Greetings of brotherly love to one and all. The year 2022 is almost gone. A lot has happened. Another year of devastating storms, floods, fires, earthquakes, wars, and rumors of wars. America has gone through another season of political elections, causing the conservatives and liberals to become even more polarized into opposing parties.
Recently, I have been reflecting on the current status of life as a committed Bible-believing Christian in our world today. Sure, there are certain places in our world where Christians live in constant threat of imprisonment or death simply because they are trying to live according to God’s Word. However, the world, seems to be moving towards an increasingly negative perspective of God’s people. In an increasingly developing trend, there is a surprising rise of hostility towards the committed believer.
What is happening? I have had numerous conversations with various believers from around the country who seem to have a growing alarm about the current victorious march of evil over good, of liberal agendas over a conservative lifestyle, and the list goes on. Current skyrocketing inflation, the potential of unprecedented heating costs for many, the rumors of rising interest rates, and the ongoing shortage of goods all tend to cause a person to be jolted out of a sense of normality.
For us as Christians, let us always keep our focus fixed on the God of heaven. This is the God that Paul declared on Mars Hill—God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; –Acts 17:24-25.
Let’s stop focusing on the fact that evil seems to be prevailing and increasing around us and then concluding that somehow Satan has the upper hand right now. Rather, let us be reminded about what God’s Word says. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works –2 Timothy 3:13-17.
Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus …the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God –Hebrews 12:2. Instead of believing Satan’s lie that he is somehow winning the battle for Truth right now, let’s remember that the Bible reveals that Satan can do nothing without God allowing him a temporary free rein. It seemed to those looking on that Satan had the complete upper hand when Jesus was crucified and buried. Surprise, surprise! Satan had unwittingly allowed God to use him to accomplish everything that had been prophesied throughout the Scriptures. It is the same today… God will again allow Satan whatever free rein is necessary to bring to fulfillment all that the Bible has foretold will come to pass regarding the end of time.
In this issue of the magazine, we have once more endeavored to bring you information in the articles that is both helpful and relevant to our time in history. Brother Leonard Martin, a bishop in one of our churches has shared an exhortation on spiritual gifts in the church with a number of clear, practical observations for us today. The article that we have chosen to share from “Bible Helps” in this issue is one of the best discourses on the subject of “faith and works” that I have ever read. The writer even delves, with biblical simplicity and clarity, into the controversial subjects of divine election and predestination. Finally, we have The Foolishness of Preaching an evaluation regarding the basis of churches using “the altar call”—is it founded in the Scriptures and the history of the church or is it a method that the church has borrowed from the world in more recent years?!
All of this is sure to stir thoughts and discussion—which is our goal with these types of articles. Please feel free to respond via email or regular mail with your thoughts of caution or encouragement. This is helpful for us and our writers. When you write, we also ask that you mention yes or no if we can use your questions or comments in our magazine. We have had various requests to establish a section in our magazine dedicated to hearing from our readers.
One final thought… over the years our readers have, at times, shared with us ways that they think we could improve our magazine for the good of all who read it and to present a more clear gospel message. We welcome this to continue.
May God richly bless each of you,
Curvin L. Wenger
