May 18, 1972, Issue No. 8
The sinner of Jesus' day heard the word of truth and many of them accepted Jesus, the way of life! With glowing delight, Jesus said: "I am the door, by me, if any man enter in he shall be saved." Just count me saved, for I've never before been shown such loving kindness! Salvation is a personal matter with any repenting sinner.
"Surely" it is the preached word that counts now, and in eternity. As to scriptures, all are assured: "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart that is the word of faith we preach." If there is no preached word, it can't become a personal matter to go through the door of salvation by FAITH.
Humility brings an exercised faith which lifts from the sinner's life the weight of sin and death: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." Simple truth believed brings the individual a forgiven past, present, and future with the living God. Humility leads to trust; believe, and accept the eternal Christ for life.
Yes, the sinner must ask for help as he repents of his sin. In doing so, he uses simple faith for fellowship with God through Christ. Christ Jesus took upon himself all our transgressions and the Father is satisfied with saving faith.
Now, will you be lulled into indifference or will you arise and pass through Christ the door? Why pass into eternal oblivion, when you can accept the invitation to receive the precious gift of eternal life:
Therefore, come to a personal decision for it will be teeming with new, and different life, the way of I John 5:4 "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

Where Do You Stand Before God?
by William S. Gordon

Nov 21, 1974
As one can see, the bulk of mankind thinks little of its past, present or future life. It is true the man whose flesh is influenced by the devil reflects a false way of life. Sin becomes the way naturally, physically and spiritually beguiling what we see and hear in this short life of rejection. But remember there is more to life, for God has said, thrrough Job: "My times are in thy hand." Let us explore the following thoughts:
I. MY TIMES OF DARKNESS ARE IN THY HANDS
What has been the darkest time in your life? When one observes rebellion caused by unbelief of the baser sort, the unforgiven transgressions which threatens natural life, then it is darkness of real concern. Pharoah tried the patience of God as the darkness of real Egypt. Did he suffer in this life? He was moved by Satan to disobey God, and in a small way this ruler sought the mercy of the living god.
The Prophet saw the darkness of his day and was concerned about those whose lives lacked saving faith. David was concerned and so was Isaiah. What a compelling question: "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, thay obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light; let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon this God," Isa. 50:10. Fear means respect for God's authority. Heartfelt trust puts one in line for God's rich favors. Moses lived in the darkness of Egypt, but he had the Lord to comfort and to guide until the darkness was lifted. He could go before the Lord to enjoy the strength of his word. Where do you stand, dear reader? II. MY TIMES OF AFFLICTION ARE IN HIS HANDS
No Christian lives, who does not face the afflictions of life. His endurance will be challenged, threatened, and despised by the forces of evil. For instance, Job needed the Lord and the living God answered out ot the whirlwind. Why did God answer Job thus: Simply to cause him to think and understand more thoroughly God's way. We need the afflictions of life! God's Son, Christ Jesus, met death before reaching the cross. One of his close friends died and after hearing about it, Jesus was two days late arriving on the scene of this tragedy. He brought him to life, therefore proving that the fate of this friend was in good hand, trustworthy hands!
III. MY TIME TO DIE IN HIS HANDS
In what manner will you find the time for death? The Apostle Paul was about ready to depart and he with the Lord when he said by inspiration of God: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Even if it was a prison or a different route to live and travel, he was ready to meet God. Why? He had faith in the Son of God, Jesus the Christ. Paul's trust was bounded by the Love of God.
As you read the Bible, observe the true stand which was lived by the Great Tribulation Saints. These people found Christ precious to their souls and Christ became their all-sufficient Savior and Lord. Trust HIM NOW for life and salvation. Do as John 1:11, 12, 13 admonished. Yours is happiness and freedom from the bondage of sin as you accept the Lord Jesus in your heart. Then my lost friend, You can say with Divine assurance "MY TIMES ARE IN THY HANDS!"