Stewart Topping's E-Newsletter July 8, 2011

	Stewart Topping's E-Newsletter July 8, 2011	Link to website
		ARE YOU LISTENING? by Cornelius R. Stam  The Apostle Paul had much that he yearned to teach the Hebrew believers -- wonderful truths that would have thrilled their hearts -- but these truths were "hard to be uttered," or difficult to explain to them, since they were "dull of hearing." The word "dull" in Heb.5:11 really means "slothful," or indifferent (as in Heb. 6:12). They were not merely hard of hearing, as we say, but were too lazy, too indifferent, spiritually, to pay attention. They were not sufficiently interested.This is always a serious condition in the light of the fact that "God hath spoken," and that disobedience to His Word will be judged (Heb. 1:1,2; 2:1-3). Yet, alas, this is the condition of the professing Church today.  The great majority of religious people are not sufficiently interested in what God has said to engage in diligent, prayerful study and, like those of Paul's day, still have to be taught "the first principles" of the Bible. They have remained babes, spiritually, unable to digest anything but "milk," and so remain "unskillful in the Word of righteousness" (Heb. 5:12-14). What has brought this condition about? Is it because our Bibles are being burned and the Church persecuted for reading it? Is it because God is unwilling to lead us further into His truth? Most assuredly not.  It is because so many men of God in high places no longer have the single passion to know God's Word and to make it known.  They could be as greatly used of God in teaching the Scriptures as their predecessors were, but they are "slothful of hearing" and hence can present their hearers with little that is of true value.This, in turn, is reflected in the religious masses.   They "love" their Bibles, but not enough to study them diligently and become workmen whom God can approve. Let us not be numbered among these. Rather, let it be our one great desire to gain a clear understanding of God's Word, rightly divided -- for His sake, for our own sake and for the sake of the needy souls about us. Link to my website
	My sheep hear my voice? by Stewart Topping Forward this message to a friend Reader If God is real and if He really wants a relationship with mankind.  Then there must be a way.  Do we try to hear from God or do we drift through life hoping that what we do please Him? Please read this article I wrote. Lets look at some scriptures.  Remember to check me out.  This verse is very clear; my sheep are the believer and Jesus is saying I know them and they follow me.  Well, because we have the Holy Spirit within us we have the truth, the word, the living God and the power of his resurrection to help and guide us each and every day of our lives.    John 10:27 (KJV) 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  We have studied the following in previous E-newsletters: Salvation Grace Obedience Forgiveness Works Along with these articles we should study the word (Bible).  Why are studying hearing this week; because it is part of the relationship we have with God though Jesus in Prayer.  Prayer is just talking with God about our everyday lives; our family, our Job, our health and every thing we can think of that affects our lives.  Look at this verse, remember that we didn't bring anything into the world and we will take nothing out of it.  We need to always be content with what we have at any time. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (KJV) 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. This verse brings something very important to mind;  the ravens are taken care of, God feeds them and how much more will he take care of us.  This is part of relationship that we have with Him; that is trusting Him with everything that we have and all that we need. Luke 12:24-25 (KJV) 24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? This next verse sums up everything in our study; be careful for nothing.  Sometimes we have so much worry about everyday life.  Here is where prayer comes in; if you pray then you believe he exists.  If we make our request known to God we then receive the peace of God.  It all started when we accepted God as our Saviour, knowing that He died, was buried and the rose from the grave by the power of God.    Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. What is life all about; yes it's family, yes it getting married, but it is knowing that there is a God and that He loves us and that he will take care of us. Don't forget to thank Him for what you have.  Today it may not be enough but tomorrow we trust God will supply all our needs. Trust God to today and leave the worrying to Him, He can handle it we can't! Have a great day in Jesus. Good Books to Read; to read click on title of book. Understanding the Body of Christ by Charles S. Baker Understanding the Gospels; A different Approach by Charles S. Baker The Mystery by Joel Finck Understanding the Book of Acts by Charles S. Baker Things that differ; C. R. Stam