Vol. 39, No. 10

October, 2015

THE GREATNESS OF SALVATION

Pastor George Mills

“How shall we escape if we neglect so Great Salvation.” (Heb 2:1-4).

This message today is from a Great Book of the Bible, (KJB). I have used this text many times in preaching and in messages for this Monthly Publication. One of the first messages I ever preached so many years ago was taken from this text. I remember that so very well. So many books, sermons, lessons have been taken from this text…

This chapter begins with the word,”THEREFORE.” (v1). “How shall WE escape?” How shall we escape what? The answer, the chastening hand of God. Please read Ch 12:1-29. God deals with us as sons.”For what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” (12:7) “For whom the father loveth He chasteneth.” (12:6)“No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous, nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness.” (12:11)

First, in this message today I want to share with you that the word “WE” has a two-fold message….

First, the “WE” refers to believers.. This was written primarily to believers in Christ by the Apostle Paul, and written to Hebrew believers who wanted to return to the old Mosaic system. This text pictures something just drifting by…slowly, silently, just drifting. How many believers have I seen who were “just drifting.” Salvation does not mean much anymore. “Just drifting.” Is that you? “Just drifting.”

THEREFORE. “Therefore WE ought to give the more earnest heed.” (Pay close attention) to the things we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” (Just drift by.).

When we read the word “THEREFORE” we should see what the word is there for. This word refers to the things written in Chapter one.

THEREFORE takes us back to the SON.

Ch. 1:1-8 Consider Christ, (3:1). He is our Creator, our Redeemer, our High Priest. He is all that God is. He created all things by the Word of His power. He stands alone, above all others “In the Solitude of Himself.” Higher than any principality, or power, or person. Let us remember Him. When we take our minds, our eyes, our hopes, off Him, we begin to drift. He should be more precious today then He was yesterday.

He is greater than the Angels, Ch. 1-4-7.

He is greater than Moses, Ch. 3:3.

He is greater than Aaron, Ch 5:1-4.

He is greater than Melchizedek, Ch 7.

He is greater than the entire Mosaic system,

Ch8:8-9:10:1.

THEREFORE, we ought to give more earnest heed to the SON.

THEREFORE. Secondly, Therefore takes us back to SALVATION.

This is the starting place, this is that “fixed position.” It never changes. “When He had, by Himself, PURGED our sins sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high,”( !;3) PURGED meaning washed, cleansed. “Unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” (Rev 1:5) “SO GREAT SALVATION!!! It is not, “so great A salvation.” It is SO GREAT SALVATION. The only one. There is nothing like it There is nothing that can compare. We trust Christ alone!

We do not trust our Baptism.

We do not trust our works.

We do not trust our Church membership.

We do not trust our emotions,

We do not trust our deeds.

We do not trust our feelings.

We trust Christ alone!

“Consider Him” (ch 3:1).

SALVATION is for all people of every age, race, creed, color, moral condition, social standing, for anybody who will TRUST CHRIST ALONE!

Paul stated, “For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” The Apostle Paul wanted to go to Rome with the Gospel of SALVATION. He had seen this Gospel work in the places where he had labored. He was aware of the Power of the Gospel. He made the great statement in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto Salvation to everyone that believeth,to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Give more earnest heed to SALVATION. Share it. Preach it, proclaim it, publish it to the nations.
THEREFORE we ought to give more earnest heed to SALVATION.

THEREFORE, in the third place, takes us back to the Scriptures. (Ch. 2:1).

If the message of the Law was great, (2:1-3). How much greater is: “The things which WE have heard.” He opens the Book with the beginning; creation itself. “By whom He made the worlds.” (1:2)..Now, what was written and what WE have heard was steadfast and confirmed, (v2-3). Confirmed by signs and wonders and diverse miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.” (v4). (Some gifts listed in Romans 12, 1Cor 7:7, 1Cor 12).

The Hebrews that Paul was writing to, (also to the Church of the ages) were not growing. They were suffering persecutions.” For when the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again/” (Ch. 5:12-14).

Paul named some danger signs to be aware of…

Neglecting the SCRIPTURES leads to a cold heart. The fiery heart of belief just melts away. “Oh how I love Thy Law,” should be our daily motto.

Paul warned of a heart of unbelief, (3:12,19).

Neglect of public worship…(Ch 10:25). We can’t find anywhere that says staying at home and not attending Church strengthens anyone.

Neglecting our prayer life makes one weak.., (ch 12:12).

Does the Word of God (KJB) have a treasured place in your life? I trust so. We have to listen to the world, hear their thoughts and ideas. Let us remember what God said. What was true yesterday will still be true in the tomorrows…

A neglect of, not guarding,not caring for, not fighting for the Purity of the Word Of God has netted us volumes of “versions” that cannot stand when closely examined. Your old Bible, the King James Bible, like our Lord, stands alone in it’s majesty.

THEREFORE we ought to give more earnest heed to the SCRIPTURES.

THEREFORE takes us to SUFFERING.

Suffering is not mentioned, but implied in Ch 1, “Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” Ch 1:13.. This is a quotation from Psalm 110:1. This book is filled with trials, temptations, testings. (cont’d pg 3)

Apparently some of the Hebrews were thinking, “If we go back to the Law, then we will not have to suffer these persecutions that Christians suffer.”” Paul writes, “Consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” (Heb 12:3-4). There was some believers who rejoiced because they were persecuted for His sake (Acts 5:41).

Let us join in with the Apostle’s declaration, “Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood suffered without the gate. Let us go forth unto Him without the camp, Bearing His reproach.” (Heb 13:12-13).

Has the Holy Spirit reminded you of some things? Perhaps your Scripture reading, your Church attendance, your Prayer life? Have you suffered for the Cause of Christ and become discouraged and just wanted to “give up?” Just make those things right with God through Prayer and Dedication and move onward and upward in FAITH. THEREFORE we ought to give more earnest heed when SUFFERING comes our way. God is our Father, we are His sons, by Faith in Christ alone..He loves you, He cares for you!

NOW FOR THE SECOND “WE” IN OUR TEXT…

“How shall WE escape if WE neglect SO GREAT SALVATION?” This “WE” is for those who do not know the Saviour. You have never trusted Him. You may be a good, moral, person. You may even be a church member, or you may be one who is in the depths of sin. It matters not what your standing in life may be, morally good, or morally bad, this is for ALL who have never trusted Christ.

Why is Salvation referred to as “GREAT?”

SALVATION IS GREAT BECAUSE OF IT’S GREAT SOURCE. It is God’s Salvation.

“Salvation belongeth to the LORD.” (Psa 3:8).

Man had nothing to do with planning it. Man has had his way in corrupting the things he touches; the land, the water, the air, the forests, creation itself. Man cannot corrupt God’s plan. Satan has had his way in offering false plans, but none of them have worked nor ever will work.

There is NO ESCAPE if you neglect to receive Christ. You can believe what some may have told you, you may have your own ideas about Salvation, there are thousands of different philosophies, but you must come to the agreement with God who says that you are a sinner.

THERE IS NO ESCAPE FROM THE INDICTMENTS AGAINST US.

There are many indictments against man in the Scriptures, all leading to the same conclusion, “For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God.” (Ro. 3:23). There is an awful penalty for sin, “The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Ro 6:23). “Neither is there Salvation in any other for there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.”. (Acts 4:12). We may get by some of the cases against us in the civil world in which we live, but we MUST face the indictments that God has against us.

THERE IS NO ESCAPE FROM THE INVESTMENT MADE FOR US.

Jesus Christ invested His Life for the sin of the world. The Bible says that ALL of our sin was placed upon Him and He paid the price for sin by His Death on the Cross. What an investment! We may get by with some things, but we must face Christ as the One who paid such a price for our sin, my sin, your sin. “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die, yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His Love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Ro 5:5-8) What an investment, just for you! “Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Do that today! He gave His life for an investment in your life.

THERE IS NO ESCAPE FROM THE INEVITABLE PAYMENT FOR OUR REJECTION. (cont’d pg 4)

THERE IS PAYMENT IN THIS LIFE TODAY! Some live this life in misery.. “There is NO PEACE saith my God to the wicked.” To live this life without Christ is wasted. I was saved at age 29. I have been saved for 55 years. Those first 29 years were wasted years. Oh, I realize that I grew up in those years, served in the military, and was married, and had two children, but I did not know Christ. During those years. I rejoice that I met Him, I regret those years that I did not know Him. I wonder what I could have done for Him. People today try to live, and not really live. Some try works, joining churches, doing good things, all are fine, but to know Christ is really what matters. Paul said “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil 1:21) In Christ, I have all I need.

To live and die without Christ is to lose!

THERE IS PAYMENT FOR REJECTION IN THE.DAY OF JUDGMENT.

“And as it is appointed for man once to die, but after this the judgment.”(Heb. 9:27).

“At the time if this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth ALL men everywhere to repent. Because He hath appointed a day in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained, whereof He hath given assurance unto ALL men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31).

Every unsaved man will stand before God and give account, “What did you do with Jesus Christ?” Every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess (Phil 2:9-11).. “But preacher, I refuse to accept Christ. I believe that I will be alright. God will receive me, if there is a God.” You may refuse in this life, but not there. Let’s try to bring this to a close. Today, while we have today, wherever you may be, tell Him that you receive Him. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name.” (Jn 1:12). And to those who have received Him, let us determine that we will not neglect the things we have discussed in this message. God Bless you, God Bless me. God Bless this Ministry, and Dear God, save that one who may be wanting to call on you just now!

SO GREAT SALVATION

By Pastor George Mills

“How shall we escape if we neglect so Great Salvation?” (Heb. 2:3).

So Great Salvation now is here,

To rescue Adam’s race.

The God of Heaven now is near,

Bringing His saving Grace.

The Glory of salvation’s source,

Oh, the greatness of His plan.

For God Himself knew man’s lost course,

And came to rescue fallen man.

Amazing is our Saviour’s Love,

And the marvel of our gain.

For Christ to come from Heaven above,

To suffer Calvary’s pain.

Bruised and bleeding in our place,

The wonder of love’s scope.

The dying Lamb, God’s Gift of Grace,

For every soul, there’s hope.

The Goodness of Salvation’s Gift,

Let us tell to every nation,

Of wounded souls He came to lift.

To tell So Great Salvation.

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GOD’S GREAT SALVATON.

You can’t run fast enough to win it,

You can’t work hard enough to earn it.

You can’t do enough to merit it.

You can’t repent enough to gain it

You can’t quit enough to deserve it.

You can’t change enough to attain it.

It is by GRACE through FAITH alone!

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AND THE WORLD IS A WILDERNESS..it is no friend to the Christian.. The world is a place of corruption. Thank God salvation is not of this world..It is incorruptable!

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FROM MY HEART

By Mildred Mills

A STORY TO TELL

A story to tell, over, and over, and over again! We have our family “get togethers” quite often and have the best time ever just sitting at the table enjoying a delicious meal while talking and laughing at the same stories that Mama tells every time we get together. Mama is the talker in the family, so that makes her the “story teller” in the family. “Mama” would be me, and I love to talk about the most precious people in my life and that of course is my family. My children and the sweet and comical happenings in each of their lives make for stories that will bring laughter every time Mama tells them. Only a Mom can remember all the sweet and funny times we have had with them from the time they were babies, and they still make me laugh, even though they have not been babies for a long time. The same stories, and they never grow old, they never will. The reason they never grow old is because they are stories of love. I love the ones that I am talking about, I love the ones I am talking to, and I love the fact that my stories are received with love. I am reminded of the wonderful story of love, the love of God! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Jn. 3:16). God sent His Son to die for us. He died, was buried and arose from the grave and is alive for evermore! There will never be a sweeter story than this, and it will never grow old. Let’s keep on telling others the wonderful story of Jesus and His Great Love for us.

Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word,

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

Wonderful story of love, tell it to me again,

Wonderful story of love, wake the Immortal strain!

Angels with rapture announce it,

. Shepherds with wonder receive it.

Sinner O won’t you believe it?

Wonderful story of love.

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WHEN JABEZ PRAYED

“And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me. And God granted him that which he requested.” (1Chr. 4:10).

There is no way that I can claim any originality on my part for this message. This is one of the Greatest Prayers of the Bible. Many messages have been preached from this text through the years. Recently, someone ran across this text and wrote a book about JABEZ’ PRAYER, and many books were sold. Perhaps some of these thoughts will help us in our prayer life.

HIS NEED.

There was nothing drastically wrong with Jabez.

There is nothing about him being sick, no financial problem, no death in the family, he was not in prison, no war was mentioned. There seems to be nothing wrong, he just prayed. Many of us pray only when something is wrong.

JABEZ PRAYED FOR A MATERIAL BLESSING.

“Enlarge my coasts.” There is absolutely nothing wrong about praying for material things. We pray about buying an automobile, a home, a job, and all of the material things we need. Paul taught us in Phil 4:6, “Be careful for nothing, but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Pray about everything! Seek God’s guidance through life. Need a new washing machine, new broom, some need for the home? Pray about it. Need something for business, a large contract? Pray about it!

JABEZ PRAYED FOR A SPIRITUAL BLESSING.

“Thine hand be with me” Jabez was aware that the arm of flesh will fail. “I need God’s guidance. Our hands are not enough, our minds, our thoughts, our ways are not His ways. I have tried vainly to figure things out, which way, how to, and have failed. It is when we see His way, His plan that we are successful.

JABEZ PRAYED FOR DIVINE GUIDANCE.

“Keep me from evil.” Our Lord gave us an example of prayer in Mt. 6:9-13. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Mt 6:13). There are evil paths, evil places, evil people, evil philophesies, in fact, this world is an evil place. Satan would trick and trap the unsupecting child of God. Satan, as a roaring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour,(1Pet. 5:8). “Our prayer should always seek God’s guidance and protection. upon our children, our homes, families. These are evil times, and they will get worse. PRAY!!

THE DIRECTION OF HIS PRAYER.

He prayed to the God of Israel, (v10).

God, in His Divine wisdom has made it so that we direct our Prayers to Him, in the Name of our Lord Jesus. (Eph. 2:13-18) “For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” We do not seek some priest, some program. We do not dial some “800” number, or seek someone to do our praying. You have as much right to pray as does anyone! Jesus said, “If ye ask anything in my Name, I will do it.”

(1John 5:14). As a Born again Christian you have access to our Heavenly Father!

THE BURDEN OF HIS PRAYER.

He was not self sufficient like the Pharisee who prayed thus with himself, “God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners,unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” (Lk 18:10-14). His prayer was not answered because of his self sufficiency.

Is your heart burdened? Talk to God about it. Is your heart rejoicing and happy? Talk to God about it. Express your heart to God. He is waiting to hear our prayers.

THE ANSWER TO JABEZ’ PRAYER.

“And God granted him that which he requested.”

His prayer was answered because he was honorable. The Bible says, “And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren..” (1Chr. 4:9). He was honest, he was dependable, He was faithful.

Many of our prayers are not answered because we have wrongs that have not been righted. We have unpaid debts.

Wrong family relations hinder answers to prayer.

“Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life THAT YOUR PRAYERS BE NOT HINDERED.”1Pet 3:1-7).

Unconfessed sin in our lives hinders answers to our prayers. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Psa. 66:18).

In Psalm 139:23-24, The Psalmist asked God to “search me, O God , and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts, . And see if there be any wicked way in me…” The Psalmist is saying, Lord, show me that which is wrong in my life, that I might make things right that nothing is between me and my Lord, that my prayers are answered.

When we turn on the faucet, we expect water. When we go to God in prayer, we expect answers. The pattern of Jabez’ Prayer should help us.

May God bless us together as we daily seek His Guidance, His Wisdom, His Hand upon us.

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GOD’S WORD

God’s Word is like a compass. Read it, believe it and it will keep you from going ’round and ’round..

God’s Word is like a map. Read it, believe it, and you will never be lost.

God’s Word is like an anchor. Read it, believe it and you will never drift.

God’s Word is like a rudder, Read it, believe it and it will keep you on course.

God’s Word is like a sail. Read it, believe and the wind of the Holy Spirit will push you to victory.

(Thanks to the unknown author)

BAPTISMAL REGENERATION

Pastor George Mills

…”the Blood of Jesus Christ, His Son cleanseth from all sin.”(1Jn. 1:9)

This is to answer a person who believes that water baptism is essential for one’s salvation, and also for those who have a problem in this area. First, I do not believe for a moment that water baptism can wash away sin. It never has, and never will! “His Blood cleanses from ALL sin”.

Now, concerning the baptism of John the Baptist, (Mt. 3:1-12). His message was to ISRAEL. He was preparing the nation for the Messiah, their King. He preached the Gospel of the Kingdom, as did Christ, and as did His disciples. Today, we DO NOT preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, we preach the Gospel of GRACE. (1Cor 15:1-10)(Eph 2:8-9). “For by Grace are ye saved through Faith and that not of yourselves, it is the Gift of God. NOT of works lest any man should boast.”In the Epistles that you mentioned they refer to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, NOT water baptism. The Bible says, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the GOSPEL of your Salvation, in whom ye also, after that ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.” (Eph 1:13) “For by one SPIRIT (not water) by one Spirit were we all baptized into one body whether we be bond or free, and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” The Holy Spirit baptizes us into Christ when we receive Him, NOT after we are baptized in water. This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and has nothing to do with water. This is that baptism that saves, seals, and secures the believer, (1Cor. 12:13). Water baptism never saved a soul. Water baptism is a work of man. Now, in the epistles you mentioned, none have any mention of water baptism. Read carefully some of the great passages on Salvation. You will not find water baptism. John 1:12, John 3:16-18, John 5:24, John 6:37, John 10:28-30, Romans 4:1-8, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10,13, Eph. 1:13, Eph 2:8-9, Titus 3:5. No mention of water baptism. If water baptism were essential for salvation, for sure it would be mentioned in these verses, and others. In the Scriptures we can find Justification by Grace, Justification by Faith, Justification by His Blood, but you cannot find Justification by water baptism. Salvation is by Grace, through faith alone.

Now, baptism in the Book of Acts..

A careful study in the Book of Acts clearly shows that the Kingdom is still being offered to Israel. Read Peter’s message in Acts 3:12-21. The Gospel of the kingdom is still being preached until that final rejection at the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7:1-60. Then there was a turning to the gentiles with the Gospel of Grace. In Acts 2:38, when Peter was offering the KINGDOM, baptism in the Name of the rejected Messiah was necessary for them to receive the Holy Ghost.. This separated them from the “untoward generation.” But when it came to the Samaritans, their baptism did not grant them the Holy Spirit. They had to call Peter and John to lay hands on them for them to receive the Holy Spirit.

The Baptism of this age is found in Acts 10:44-48. They were baptized AFTER they received Christ, and the Holy Spirit came in to be their Giude, and Strength, and Power, (Eph 1:13). AFTER they were saved they were Baptized. And so it is today.

Now, I am not trying to be facetious with the following. I am being sincere. Do you really know what baptism is? Man cannot figure this out. Are you sure that you have been baptized by the right preacher, in the right pool? Were you baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost? What is the Name of the Father, What is the Name of the Son? What is the Name of the Holy Ghost? Were you baptized face down, or backward? Were you baptized three times, once in each of the three names? This list could keep right on going. Water baptism never saved a soul. Works of the flesh (includes baptism) cannot produce the Spirit. Trust the Living Lord Jesus Christ alone as your Lord and Saviour, (John 1:12).When you have done that, follow Him in believers Baptism, Become a part of a local Bible Believing (KJB) Church, Don’t trust what man can do, trust Christ alone, and enjoy your trip from here to eternity!!