Bold, brash, forward, hot-tempered, a natural leader–these are all words that might very well describe Peter during the early days of his calling to be one of Christ’s disciples. In fact, it was Peter who asked Christ to bid him to also walk on the water. We read of this account in Matthew 14:22-33.

Peter courageously took those first steps of faith and actually walked on the sea; however, we read that he then looked at his unbelievable circumstances and became afraid. He also started sinking into the water. It was at this point that he did something very right, he cried out to Jesus for help (verse 30)!

Indeed, he received that help–and a lesson from Jesus Christ. Jesus said to him, ” ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ ” (verse 31)

Doubt, fear, lack of faith–all are easy avenues of retreat when any of us are confronted with what seems to us to be insurmountable. That was the way a father who had a spirit-possessed son felt. Since the disciples of Jesus were not able to cast out the demon, the man pleaded with Jesus for help. We find this account in Mark 9. In verse 22, the father asks, ” ‘But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’ “

We find the reply of Jesus in the next verse (23), ” ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ ” Continuing in verse 24, “Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’ “

It is certainly true that as Christians we should be growing in faith. The more we plunge into this way of living with the added help of God’s Holy Spirit, the greater, too, should become our faith as we learn to trust God implicitly. We find this kind of total reliance on God in the example of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego. After king Nebuchadnezzar threatened them with death, they replied, ” ‘If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18).

These three were saved. They had the kind of faith to fully believe that God would be able to deliver them. They were also willing to die in faith knowing that their physical lives were only a prelude to eternal life in the Kingdom of God. That is something that Jesus Christ also believed, and He died in order to bring about that great hope.

Jesus Christ died to save the world, and even He through Whom all things were created came to the ultimate test of faith. He willingly offered His own life in order that He might fulfill the supreme purpose of God. In the account of the death of Christ that is in Luke, we find this final statement from Christ: ” ‘Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit’ ” (Luke 23:46).

This statement is the culmination of the way in which He lived His life. Jesus always sought help from God: “who, in days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear” (Hebrews 5:7).

We all face the impossible, at least, so it might seem to us. We may falter in human relationships in which anger overwhelms us. We may face temptations and trials that cause us to stumble badly. We may even face situations in which our lives are on the line. When we do, we have this sure promise: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen” (Jude 24-25).

Finally, when we do reach that point where everything seems hopeless, we need to turn to Him through Whom all things are possible with these words, “Lord, save me!” Along with this, let’s keep in mind some other words from Peter which he wrote near the end of his life: “Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

On Monday, November 17, 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was inaugurated as the 38th governor of the State of California. In his acceptance speech, he recognized the difficult times ahead, pointing out that California has the largest deficit, the worst credit rating and the worst business climate in the nation. At the same time, he described himself, in the words of John F. Kennedy, as an “idealist without illusions,” while seeing California “as the golden dream by the sea,” adopting a thought from President Ronald Reagan, who had spoken of America “as the shining city on the hill.”

When alluding to the momentous task ahead, Governor Schwarzenegger drew an interesting lesson from bodybuilding. He said, “I learned something from all those years of lifting and training hard, when I didn’t think I could lift another ounce of weight. What I learned was that we’re always stronger than we know.”

When I heard these comments, I had to think of their spiritual application. We might go through tests and trials, thinking that we cannot take them anymore. We might conclude that we have reached the end of the rope. We have just had enough — “so far and no farther” — with no more strength to go on.

Elijah felt that way. He tried to run away from his problems, willing to die. He exclaimed, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life” (1 Kings 19:4). Jeremiah thought that he could not go on anymore. But God showed him how much more he would be able to endure. God said in Jeremiah 12:5: “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses?” He went on to say, in Jeremiah 15:20: “‘And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; And they will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you; For I am with you to save you And deliver you,’ says the LORD.”

God tells us, in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (New Jerusalem Bible): “None of the trials which have come upon you is more than a human being can stand. You can trust that God will not let you be put to the test beyond your strength, but with any trial will also provide a way out by enabling you to put up with it.”

Yes, it is true: We are always stronger, spiritually, than we know. But, our strength does not lie within ourselves. It is strength which we receive from God. God tells us in Isaiah 40:29-31: “He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

We must embrace and put to use God’s strength. And when we do, we will soon learn that no problem will be too hard for us — no trial will be too difficult. We, too, will be able to say: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). Our burden will be light (Matthew 11:28-30). And it has a purpose. Notice 2 Corinthians 4:17 (New Jerusalem Bible): “The temporary, light burden of our hardships is earning us for ever an utterly incomparable, eternal weight of glory.”

With God’s help, we are so much stronger than we might ever have thought possible. In fact, when we believe that God’s power, might and strength are at our disposal, and when we use the strength that God offers us, nothing will be too difficult for us. Let us always take courage from Christ’s words, as recorded in Matthew 17:20: “… for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU.”

Governor Schwarzenegger faces a tremendous challenge to solve California’s staggering problems. He recognized that he cannot do it alone — that he needed the help of all Californians. The time will come when all of us will be called upon to rebuild our ruined cities and our destroyed countries. Now is the time to prepare for this prophesied future event. Now is the time to conquer our fears and frustrations, to face our problems and to pass the test. But we, on our own, can’t do it, either. We need God’s help and strength for this challenging task. When we are tempted to throw in the towel, let us remember that for true and faithful Christians who “go in the strength of the LORD God” (Psalm 71:16), no trial is too difficult and no test is too hard. We will find out that we are so much stronger than we might have ever imagined.

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, addresses maturity within the context of explaining faith, hope and love. This is the way he describes it: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things” (1 Corinthians 13:11).

Consider that if one is mature, then that person has ideally reached full development and is spoken of as being an adult. There is an assumption that such a person is likewise emotionally mature.

Unfortunately, merely growing into adulthood does not guarantee that one has indeed put away “childish things.” Likewise, just starting on the path of Christianity does not automatically mean that we will reach the kind of spiritual maturity that God requires. Ephesians 4:13 presents this goal for us: “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

We have been given the Holy Spirit to help us achieve this kind of development in our own lives, but we must still grow. In fact, we must overcome much if we are to come to “the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

Hebrews 5:14 cautions: “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age (mature), that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

Jesus Christ did not live in the flesh to become an old man. It appears that he died as a young man around thirty-three years of age. Yet, in His short lifetime He achieved complete maturity. He did this by His total obedience to God’s will (Hebrews 5:8-9; 2:10). He never compromised with sin. He recognized the evil, but He always chose the good.

Many among the modern nations, which embrace the idea of Christianity, also follow the very dangerous concept that all that is required of them is to “accept Christ.” If they truly did accept Christ, then they would also do all that Christ, both by example and by command, instructs. They would not simply become infatuated with the ideals of Christianity, but they would indeed begin and then continue to grow in the same kind of Christian maturity that holds the promise of eternal life.

Paul gave testimony to this end when he spoke of his own approach: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended (laid hold of it); but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14). Then, adding this thought in verse 15: “Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind…”

Maturity takes some seasoning. If we place spiritual maturity as our goal, then we must do all that is required to reach that goal. The examples from the Word of God that have been left for us also reveal that there is struggle and great effort along with great reward in the process of becoming mature Christians.

The path to maturity is summed up for us in Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Not much room for “childish things” in this process!

In lieu of this week’s Editorial, we are publishing a short summary from Mr. Rene Messier, pertaining to his and his wife’s European trip for the Feast of Tabernacles.

Impressions from Europe

This year, my wife Delia and I had the opportunity to attend the Feast in England. The Feast site was at Leamington Spa, about a two-hour drive north of London. It was the first time that my wife and I had traveled off the North American continent, so this was quite an experience for us. I want to share a few observations and feelings about our trip. First of all, the messages at the Feast were superb, and the weather was good for the duration of the Feast – especially for England. We also really enjoyed being with God’s people in England, and we will not forget this special opportunity and privilege.

It was a real thrill to drive on the opposite side of the road and going on the round-abouts. For the first few days, I kept hitting the curb on the left side of the road. I almost caused several accidents in the round-abouts because I kept looking to my left rather than to my right. Thankfully, we survived the ten days in England without incident.

England is a place of great heritage. We were able to visit Stratford-upon-Avon, the town where Shakespeare was born, and Warwick Castle, both historical sites.

After the Feast, we took the train to Paris, France. We met a young woman on the train who was working in London. She was from Germany and told us that she could work in any country on the continent that uses the Euro, without restriction. We found this interesting in light of Biblical prophecy, foretelling a united Europe with one currency and being a world economic power. On the other hand, England still uses the pound. This reminded us of our understanding relative to England, not being a part of the future European superpower.

Our trip to France was also very meaningful to us, since Delia and I are both French. The city of Paris contains a lot of heritage and history. We were able to visit the Louvre where the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo can be seen. We heard an interesting story while on one of the tours. It involved the German General in charge of Paris near the end of the Second World War. He had received orders to bomb, burn and destroy the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Opera House and the Notre Dame cathedral. He refused to follow these orders. The French are still very grateful for his decision. Although this will not prevent the city and most of the cities of the earth from being destroyed during the prophesied Day of the Lord, it did preserve, for the time being, invaluable artifacts and stately buildings in Paris.

All in all, we had a wonderful Feast and a short holiday in Europe. We were glad to arrive safely home, pondering what it will be like in the future – when war and pollution won’t exist anymore, and when cities will be built to be inhabited peacefully and joyfully. Then, we won’t hear of someone giving orders to bomb and burn buildings and monuments. The Feast has pictured this soon-coming time of peace. It is good to be reminded of it, knowing that it will soon be reality for all mankind.

What a tragedy of epic proportions the fires in Southern California have been. The damage it has done is in many ways immeasurable and the effects will be felt for a life time for many.

As we view television, we see many on their roof tops or other vantage points desperately watching for fires or signs of impending danger. They are ready to act at a moment’s notice and respond with all due diligence. Rightly so, they have a responsibility to guard what they have.

Perhaps, those of us not in the vicinity of the wild fires are feeling a certain amount of relief that we do not have to keep so vigilant a watch. Or maybe we feel that there is no reason for concern as nothing of this magnitude could happen to us. But this is not the case.

As Christians we are to be as SENTRIES on our roof tops STANDING WATCH – and warning of the impending danger that this world now faces!

God has shown us in His Word what the signs of the end-time would be. Have we seen these? Do we have a good enough vantage point? He has told us of the events that would precede His coming…are we watching diligently for them? Do we know which have already come to pass? Do we know the ones yet to come?

If we are to make our calling meaningful and worthwhile and if we expect or hope to escape the soon coming perilous times, then we must WATCH and PRAY ALWAYS as God, in His Word, has admonished us to do (Luke 21:36).

“WATCH therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord does come. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be you also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes” (Mat 24:42-44).

Back Into the World?

From all reports we have had, we had a tremendously uplifting and rewarding Feast. Although we have used the following phrase many times before, it was stated once again by quite a few that this Feast was indeed “the best Feast ever.” Especially the baptisms of five fine young people at Morro Bay added to the spiritual highlights and showed that God is still working mightily with His people, adding to the Church those who are “being saved” (compare Acts 2:47).

Now we are back. The Feast of Tabernacles 2003 is over. We wished it could have gone on much longer. If there was one downside to this year’s Feast, it was the feeling that it was “far too short.” We heard questions like, “Why do we have to go back into the world, back to school or college, back to work? Why can’t the beauty of the Feast last forever?”

Yes, why indeed? We know, of course, that the time will soon come when everything that the Feast pictures and foreshadows, and much more, will have become reality. This time is near, but it has not yet arrived. There are several reasons why this is so.

Christ has not yet returned as not all of His people are ready yet for His return. When Christ marries His bride — the Church — the bride will have made herself ready (Revelation 19:7). This does not necessarily mean that everyone who “attends” the Church will be ready. Still, God wants everyone whom He has called to be in His Family. We read in 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise [to return], as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward US, not willing that any [of US] should perish but that all [of US] should come to repentance.”

God might very well hold some of His people responsible for delaying Christ’s coming — to an extent — through our unwillingness to repent and to overcome — both in our own personal lives and toward the Church’s ongoing commission to preach the gospel in all the world as a witness. Some have become lackadaisical regarding the Church’s job, and have lost their former zeal and energy (compare Revelation 3:15, 19). This lack of enthusiasm for God, His Work, and His way of life might very well delay Christ’s coming to an extent. At the same time, our godly and zealous conduct — individually and collectively — could hasten or accelerate Christ’s coming (compare 2 Peter 3:12, “… looking for and HASTENING the coming of the day of the Lord…”).

The fact that God very carefully watches over His people and that His actions are influenced by them is borne out in the example of Lot. In Genesis 19:16, it states that Lot lingered in Sodom after being told that he must leave in order to save his life and that of his wife and daughters; nonetheless, the angels took action to lead them outside the city. Then, in verse 22, this remarkable statement is made by one of the angels to Lot: “Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything UNTIL you arrive there [Zoar].”

We still live in this world today, because God WANTS us to (compare John 17:11). Christ told His disciples that He SENT THEM as “lambs” or “sheep” to the “wolves” of this world (compare Matthew 10:16; Luke 10:3; John 17:18). He did not take them out of the world (John 17:15). Why? So that they could OVERCOME the world. So that they could show in their lives, and be constantly reminded of the fact that they are not part of the world (John 17:16) — rejecting the things of this world (1 John 2:15-17). Christ said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of this world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).

At the same time, Christ sent us into the world to show the world by example how to live. He told us, “You are the LIGHT of the world… Let your light so SHINE before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). We are to become “blameless and harmless, children of God without fault IN THE MIDST OF a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you SHINE as lights [literally, as light givers] in the world” (Philippians 2:15).

We are to bring the light of God’s truth to this dark world — individually and collectively as the Church. Sadly, some have forgotten and forsaken this tremendous calling and have returned to the world (compare 2 Timothy 4:10). This we must never do. Rather, we are to be spiritually separate from the world, while living in it as “light in the Lord.” We are to “walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). That’s our calling. That’s what God wants us to do. Let us show the world, then, what true Christianity is all about

 

In Deuteronomy 16:13-14 we are admonished by God in this manner: “You shall observe the Feast of Tabernacles seven days, when you have gathered from your threshing floor and from your winepress. And you shall REJOICE in your feast, you and your son and your daughter…”

We are told not just to observe or keep the feast but to rejoice in it, together with our families. For many of us, the only family we have to rejoice with is our Church family. Others are blessed of also having their flesh-and-blood family with them. Here are some tips to rejoice at the feast:

1) Let us make every effort to pray and study the Bible during the feast. It is not sufficient to just attend services. Personal study and prayer during that time are very important. Some have found it very helpful to take time out and review, as part of their personal study, the sermonette and sermon notes that they took down on the previous day. In doing this, our relationship with God will be strengthened, and we will be able to reflect God’s joy in our lives.

2) Let us pray for a positive personal attitude. We might run into problems before or during the feast, but they should not influence us to become upset and negative. When we notice that bad feelings seem to overpower us, let us immediately pray to God and ask Him to restore in us the joy we all need to have and to express to others.

3) Let us pray for one another that we will all arrive at the feast safely. This would include praying for the safety of the ministry who are there to serve all of us. We need to also pray for those who cannot be there this year, be it for personal or other reasons. Sending them a card is a nice way to let them know that they are not forgotten at this time. Most importantly, let us pray that God would restrain the hand of Satan so that the Internet broadcasts, Church services and other feast activities would go well.

4) Let us make this an opportunity to take brethren out for dinner who may not have been able to save enough second tithe. This would include, perhaps, a widow or a large family. I remember my first feast when I did not have a lot of second tithe since I was baptized in August. Another member took me out for a meal. It left a lasting impression on me. In subsequent years I was able to do the same for others. It has had a cumulative effect. I was able to pass on to others, what someone else had done for me first.

5) Let us strive to meet and converse with new people. It is amazing how we can draw close to one another and learn more about one another just by conversing and enjoying the fellowship afforded us at this time. This is perhaps the only time we will get to see some of our beloved brethren in the year.

6) Let us make every effort to stay in good health and get sufficient rest. This will enable us to attend every service to get the spiritual food which has been prepared for us, and also, to participate in all of the planned activities at the feast.

7) Let us serve as much as we have opportunity. There are many ways to serve the brethren at the feast, be it with ushering, offering someone a ride or giving them other needed assistance, or participating in choir or the Talent Show. If you have a talent in singing or playing an instrument, share it with others at the feast. This will help all of us to enjoy the feast more fully.

It is our hope that you will have a wonderful and inspiring feast this year. When we follow the time-proven admonitions set forth in this Editorial, it will be much easier for us to truly REJOICE at the feast.
 

One thing that God hates is a rebellious house — a rebellious people — a people who have been taught truth, but refuse to follow that truth. God spoke to Ezekiel and said to him, “Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, which has eyes to see but does not see, and ears to hear but does not hear; for they are a rebellious house” (Ezekiel 12:2).

One of the major problems in Israel at that time was that the prophets of Israel, whose responsibility it was to relay God’s message to the people, followed their own spirit instead of the Spirit of God (Ezekiel 13:1-3). They had “… not gone up into the gaps to build a wall for the house of Israel to stand in battle on the day of the Lord” (verse 5). They had not stood for God’s truth before the people. They prophesied, but God stated He had not sent them with the message they proclaimed (verse 6). He said that what they were doing was futile (verse 7).

God had a desire for a people who would stand for His way of life. He has not changed in that desire, and desires such a people, today!

We see in the 22nd chapter of Ezekiel, verses 23-30, that God hated what was being done by His people, by virtue of their rebellious acts. He says that His people were devoured and His holy things profaned, all because the priests did not make known the difference between the clean and the unclean (verse 26). They even hid their eyes from His Sabbaths! How clear that these same problems have existed in recent years among the people of God.

And so, in verse 30, God states that at that time, He “… sought a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap…” before Him, “on behalf of the land,” that He should not destroy it. And yet, He was unable to find such a man to do that.

We have seen down through the history of God’s people, many of those who have been faithful to God, and who have stood firmly for God’s truth and His way. Noah was such a man, as were Abraham and Moses. God’s way was taught in their words and in their actions. Of course Jesus Christ is the prime example of One Who stood in the Gap for God’s way, even to His death! The apostles, except for one, were firm in their stand for God and were promised tremendous future blessings because of their loyalty to God (Matthew 19:27-29).

You and I have been called at this time, brethren, to stand in the gap for God’s way. Will we be faithful? Let us pray for one another for the strength, the power, not to let down at this critical time in history; but to be a light in this world of darkness as Satan is taking every opportunity to see that we fail in this wonderful calling we have received from Almighty God.

 

One of the greatest problems that people in general have, is that of right balance. Why is it that so many can be extreme in their approach, behavior and attitude? Of course, some would see balance as the middle road where fence sitting is a prime attribute and where indecision can reign. That, however, is not true and right balance. Whilst there may be individuals that can fall into such a category, they would not exemplify real balance.

We are to be a light to the world and to set the very best example. Do others see us as truly balanced individuals? Lack of true balance in our Christian lives can impact negatively on the way that others view us and the Christianity that we espouse. It can reduce our effectiveness in this area.

True balance means stability and constancy. It means that we have to become more like God the Father and Jesus Christ. They are the two most balanced individuals that it is possible to be. Malachi 3:6 is a simple little verse but with so much meaning: “For I am the LORD, I do not change.” God is never changing, always constant and balanced. Hebrews 13:8 gives us the same ringing endorsement of Jesus Christ: “Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

God wants us to build His characteristics — the traits of His own nature — into our lives and into the way that we act and behave. Over the years, the true Church of God, “the mother of us all,” has engendered stability and growth in us through a balanced diet of sound doctrinal teaching, personal prayer, study and occasional fasting. The ministry strives to have a balanced approach to sermon subjects, including Christian living, doctrine, and prophecy, as we all continue to strive to be balanced in all things.

True balance is so important. Balance is not extreme. Suicide bombers are extremists. Trappist monks, known for their silence, are extremists. How can extremists interact with fellow human beings and be useful in society? People who watch television all day, every day, are extreme in their behavior, and so are Church members who focus solely and exclusively on prophecy.

We should be thoroughly balanced individuals. In short, balance is required in every aspect of our lives. We are to be followers of Christ. Let us follow Him in this most important area of our Christian lives — that of true and godly balance.
 

From our youth, we have played games in which some would lose and some would win. That elusive goal of running faster, jumping higher or in some way being considered the best, has always been a powerful motivation in our personal development.

Nations fight wars to win. Athletes and sports teams measure their success in the win/loss column. Businesses are considered winners if they dominate the competition.

Some of these approaches have given winning a bad name!

How about each of us? Do we live our lives with the motivation to win? There is a real danger for those who would be Christian to participate in the process without truly attaining the ultimate goal. Jesus taught about this in Matthew 7:13-14: “‘Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.'”

Again, speaking to the Church identified as Laodicea, Jesus said: “‘I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot'” (Revelation 3:15). In the world of Christianity, having a “Laodicean attitude” is indicative of one who is compromising with the truth–of someone who isn’t serious enough about their calling to completely and without reservation follow the way of Christ.

Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:24, states: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain (win) it.” Paul is here explaining that we who have been called are competing for an “imperishable crown.” Also, he has this to say about his own approach: “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

The Biblical evidence is overwhelming that we must not neglect our call to salvation and that we must not just drift along with the incomparable knowledge God has bestowed upon us. Furthermore, the Word of God reveals that Christians are offered the ultimate reward of eternal life–the greatest prize of any endeavor for which anyone will ever struggle!

Let us never lose sight of that, and let’s do with all our might what we have set our hand to do. With the help that is promised from God and Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit, this is surely the race WE WILL WIN!