteps, that our 'feet did not slip' (Psalm 18:36). We so soon forget the Record of what God hath wrought for us. 'Remember now thy Creator' (Ecclesiastes 12:1)." |
What is the Difference Between Christian Education and Public School Education? (1982) ---New Window 1982 Tom Stewart "The word 'educate' means to bring up, nurture, or train. When referring to Christian education, the word 'educate' means: 'Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the LORD' (Ephesians 6:4), as well as, 'Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it' (Proverbs 22:6). The difference between Christian Education and Public School Education can be described in three areas, in their: (1) Purpose of Education, (2) Content of Education, and (3) Control of Education." |
What the Bible Says About Abortion ---New Window 5-1-2000 Katie Stewart "Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of The Judgment" (Matthew 5:21).
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What the Bible Says About Angels ---New Window 04-28-05 from The New Topical Textbook with additions Are ministering Spirits.
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What the Bible Says About Contentment ---New Window 3-24-2003 Tom Stewart "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1Timothy 6:6). "Godliness and contentment are indeed rare gems, but since they can only be found inseparably combined, they are the rarest of gem to be found in man. 'Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in Faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?' (James 2:5). Unlike the covetous of the world, Christians are to be content with their lot in life-- rich or poor, pleasant ways or a difficult road-- since they understand their physical circumstances to be both God's opportunity to mold them and reach the world. 'To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some' (1Corinthians 9:22)." |
What the Bible Says About Debt ---New Window [1792-1875] Charles G. Finney "Owe no man any thing" (Romans 13:8). "There may be such a thing as contracting a prospective debt, giving your obligation to become due at a certain time. But then you do not properly owe, because you are under no obligation to pay till it becomes due. But whenever it becomes due you are bound immediately to pay it... It is unjust to be in debt. If your creditor has a right to demand payment, you certainly have no right to withhold it. If it is due it is a contradiction to say that it is not unjust for you not to pay. It is a contradiction, both in terms, and in fact, to say that you owe a man, and at the same time are guilty of no injustice in refusing or neglecting to pay him. It is as much injustice as stealing, and involves the same principle. The sin of stealing consists in the appropriating to ourselves that which properly belongs to another. Therefore whenever you withhold from any man his due, you are guilty of as absolute an injustice, as if you stole his property." |
What the Bible Says About False Teachers ---New Window 10-17-2003 Tom Stewart "But there were False Prophets also among the people, even as there shall be False Teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the LORD that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction" (2Peter 2:1). "It is not for simply personal reasons that we must be able to identify, mark, and avoid False Teachers, but that we would obediently and 'earnestly contend for the Faith which was once delivered unto the Saints' (Jude 3). If the Gospel is to spread and take hold of mankind in all of its Power and Purity, then we must strive or contend valiantly 'for the Truth' (Jeremiah 9:3) as it 'is in Jesus' (Ephesians 4:21) against all that would hinder or destroy the Gospel and the Faith that all men should have toward the LORD, Who gave us the Good News of Redemption, Forgiveness of Sins, New Birth, Power Over Sin and Sinning, and Present Certainty of Eternal Life." |
What the Bible Says About Heaven ---New Window 04-28-05 from The New Topical Textbook Heaven was created by God.
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What the Bible Says About Luck and Gambling ---New Window 7-23-2000 Tom Stewart "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD: for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ" (Philippians 3:8). "Though luck may have the connotation of prosperity or success in the world's vocabulary, it involves the element of chance; and, uncertainty is not part of the success guaranteed by the LORD. Instead, the Saints can find in the Scriptures, Promise after definite Promise to make certain their prosperity and success. 'This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success' (Joshua 1:8)... Since the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) mandates a supreme love for God and a love for our neighbour that is equal to the consideration that we ought to give to ourselves, then gambling violates the Law of Love because it only allows or enables the gain of one party at the expense of another. 'We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil' (Proverbs 1:13). And, 'for the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows' (1Timothy 6:10)." |
What the Bible Says About Suicide ---New Window 3-1-2000 Tom Stewart "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1Corinthians 6:19-20). "To those who are morally able to choose, a True Christian will not commit suicide, because suicide is the sin of self-murder. 'If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are' (1Corinthians 3:17). Jesus is presently in Heaven preparing a 'place for you' (John 14:2). And, if Heaven is to be your future Home, then you must 'continue in the Grace of God' (Acts 13:43) and 'hope to the end for the Grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ' (1Peter 1:13). For, if we do not avail ourselves of God's 'Grace to help in time of need' (Hebrews 4:16), then we will most assuredly not 'follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the LORD' (12:14). Look at it from God's point of view. He has already made ample provision for every conceivable circumstance of your spiritual and physical life. 'His Divine Power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and Godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue' (2Peter 1:3). To ultimately run out of hope and commit suicide is unpardonable, because it is supreme defiance and 'blasphemy against the Holy Ghost' (Matthew 12:31), and 'hath never forgiveness' (Mark 3:29). The sin of suicide will never take you to the Heaven where Jesus is. 'Then said Jesus again unto them, I go My way, and ye shall seek Me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come' (John 8:21)." |
What the Bible Says About Temptation ---New Window 1-10-2001 Tom & Katie Stewart "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (Matthew 6:13). "This is a study about understanding temptation, not simply because the Master enjoined, 'Pray that ye enter not into temptation' (Luke 22:40), but because we also desire to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in doing all that is humanly possible to prevent temptation from turning into sin. '10 With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy Commandments... 133 Order my steps in Thy Word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me' (Psalm 119:10, 133). From the first temptation of Eve in the Garden when the Serpent succeeded in causing our First Parents to doubt the love of God, to the final 'Hour of Temptation' (Revelation 3:10) of the Apocalypse, mankind has struggled, and will struggle, with the necessity to overcome temptation. Our present unwillingness to enter into temptation is the same unwillingness to enter into the 'Hour of Temptation' (3:10) soon prophesied to come upon this world. 'Because thou hast kept the Word of My Patience, I also will keep thee from the Hour of Temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the Earth' (3:10). But, since 'all the Promises of God in [Christ] are Yea, and in Him Amen' (2Corinthians 1:20), we can lay hold of the Master's instruction to 'pray that ye enter not into temptation' (Luke 22:40), with the bold assurance that, indeed, 'sin shall not have dominion over [us]' (Romans 6:14)!" |
What the Bible Says About What Every Man Knows ---New Window 4-17-2001 Tom Stewart "Let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the LORD" (Jeremiah 9:24). "Man knows much more than he commonly admits. ABC. 1-2-3. God is. He ought to be loved supremely. We ought to love our neighbour as ourselves... Acknowledging that we know what God says we know, "as the Truth is in Jesus" (Ephesians 4:21), is the "beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). Laying hold of the Truth will only be the beginning of an Eternity of learning about God." |
What the Bible Says About Why Did Jesus Have to Suffer? ---New Window 2-20-2004 Tom Stewart "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to Death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (1Peter 3:18). "The Natural Love that we have for ourselves is a Universal Truth, for 'no man ever yet hated his own flesh' (Ephesians 5:29); and, Jesus the Son of Man was no different. 'For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin' (Hebrews 4:15). He had no special enjoyment of suffering, just as we do not enjoy suffering. 'Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a Merciful and Faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make Reconciliation for the sins of the people' (Hebrews 2:17). It is difficult for the Righteous to watch the Guiltless and Innocent suffer, because their suffering is our suffering. 'Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body' (Hebrews 13:3). Further, we have been advised by the Scriptures to remain 'simple' concerning the specifics of the sufferings that evil men inflict. 'For your Obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple [Greek, akeraion, harmless] concerning evil' (Romans 16:19). It was only the Providence of God that allowed the human mother of Jesus to be at the scene of Christ's Crucifixion, and one can only imagine the impression upon Mary as she beheld the Agony of her Son upon the Cross! Perhaps it was at that moment that Mary recalled the prophetic words of Simeon from the dedication of Jesus. '34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a Sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed' (Luke 2:34-35). For those we love, suffering and even death for ourselves would be more desirable than to watch them suffer. But, Jesus willingly set His face like flint to suffer the Cruel Death of the Cross for friend and foe alike, e.g., the Roman centurion in charge of His Crucifixion exclaimed about the events and manner of Christ's Death on the Cross, 'Truly this was the Son of God' (Matthew 27:54)." |
Without Love, I Am Nothing ---New Window 10-25-98 Katie Stewart "God is Love" (1 John 4:8). As Christians, we ought to think of love, not just as something, but as Someone. Love is Someone we know intimately. Whether Love is a Verb or a Noun, Love is divinely Someone. It's as if "Love" is another name for the LORD. |
Zola Levitt - April 1999 ---New Window 4-1999 Zola Levit The Hebrew Language and the Computer "...the coming of the Antichrist later in this very year, 1999 A.D.... expositors who say that the year 2000 will mark a huge change in human affairs - Y2K and the start of the Tribulation Period, etc." @ Zola Levitt Presents |
Zola Levitt - December 1997 ---New Window 12-1997 Zola Levitt Zola shares his burden of a backslidden America. @ Zola Levitt Presents |
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