September 25, 2020
FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:
OUR YOUTH AND THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
“And [take] the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Eph. 6:17
Jesus was particularly emphatic regarding the treatment of, welfare, and salvation of the tender, receptive and yes, vulnerability of the children and youth during His three and half year ministry on earth. He declared some of His strongest words of rebuke and warnings ever against those in authority who would mislead and/or become stumbling blocks to the youngest members of His spiritual kingdom in earth! They are both literally and spiritually the helpless lambs of His flock!
“God’s holy, educating Spirit is in His Word! A light, a new and precious light, shines forth from every page. Truth is there revealed, and words and sentences are made bright and appropriate for the occasion, as the VOICE OF GOD speaking to the soul [the whole, living, rational person].
“The HOLY SPIRIT loves to address the youth, and to discover to them the treasure and beauty of God’s word. The promises spoken by the great Teacher captivate the senses and animate the soul with a SPIRITUAL POWER THAT IS DIVINE. There will grow in the FRUITFUL MIND a FAMILIARITY with divine things that will be as a BARRICADE against temptation.
“The words of truth will grow in importance, and assume a breadth and fullness of meaning of which we have never DREAMED. The beauty and riches of the Word have a TRANSFORMING influence in mind and character…..The appreciation of the Bible grows with its study. Whichever way the student may turn, he will find displayed the INFINITE wisdom and love of God.
“As we bear the close of this world’s history, the prophecies relating to the last days especially DEMAND our study. The last book of the New Testament Scriptures is full of truth that WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND. Satan has blinded the minds of many, so that they have been glad of ANY EXCUSE for not making the Revelation their study.
“But Christ through His servant John has here declared WHAT shall be in the last days, and He says, ‘Blessed is he that READS and they that HEAR the words of this prophecy, and KEEP [do, obey, comply, fulfill] these things that are WRITTEN therein.’ Rev. 1:3.” – E. G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 132, 133.
Parents, teachers, guardians, counselors, ministers and pastors: never dare interpose yourself or your ideas between your children and the youth and the Holy Spirit in the Word. Never forget that “it is living and powerful, and sharper than any TWO-EDGED SWORD, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Heb. 4:12,13). God bless all, NMF.