Bits and Pieces – 108th Edition – April 3, 2022

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”  [Philippians 4:6,7]

     No care, but all prayer.  No anxiety, but much joyful communion with God.  Carry your desires to the Lord of your life, the guardian of your soul.  Go to Him with two portions of prayer, and one of fragrant praise.

     Do not pray doubtfully, but thankfully.  Consider that you have your petitions, and therefore thank God for His grace. He is giving you grace, give Him thanks.  Hide nothing.  Allow no want to lie rankling in your bosom, “Make known your requests.”  Run not to man.  Go only to your God, the Father of Jesus, who loves you in Him.

     This shall bring you God’s own peace. You shall not be able to understand the peace which you shall enjoy.  It will enfold you in its infinite embrace.  Heart and mind through Christ Jesus shall be steeped in a sea of rest.

     Come life or death, poverty, pain, slander, you shall dwell above every ruffling wind or darkening cloud.  Will you not believe this dear command?  Yes Lord, I do believe; but I beseech Thee, help mine unbelief.  [C. Spurgeon].

     1 Corinthians 13 is the great Bible chapter on love.  However, in the KJV, or Authorized Version that we use, the word “charity” is used.  When the Bible was translated “charity” was the right word for love.

     However, with the passage of time, the meaning of “charity” has changed.  In today’s world, its primary meaning is the giving of money to alleviate the needs of others.  This in itself is an expression of love, but it falls short of the full-orbed meaning of the Greek word agape.  The New King James Version has replaced “charity” with “love.”

     Before the second coming of the Lord, there will be the revelation of the “mystery of iniquity” [2 Thessalonians 2:7].  ‘Iniquity’ is anomos that means ‘no law.’  The expression, therefore, means the “mystery of lawlessness” and that can be seen at work in our society today.

     What is a Christian?  A Christian is a person rightly related to God through Jesus Christ, one whose guilt has been removed by the merits of Christ’s blood.  [Romans 8:1.  1 John 1:7. 1 John 2:7].

     How do you become a Christian?  Not by baptism [1 Peter 3:21].  Not by good works [Titus 3:5].  Only by faith in Christ, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”  [Acts 4:12].

     Thus, you can become a Christian by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” [Acts 16:31].

     Call on Christ for salvation today.

“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  [Romans 10:13].

     How should a Christian live?

     In faithfulness to God’s Word.  “They continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  [Acts 2:42].

     In living a holy life.  “Be ye holy; for I am holy”  [1 Peter 1:16].

     In love, peace and joy.  “The kingdom of God…is righteousness, and peace and joy.” [Romans 14:17].

     In separation from all forms of wickedness, religious and secular.  “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove them” [Ephesians 5:11].

     Hebron F.P.C. in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, is to be commended for rendering help to those displaced from their homes in Ukraine in the current war situation.

     The congregation agreed to provide accommodation in the church for about thirty-four refugees, including some children.  The minister, the Rev. David Park, reports on the surprise his people got when several companies, on hearing of the project, chipped in with new beds, linens and other necessities free of charge.  The minister and his wife have opened their home to take in seven refugees.

     The congregation’s faith has been strengthened.  They responded to the dire need of the Ukrainians, and the Lord blessed them for the evidence of practical Christianity. They have been greatly blessed by the words of the Lord, ‘“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”  [Matthew 25:40]. Pray that this Christian kindness will lead many of the Ukrainians to Christ.