The Iron Pen #69

God & Country

"Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life. And therefore to lay Christ in the bottom as the only foundation of all sound knowledge of learning." This was one of the original rules of Harvard College. In 1639 Rev. John Harvard, a Presbyterian minister, gave half of his fortune for the establishment of Harvard college. The college was founded for the purpose of training men to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

RAISE NO FALSE REPORT

Exodus 23:1 "Thou shalt not raise a false report..." When the meaning of the Hebrew word translated as "raise" is considered, the above quotation should be interpreted to mean that a person should neither receive nor report slander. This prohibition is emphasized in the Ten Commandments, "Thou shalt not bear false witness." False witness consists of originating a false report. Usually the root of all slander is jealousy, envy, or hasty conclusions based on outward appearances. It is virtually impossible to know all the circumstances surrounding a given case; therefore, slander also consists of listening to false reports that encourage others to do evil, and makes a person a party to sin. There are many ways man can slander or carry a false report without even opening his mouth or making a direct accusation. The lifting of an eye, a shoulder or a slanderous insinuation could also be included in such an action. Slander is one of the most hated sins in the Word of God. "These six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (Proverb 6:16). When man’s character is destroyed, he is rendered useless. Slander can steal from a man his most precious possession and leave him helpless. "...Brethren, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8

Christ Alone

Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save and Thou alone.

(Augustus Toplady 1740-1778)

Quotes To Note

As long as I see any thing to be done for God, life is worth having; but O how vain and unworthy it is to live for any lower end! David Brainerd

The Story Behind "Now Thank We All Our God"

Pastor Martin Rinkhart wrote the wonderful hymn of thanksgiving, "Now Thank We All Our God." He wrote it for his family, to be used as a prayer around the table before the meal. Yet few people know the context in which the pastor wrote this song. It was written during the 30 Years’ War. This was a series of European conflicts, between 1618 to 1648. involving most of the countries of western Europe. These conflicts were fought mostly in Germany and were the result of the struggle between adherents to the Protestant Reformation and the Roman Catholic factions. The pastoral duties were extremely difficult for Martin Rinkhart during this time. He conducted as many as 40 funerals per day. It was also during this time that he lost his dear wife. Yet, in spite of war and plague around him and sorrow within him, he was able to give thanks to the Lord from a grateful heart. His obedience should motivate us to give thanks to our Lord! Psalm 107

What’s New In A New Believer’s Life?

     2 Corinthians 5:1-17

A NEW HOPE (1-4, 6, 8)
A NEW GUIDE (5)
A NEW RULE (7)
A NEW AMBITION (9)
A NEW DESIRE (11)
A NEW MOTIVE (14)
A NEW PURPOSE (15)

Point To Ponder

"The Law and the Gospel are two keys. The Law is the key that shutteth up all men under condemnation, and the Gospel is the key which opens the door and lets them out." William Tyndale

Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.