EXTRA: Book Award Finalist

~ One Precious Pearl is a Readers Choice ~  

 

The Readers Views “Literary Awards for 2011” has selected One Precious Pearl by Robert Lloyd Russell as a finalist for the best book of the year (“Religion” category). Final determination of the top books for 2011 will be made by March 3. 

The Readers Views prides itself as “reviews, by readers, for readers.” You may view the complete list of 2011 finalists at the Readers Views website. 

There is more information about One Precious Pearl at Robert Lloyd Russell’s author website. 

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The Myth of “Judge Not”

~ If You Are NOT Judging—You Are Not Mature! ~  

There is often an emphasis on the passage which tell Christians to “judge not” (Matthew 7:1 – part of the Sermon on the Mount) without a corresponding consideration of the context. In so doing it is easy to forget that the Bible also says that if we are not discerning (judging), we are not mature! “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). 

Judgment and discernment both concern themselves with distinguishing between good and bad, acceptable and unacceptable, legal and illegal, and so forth. Without a lot of explanation in this blog, I will simply say that we are wrong to judge motives but should be evaluating ideas and actions. 

One area of judgment or evaluation which is hard to dispute is with regard to the Word of God as the standard used for judgment. 

The Apostle Paul wrote, “He that is spiritual evaluates all things” (1 Corinthians 2:15). The context of Paul’s comment is in regard to God’s truth. We also find Paul challenging Timothy to accurately discern or judge the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). 

Also, recall that the Bereans were commended for “Evaluating the Scriptures daily, to see whether the things they were told were really true were so” (Acts 17:11). It is clear that judging is a direct responsibility of every Christian. 

This concept of spiritual discernment or correct Christian judgment is closely related to what might be called applied Christianity. There are those who know the right thing to do but do not take action on their knowledge—intellect without action. On the other hand there are those who are going about doing good without knowing the Biblical basis for their good works—action without corresponding knowledge. Authentic Christianity has a threefold aspect, first knowing what to do, second judgment or discernment regarding the situation, and third taking appropriate action.  

The more Christ-like we become—the more spiritually mature—the more we will be able to judge between good and evil.

We are to judge all areas of life except other people’s motives—God will judge that. Here are a few examples of what we are to judge. 

Examine Your Spiritual Position ~ “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). 

Examine Your Lifestyle ~ “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup” in the Christian ordinance of communion (1 Corinthians 11:28).    

Examine and Correct Others ~ “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself!” (Galatians 6:1). In many other Bible passages we are told to rebuke and to exhort our fellow Christians (for example Titus 2:15). 

Examine Everything Around Us ~ “Test everything. Hold onto the good. Avoid every kind of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). 

The Bible tells us “The spiritual man makes judgments about all things” (1 Corinthians 2:15), but be cautious because a careful reading of this verse shows that such judging is based upon being a “spiritual man” who has the “mind of Christ.” 

contemplate:  Do you have a good grasp of the balance with regard to the command to “judge not” and the mark of Christian maturity—the ability to “distinguish between good and evil?”  (Also see Proverbs 11:1.)

The Core Message of the Bible #2

~ My Response to a Comment ~   

Background  ~  On June 1, 2010, the topic of ALN was “The Core Message of the Bible.” That posting has consistently been of one of the most-read postings (currently #1). Recently (January 28, 2011) an additional comment was received which stated, “Actually, I think that the core of the Bible is love, about God loving us and animals, how we should love our brothers and sisters and your enemies, etc.”  

The Problem  ~  This view is an unfortunate and common view. Rather than the core message of Scripture, this is A MAJOR THEME of the Bible—and that difference is the difference between life and death for many—perhaps for you! First, let’s look at the important theme.

The Bible clearly states, “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus Christ told His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

To this point, most people will agree. But to think that one understands the core message of the Bible with just this theme is like someone who has only seen the head side of a coin thinking they can describe the total appearance of the coin. 

The Rest of the Story ~ God’s love must be seen in context of His holiness and our accountability to Him. John 3:16 quoted above is right to the point. God would not have allowed His Son to suffer for our sins if it was not necessary. Earlier in human history God gave man the Law in order that each of us could see our own sin and guilt.

“Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that [the murmurs and excuses of] every mouth may be hushed and all the world may be held accountable to God. For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law. For [the real function of] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin [not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character]” (Romans 3:19-20 Amp). “But sin, finding opportunity in the commandment [to express itself], got a hold on me and aroused and stimulated all kinds of forbidden desires (lust, covetousness). For without the Law sin is dead [the sense of it is inactive and a lifeless thing]” (Romans 7:8 Amp).

In other words, God gave man the law for our education about who we are and who God is. The Authorized Version terms the law “our schoolmaster” (Galatians 3:24-25).

   

Jesus said, “Don't suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures—either God's Law or the Prophets. I'm not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. God's Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God's Law will be alive and working. Trivialize even the smallest item in God's Law and you will only have trivialized yourself. But take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom. Unless you do far better than the Pharisees in the matters of right living, you won't know the first thing about entering the kingdom.

“You're familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.  … 

“You know the next commandment pretty well, too: ‘Don't go to bed with another's spouse.’ But don't think you've preserved your virtue simply by staying out of bed. Your heart can be corrupted by lust even quicker than your body. Those leering looks you think nobody notices—they also corrupt. Let's not pretend this is easier than it really is” (Matthew 5:17-22, 27-29 The Message). 

Conclusion  ~  The situation in which you find yourself is not unlike someone who has the winning ticket to a huge lottery. Having the ticket is okay—but actually worthless without action on your part! You must claim your winnings. To really experience the love of God and to receive eternal life you must see your sin as God sees it, repent of your sin (make an about face from it), and most importantly accept the free gift (your lottery ticket) which Jesus Christ has already provided for you. But if you don’t specifically claim it, it is like the unclaimed lottery ticket—you won big but forfeited your winnings. It is much more serious than losing out on the winnings of a huge lottery—it is about having life or death, eternal happiness in heaven or eternal suffering in hell.

Solution  ~  Genuinely admit your guilt to God. Ask God for forgiveness. Turn from your sin to Him. Accept His free gift of salvation. The Bible says, “He who has the Son has [eternal] life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life [they are spiritually dead—a life apart from God]” (1 John 5:12).

Does History Repeat Itself?

~ Around and Around We Go! ~    

There is a portrayal of a circular cycle which has been around for many decades.  It indicates that mankind never really learns from past mistakes—we repeat the same mistakes over and over again.  A careful evaluation of the Biblical narrative and of secular history reveals much support for this simple circular pattern. 

This historical pattern is as follows…  

1.  from Bondage to SPIRITUAL FAITH

2.  from Spiritual Faith to COURAGE

3.  from Courage to FREEDOM

4.  from Freedom to ABUNDANCE

5.  from Abundance to SELFISHNESS

6.  from Selfishness to APATHY

7.  from Apathy to DEPENDENCY

8.  from Dependency to BONDAGE

 

Questions (and Answers) for Contemplation… 

Q.  Assuming this is an accurate historical reality, where would you place your nation on this circle today?

A.  “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). 

Q.  Assuming this cycle also applies to individuals, where would you place yourself on this circle today? 

A.  “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).

Do You Know These Things?

~ John Tells Us of What We Should Be Sure ~  

We live in a time when there are so many questions asked, so many opinions expressed. Some declare that there is no such thing as absolute truth. Even some Christians fall for some “ism” or false doctrine. It is important to note how positive and confidently John, the beloved disciple, wrote concerning his knowledge of our Savior. 

We know that we know Him – 1 John 2:3 – “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.”

We know that when He shall appear we shall be like Him – 1 John 3:2 – “we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”  

We know that we have moved from death unto life – 1 John 3:14 – “We know that we have passed from death to life”

We know we are loved and we know what true love really is – 1 John 3:16 – “We know love, because He laid down His life for us.” 

We know that He abides in us by the Spirit which He has given to us – 1 John 3:24 – “By this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”

We know the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error – 1 John 4:6 – “By this we know the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error.” 

We know that we dwell in Him, and He in us – 1 John 4:13 – “By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.”

We know that we love the children of God – 1 John 5:2 – “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.” 

We know that we will receive divine answers to our prayers  – 1 John 5:14-15 – “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”  

We know that that whosoever is born of God does not continue in sin – 1 John 3:9 and 5:18 – “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.” 

We know that we belong to God – 1 John 5:19 – “We know that we are of God.” 

We know that the Son of God has come – 1 John 5:20 – “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding.” 

We know Him Who is true – 1 John 5:20 – “We may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ.” 

We know that we are of the truth – 1 John 3:19 – “This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence.”

MEDITATE:  Spend an hour or more this week contemplating the knowledge we find in the First Epistle of John. 

As a Christian you know the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life – John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ ” 

Spiritual 7-Up

~ 7 Admonitions ~
 

Wake Up ~ First thing in the morning recognize that “Today is the day the Lord hath made, be glad and rejoice in it” (Psalms 118:24). Decide to have a good day and to seek opportunities to be a blessing to someone else. “Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good...” (Galatians 6:9-10).    

Lift Up ~ Pray to your heavenly Father early in the day before things become hectic. Continue to communicate with Him constantly throughout the day. “Do not worry about stuff, instead pray about all aspects of your life” (Philippians 4:6).    

Dress Up ~ As a child of God your Father looks at you and sees a robe of righteousness placed over you as a result of His Son’s work at Calvary. Seek to live the part! You cannot change God’s character but be careful not to damage His reputation. Put on a smile—it is a great way to improve your looks. Keep your desires in check—because “the Lord looks at the heart” (I Samuel 16:7). Be in His Word, pray, and seek to please Him, and He will put the proper desires in your heart (Psalm 37:4).

Stand Up ~ Know what you believe and be willing to speak out. Be a witness for Him and what you believe. “You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it” (1 Peter 3:15).

Shut Up ~ You do not need to speak all that you think. “He who guards his lips guards his soul” (Proverbs 13:3). Do you seek opportunities to encourage? “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive” (Colossians 4:6). Gracious means giving credit beyond what is deserved. 

Look Up ~ When I was a young Christian a dear older saint would often say to me as we parted, “I’ll see you here, there, or in the air.” Do you live with the expectancy of Christ’s imminent return? “Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:8).

Reach Up ~ Are you growing in the knowledge of God? Are you fully utilizing the natural talents and spiritual gifts He has given you? Reach up for something more noble. Paul said, “I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me”(Philippians 4:13). If you are a Christian, so can you! 

SUMMARY:  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Live your life so that when you meet your Savior face to face He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord” (cf. Matthew 25:21, 23). 

Worship

~ Perhaps the Most Misunderstood Term in Christianity Today ~  

Terminology is important. Words have meaning. Within churches during the late 1980s and the 1990s, there was a trend which greatly narrowed and restricted the understanding of worship. As a result, for many Christians today the true meaning of worship has been lost. This phenomena has crept into Christian circles in very subtle ways. A key example is the designation of the Minister of Music as the “Worship Pastor.” Another example is the term “worship teams.”

One of the tragic results of this careless use of the term worship is that many Christians, especially new ones, believe that worship is a synonym for singing! Although group singing can be worshipful, worship is not group singing. It never has been, according to the Word of God.

What Worship Is ~ Worship is the bowing down of our hearts, our spirits, and sometimes our bodies in recognition of the greatness of our God. Simply stated, worship is recognizing His worth. With that in mind, much of the singing in our churches today does not qualify as worship—but thankfully some is a form of worship.

In the purest sense, praise occurs when we lift Him up, and worship occurs when we bow down (literally or figuratively) as we understand His grandeur and majesty. For some situations praise is a form of worship. In Nehemiah 8 the people raised their hands in praise and worship and then bowed their faces to the ground in worship (verse 6). 

Worship should characterize both our individual lives and our time together as a local church. Following are some examples of areas of potential worship in a church gathering.

Music ~ As we have commented already, it is possible to worship in singing but singing is not necessarily worship. For example, consider some of the praise choruses, or worse, the many congregation-centered or self-centered choruses which are sung in churches today (Ephesians 5:19).

Prayer ~ Prayer that recognizes God for who He is—His worth (Matthew 4:10), or prayer which acknowledges His mighty acts can be worship (Psalm 100:4). Me-centered or congregation-centered prayer is not worship. 

The Word ~ Reading of the Word of God can be (and should be) worshipful. We find an example in Nehemiah’s day where the people stood when the Scripture was read (Nehemiah 8:5). Today this is rare—but it is quite common for congregations to stand during songs (nothing wrong with that—but interestingly we do not find examples of that in Scripture).

Preaching ~ This is, or should be, very closely aligned with the Word of God. Preaching which is not based on Scripture is oratory rather than preaching. A good preacher, sensitive to the Spirit of God, will use the Word as a sword to afflict the comfortable and as living water to comfort the afflicted. Word-centered preaching is often a form of worship.

Communion ~ “As often as you do this you remember Me” (1 Corinthians 11:26). The purpose of the Lord’s Supper is to focus on God and His great sacrifice in sending His Son to pay for our sins. As we focus on the Cross and the greatness of the plan of salvation, we worship our Savior. 

Giving ~ “But this I say, he who sows little will reap little; and he who sows abundantly will reap abundantly. Every man should give according to his heart; not grudgingly or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). When giving is done out of gratitude for God and His work on our behalf, it is a form of worship. 

Announcements ~ This one is more subtle. But some announcements properly done bring praise and or worship to God as they direct our attention to Him and His infinite worth.    

Conclusion ~ It is our responsibility to be in an attitude of worship in everything we do whether we are driving to church, teaching a Sunday School class, fellowshipping with other Christians, singing, listening to a sermon, witnessing to those we work with, reading our Bibles, praying, or having a time of recreation. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). Solitary worship can happen anywhere at any time such as while driving.

Worship is a win-win. Worship is not only pleasing to God but brings us into a state of greater intimacy with God. 

ADDITIONAL COMMENT:  There is much information regarding intimacy with God and how to increase it in the book Thy Will Be Done On Earth (see the TWBDOE tab at the top of this page for more information). 

Happy 400th Birthday!

~ From 1611 and Still Going Strong ~

2011 marks the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible also known as the Authorized Version (AV).  The actual birthday is May 5, 2011. 

The King James Version holds a unique position in Christian history, secular history, literature, and technology. It has often been described as the single most important publication in all of history.

Importance ~ Without doubt it is the most important English translation of the Holy Bible. 

Impact ~ It has made a profound impact on the English language and on literature! 

Uniqueness ~ There were in fact other English Bible translations prior to the KJV and many since. It is also interesting to note that it was not the most popular translation when it was published. But no one translation nor one book has impacted the world like the KJV. 

Longevity ~ The KJV is nearly twice as old as the United States. The Declaration of Independence, our national Constitution, and our Bill of Rights are youngsters compared to the KJV Bible. 

Popularity ~ For many decades it was the best-selling book in the world. Estimates are that somewhere between 2.5 and 6.5 billion copies have been sold. 

Survival ~ Arguably no other book has suffered such ferocious attacks or has been so closely scrutinized. Attacks have continued for four centuries by many enemies. Most of those foes are gone but this book lives on. 

Debate ~ Avid readers have always discussed its meaning. Some take it at face value for what the words say. Others have gone to significant lengths to find a secret code locked in its pages. An extreme example is when some speculated that William Shakespeare—who was 46 at the time—was one of the master translators of the KJV. Their reasoning: The 46th word of the 46th Psalm is the word “shake” and the 46th word from the end of the 46th psalm is “spear.” 

On-Going Fan Club ~ There are many Christians alive today who believe the KJV is the only acceptable Bible version. Virtually all theologians hold the KJV in high regard. 

Errors ~ Conservative Christians believe the Holy Bible to be the God-inspired (literally “God breathed”) Word of God without error in the original manuscripts. But that does not mean that translations are flawless. The KJV we read today is not identical to the original KJV. Literally hundreds of changes have been made to the vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Also printer errors have been corrected. 

Probably the worst printer error occurred in 1631 when the royal printers left out the word “not” in the seventh of the ten commandments. It read, “Thou shalt commit adultery.”

Another famous error was what became known as the Vinegar Translation which instead of including the parables of the vineyards it included the parables of the vinegar. 

Selected passages from the KJV ~ “All Scripture [original manuscripts] 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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim 3:16-17). 

“For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:12-13). 

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever” (1 Peter 1:23). 

Closing Questions ~ Are you born again? Do you possess eternal life so that you will also live and abide forever? If not click here. 

Christmas Tree Miracle

~ It’s All In The Seed ~ 

Christmas is near and the family is sitting by the fire. As the young daughter looks at the Christmas tree she asks, “Where did our Christmas tree come from?” Mom begins to tell her where they bought it…  “But where did it come from?” interrupts the child. 

To the best of her ability mom explains that pine trees have pine cones—which contain seeds. These seeds contain the essence of a pine tree. The pine cone falls to the earth and from the seed we get a pine tree! Mother confesses that she doesn't fully understand it but she believes it, and knows it is true. She goes on to explain that a significant portion of our food comes from seed and most of our remaining food comes from animals that eat seeds and/or products of seeds. 

The seed is an extremely fascinating and miraculous part of God’s grand design of creation. In a tiny seed there is life! Some seeds are so small we must use a microscope to see them, others are quite large. Seeds reproduce their own kind of life—a tiny orchid seed will never produce a coconut, and vice versa. Virtually all seeds can live in a dormant stage for years. Scientists have found some seeds over four thousand years old which they believe still contain life.

On several occasions Jesus Christ used seeds in His parables. “God’s kingdom is like a pine nut that a farmer plants. It is quite small as seeds go, but in the course of years it grows into a huge pine tree, and eagles build nests in it” (Matthew 13:31b-32, The Message).

Jesus took time to explain some of the parables in which He used seeds, for example: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 13:37b-43)

This year as you look at Christmas trees think of Jesus Christ—the One who died for our sins on a tree at Calvary! Consider Jesus Christ the Creator of all seeds and the sustainer of our lives (both physical and spiritual). By Him all things consist, are held together, and produce after their own kind (Colossians 1:17). 

This CHRISTmas season consider how Jesus Christ came as a baby to Bethlehem that He might bring us to eternal glory with Him forever and ever. How strange it is that when we see a pine cone fall from a tree to the earth we know it contains seeds which contain the essence of a pine tree, yet we lack the simple faith to understand that the Creator of the universe could come to earth as a man. Although Christ was a true human being, He also contained the essence of God—in fact was truly God!—as well as truly man. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). 

Holy – 3 of 3

~ Implications ~

What Is the Opposite of Holy?

As previously noted, the word "profane" (or common) is used in many translations of Scripture to denote that which is the opposite of holy. For example in Ezekiel we read, "Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common: they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them” (Ezekiel 22:26-26). Later we read, "They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common" (Ezekiel 44:23).

Earlier in Scripture the Israelites were clearly told not to treat that which was set apart to God as common. The twentieth to twenty-second chapters of Leviticus is a rich area of study with regard to holy and profane. For instance, in these chapters our LORD repeatedly warns about profaning (or making common) His holy name.

Implications

In the New Testament, the word "saint" is used as a name for all believers. Those who know Jesus Christ personally are called saints. The word saint simply means "holy one." Returning to our primary definition of holy, that of being "unique," or "set apart," or "distinctive," we see the radical implications of how we are to live our lives.

We are to be those who are in the process of sanctification. Those who are becoming more and more distinct (unique) as we become more and more like our master, Jesus Christ. "We ... are becoming transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Or as Paul exhorts us, "I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2). From this passage it is clear that we have three choices; we can be transformed into a distinctive human being, we can remain conformed to the world, or we can be "double minded" (James 1:8 and 4:8) and end up being deformed. The choice is ours.

Jim Elliot, one of five young missionaries martyred for the cause of Christ by Auca Indians in Ecuador, once prayed, "Forgive me for being so ordinary while claiming to know so extraordinary a God."

COMMENT: There are many quotable phrases from Jim Elliot in the book “JIM ELLIOT: A Christian Martyr Speaks to You” edited by myself.