Today’s Prophets

               Reading Jeremiah 14:13-15 quoted below, and looking at the context, we see the “Lord God” telling Jeremiah that the false prophets said, “I will give you assured peace in this place.” 

               When we listen to the news and the weather, we hear multiple prognostications [A foreknowing or foretelling of a future event by present signs.] on the condition of the state of our Nation.  All are based on one or more happenings.  These prognosticators call themselves “reporters of the news.”  However, for the most part, they never tell us what has happened without foretelling what [in their opinion] is going to happen tomorrow.

               We also have an over abundance of “religious” prognosticators foretelling the date of the rapture, claiming healing, and all sorts of other claims.  Our “Lord God” tells us they “prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not,” and He continues to say that He “neither spake unto them.”

               In our day and time, we find much falsehood sprinkled with the truth.  In our Churches today many claim God’s Truth, The King James Bible, yet they take phrases out of context and misuse them for their personal benefit and gain.  I find on the cover of our Sunday Church Bulletin the quote, “I will give you assured peace in this place.”  It is a good phrase, however, it was what the false prophets were stating, and God disavows what was said by them.

               “So where do we all stand on God’s Word?  Do we correctly read our Bible within the context (subject being discussed) or just read a verse here and there and make application anyway we want?”

               I expect the people in our congregation to read along with me, and to check me to make sure I am preaching within the context (subject of the text.)  If not, I have been allowed to twist the subject anyway I want.  Then I have become a false prophet (a preacher reading and preaching the prophecy from the Bible) who chooses the direction of the Gospel.  I would not then be led by The Holy Spirit, but by a heart that has no knowledge of Jesus, His Blood, nor The Holy Spirit.  This would be claiming God with no foundation, (just some unknown language,) a language of Baal worshippers, nothing more.  Without the knowledge of God, they preach their “personal prophecy.”

               So reader, “where do you stand within God’s Word?  Is The Bible something you rely on, or just a book written by men?”  We are taught within the Bible (each and every word) is God’s voice.  We are to read His Word, and hear what God has to say to us.  Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

               If you are hearing God’s Word, both by physical hearing and heart hearing (reading privately) then you will learn the context and will know when a charlatan (prognosticator) attempts to lead you astray.                                           

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Jeremiah 14:13-15  Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.   14  Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. 15  Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. 

Put On The Lord

Reading Romans 13:14 quoted below, my thoughts centered on that portion which states: “…put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,..” and the remainder tells us to quell the lusts of the flesh.

When we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, it was a personal event. It wasn’t something that happened to everyone at that same moment. (It was a time for “change.”)

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

This “change” happened within our body. We became a new creature, and we must now look to a new life, a life where we put away the “old things” and look to “all things are become new.”

The “old things” were the sins in our lives. I can hear some saying, “Hey, I live a good life and I am not a sinner.” Our Bible teaches us that statement is a lie, consequently sin.

Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

We will never be perfect in this life. That is why Jesus died on the Cross and shed His blood for our sins. His atonement was for all, not just a few. None of us, regardless of our station in life will ever be physically righteous. By accepting Jesus as our eternal Saviour, His atoning blood on our soul shows God we have accepted His Son. Therefore we have become “unblameable and unreproveable” in His sight.

Colossians 1:20-22 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (21) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (22) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

“Reader, if you have accepted Jesus as your “personal Saviour,” do you have a “walk and a talk” that reflects that “unblameable and unreproveable” new creature? If you cannot say Yes, then isn’t it time you did something about it? Do know, that regardless as you work to improve your “walk and talk,” you will fall short. This isn’t to say you should not try. Just don’t use this as an excuse for not trying.”

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

In our walk, we should Glorify God in all we do. When we find we have failed, we must go to God in prayer, and in that prayer, repent of that failure, and ask for forgiveness. Reader, what are you going to do?”

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Romans 13:14 “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

Seek Ye The LORD

               Reading Amos 5:4 - 6 quoted below, my thoughts focused on the first part of (v 6).  In light of the tragedy in Norway this week and the subsequent tragedies here in the United States, I consider the question concerning all the victims. “Were they saved.  Did they know the Lord Jesus?”  Yet after reading the verses and then reading Chapter 5 in its entirety, the phrase “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live…” took on a new meaning for me.  The final thought came to my mind that God (through Amos) wasn’t talking about individuals.  He was talking to the Northern Tribes, (Israel, those ten tribes.)

               When we consider the horror of the Norway tragedies, it is unimaginable how that something like this could happen.  (I read one place that the man, (if found guilty) could get the maximum sentence of twenty-one years in prison.)

               Therefore, my ponderings stretch a bit farther and I ask, “Is God now talking to one nation or is He talking to the world, all nations?”  I would suppose the answer is “all nations.”  (Our world is in an upheaval and there is no realistic solution in sight.        The one exception is that we as individuals (and as nations) need to “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live.”)

               Most free nations have written laws to allow for more and more freedom, outlawing laws that keep the world somewhat at peace.  (We are in a situation where what men can conceive in their minds, they are allowed to do, with only minor punishment for stepping over the line.)

               There is greater punishment for harming a domestic animal than for harming a human.  (Our news media tells us how individuals get away with murder.  More and more people are dying because of the laxness of our laws.)

               In many places, Jesus’ name in prayer is forbidden, yet in those same venues any other god can be mentioned, just not the Christian God, Jesus the Christ.  We wonder, “How can this happen?” 

In order to live spiritually, Jesus the Christ is the answer.  This does not mean we will NOT have tribulations, but if a mad man attacks and kills us, we will have a home in Heaven, which is eternal.  So, my last question is, “If you died today, would Heaven be your home?”  If you cannot answer that question without an affirmative “Yes,” you must “Seek the LORD” and you can know you have life eternal.

Romans 10:9 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.

Believe that God has raised Jesus from the grave, and confess to others (including yourself,) and God the Father will save you from your sins and from a fiery eternal Hell.  Call on His name today.                                

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Amos 5:4-6  For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live: 5  But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought. 6  Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel. 

The Hope Of Glory

 

               Reading Colossians 1:24-27 quoted below: I ponder (v 27) (that portion which states; “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”)  I think of the multitudes that have accepted Jesus the Christ and gained the “hope of glory,”  those who now know that Jesus the Christ is their “hope of glory.”  They have the peace and comfort of knowing that when they are called into eternity, Heaven will be their eternal resting place.  They know that the grave isn’t the end, nor will they see Hell.  They know their body will descend into that grave, but they will already be in Heaven, communing with God.

               (Then the other side of the coin shows itself.)  Those are the people who have NOT accepted Jesus and do not know the “hope of glory.”  The hard part is so many don’t care.  (Their “hope” is in a worldly system, one that only loves them as long as they are obedient to the world.)  They will find their final resting place within the confines of God’s wrath in an eternal, everlasting, tormenting Hell.  They will wish that the silence and solitude of the grave was Hell. 

John 3:36  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

               I am certain some who are reading this are asking the question, “What is this hope of glory?”  The “hope” is the knowledge of knowing with certainty that your soul will reside in peace with God and His Son Jesus eternally.  The “glory” is that final revelation of the manifested [made visible] Heaven, a final place of residence.  So our “hope of glory” is an eternal life with Jesus and our Father in Heaven.  It will be a place of rejoicing, a place of peace, a place of no more partings, and no more tears.  “What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see.” 

               So reader, my question to you is: “Where do you stand?  Is it Heaven, the “hope of glory,” or is it God’s wrath in a fiery Hell with weeping and gnashing of teeth?  It will be a time that you will not only beg for water, but for just a moment of silence.”

                Reader, God loves you. He does not want you to go to Hell.  His desire is that all of us will join Him and His Son Jesus in Heaven.  All he asks is that we believe, and in that belief we will tell others.  If we do believe with a sincere, (true) heart, God will save us into His “hope of glory.”

Romans 10:9-10  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.

               Accept Jesus today.  Believe God has raised Him from the grave, and you will know His “hope of glory.”                                       

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Colossians 1:24-27  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25  Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26  Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 

Now

               In 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 quoted below, I see the word “now” in a usage that denotes urgency.  We are warned that we should NEVER be in a place of having “…receive[d] not the grace of God in vain.”

               In order for us to understand this phrase in context, I have taken the liberty to quote J. Vernon McGee.  “To receive His great goodness and to rejoice in the salvation of the grace of God and yet live carnal, worldly lives is what it means to receive the grace of God in vain.”

               This is likely what Paul was referring to in these verses.  We as Christians must “walk a different walk” than a carnal, worldly person.  God helps each of us and we accept all that He gives; yet we are unwilling to honour Him.

               Our scripture tells us that “now is the accepted time.”  (Regardless of individual thought,) “now” is not tomorrow or the next day, or some day down the road.  If we put off the “now” it will never happen, just like tomorrow never comes.

               We as individuals must realize that before we accepted Jesus, we were sinners.  Romans 3:23,   “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”  Regardless of what we have become, we are still sinners, and we will always be sinners as long as we reside here on earth.  It is the nature given by (Not Mother Nature) but Adam, who sinned and consequently passed it on to us.  With this knowledge, we find the consequence of sin:

Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death;..

What is this “death?”  It is not our physical bodily death.  It is death of the soul, in total separation from God and His Son Jesus.   It is an everlasting death abiding in hell.

John 3:36  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Yet, we can know that eternal life is for the asking.

Romans 10:9  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.

God teaches us through Paul, if you (reader) will confess to others (including yourself) that you do believe that God has raised Jesus from the grave, God will save you eternally.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

That everlasting life is an eternal life.  Dear reader, there are no variations of those words which show that everlasting is shorter than eternal.  Accept Him “now.”                                                                                             

Bro. John R. E Chastain

2 Corinthians 6:1-2  We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.  2  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 

Learn of Me

              In Matthew 11:28-30 quoted below, my initial thoughts were to write with an emphasis on “rest.”  After pondering the verses, the phrase “…learn of me…” seemed to be where God was leading me.   

              As a Pastor, there are times when I wonder, “Have I taught enough in my Preaching? Have I relayed enough information that those listening are learning about Jesus and His Father?”  Considering the stories and parables of the Bible, I find though Jesus spoke to the multitudes, many did not learn of Him. 

              It is sad to think we have people attending Church on a regular basis, who have, (per their testimony) accepted Jesus the Christ as their personal Saviour, yet have no substantial knowledge of Him.        We know to be accepted by God doesn’t take a Biblical degree.  We know with a small knowledge Salvation does happen.

Romans 10:9  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.

God tells us through Paul, that if we will just believe God has raised Jesus from the grave, and if we will confess that belief to others (as the woman at the well did) God will save us.  The unfortunate thing about this is most stop with just a bit more knowledge, and are surprised when told that Jesus the Christ is God. 

              (We as Americans are appalled at the thought of arranged marriages, where a man and woman are married for life without a lot of knowledge about each other.   Yet, as a Bride of Christ, many Christians have no more knowledge of Jesus the Christ than this bride has of her arranged husband.)

              We as Christians need more knowledge of Him.   We need to grow in our knowledge.  Jesus said “…learn of me…” which is understood as a commandment.

John 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

              So where is our love for Him?   Many claim Jesus as their personal Saviour by their saying a prayer, by their Baptism, or choosing other things which define their Salvation.  Yet, they know nothing of the Man Christ who died on the Cross for their souls.  They no longer go to Church, (may never have started.)   They never read their King James Bible, nor do they attend any Sunday School.  So, where is their love for Him?  Where is their learning of Him?

              If you have claimed Jesus and know very little about Him, this Sunday purpose in your heart to go to a Church that teaches Jesus, and shows the way to follow His commandments.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Matthew 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

GOD Is Our Refuge and Strength

              In Psalm 46:1-3 quoted below, and considering the worldwide devastation we have seen in this year 2011, it is amazing to note how the world refuses to involve GOD as the Maker of the Heavens and this earth.  It is generally always, “Mother Nature.”

              It seems, (at least in my mind) the “World” can only describe the beauty and the love that ensues from GOD.  Yet, in reading my King James Bible, I find many times the wrath of GOD portrayed.  (I cannot say that these horrendous occurrences happening now are the Will of GOD,) but along with our failing economy, our weather has caused great devastation in our country, and it has affected thousands of families.

              Our verses tell us that GOD is “…a very present help in trouble…”  Yet when these times come, where do we look?  We look to Big Brother Government that does not know its right from its left.  FEMA seems to be the answer.  (FEMA ordered thousands of mobile homes and had them sent to New Orleans, and then

realized there was no water, electricity, or sewer service available.  No one had checked to see if these services were available.) 

              Big Brother Government only knows the god of spending tax dollars, regardless of the need.

              Now I have severely digressed from what I wanted to discuss. 

Psalms 46:1  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

GOD “…is our refuge,..” He is our corner, (our cover we can snuggle under and know GOD is with us.)  “He is where I know I am safe and have the security of His wisdom and His protection.  Not only my refuge, He also gives me the strength I need to get through the trials and tribulations of this evil world.”

              He is our “help” in time of need.  If we wrap ourselves within GOD’s refuge (knowing His strength,) what else do we need?  We don’t need our government, and certainly not FEMA, nor any of our other government agencies, which are vanity.

              What we need is GOD.  (He is our Only help.)  We can endure through His strength, and His strength alone.

Isaiah 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

              Look to Him, and remove your discouragement.  Look to Him, and rejoice that He and He alone is holding you up with His strength and His power.  He is with you.  Call on Him for help before you call on anyone else.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Psalms 46:1-3  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  (2)  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;  (3)  Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Eternal Life, What Is It?

              In Romans 6:23 quoted below, the word “eternal” seems to be a word that to some, has a variable definition.  Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines “eternal” as “Without end of existence or duration; everlasting; endless; immortal.”  Therefore, I thought I might look for some synonyms, which are “ageless, eternal, everlasting, perpetual, unending, and unceasing.”

              So with these definitions, (all from secular sources, yes, I Goggled them) why do so many want to change the words’ definition to a redefined meaning which would mean something less than eternal?

              Jesus tells us:

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The secular world also shows that the word Jesus uses, “everlasting,” to be a synonym of the word “eternal.”  Jesus also tells us in a later chapter:

John 10:27-29  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  (28)  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  (29)  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

Now, Jesus uses the word “eternal” with His definition, “they shall never perish.”

              It seems odd to me that Jesus defines His own usage time and time again, yet men usurp the knowledge of God.  (They pretend to know better than the Word of God.)

              The authority of the Church comes from the Word of God, (in my heart, The King James Bible,) and is led by Jesus the Christ.  As a Baptist, a Fundamental Baptist, (I believe the Bible,) and an Independent Baptist, and an OSAS (Once Saved, Always Saved) Baptist. (I have no need for the secular definition.)  The Bible defines “eternal” as the world has defined it.  Yet, some men have redefined and stated that you cannot have the Gift of God eternally. (They say even though God has given it eternally, that you can lose it.) 

              So where does your definition of “eternal” come from?  If it comes from The King James Bible, and backed only with the secular definition, you are on the right track.  Otherwise, usurpers, (charlatans, blasphemers, wolves in sheep’s clothing), are leading you.   Look for yourself, actually read your Bible, and pray God will show you “eternal life.”

Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Blessed Is The Man

              In Psalm 1:1-6 quoted below, (v 1) gives us a description of the perfect Father. 

Psalms 1:1  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Now be it known I have not been a perfect Father, and I will never be a perfect Father.  However, we have in (v 1) been given the goals with which we should strive to achieve.  (If we ever expect to receive the Blessings of God,) our task as a Father is to look to these lofty goals and set our minds to achieve them.  As men and as the head of a household, we are the leader of our family, and as such, we should set the example for our wives and children to follow.  We will never achieve perfection, (at least not on this side of Glory.)    

              We recognize every Father on this National Father’s Day.  My Father had no spiritual influence in my life, and very little physical influence.  Yet, I recognize him as a National Hero as he went to war and never came back.  For many years, my Mother kept him in front of me as my guide.  To my knowledge, my Father was not a spiritual man, but he was a good man, yet I do not know if he is in Heaven or wallowing in Hell.  I pray he is in Heaven with my Mother, and waiting to reunite with my sister and me.

              As a Father, some of you may have fond memories, and others may have memories that are not as memorable.  I have found that since my walk with the Lord, not only have my daughters memories been shortened, but have been reduced to vague memories.  Regardless of what we remember, (or what we once were,) our task today is to erase the bad by working for Christ Jesus.  

              Our last verse tells us that The LORD knows the way of the righteous.  (You and I cannot do more than cover up our past, and Jesus erases it from our memories.)  We are left with just enough memory (of our past) to know we did in fact change.

              Does your wife and children know you are a Godly man?   My fear is my wife, daughters, and grandchildren will suddenly remember or find out about the worst.  (That is something I cannot do anything about, but it is a fear I have.)  All I can do is walk in the proper counsel, The Word of God, (The King James Bible).  Father’s, where do you stand?                                   

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Psalms 1:1-6  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  (2)  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  (3)  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  (4)  The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.  (5)  Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.  (6)  For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Ye Shall Know

                                    Joel 2:27-30 quoted below is a prophetical set of verses, (mainly tied to Judah, the Southern Tribes,) prophesying of their near and distant future. 

              There are many things “Ye Shall Know” and I dare not attempt (in this small devotion) to tackle all or even many of them. 

              So, my question is where to begin?  I direct this to those of you who call yourselves Christians.  A part of our knowledge is we “Shall Know” that all those who call themselves Christians are not necessarily Christian.  Jesus covers this particular subject many times. 

Matthew 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

              All our efforts must be “in His will.”  This is not a command to the unsaved, but for the knowledge of the Christian.  When we proclaim Jesus as our Saviour, our whole life should change.  Our focus should be doing God’s Will.

Luke 6:46  And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

              However, the norm in most Churches is that many do not serve Him.  They may serve by going to Church (in their minds “reasonably” regular),  yet, their tithes and offerings are non-existent or minimal.  Their efforts to physically work (during off hours) within the Church just isn’t there.  The 80/20 rule always applies.  (The application is 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people.)  Yet, they all call themselves Christians.  How can that be if they “do not the things which I say.”  Jesus’ commandments are to do “the will of my Father” our God in heaven. 

              What kind of profession have you made?  Do you rely upon your emotions, (allowing your emotions to steer you?)  God steers each of us by the sweat of our brow, and us knowing (by the Holy Spirit) to do the “the will of my Father.”

              Have you accepted Jesus as your Saviour?  Has your life changed in a way that others can see the change?  God loves us no doubt, yet He expects us to toil for Him.  Do you?

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Joel 2:27-30  And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.  (28)  And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:  (29)  And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.  (30)  And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

Whosoever?

                                    When I read, 1 John 4:15-18 quoted below, my initial thoughts are:

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

              My first thought is the word “whosoever” and its implication.  A “whosoever” is anyone regardless of their faith, religion, or lack of religion.  A “whosoever” is anyone regardless of their sin, when they were born, or what they have done in their personal lives. 

            The second word I mulled over is how the word “fear” is used.  It is as we might surmise, fear and trembling.  However, it is more of a “doubt in our mind.”  All this “fear” concerns our personal lack of faith.  (I don’t want anyone to think that we should not “fear” the LORD with trembling knees, because in our reverence we should know what He is capable of allowing.)  

            When we have sin (small or great) come into our lives, we suddenly find a fear of where we stand.  We start doubting (“fear hath torment”) our faith, our God, and our Saviour Jesus the Christ.

            We find ourselves out of the Will of God, (out of church, out of the Bible, out of our prayer life) and cannot seem to find our way back.  All that is required to rekindle the flames of God’s love is to go back to where we walked away from Him.

            Drop to your knees, beg God for forgiveness, repent of your sins, and now know the love of God that exceeds the love of anything. 

            It is not that God departed from you, because once called upon in faith, He dwells within you.  Rekindle your love for God, step back into His Will, and know that love that He is.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

1 John 4:15-18  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  (16)  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  (17)  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.  (18)  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.