Gospel Literature

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Chapters of Pure Gold

Chapters of Pure Gold

The Bible is a precious book that fills the need of every soul. The messages found in it provide spiritual nourishment. There are chapters exactly suited for your particular need or inquiry.

God's message to man is expressed in different ways in various chapters of the Bible. There is much knowledge of God and the history of His people to be found in Genesis and other Old Testament chapters. The Psalms and many New Testament chapters can be read as a source of real spiritual inspiration. Many teachings of Jesus such as Matthew 5, 6, and 7, as well as writings of the Apostles, give direction for our daily lives. It all combines to provide an understanding of God, His will for us, and His promises.

God has warmed the hearts of many readers as they have drawn from these blessed resources. Let us be encouraged to read these chapters. Let us read them not only to make ourselves feel better, but to let the message of God touch the need of our inner self.

WHAT YOUR BIBLE SAYS ABOUT

God
Birth of Jesus Chapter	Luke 2
Creation Chapter	Genesis 1
Deliverance Psalm	Psalm 18
God's Greatness Chapter	Isaiah 40
God's Holiness Psalm	Psalm 99
Good Shepherd Chapter	John 10
Holy Spirit Chapter	John 16
Messianic Psalm	Psalm 110
Nature Psalm	Psalm 104
Redemption Chapter	Luke 23
Sad Chapter	Luke 22
Sufferer's Chapter	Isaiah 53

Your Spiritual Need
Beatitude Chapter	Matthew 5
Comfort Chapter	2 Corinthians 1
Endurance Chapter	Hebrews 12
Hypocrite Chapter	Matthew 23
Infidel's Psalm	Psalm 14
Prison Chapter	Acts 23
Refuge Psalm	Psalm 46
Safety Psalm	Psalm 91
Shepherd Psalm	Psalm 23
Temptation Chapter	James 1
Wisdom Chapter	Proverbs 3

Being Saved
Atonement Chapter	Hebrews 9
Baptism Chapter	Mark 1
Blessing Chapter	Deuteronomy 28
Conqueror's Chapter	Luke 4
Cornelius Chapter	Acts 10
Courage Chapter	Joshua 1
Crucifixion Chapter	John 19
Fisherman's Chapter	Luke 5
Guilty Chapter	Romans 1
Invitation Chapter	Isaiah 55
John the Baptist Chapter	Luke 3
Lost and Found Chapter	Luke 15
New Birth Chapter	John 3
Pentecost Chapter	Acts 2
Prayer Chapter	Matthew 6
Saul of Tarsus Chapter	Acts 9
Today Chapter	Hebrews 3
Whosoever Chapter	Revelation 22

Happiness in the Lord
Abiding Chapter	John 15
Golden Chapter	Psalm 16
Growth Chapter	2 Peter 1
Joyful Psalm	Psalm 98
Mercy Psalm	Psalm 136
Peace Chapter	John 14
Song Chapter	Luke 1
Thank You Chapter	Luke 17
Traveler's Psalm	Psalm 121

Practical Directions for Living
Abraham Chapter	Genesis 15
Asa's Reform Chapter	2 Chronicles 15
Bishop's and Deacon's Chapter	1 Timothy 3
Character Chapter	Job 29
Charity Chapter	1 Corinthians 13
Christian's Psalm	Psalm 15
Confidence Chapter	Psalm 27
Consecration Chapter	Romans 12
Divorce Chapter	Matthew 19
Employee's Chapter	Colossians 3
Employer's Chapter	Colossians 4
Faith Chapter	Hebrews 11
Family Chapter	Ephesians 5-6
Golden Rule Chapter	Matthew 7
Greatest Commandment Chapter	Luke 10
Humility Chapter	Luke 18
Judgment Chapter	Romans 14
Law of Love Chapter	Romans 13
Life in the Spirit Chapter	Romans 8
Preparation Chapter	Matthew 25
Separation Chapter	2 Corinthians 6
Sermon on the Mount Chapters	Matthew 5-7
Soldier's Chapter	Ephesians 6
Stephen's Chapter	Acts 7
Ten Commandments Chapter	Exodus 20
Tithing Chapter	Malachi 3
Watchman's Chapter	Ezekiel 33
Wife's Chapter	Proverbs 31
Wise Man's Chapter	Proverbs 15
Works Chapter	James 2

Witnessing
Ascension Chapter	Acts 1
Great Commission Chapter	Matthew 28
John and Peter's Chapter	Acts 4
Lame Man's Chapter	Acts 3
Macedonian Chapter	Acts 16
Philip's Chapter	Acts 8
Sower's Chapter	Luke 8

When You Have Fallen
Backslider's Chapter	Jeremiah 3
Excuse Chapter	Luke 14
Intemperance Chapter	Proverbs 23
Overcome Chapters	Revelation 2-3
Prodigal Psalm	Psalm 51
Revival Chapter	2 Kings 23

Life after Death
Brevity Psalm	Psalm 90
Heaven Chapter	Revelation 21
Last Judgment Chapter	Revelation 20
Lazarus Chapter	John 11
Resurrection Chapter	1 Thessalonians 4
Second Coming Chapter	2 Peter 3

BIBLE STORIES……….

Early Times
The Garden of Eden	Genesis 2-3
Cain and Abel	Genesis 4
Noah's Ark	Genesis 6-8
Destruction of Sodom	Genesis 18-19
Isaac on the Altar	Genesis 22
Joseph Becomes a Ruler	Genesis 37, 39, 47
Moses, Babe in a Basket	Exodus 2
Crossing the Red Sea	Exodus 14

Israel, a Nation
The Two Spies	Joshua 2
Fall of Jericho	Joshua 6
Thief among the Soldiers	Joshua 7
Gideon and his 300	Judges 6-7
Strong-bodied Samson	Judges 13-16
Ruth, the Gleaner	Ruth
The Boy Samuel	1 Samuel 1-3
Jonathan, Brave Young Prince	1 Samuel 14
David Kills the Giant	1 Samuel 17
Elijah the Prophet	1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 2
Elisha the Prophet	1 Kings 19: 2 Kings 2-8
The Israelite Maid	2 Kings 5
"Jonah, Go to Nineveh"	Jonah
Queen Esther	Esther
Book of the Law is Found	2 Kings 22
Fiery Furnace	Daniel 3
Daniel in the Lion's Den	Daniel 6

Life of Christ
Birth of Jesus	Matthew 2; Luke 2
Jesus Tempted	Matthew 4
Jesus at a Wedding	John 2
Woman at Jacob's Well	John 4
Through the Roof	Mark 2
Girl Raised from the Dead	Mark 5
Five Thousand Fed	John 6
Jesus Walks on the Sea	Matthew 14
A Blind Man Healed	John 9
Good Samaritan	Luke 10
The Runaway Boy	Luke 15
Rich Man and Lazarus	Luke 16
Dead Man Raised to Life	John 11
Last Days of Jesus	Matthew 26-27
Resurrection of Jesus	John 20

Early Church
Death from a Lie	Acts 5
Saul Sees a Light from Heaven	Acts 9
Conversion of Cornelius	Acts 10
How a Prison Gate Open	Acts 12
A Song Opens Prison Doors	Acts 16
Paul is Shipwrecked	Acts 27-28
The City of God	Revelation 21-22

(Adapted from Lessons for Christian Workers, by C.H. Yatman)

Read Your Bible……..

For it contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, doom of sinners and happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword and the Christian's charter.

Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be open at the judgment and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.

GOSPEL TRACT AND BIBLE SOCIETY USA
P. O. Box 700
Moundridge, Kansas 67107 U.S.A.
Contact Gospel Tract (USA)

GOSPEL TRACT AND BIBLE SOCIETY CANADA
Box 180, RR 1
Ste. Anne, Manitoba R5H 1R1 CANADA
Contact Gospel Tract (Canada)

Published by the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite

God's Wonderful Plan of Salvation

The Light Of The World

The Bible is the word of God, the everlasting Truth. It contains the account of creation, man’s disobedience to God, and the agony which came upon man because of sin. It also tells us of God’s love for man in making a plan to redeem him. It tells of a Savior who was born, who died for man’s sin, and was raised from death for man’s salvation. Whoever believes its message will experience forgiveness of sins, peace of mind, love for all men, power over sin, and a living hope of eternal life.

God’s Wonderful Creation

God, the creator of the universe, has always been. He is everywhere; He is almighty and all wise. By His great power all things were created. God created this earth covered with water, then He said, “Let the dry land appear,” and it happened. He created the hills and valleys and covered them with grass, beautiful flowers, and trees of every kind. He created the birds which sing so many different songs. God created all the animals, great and small, who roam the fields and forests, as well as the small insects and reptiles that live on the ground. He created the lakes and oceans and all the creatures that inhabit them. He made continents on which people of every race would live. God made the sun to give light and warmth and the moon to give light at night. He decked the sky with thousands of beautiful, twinkling stars. Last of all, God formed man from the dust of the earth. He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul. God called him Adam.

God saw that Adam needed a helper, so He caused him to fall into a deep sleep. Then God took a rib from Adam and formed a woman. Adam loved Eve and she loved him too. They had sweet fellowship with each other. This was God’s plan for a family unit.

God created everything in six days, and on the seventh day He rested. He looked at everything He had made, and saw that it was very good. So God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it as a day of rest for man.

The Bible tells of a fallen angel called Satan, or the devil. He was cast out of Heaven and is the cause of all evil. Because of him, sorrow, suffering, sickness, and death came into the world.

The Tragic Beginning Of Sin

God loved Adam and Eve. He made a beautiful garden for them to live in. It was called the Garden of Eden. Adam was to take care of it. In this garden were many kinds of vegetables and fruit for them to eat. There was one tree called the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God told Adam that he should not eat of that tree, for in the day that he would eat from it, he would surely die. One day Satan came to Eve and told her a lie. He said, “Ye shall not surely die…ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:4-5).

As she looked upon the fruit of this beautiful tree, she saw that it would be good for food, and that eating it would bring wisdom. She took some fruit, gave some to Adam, and they both ate of it. Immediately they felt very guilty in their hearts. They had never felt this way before. They knew that they had done something very wrong. They were both ashamed of themselves as they thought of their disobedience. Fear came into their hearts as they thought of meeting God. So they hid themselves among the trees of the garden.

In the cool of the day, God called Adam and said, “Where art thou?” They could not hide from God, so they came into His presence and acknowledged their wrongdoing. God caused them to understand what a great sin it was to disobey His command. He told them they must be punished for their disobedience. They would now experience pain and trouble in their lives. They would now have to work for their living. Their bodies would become old and worn out. They would die and return to dust again.

After they were driven from this beautiful garden, God placed cherubims with a flaming sword to prevent them from eating of the tree of life. They began to understand the consequences of sin and what great sorrow it brings.

The Sad Result Of Sinning

Adam and Eve were very sorry for their sin of disobeying God. In spite of their sin He still loved them. He promised to send a Redeemer for the salvation of mankind.

Cain and Abel were the first two sons born to Adam and Eve. One day, they brought an offering to the Lord. Cain brought food that he had produced. Abel brought a choice lamb of his flock and sacrificed it, shedding its blood. Abel’s sacrifice pleased God, but God was not pleased with Cain or his offering.

When Cain noticed that God was pleased with Abel, envy and hatred toward Abel entered his heart. Then one day as they were together in the field, Cain rose up and killed his brother Abel. God asked Cain, “Where is Abel thy brother?” Cain was unwilling to tell the truth, so he said, “I know not: am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9) Cain had not been obedient in following the Lord’s instructions. God had warned him before he killed Abel that if he would do well he would be accepted. If only he had changed his attitude and loved his brother! Once again, sin caused man to be separated from the presence of God. Cain became a fugitive and a vagabond.

God So Loved The World That He Gave His Son

“For unto you is born this day…a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

After Abel was dead and Cain hadleft home, Adam and Eve had another son. His name was Seth. Seth was a God-fearing man. God blessed Seth’s descendants. They heard and believed God’s wonderful promises of a Savior who would someday deliver them. Abraham, especially, believed God and therefore was called the friend of God. Abraham was told that through his descendants all the families of the earth would be blessed.

Many hundreds of years later God fulfilled His promise of sending a Savior into the world. It happened in a miraculous way, in the little town of Bethlehem of Judea. There in a stable, a baby was born to Mary, who was a virgin. (Luke 2:1-7). An angel told Mary that the baby’s name should be Jesus (meaning Savior). He would become a great teacher who would tell the people many things about God. Jesus grew up much like other children. At the age of twelve He understood the word of God better than many doctors and lawyers of Jerusalem. He seemed to know all about the law and prophets. No one could ask Him a question that He could not answer.

Jesus was greatly interested in the needs of His people. When He was thirty years old, He began to teach in the synagogues. One day He read an Old Testament prophecy about the coming Messiah. When He had finished reading, He said to the people, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Luke 4:21). He taught the people with authority. He preached that the Kingdom of God was at hand, and that repentance was necessary for entrance into the Kingdom. He taught people to worship God in humility and sincerity. He rebuked the proud and unbelieving because of their sins, and preached the Gospel of love to the poor and needy.

Jesus Offers Eternal Life

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).

Jesus did many miracles, proving to the people that He was the promised Savior sent from God. He healed the sick, brought sight to the blind, caused the deaf to hear, cast out devils and raised the dead to life. He walked on the water and calmed the stormy sea by His words. He spoke to a fig tree, and the next day it was found dried up from the roots. He fed more than five thousand hungry people with five loaves of bread and two fishes. When all had enough to eat, there still remained twelve baskets of food. Fishermen caught large numbers of fish when nets were cast at His command. One day Jesus met ten lepers who had heard of His fame. They cried, “Master, have mercy on us.” By His word they were healed.

Large crowds followed Jesus daily, whether He was in town or traveling on the roads. The people were blessed by his gracious words, kindness, compassion, and by the miracles He performed.

He began to tell the people that He was the Son of God, and that God was His Father. All who believed His words were blessed. He told those who believed that they were children of God.

Jesus said to His disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2, 3). This place in Heaven is for all true Christians.

“Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).

Jesus Died For Our Sins

“When they were come to…Calvary, there they crucified him” (Luke 23:33).

The scribes and Pharisees were greatly annoyed at Jesus and His teaching. He often reproved them for seeking honor and their unlawful moneymaking practices. They were very jealous and envious of Jesus, because so many people believed in Him, followed Him, and praised Him. They feared that the people might make Jesus their king.

They tried to make Jesus say or do things that would cause the people to lose faith in Him, but Jesus was too wise for them. Their hatred and anger grew as Jesus’ popularity continued to increase. It became so great they made plans to put Him to death.

They took Jesus to court and charged Him as an evildoer and blasphemer. They brought many false charges against Him. Then they took Him to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Pilate found no fault in Jesus, so He decided to release Him. But the accusers of Jesus turned into an angry mob and cried, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” When Pilate heard their angry cries and threats, he gave in to their demands and turned Jesus over to them. They took Jesus and put a crown of thorns on His head, and in mockery they called Him a king. They spit in His face and cruelly beat Him. Finally, they nailed Him to the cross and left Him to die.

Jesus was innocently put to death, just like the lamb that Abel had offered on an altar hundreds of years before. Abel had offered his lamb as a symbol of the Lamb of God who would die for the sins of the world. Prophets of old had also foretold of Jesus’ suffering and death. John the Baptist said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,” (John 1:29). “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” (John 3:16).

Jesus Arose From The Dead To Set Us Free

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matthew 28:6).

On the third day after the death and burial of Jesus, which was the first day of the week, several women came to the tomb to anoint the His body. Since it was very early in the morning, they were surprised to find an empty tomb. The body of Jesus was gone! Their hearts were troubled. Suddenly, two angels stood by them in shining garments, saying “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen” (Luke 24:5, 6). Quickly, they went back to tell the disciples what they had seen and heard. The disciples did not believe their story, so Peter and John went to investigate for themselves. They, too, found the tomb empty. They entered and saw the linen clothes, and the neatly folded napkin that had been wrapped about Jesus’ head. When they saw these things they believed the women’s story. In the evening of the same day the disciples were together behind closed doors because they feared the Jews. Suddenly Jesus stood in the midst of them and said, “Peace be unto you.” He showed them His pierced hands and side. When they saw the Lord they were glad and believed He was the same Jesus who had been crucified and had risen from the dead. After this, Jesus showed Himself to many people as full proof of His resurrection.

The morning Jesus arose from the dead is still the most glorious day in history. On this day, God’s wonderful plan of salvation was completed. This plan of salvation effects a change in the hearts and lives of men by God’s grace through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Now all who receive Jesus into their heart and follow Him obediently all their life will resurrect and live forever in Heaven. Jesus said, “Because I live, ye shall live also” (John 14:19).

Does this message speak to your heart? What is your response? Will you repent and believe the Gospel? “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). Do not delay. Come to Jesus today.

Published by the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite

List of available Gospel Tracts

The following are available upon request for personal use and distribution.

English Tracts

Abiding in God’s Grace
After Death
Alcohol—Have You Counted the Cost?
Answer to Your Problems, The
Are We to Judge?
Are You Forgiven?
Are You Safe?
Are You Saved—Do You Know?
Avoiding Deception
Baptism
Battle of Your Soul, The
Beard, The
Best Story to Know, The
Bible Teaching on Hell
Biblical Guide to Salvation, A
Birth of Christ, The
Challenge to Choose Rightly, A
Chapters of Pure Gold
Characteristics of the Self-Life
Christ’s Peaceable Kingdom on Earth
Christian Women’s Devotional Head Covering
Christian’s Manner of Dress, The
Church Built on Truth, The
Church—The Fellowship of True Christian Believers, The
Come See
Coming of the Lord Will Be Soon, The
Communication With God
Cross of Christ Divides Between, The
Day of Rest, The
Deliverance From Tobacco
Doctrines—Do We Need Them?
Entertainment, Amusements, Fun
Eternal Salvation
Eternity
Evidence of Personal Salvation
Forty-Eight Hours in Hell
Free from Fear
Get Me That Book
God’s Plan
God’s Wonderful Plan of Salvation
Happy Home, A
Have A Good Day
Have You Heard—It’s for You!
Heaven—Your Future Home?
Hell—Destiny of the Doomed
Hidden Cry, The
Holy Spirit, The
How Honest Are You?
How To Get Out of Prison
Is There a God?
Jesus Christ Is Coming Again
Just a Little Drink—Why Not?
Justification
Life Worth Living
Listen! Who Is That Calling You?
Look That Healed, The
Lost Soul on Judgment Morning, A
Love
Love of Jesus, The
New Testament Church, The
Nonresistance
One and Only True God—Do You Know Him? The
Our Supreme God-Loving, Eternal, Caring
Peace, Freedom, and Happiness
Peace of Mind in a Troubled World
Powers of Darkness, The
Prince of Peace, The
Repentance, a Godly Sorrow for Sin
Repentance—Door of Mercy
Responsibility of Parents, The
Room, The
Search For God—How Can I Find Him?
Security in Christ
Sin of Immorality, The
Sincere But Mistaken
Statement of the Christian Doctrines of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, A
Teach Us To Pray
Television Set, The
Testimony on Peace, A
True Repentance
What about Drugs, Alcohol and Immorality?
What Is It All About?
What Must I Do to Be Saved?
Which Choice Will You Make?
Who Is Your Master?
Why Must I Suffer?
Woman’s Role in the Plan of God, The
Worship Without Musical Instruments
Ye Must Be Born Again
Your Life—Recorded!

For Free Distribution - Not To Be Sold

Published by the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite

Peace of Mind In a Troubled World

Peace of Mind In a Troubled World

"Peace, where is peace-for our nations, our homes, and most of all our hearts and minds?" The agonizing cry has echoed down through the ages, but it is heard with increasing intensity as the world becomes progressively more tempest-tossed and panic-stricken. Is it also the cry of your heart? Amidst the prevailing discontent and disturbance, do you long for an inward quietness that transcends all else?

Endless achievements directed at making the world a safer, better place have only made life more complex and complicated. In many ways people have it easier than their parents, yet they are more uneasy. People are weary and worried. Beyond question there is a need for direction and counsel, security and confidence. We need and want peace of mind.

Peace of mind-what a treasure! Can this treasure actually be found in a world of so much conflict and despair, of so much turmoil and trouble?

The great search is on! Multitudes are seeking peace in fame and fortune, in pleasure and power, in education and knowledge, in human relationships and marriage. They desire to fill their heads with knowledge and their purses with wealth, but their souls remain empty. Others are seeking to escape the realities of life with drugs or alcohol, but the peace they seek eludes them. All their seeking only takes them in a vicious circle of frustrations and futility. They are still empty and lonely, still in a troubled world with a troubled mind.

Many search among outward and tangible things, but neglect to look within. They are afraid of what they may discover. They would like to blame a troubled world for their troubled minds, but the cure must begin within their own hearts.

Man in Turmoil

God created man and placed him in a beautiful garden to enjoy perfect peace, joy, and happiness. But when Adam and Eve disobeyed, they were at once stricken with guilt. Before they had longed for the presence of God, but now they hid themselves with shame. Guilt and fear replaced the peace and happiness they knew. Here was the beginning of a troubled world-and a troubled mind.

Like Adam and Eve, when you are out of tune with God, fears and anxieties crowd into your life. When you focus your attention on the uncertainties of life, on a changing, decaying world, your security and confidence are shaken. Your peace is disturbed.

Sin has separated man from God. "All we like sheep have gone astray" (Isaiah 53:6). "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Guilt, fear, irritation, resentment, selfishness, and other hostile impulses plague man wherever he goes. They bring weariness and mental exhaustion.

The love of self was at the root of the first disobedience of man. It continues to be one of the basic evil inclinations that take you down the path of despair and heartache. When you become self-centered in your wants and ambitions, you become anxious and fretful. The longer you travel the path of self-centeredness, the more troubled you become.

God-centered Living Brings Peace

Instead of seeing yourself as the center of existence, you need to turn to God and make Him your central purpose in life. Without God as your center, you fall easy prey to petty worries, self-pity, fears, and anxiety. With God in the center, every area of your life will reach out from the "hub" like spokes in a wheel and make your life complete and worth living. Only a heart centered in God can be kept steady and peaceful.

The psalmist declares, "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed, I will sing and give praise" (Psalm 57:7). With his whole trust in God, he could rejoice in quietness of mind. With our hearts fixed on God, we have inward peace in the midst of outward troubles. It is possible to be "troubled on every side, yet not distressed ... perplexed, but not in despair" (2 Corinthians 4:8).

Jesus Christ, the Author of Peace

Jesus invites all men to the most meaningful, life-changing experience. "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Will you accept His invitation, "Come unto me"? He offers light for darkness, trust for doubt, peace for strife, joy for sorrow, rest for weariness, hope for despair, and life for death.

God made man with a living soul which longs to be in fellowship with its Maker. "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God" (Psalm 42:1,2). Only the living God will satisfy the soul. Of this you may be certain: you will never be at peace until you are at peace with God.

The Battleground in Our Hearts

Although our soul longs for God, our sinful nature rebels at His ways. Part of us yearns for God and part of us reaches for fleshly desires. Our hearts are a battleground of continual conflict. This inner struggle causes tension and excessive strain. Without God we are "like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt" (Isaiah 57:20).

There can be no peace until all of life—mind, body, and spirit—are coordinated by the One who made us and understands us. He is not only master of the world but knows your life and mine from the beginning to the end. He was thinking of us when He came into the world "to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:79).

As the Prince of Peace, He invites you to come to Him. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). When you come to Him, you will find relief and relaxation in the freedom He gives. Your peace will be as a river (Isaiah 48:18)—an active, sparkling peace that is refreshing and strong, a peace that passeth all understanding. (Philippians 4:7) Will you come to Jesus, casting your burden upon Him? He says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you ... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).

Faith and trust are the antidotes for fear and anxiety. How restful it is to trust in the only God who is from everlasting to everlasting, to have a Friend who never changes, whose love never dies. This Friend is ever thinking of us, ever caring for us. So why worry and fret? Learn to do as we read in I Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." There is peace when the battle is over, so why not surrender your life to the Lord? Remember, if you trust, you don't worry, and if you worry, you don't trust. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3).

Resentment is a poison that also robs your peace of mind. It leads to discouragement and hopeless confusion. It is hard to forgive those who have done you an injustice, but you must if you wish to be forgiven. "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:15). As faith is born in your heart, you are able to surrender your will. Instead of resentment and irritation, your heart is filled with love and mercy, and you experience an inner tranquility. When Jesus is reigning in your heart, you will love your enemies. Only through Christ's redeeming blood can this occur.

Repentance and Confession of Sin Leads to Peace of Mind

Maybe you feel the heavy load of past sins weighing you down, and you feel you have more than you can bear. The Lord offers the remedy in Acts 3:19. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." 1 John 1:9 also says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "As a result, you will have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

In the Twenty-third Psalm David expresses his confidence in God. He gives a very descriptive message of the peace he experienced. This peace and fellowship is for all those who have a vital companionship with the Shepherd.

The Twenty-third Psalm

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."

Do you know this Shepherd? Do you believe and trust Him? Isaiah tells us that this tender, merciful Shepherd "shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom" (Isaiah 40:11). Are you ready to be lifted out of confusion into the serenity of God's everlasting arms? Are you ready to commit to Him your past sins, your present temptations, your fears of the future, and yield yourself completely to Him? The Lord gives you the choice. It is yours to make.

Abiding Peace

When you come to Jesus Christ with your whole heart, your search for peace of mind will be over. He will give peace, and a calm that comes only from trusting Him. You will be able to say with the poet:

I know a peace, where there is no peace,

A calm, where wild winds blow,

A secret place where face to face

With the Master I may go.

-Ralph Spalding Cushman

You will have peace of mind in a troubled world! Open the door of your heart to Christ—just now—and someday He'll open the door of heaven for you, where perfect peace will reign and never end.

Published by the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite

Repentance - Door of Mercy

Repentance: Door of Mercy

Do you know that man has been found guilty of sin by a Holy God, and sentenced to death? If he is to escape this eternal death and be eternally saved, he must receive God’s mercy. Mercy in this respect is God withholding from man the penalty which he deserves. But God does not bestow His mercy on people without condition, even though salvation is free, without price, and cannot be earned. The condition upon which God grants mercy is repentance.

John the Baptist came preaching the Word of God and his message was simple and powerful, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Jesus, the Son of God, began His ministry with the same message: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Repentance is a requisite of salvation, as Peter the apostle said, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19). Through repentance, the door of mercy is opened and salvation obtained.

All Have Sinned

In our world there are multitudes of people, and in many ways we are different one from another. But this message we all share: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). And listen further, “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). God spoke through His Prophet Isaiah and said, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). Do you notice the central thought of these scriptures? “All have strayed.” “None righteous.” “All have sinned.” Wouldn’t this also include you? Your soul, your life belongs to God. The man or woman, who does not recognize God as the master of his life lives in disobedience and sin. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4).

Sin Separates

Your sins have separated you from God. You feel a longing inside that you can’t explain. You may feel forsaken and that God doesn’t hear. The reason is pointed out by God, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities [sins] have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1, 2). Again, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). As you think of your life and your sins, think also about God. God is without sin, therefore He is holy, righteous and just. God says sin must be judged: “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14). There is a great gulf between you and God. Unless you find the way which spans that gulf between a holy God and sinful man, you shall die an eternal death! (Luke 16:26) But listen, there is a way – there is hope for you!

Jesus Opens the Door

While it is true God has decreed a judgment of death upon sin, He is also a God of love. “God is love” (1 John 4:16). God loves you even if you are living in sin. His love has made a way for you to be saved. (John 3:16) God will carry out His judgment on sin, and if this justice would be meted out to man, he would instantly die. Therefore God, not willing that any should perish, sent His son Jesus to take the penalty of our sins that we may live. The Bible says: “Behold … the goodness and severity of God” (Romans 11:22). The goodness of God desires to save man but His judgment demands sentence.

Jesus came to this world for the express purpose of redeeming our souls. He was holy, without sin, the spotless Lamb of God. God’s love for us was proven when He took our sins and guilt, and put them upon Jesus. Behold His goodness! Jesus was now made sin in our place, and to satisfy the judgment of God, He was crucified on a cross. He endured the pain and agony, and then died. Our sins were paid. Behold the severity of God!

Repentance, Our Part

Can you see that Jesus died for you; He died because of your sins? Who really crucified Jesus? Were only the Jewish rulers, or Pilate, or the Roman soldiers responsible? Peter the apostle preached a sermon to a multitude of people numbering thousands. Peter’s message was right to the point: “Him [Jesus] … ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain” (Acts 2:23). Will you look to Jesus, the One who was crucified, and acknowledge your sin?

By the power of the Spirit of God you will realize that you are helplessly lost. As this realization weighs on your heart, it will bring a burden and regret for sin. In despair, you will cry out, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). As God hears your honest plea, He will save you. Your burden will be gone, and you will be born again. As you continue to follow you will turn away from your former ways of sin to heavenly things. This is the work of repentance as it is wrought by God in the heart of all those who will come to Him. Then your heart will be washed clean, and you will have peace, happiness, and security.

Finally, repentance results in a deep appreciation and loyalty to Christ and God’s will. When we were doomed to die with no way out, Christ said, “Come unto me … and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Published by the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite

The Best Story to Know

The Best Story to Know

Once there was nothing in this world.

No fish.

No stars in the sky.

No seas and pretty flowers.

All was empty and dark.

But there was God.

God had a wonderful plan. He thought of a lovely world, and while He thought, He made it. He made it all out of nothing. When God made anything, He just said, "Let it be made”, and there it was!

He made light. He made the rivers and seas, the grass-covered earth, the animals, birds, and trees.

Last of all, He made a man, and then He made a wife for the man. Their names were Adam and Eve.

God loved them very dearly. Every evening He visited them in the lovely garden they lived in.

The whole garden was theirs to enjoy, except for one tree, which was God's forbidden tree.

Adam and Eve were happy until one day Satan, the enemy of God, tempted them. They decided to taste the fruit of God's forbidden tree. They sinned. For the first time they were ashamed and sad.

No longer could they talk to God. Now they would have pain and trouble. And they would have to die. How sorry they were!

God promised to help them. When the right time would come, He would send His Son Jesus into the world. Jesus would come down from Heaven and make a way for sin to be forgiven. To do this He would suffer and die for mankind. How glad they were that God would send a Savior!

Adam and Eve had children and grandchildren. By and by there were many people living in the world.

God wanted everyone to be happy. He told them what to do. Here is a list of rules God gave them:

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor thy father and thy mother.

6. Thou shalt not kill.

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

8. Thou shalt not steal.

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's. (Exodus 20:3-17).

These were written in the Bible so we can read them, too. If we obey them, we will be happy.

Satan does not want us to obey them. Sometimes he tells us to steal something when no one is looking. But God knows it. God sees everything.

Sometimes Satan tempts us to tell a lie and makes us think no one will find it out. God knows it. He hears everything.

When we do these things, we feel bad inside. God loves us and wants to help us to be good. That's why He sent Jesus into the world. God remembered His promise. After many years, Jesus was born as a little baby. He grew up and became a man.

He did many wonderful things. He healed the sick. He made the blind to see. He blessed the children.

Jesus never did anything wrong. He told the people about God and how to obey Him.

After a while the enemies of Jesus nailed Him to a cross. He died.

He suffered and died for the sins of all the people, even those who nailed Him to the cross.

Jesus was buried. But then a wonderful thing happened. He did not stay in the grave. He arose from the dead!

Soon God took Him back to Heaven in a cloud. While His friends were watching Him leave, an angel told them Jesus would come back again.

Jesus died for our sins, too. He wants us to be sorry and confess our sins. He is ready to forgive us.

We can pray to God anytime. He hears every word and knows every thought. He makes us feel happy inside when our sins are forgiven. Then we want to do what is right. Then we want to be kind.

We may choose to disobey God and follow Satan. But God’s word says that if we reject Him in this life, He will cast us down to hell. Hell is a place of fire that burns forever.

But if we love and obey Jesus, He will take us up to Heaven when He returns. Heaven is the beautiful home of God and His Son Jesus. It is a home of love and light. There we will always be happy.

Published by the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite

Ye Must Be Born Again

YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN

Jesus tells us that the gates of heaven are closed to us unless we are born again. Therefore we ask: Friend, are you born again? Church member, are you born again? If not, then you are lost. For Jesus says, ". . . Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).

But you may ask, What is being born again? First we will say what it is not. It is not baptism, for some were baptized and yet not born again. (Acts 8:18-25). It is not joining the church, for some slipped in unawares. (Galatians 2:4). It is not eating of the Lord's table, for some ate unworthily and it brought condemnation. (1 Corinthians 11:29). It is not reform or trying to live better, ". . . for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able" (Luke 13:24). It is not praying, for Jesus says, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me" (Matthew 15:8).

Someone may say, "If I try and do all I can; giving to the poor, visiting the sick, and be as good as I can every day, then surely I am born again." No, we cannot be what we are not: "for the carnal mind is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be" (Romans 8:7). WE MUST HAVE A CHANGE OF HEART. For God by the prophets says: "A new heart also will I give you" (Ezekiel 36:26).

Then, what is the new birth? How and when do we receive it? Jesus says, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh . . ." (John 3:6). When a child is born a new life comes forth, a new person in the flesh. So likewise when we are born again, a new life in Christ Jesus after the Spirit comes forth. Therefore it is called a birth-a new life in Christ Jesus which is to live forever.

If we come to God as a lost, burdened sinner longing for peace, and in our distress cry, "what must I do to be saved?" then we must, as Paul said, "believe on the Lord Jesus." We must completely surrender to God.

God who looks on the heart sees your sincerity. He comes to you through the power of the Holy Ghost and creates within you a right spirit. (Psalm 51:10). Thus you are born again-a new creature in Christ Jesus by faith in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:17).

But when may I expect to be born again? God says by the Holy Ghost ". . . Today, if ye hear his voice," (Hebrews 3:7). That means at any age, time or place if we hear the call and respond, we can be born again by the Spirit, thus becoming children of God.

But how long will it take, must I not grow in to the new birth? No, we are born into the kingdom of God; that makes us children and heirs, and may take place the moment we surrender all and come to Jesus for pardon.

Finally: How may I know that I am born again? Paul in Romans 8:1,6,9,10 teaches, "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." The Bible teaches the lost are dead in sin, condemned, having an evil conscience, carnally minded, without hope, disobedient, and without God in the world. Contrariwise, a born again Christian is a child of God, alive in Christ, saved, having no condemnation, having a good conscience, spiritually minded, filled with the Holy Ghost, and faith, with a hope of everlasting life. His sins are blotted out by the blood of Jesus. His heart is filled with love and the peace of God which passeth understanding. He loves, desires, and has the power to do the Lord's will. He cherishes a hope beyond the grave, and the promise of a home in heaven. Could anyone go through such a change and not realize it? Hardly, for "the spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Romans 8:16).

Dear reader, if you have not had this experience with the peace and joy it brings to the soul, do not rest in ease, for you are trifling with God and your own soul. YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN.

Published by the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite