Church of God (Holiness)

Zech. 14:1-11 (9)

I was spellbound as I looked down at the carnage. There laying in my lap was my father’s book which described in word and picture the events that took place during World War II. It showed how his division in the infantry had hopped from island to island throughout the South Pacific.

In the picture that had my attention lifeless bodies carpeted the battlefield. It looked like it would be difficult to pass through the field without stepping on a dead soldier. As I studied the pictures I came to know that this was the trail left by the conqueror.

One day in our future the King of all kings, the Lord of all lords will say it is enough. Those who have rejected Him and rebelled against Him will know the heat of His fury. Those who have scorned Him will wilt before the scorching scrutiny of His examination. All His enemies will be slain.

Only those who have sworn allegiance to King Jesus and who are pleasing in His sight will be left to praise and glorify His name.

At times it seems that the secular pagan has the Christian in retreat. It seems that we are backing up. It seems that we are forced to delay the progress of the kingdom. It seems that we are not victorious. This is when we must recall that the battle is not yet over. The trumpet of God has not yet sounded. The King has not yet mounted His steed. One day Jesus the Captain of our Salvation will look out before Him to see that all are bowing before Him.

John 4:7-(10)

While constructing a new stairway at our house I ordered a dumpster so we could dispose of the old concrete. The transaction was made. I agreed to the price. When the job was complete the company picked up the dumpster and I paid the bill. To my surprise I received another bill a few weeks later for almost twice the amount of the price I had agreed to pay. I called to question the account. I was told that I was being assessed an overweight charge. I had not been told of an overweight charge and had not agreed to pay an extra fee. If had known I would have disposed of the excess material by other means. The accountant told me to write a letter disputing the account. I wrote a letter. I received a bill with interest. I wrote another letter. I received another bill with interest. I called to question the account again. I was told that the bill was in error and that I had a zero balance. I was amazed. I had expected much less. I was planning to compromise on the price. Yet, by asking I received much more than I expected. In like manner, when we come to God asking for deliverance from our old account of sin, He does much more for us than we would ever hope. He doesn’t just relieve the guilt, or only forgive our sins. He adopts us into His family making us an heir.

Psa 32:(1)-11

As I teenager I was riding with my friend in his dads car. He asked, “Would you like to drive?” Sure, I said. I was too young to drive but we were driving out in the field so it seemed to be harmless and legal. I was having a great time until I ran over the stump of an old tree. We got out and looked at the car and saw that the underside of the body was bent. I have no remembrance of the occasion following that. In fact it was not until years later that I was in chapel service at Kansas City College and Bible School that I even remembered the incident. God moved on the service and I went to the altar to pray for other students. While there God brought the incident to my mind and I knew that I needed to talk to my friend’s father. Later that day I saw him and told him what had happened. I asked how much money I owed him to make things right. He thanks me for my confession and told me that he no longer had the car. I was told that I owed nothing. God’s forgiveness is just as complete. When we confess our sins He totally forgives. His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to appease the wrath of God and offset the judgment against our offense. We owe nothing except love to this One who freely forgives.