When the telephone rang recently a stranger inquired: "Can you tell me if there is any specific prophecy in the scriptures concerning the continuing series of earthquakes in which it appears we are going to lose the state of California? It was reported that some 200 tremors had been registered from deep within the earth within a period of about two weeks. The caller was, admittedly, near panic.
    No, I could not point out a prophecy that specifically dealt with an earthquake on our West coast; but I could assure him that I HAD NO FEAR. "I have no reason to be afraid", I answered, "For my Father is at the controls of the universe. And nothing can happen without His permission".
    What FEAR terrorizes the hearts of men who are not firmly anchored in the Saviour's love!
    Our Lord Himself prophesied that "There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers

of heaven shall be shaken", (Luke 21:25-26).
    The writer of the Hebrew letter tells what Jesus Christ has done to relieve such fear. "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through FEAR OF DEATH were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved 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. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted", (Heb. 2:14-18).
    And the beloved John writes: "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", (I Jn. 4:18).
    The peace divinely provided for such as trust in God is described beautifully by the Psalmist: "God

    Reference is made in the scriptures to several earthquakes that occurred in Old Testament times. The first one is mentioned in connection with the giving of the law on Mt. Sinai, (Ex. 19:17-25; 20:18-21). Another destroyed Korah and his accomplices in their rebellion against the "authority" divinely established in Israel, (Num. l6:3l-35). An earthquake, in the days of King Saul, assisted in Israel's defeat of the Philistines, (I Sam. l4:5). Another is mentioned in connection with Elijah's waiting for God to speak -- following the victory over the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, (I Kings 19:9-12). Two references are made to an earthquake during the reign of Uzziah, (Amos 1:1; Zech. l4:5). At the moment of Jesus' death on the cross there was a tremendous earthquake that cast dead bodies out of their graves, (Matt. 27:50-51). And the

bonds of Paul and Silas were loosed as they sang praises to God, at midnight, in a Philippian jailhouse (Acts 16:26).
    The imagery of an earthquake is employed in both poetic and prophetic language in the scriptures, (Judges 5:4; Psalm l8:7; 97:1-4; 114:1-8; Isa. 29:6; Ezek. 38:18-23; Joel 2:10, 3:16, Nahum 1:5-8; Hab. 3:6-13; 17-19; Zech. 14:4; Hebrews 12:18-29).
    Finally, the New Testament mentions several earthquakes that are yet to come. Three of the Gospel writers make mention of them (Matt. 24:3-14; Mark 13:8, Luke 21:11). And there are at least five references to coming earthquakes in the book of Revelation. 1) Following the death of the two witnesses, (11:13); 2) Immediately before the trumpet-judgments (8:5-6); 3) Following the sounding of the seventh trumpet, (11:19); 4) The greatest one of all time to be connected with the destruction of Babylon -- the "city of confusion", the system that has long held the reins of affairs during this age, (16:18); and 5) Another, under the sixth seal, connected with the Lord's coming to judgment, (6:12).
    Is there any wonder that sinners tremble when the earth begins to shake? E.G.

    More than an "idea" or an influence", the Holy Spirit is clearly set forth in the Scriptures as being VERY GOD -- a divine personality. Various pronouns, implying personality, are used of Him, (John 15:26; 16:7-8, 13-14). And many characteristics are ascribed to the Spirit that only a person can possess: 1) Knowledge, (I Cor. 2:10-11); 2) Will, (I Cor. 12:11); 3 ) Mind, (Rom. 8:27); 4) Love, (Romans 15:30); 5) Goodness & Intelligence, (Neh. 9:20); and 6) Grief, (Eph. 4:30).
    There are also many personal ACTS ascribed to the Spirit in the Scriptures. 1) He Teaches -- directing into all truth (Jn. 14:26). 2) He goes forth on a divine mission and bears testimony to the all-excelling worthiness of Christ, (John 15~26). 3) He calls men to labor and appoints their office -- setting members in the body of Christ and endowing each one for his particular office or function therein, (Acts 13:2; 20:28; I Cor. 12:7-11, 18). 4) He searches the deep things of God, (I Cor. 1:10). 5) He intercedes, for such as "know not how to pray as we ought", (Rom. 8:26). 6) He leads and directs the hearts and lives of men into the will of God, (Romans 8:14, Acts 16:6-7). And 7) As the Spirit of son-ship, He cries out within human hearts, (Gal. 4:6).
    The OFFICES belonging to the Spirit require that we recognize His personality. He is "another comforter" (paraclete) whose abiding

presence will sustain the people of God, (John 14:16-17; 16:7). And He administers the affairs of Christ on earth -- superintending the life and activity of the church.
    Only a person could receive such TREATMENT as the Holy Spirit is said to have experienced. 1) He is rebelled against, vexed & grieved! (Isa. 63:10; Eph. 4:30). 2) Men do despite unto Him, (Heb. 10:29). 3) He is sometimes lied to, (Acts 5:3). And 4) He is often blasphemed -- the enormity of which sin Jesus describes in Matthew 12:31-32.
    The DEITY of the Spirit's person is clearly set forth in the Word of God. It is implied by the divine ATTRIBUTES ascribed to Him: 1) He is eternal, (Heb. 9:14). 2) There is no place one may go to escape His presence, (Psalm 139:7-10). 3) His power is the very "power of the highest",' (Luke 1:35). And 4) He knows all, (I Cor. 2:10-11; John 14:26; 16:12-13).
    The DEITY of the Spirit is, further, attested by the divine WORKS ascribed to Him: 1) The work of creation, (Psalm 104:30); 2) The impartation of life, (John 6:63, Rom. 8:1; Gen. 2:7); and 3) The authorship of the Scriptures (2 Sam. 23:2-3; 2 Pet. 1:21; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
    The Scriptures not only reveal the Holy Spirit to be a Divine Personality; they also teach that He is worthy of our worship and praise. Without His aid we are hopeless.
"The Spirit, by His heavenly breath,
   New life creates within;
He quickens sinners from the death
    Of trespasses and sin."

is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling there", (Psalm 46:1-3).
    Loving trust in a faithful Heavenly Father, who has adequately met every need of the past, will enable one to SING -- while the earth trembles!! OUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NEAR!! Amen. E.G.

    Doing what is right will not exempt anyone from suffering, but it is always right to suffer for a good cause, (I Pet. 3:l4). "Well-doing" may, indeed, subject a person to the malice and mischief of sinful men. Yet, no one should be "weary in well-doing," -- knowing that his labor is not in vain in the Lord, (Gal. 6:9; I Cor. 15:58; Heb. 6:10).
    If when we do well, and suffer for it, we take it patiently; this is acceptable with God, (1 Peter 2:20). Every child of God needs patience to endure the trials that will inevitably come, (Heb. 10:36). Every trial, designed to conform us fully to God's order, should be rewarded as a distinct blessing. And we should rejoice in the privilege of being permitted to suffer "for Jesus' sake". Though attended by a little pain, it will be followed by great JOY -- if we take it patiently, (Rom. 8:35-37).
    We must never permit the greatness of our trials to discourage us, nor the number of our enemies to frighten us, (2 Tim. 2:12; I Pet. 3:14). Remember that, as we suffer for Jesus! sake, our enemies are His enemies -- already defeated. By faith we may enter into His triumph. Taunted by His adversaries, our Lord committed Himself fully into the hands of the Father. And we may safely follow His example -- knowing that the Judge of all the earth will do right!!
    So, LIFT UP YOUR HEAD, weary pilgrim! God will bruise Satan under your feet shortly. Then, the GLORY!