by Ed Allen | Dec 16, 2024 | Articles, Mentors Corner
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3). The verses above follow the examples of the “witnesses” of faith given us by those who acted on their faith in preceding chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews. Now we each run our own “race that is set before us.” What do you think? The exhortation here is to follow the examples identified and placing our eyes, i.e. our hope and future on Jesus while setting aside the enticement and distraction of sin. Ought we as Christ followers today, be praying for “endurance” and casting aside “encumbrances” as we pursue our own faith during our own short stay here on earth? If so, why? if not, why not? Read More Articles By This...
by Ed Allen | Sep 10, 2024 | Articles, Mentors Corner
“For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures” (Romans 1:21-23). “A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which proceeded out of their mouths. For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and with them they do harm. The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their immorality nor of their thefts” (Revelation 9:18-21). Even after seeing all these things and the results of their hands, they did not repent! Nor did they did not honor God in their foolishness. We do not know why. Could it be that they did not understand the warning and hope that is offered by Jesus Christ in the gospel? “He heard the sound of the trumpet but did not take warning; his blood will be on himself. But had he taken warning, he would have...
by Ed Allen | Oct 9, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
“Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God” (Luke 16:14-15). As a cross-reference: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). And another cross-reference: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). What do you think? How do men think and behave in such a condition? Who among men do you know with “a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart?” Are you one of them? Read More Articles By This...
by Ed Allen | Sep 25, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
“At that time my reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride” (Daniel 4:36-38). (Cross-reference): “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1John 2:15-17). (Cross-reference): “For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you” (1Corinthians 4:7-8). What do you think? King Nebuchadnezzar, after boasting to himself about his kingdom and great power, was removed By God and made to eat grass on his hands and knees for seven years. Above, at the end of those 7 years,...
by Ed Allen | Sep 27, 2022 | Articles, Mentors Corner
“And he (the angel) said to me (John), ‘Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy’” (Revelation 11:11). Jesus said in response, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.” (Revelation 22:12). “Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” “And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” “And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, ‘Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them” (Revelation 14:9-13). Observations We carry our temporal character into eternity, whether good or bad. Our character is not “transformed” at the entering into...
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