Picture of the Patton Family

Since the passing of Sherelyn’s parents, Ernest and Frances Finley, the children have been going through their “stuff,” sharing possessions and pictures from the past, etc.  Here is a photo you might be interested in, of Hershell and Marshall Patton, their wives and mother, who was affectionately called “Pat-Pat.”  These Christians had a profound and positive effect upon many in the Lord’s church, in our family and among brethren across the country.

Both Hershell and Marshall Patton have written many extensively on the Bible and religious subjects.  CEI Bookstore offers a number of their commentaries and workbooks.  Go here for more information.

Change

By Zachery Henry

In 1944, the late George Bernard Shaw said, “Progress is impossible without change. And those who cannot change their minds, cannot change anything.” We change our minds about different things every day. Change is unavoidable. There is nothing inherently or basically wrong with change. However, in the midst of a changing world, there is a need for us to hold on to some things which do not change.

The Lord does not change, and his Word does not change. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Malachi 3:6-7 adds, “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. 7 From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return?’” James 1:17 affirms, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Men try to change, twist and distort Scripture, but do so at their own peril. Galatians 1:6-7 says, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” Revelation 22:18-19 adds, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book”

Following men who would change Scripture is equally damaging to the listener. Jesus said, “Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit” (Matt. 15:14).

Proper change—repentance—is necessary to be spiritually acceptable in God’s sight. Paul urges believers “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:22-24). Peter affirms, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).

“Progress is impossible without change.” But what sort of progress are we trying to make? The inspired apostle said, “Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress” (1 Tim. 4:11-15).

Conclusion

Man changes; God doesn’t. Let’s remember this as our society and culture may change and shift away from Scripture. We should continue to herald and preach the truth that never changes. And in doing so we will make real progress.

Are you ready to make a change tonight and put on Christ? Or, have you previously chosen to follow Him, but since that time made changes in your life that would not be pleasing in His sight? Whatever your need is tonight, please make the change before it is everlastingly too late. Make your life right tonight.

“Deliver Me, O Lord, from Evil Men”

By Joe R. Price

“Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men, Who plan evil things in their hearts; They continually gather together for war. They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of asps is under their lips. Selah” (Ps. 140:1–3, NKJV)

David saw Jehovah as the One who would equip him against his enemies, preserving him in battle against evil, violent people. Those who attacked David in war also waged a propaganda war against him. Their lips were full of poison, directed toward his character and his God (remember the words of Goliath, 1 Sam. 17:26, 42-44). Christians are in a battle against spiritual forces that requires unyielding faith in the strength of the Lord to deliver us unto triumph against the adversaries of righteousness (Eph. 6:10-13). God’s deliverance from our enemies begins by us having the faith to put on His armor and fighting the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12). Our life in Christ is not a bed of ease; it is the battlefield of faith. Take up the banner of the cross and live in its shadow. Trust and obey the word of the cross. Therein is full assurance that the Lord will deliver you from evil people, and preserve you for His heavenly kingdom (1 Cor. 1:18-21; 2 Tim. 4:17-18). “Selah” – Pause, ponder and profess with gratitude the greatness of our God, who delivers us from every adversary!

Source: Sword Tips

God Blesses His Children

By Joe R. Price

Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” (Matt. 7:9–11, NASB95)

Fathers desire to fulfill the requests of their children. Indeed, fathers bear a particular responsibility to provide for their own house, and failure to do so is a grievous sin (1 Tim. 5:8). If earthly fathers give good things to their children when they ask, how much more does our heavenly Father do so. Jesus reasons from the lesser to the greater to impress upon us a fundamental truth: Our heavenly Father gives us the “good things” we need when we ask of Him. God hears and answers the prayers of His children, and He does so in ways that are best for us. God not only supplies our daily bread, He also supplies us with every spiritual blessing in Christ, which sustain our spiritual life. In the parallel passage of Luke 11:13, Jesus identifies the “good things” given by the Father as the “Holy Spirit” (whose presence confirmed the kingdom had come, Lk. 11:20; Matt. 12:28). God answers our prayers in harmony with His purposes and for our spiritual good. This is our faith as we pray to our heavenly Father.

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