With the Word of God as our guide it will not require a great deal of time to learn that spiritual life, eternal life (the fulness of which may be known only in the coming age), is provided for ALL who WILL COME TO JESUS CHRIST, by faith. He wants us to know what He has done and provided for our salvation.
    Without apology or equivocation I submit that NO MAN was ever saved apart from the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! Past articles have shown how active the Spirit was in effecting the purpose of God in past ages. During His earthly ministry Our Lord clearly declared that the Holy Spirit was ALREADY working WITH, and His presence known TO His disciples. And yet, He purposed to SEND the Spirit (after His departure) in a new, richer, fuller, more glorious and abiding capacity. If one will carefully observe the context of John 14-16 it will be clear that Jesus there addresses the very "inner circle" of His Own disciples -- basically, the 11, as representative -- NOT OF ISRAEL; nor of so-called "Christendom"; but OF HIS CHURCH. Remember that He had just instituted the Lord's Supper--

observing it with the little group that He addresses in this context.
    If one understands the context of John 14-16, he will not be offended at the suggestion that Jesus here sets forth what He SPECIFICALLY PROPOSES TO ACCOMPLISH THROUGH THE SPECIAL MINISTRY OF THE SPIRIT; and that it is to be effected thru the faithful life and witness of His "little flock", the CHURCH! I do not for a moment believe that the work of the Holy Spirit is limited to the function of a New Testament, assembly. However, I submit, without hesitation, that whatever it is that the Lord purposes to accomplish THROUGH THE SPECIAL MINISTRY OF THE SPIRIT, as the coming "Promise of the Father" (and fulfilled on Pentecost), it is His intention that it be done THROUGH A PROPERLY-FUNCTIONING NEW TESTAMENT ASSEMBLY.      E.G.

Doubt sees the obstacles,
Faith sees the way;
Doubt sees the darksome night,
Faith sees the day;
Doubt dreads to take the step,
Faith soars on high;
Doubt whispers, "Who believes"?
Faith answers, "1".

    The very first function of the Holy Spirit, in His special ministry, is to use the life and testimony of the Lord's church to "reprove the world of sin". And Jesus said that this is "because they believe not on me".
    It is clearly the privilege and responsibility of EVERY New Testament church to HERAID the word of truth -- the whole counsel of God, including the fact that God is angry with sin every day! As we faithfully proclaim the Word of truth, the Holy Spirit will make it effective in the hearts of men.
    Thus, it is incumbent upon every scriptural church to declare to the world WHAT SIN IS! It is lawlessness, (I Jn. 3:4; Jas. 2:10). It is unrighteousness, (I John 5:17). Whatever is not of faith is sin, (Rom. 14:23). The very thought of foolishness is sin, (Prov. 24:9). To fall short of the glory of God

is sin, (Rom. 3:23). And one sins whenever he fails to live up to his understanding of God's will and word, (James 4:17).
    All men are involved in sin-guiltiness. Sin is universal; ALL are guilty, (Isa. 53:6; 64:6; Rom. 3:10-19). There is not even "a JUST MAN on earth who practices good without sinning. And everyone of us is personally responsible to God for our sin, (Ezek. 18:2-4, 20; Rom. 14:12).
    The church that bears a faithful and effective witness will point out -- not only the FACT of sin, but its IMPLICATIONS. Sin is revealed as the basest and vilest sort of INGRATITUDE toward our heavenly benefactor. We do not really appreciate His blessings as we ought. It also involves injurious rebellion against our Creator and inconceivable folly against our own eternal welfare. In reality, it is nothing short of self-destruction; spiritual suicide! Sin springs from a heart that is corrupt and deceitful -- capable only of producing evil. And the most pitiable thing about sin is that it is against One Who has loved us freely -- paying a terrible price for our redemption -- while, all our lives, we have spurned His grace, despised His love & rejected His salvation.
    A church that is true to its living Head will plainly set forth the CONSEQUENCES of sin, (Rom. 6:23). It will be manifested that sin: produces corruption, darkens the mind, weakens the body, separates from God, hinders prayer and inevitably LEADS TO DEATH! (Jas. 1:15).

    It is the revealed purpose of God that the Holy Spirit may so witness through EVERY New Testament assembly as to bring those who come under the influence of its ministry to a CONSCIOUSNESS of SIN-GUILTINESS before God. And this is most effectively accomplished through the Spirit's blessings upon a faithful CORPORATE WITNESS!
    When the Spirit REALLY controls a New Testament church the Word of God will be faithfully proclaimed and sinful men will see themselves in the very light of the glory of Christ that is being reflected thru His believing people, (2 Cor. 3:18; I Cor. 14:23-25).      E.G.


    Faith in God opens the door to unlimited opportunity for good; "All things are possible to him that believeth", (Mark 9:23). "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him", (Heb. 11:6).
    By faith once-blinded eyes are enabled to SEE the invisible -- even to behold the very "glory of God", (Rom. 1:20; Heb. 11:27; Jn. 11:40). It is the means whereby one appropriates, as his own experience, the salvation divinely-provided through the death of God's dear Son, (John 3: 15-16; 5:24; Acts 16:31).
    "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river,

and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit", (Jer. 17:7-8). And, trusting in His care, the sheep of God's pasture are safely secured in His fold (Jn. 10:27-28).
    Is there need to fret and worry over future sustenance? NEVER!! "Trust in the Lord ... and verily thou SHALT BE FED. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart", (Psa. 37:3-4, cf. Jn. l0:9). Furthermore, Paul declares, with authority; "My God shall supply ALL YOUR NEED according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus",(Philippians 4:19).
    That incomparable joy, peace and satisfaction floods the soul that rests in the faithful promises of his God! "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in His way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand", (Psa. 37:23-24).
    HALIELUJAH!!


    Time is rapidly drawing near for the Fellowship Meeting with the church at Judsonia, Arkansas on November 23-24. A goodly number of people are expected for this meeting -- coming from all directions.
    If YOU have not yet notified the church, or pastor, of your intention to be with them, why not send them a note (or call) RIGHT AWAY? It will greatly assist them in making the best possible preparation

for your comfort and enjoyment during your visit with them.
          Write: RICHARD KAMERMAN
          10 Foxboro
          Searcy, Arkansas 72143
or Call: 501-857-3189.

    May the Lord prepare every heart that we may enjoy a time of great fellowship in His Word. And may we ask God's rich blessings upon every effort that is put forth -- to the glory of God, the salvation of men, the yielding of lives to His service and the strengthening of His beloved people. AMEN!! E.G.

    God regards men according to what they ARE; not by their profession. And He knows the difference. No one will be profited by the profession of piety if, instead, he practices iniquity. Jesus said: "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", (Matt. 7:21).
    Jesus Christ is LORD, whether we acknowledge His lordship over our lives or not, (John 18:13). He is "Lord of hosts", "Lord of heaven and earth", "Lord of glory", "Lord of lords", and "Lord of ALL", (Psa. 24:10; Acts 17:24; I Cor. 2:8; Rev. 17:14; Acts 10:36). Yet, no one can truly acknowledge His lordship except by the Holy Spirit, (I Cor. 12:3).
    It is ridiculous to call Jesus "Lord" while refusing to do what He commands! (Luke 6:46). Without the obedience of the heart any professed acknowledgement of His lordship is sheer mockery, (Matt. 15:7-8).
    All talk about one's "faith" in Christ is empty unless it is accompanied by joyful obedience of His Word, (John 15:14). A living faith is active, (Gal. 5:6). And a pure heart will be manifested in a holy life, (Jer. 7:23). Such debtors as we OUGHT to give willing obedience to the voice of our great Benefactor, (Isa. 1:19).
    To know God's will, but insist on doing one's own will, is to reveal a rebellious, unloving and ungrateful heart. It is NEVER enough to CALL Jesus "Lord". SUBMIT!!