one who won was not merely the man who crossed the finish line first in the least amount of time, but rather the one who crossed it with his torch still burning. How careless many of us be come as the appealing enticements of the world are presented. We have no time for the Bible, for prayer, or for witnessing. The Bible rightly tells us, “Quench not the Spirit of God.” A. B. Simpson has written, “Burn on, O fire of God, burn on, T ill all my dross is burned away, T ill earth and sin and self are gone, And I can stand the testing day!” * * * Afflictions are but God's best blessings sent in disguise. * * * CONFUSION OF NAMES It was Shakespeare who once asked the poetic question, “What’s in a name?” Of course, it all depends on the name. Take the very well known name “Smith.” Did you know there was an organization by that name? A Hollywood branch of the group points out that of America’s some one and one-half million Smiths, there are some interesting names to be found. Special awards w e r e recently an nounced by the group which has as its chief objective taking out the con fusion, misunderstanding and mistaken identity which surrounds the many of the Smiths of our country. Invitations, letters, bills, and other such official papers are often erroneously addressed to other people. (In the case of bills, it might not be too bad.) Realizing how many Smiths there are in these United States, and the confusion these people must often suffer, can, in a very real way, increase our appreciation for God’s method of using such words as “whosoever,” “he that believeth,” “any man,” because the offer of salvation is extended to all. There is no confusion; there is no lim it. The Bible tells us that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. This is what Christ meant when He said, “/ am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9). 20
Parables and Pearls (continued) saw his doctor twice a year. He not only had a good diet w ith plenty of fresh vegetables, but he also took a vita m in every day. He relinquished his tonsils and traded in several worn out glands. He golfed; never more than 18 holes at a time. He got at least 8 hours sleep every night and if there was any problem he took one of the pills that would guarantee him restoration. He didn’t drink, or lose his temper. He did his daily dozen after the advice of a well-known television personality; he was all set to live to be a hundred. Un fortunately the funeral w ill be held this next Monday. It may be interesting to know that he is survived by eight specialists, three health institutions, two gymnasiums and numerous manu facturers of health pills and antiseptics. He made one mistake; a mistake many others make. His trouble is diagnosed in three words, “he forgot God.” In a coming hour every man must give an account of himself before the Lord. “He that believeth on the Son is not condemned,” the Bible tells us, “but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.” May you not be among those who w ill then say, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” For, “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved!” * * * An egotist is a person who is al ways "ME" deep in conversation. KEEP THE FLAME BRIGHT The Holy Spirit is often referred to as a fire. The moment we, by faith, receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, His fire of love and grace is set burning within our souls. It is this fire which Satan seeks to put out through lust, worldliness and temp tation. The ancient Greeks were known for their prowess in athletics. In the Olympic games, one of the favorite races was with a flaming torch. The
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