Author: Gospel Folio Press

In worldly affairs, standards of righteousness may be compromised in order to achieve a settlement of a problem. Such procedures can produce only a very flimsy foundation for peace and stability. We however, praise God that in His scheme of salvation there is no lowering of His standards of absolute integrity. Such is the value of the atoning work of the Lord Jesus that every demand is fully answered, and the flood-gates of His mercy righteously dispense their rich bounty! —G. Hall

A roadside sign outside the English village of Wingham had two letters missing. The letters “r” and “v” had been knocked off. The sign read “D-i-e Carefully” instead of “Drive Carefully”! So many people rush about with busy lives. How wise to stop for a moment to think about the end of life and to prepare to die. Dear reader, die carefully! Die knowing Christ as Saviour. Die with sins forgiven. I hope you will give this some thought—carefully. —Brian Powlesland

On the cross the Lord Jesus bore our sins in His own body. Our whole sinful case and condition was taken up into His Person and was brought to an end in His death. This great work was completed at His resurrection. On confession of Jesus as Lord we formally surrender our life of sin, and rise in the strength of His resurrection to newness of life. Thereafter, though sin is not eradicated, we have the assurance that “sin shall not have dominion over us”. —Drew Craig

There is a story about an American soldier who was stationed in England after World War II. Driving to his barracks, he saw a young boy staring at some delicious pastries in a bakery window. He stopped and asked, “Son, would you like one of those?” “Yes,” the lad said, “I sure would!” The soldier bought some sweets and gave them to the boy. As he walked away, he felt a tug at his coat and heard the youngster ask, “Mister, are you God?” In our sad, broken world what a tremendous need there is for believers who manifest something of God’s character by the way they live. —W. Ross Rainey

Paul faced great conflict. As he sought to advance the Gospel, he encountered opposition from without. At times it was ridicule (Acts17:32); at other times it was life-threatening (Acts 23:12). He also encountered opposition from within. As he sought to mature every man in Christ, he feared they would be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. This was the work of false teachers who targeted those not established in the faith. As we gather, it is not for a social occasion, but to equip ourselves for the work of God. —Mark Kolchin

As a great storm erupted and their boat filled with water, the disciples were worried they would drown. They questioned the Lord’s care for them. J. Sidlow Baxter explains the word “care” in 1 Peter, by quoting the verse this way; “Casting all your anxious care upon him; for he affectionately careth for you”. When we are faced with anxieties and worry, like the disciples, let us remember with confidence and assurance, our Lord lovingly cares for us. —Bob Cretney

God, in his infinite wisdom, did not want a newly regenerated and liberated people to witness war. How sad it is when young believers join themselves to a local church, only to find that the believers are at loggerheads with each other. Young converts then often ask themselves what their new life of fellowship is all about—and some even drift back into “Egypt”! —Brian Russell

Lazarus had died, been buried and resurrected but Mary had not used this very costly spikenard for his burial. In all probability Mary had bought the ointment for her own burial, but having seen the Lord raise her brother, she now recognized Christ as the Messiah and understood that He would die as the Saviour. Her own death and burial now are of no consequence, so she anoints the one who said, “I am the resurrection and the life” (11:25). —David M. McCulloch

Pilate’s question has never been answered, because the Lord Jesus did no evil; rather, He always did what pleased the Father (Jn. 8:29). The Bible describes Him as “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners”, “without blemish and without spot”, “pure”, and “perfect” (Heb. 7:26; 1 Pet. 1:19; 1 Jn. 3:3; Heb. 5:9). Being the incarnate Son of God, He was and is incapable of sinning. His impeccability makes our salvation unassailably secure. —Keith Keyser