Welcome, friends, to another
broadcast of Morsels for Zion's Poor. The inventions of men are
not in themselves evil, but the manner in which men regard them
and use them most surely leads to evil. Pride goeth before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall. Paul's admonition to the Corinthians
is as appropriate today as it was then. And they that use this
world is not abusing it, for the fashion of this world passeth
away. There is a proper use of this
world for those who are found in Christ, but there is no place
of affection here for them. Love not the world, neither the
things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the
love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of
life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world
passeth away, and the lust thereof. But he that doeth the will of
God abideth forever. The scriptures speak of a record
which is of great delight to the sons of God. This is an ancient
record which actually predates the dawn of time and the creation
of the world. It is a very simple and straightforward
record which is at one and the same time the most profound truth
which men have been privileged to hear. The word record simply
means the evidence given, a witness, a testimony, or a trustworthy
report. We read of the record of the
Old Testament saints. These all died in faith, not
having received the promises, but having seen them far off,
and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed
that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. It is
impossible to overstate the great privilege that has been bestowed
upon the saints here and now in the end of the world, in being
given eyes to see with clear vision the manifestation of the
redemptive work of Christ. Though we yet see through a glass
darkly, we behold Him who is the Savior of sinners, and all
questions which have arisen over the years concerning this report
are now fully answered in this declaration given to John. And
this is the record that God had given to us eternal life, and
this life is in His Son. We believe this testimony because
we have this witness in ourselves. We have this witness because
it has pleased the Lord to give us the kingdom, and He has sent
Him to be our comforter and guide into all truth. Those who are
the called according to His purpose cannot not believe. Peter confessed
this very truth when he said, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou
hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that
thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. This one who
is a faithful witness glorifies the Son of God. Howbeit, when
he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.
For he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear,
that shall he speak. And he will show you things to
come. He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine, and
shall show it unto you. To preach anything other than
Jesus Christ and Him crucified is to deny that record which
says God has given to us eternal life. The only source of life
in all the universe is He who is the life. He is the Word,
and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld
His glory. The glory is of the only begotten
of the Father, full of grace and truth. His primary purpose
in dwelling among men in flesh and blood was to lay down his
life as an atonement for the sins of those whom he has loved,
for he shall save his people from their sins. John the baptizer
testified of his coming among men, but he was not enabled to
see the work which he was to perform in its fullness. Thus
the Lord said, among them that are born of women there is not
risen a greater than John the Baptist, notwithstanding he that
is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. The fullness
of understanding of that which Christ came to perform can only
be seen by those who are witnesses of his resurrection. This resurrection
testifies that he has triumphed over the foes of his people,
making a show of them openly. Who is this that cometh from
Edom, with thy adornments from Basra? This that is glorious
in his apparel, traveling in the greatness of his strength.
I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. "'Those who do
not worship this one "'who has laid down his life for his sheep
"'spit in the face of God and say that he is a liar, "'for
they believe not the record which he has given. "'They shall perish
in their sin, "'having no life except that which must return
to the dust. "'And when I saw him, I fell
at his feet as dead. "'And he laid his right hand
upon me, saying unto me, "'Fear not, I am the first and the last.
"'I am he that liveth and was dead. "'And behold, I am alive
forevermore. "'Amen, and have the keys of
hell and of death. This is the record which God
has left us. Do you believe the record of God's only begotten
Son? For a free CD containing 15 of these radio broadcasts,
send an email to forthepoor at windstream.net.