{"title":"Featured Tracts Promo","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"gift-for-you","title":"Gift for You","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA Gift for You\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe phone call—the call everyone hoped for, and everyone dreaded—came at 2:00 a.m. “We have a heart for Jacob*,” the voice said. Everyone hoped for the call because twelve-year-old Jacob had been on the heart transplant list for many days, and soon his condition would deteriorate to the point where he would no longer be considered a good candidate for a heart transplant.\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/b\u003eThen his name would be removed from the list, taking with it his last hope. But on this day, Jacob and his family were about to receive an incredible gift—the gift of a new heart, the gift of a new life.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Bible tells us that we are all in a situation more desperate than Jacob’s.  More than this life is at stake. We have earned eternal death, because the “wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), and we “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). When we understand the original language in the previous verse, we realize how desperate our situation is. The words translated “fall short” indicate a continuing action—we continue to fall short.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn good times, it’s easy to convince ourselves that we are really good people—not perfect, mind you—but not really evil. Then the neighbor gets a promotion and a raise we had hoped for, or he buys a new car, and we discover envy in our hearts. We see a glamorous model or actress and lust makes its presence known. Perhaps a car cuts in front of us in traffic, and we feel a level of anger that surprises us. The more we honestly examine our lives, the more we see our sinfulness.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAn Honest Look\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA young atheist and professor at Oxford took a hard look at himself, and felt amazed at what he discovered. He wrote, \"there I found what appalled me; a zoo of lusts, a bedlam of ambitions, a nursery of fears, a harem of fondled hatreds. My name was legion” (C. S. Lewis, \u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSurprised by Joy\u003c\/i\u003e). Sin, we are told, comes from our sinful hearts. “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil” (Luke 6:45). Indeed, our sinful hearts hide our true sinfulness from us, because the “heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe find that, like Jacob, our hearts are the source of our problem. We are not going to get better. No regimen or treatment will help us. Our defective hearts must be replaced or we will die. Jacob had to put his name on a list and wait. No amount of money could purchase what he needed. If no one would give him a heart, he would die.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur case is similar, but the Bible has wonderful news for all of us in this desperate situation. It assures us that such a gift is available: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEven better, there’s no waiting list. This replacement heart is available immediately. Once it replaces our own heart, we will not only continue to live, but we will also enjoy a superior quality of life. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJacob’s family dreaded the call because the procedure involved serious risks. Before the healthy heart could be implanted, Jacob’s own heart would need to be removed. Once surgery began, there would be no turning back. With all these thoughts in the back of their minds, his parents roused themselves in the predawn dark, and prepared themselves and Jacob for the fateful journey to the hospital. Once there, they saw their son wheeled off on a gurney. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe also must go through a kind of death. Just as Jacob had to allow surgeons to remove his own heart before a transplant, so we must give up our natural hearts. We must recognize that we need more than a touch-up here and there, more than a minor adjustment or correction. We need radical surgery. Nothing less will do. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAn Expensive Gift\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis frightening risk provided one reason Jacob and his parents dreaded the call that a heart had become available. Although Jacob’s parents rejoiced at the opportunity for a better life for their son, another, more somber reality intruded. They recognized that the same event that gave them new hope had dashed the hopes of some other family. Jacob’s chance at life came at the cost of someone else’s death.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur opportunity for a spiritual heart transplant, for salvation from sin, for a better life here and now, and eternal life hereafter, also comes at the cost of a life. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Notice, Christ died for us not “when we were worthy,” or “when we obeyed God’s law perfectly,” or even “when we became aware of our need,” but “while we were still sinners.” \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJacob’s heart would only get worse without a transplant. His desperate need made him eligible. And he was forced to depend on someone, somewhere, to give him a healthy heart. No hearts were available for purchase, and if they were, he and his family could not afford one. Again, the same holds true for salvation: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). So we find that the very verse warning us that we have earned death, also announces the remedy as a gift.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eImmediate Availability\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis new heart, the greatest, most valuable gift in all eternity, can be yours.  You need not get on a list. You need not wait. You can have it here and now, simply for the asking. You have seen the steps. Simply recognize your need, confess that you need this new heart, and ask God to give it to you. There is no magic formula, no set words. Just ask. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJacob came through his transplant operation in high spirits. He not only had a new heart, he had a new life. But he had to learn how to live that new life. When you receive your new heart, you also will need to learn how to live a new life. God has supplied the church, a community of others who have received new hearts, to help you learn to live that new life. Enjoy the gift!\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e*Name has been changed.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eScripture taken from the New King James Version\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"10\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e®\u003c\/span\u003e. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42245019271351,"sku":"GFY","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/AGiftforYouCoverv2web.jpg?v=1706634447"},{"product_id":"evolution-impossible","title":"Evolution Impossible","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEvolution Impossible\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEvolution’s explanation for all the varied life forms on earth is an impossibility. That’s the perspective of a growing number of scientists who are willing to take the bold step of saying so. Following are four of the many compelling reasons to reject evolution compiled by scientist and author John F. Ashton MSc, PhD.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eImpossible Mutations\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eScientists today still cannot produce evidence demonstrating that large-scale evolution is even possible. Now some readers may already be thinking—hold on, scientists observe evolution taking place. True, we see small evolutionary changes in animals that have adapted to their environment. But you will find those changes always produce the same—or a similar—type of organism. It may have a slightly different shape or color. It may possess some relatively minor biochemical differences. It may even be classed as a different species—but it is still the same type of organism. Scientists now understand these changes come about either as a result of mutations altering the DNA of the organism or parts of the DNA code being switched on or off. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDNA is a very large molecule that encodes the processes necessary for an organism to live and reproduce. If parts of that code are altered, this can cause structural changes—which, incidentally, are almost always harmful. Many evolutionists believe that given a long enough time, such small changes can eventually result in the evolution of vastly different organisms with new and different body parts, thus constituting a new “order” of animals or plants. But despite the claims of many nature documentaries and science texts, this type of evolution on any large scale has never been observed. It is true that relatively small beneficial single-gene mutations (i.e., affecting DNA that encodes a single trait) can sometimes occur. An example of this is seen in microorganisms that by random mutations developed the enzyme nylonase. (This allows them to digest nylon as a food source.) However, nylonase is a relatively simple protein, which does not even compare with the amount or extent of massive DNA changes needed for a fish to evolve into an amphibian—or any analogous major changes in organisms. It is not merely a matter of having enough time for many small changes to accumulate. Even the smallest steps would require such huge genetic changes that many honest scientists have concluded it is so improbable as to be essentially impossible—and this is their assessment when it comes to the smallest steps! Furthermore, DNA has inbuilt repair functions designed to limit major mutations. DNA is actually designed to prevent the evolution of a new type of organism.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhen we consider the amazing diversity of species living today—we have discovered about two million species in existence—with an estimated 100 million to 200 million different types of species living in the past, each with its own unique DNA code, we have to ask ourselves a question: “What is the origin of all the complex DNA code which produces the incredibly complex creatures and functioning ecosystems that we see around us?” There is absolutely no evidence that random mutations can produce complex advanced information that can result in the high performance wing systems of insects and birds, the reproductive systems of mammals, and the sonar systems of bats and whales—let alone the human mind.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDating Methods\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOn to another question. How old are fossils? Some radiometric dating methods give values of millions to hundreds of millions of years for the rocks surrounding fossils. But when we examine the data, we find that dating rock layers can give vastly different ages depending on the method used. For example, a particular rock formation in the Grand Canyon has been dated at 516 million years, 892 million years, 1,111 million years, 1,385 million years and 1,588 million years depending on the method used.* So how old would you say that rock was?\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVolcanic rocks formed during a 1950s New Zealand eruption were subjected to modern radiometric dating techniques. Although the rocks were known to be only 50 years old, the dating methods gave ages ranging from hundreds of millions to thousands of millions of years.* If these methods assign old ages to recent rocks, how can we know with confidence the age of any rock?\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCarbon-14 dating, the only method that actually dates the fossils (and not merely the rocks around them), appears to be the most accurate technique. It can give dates only in thousands (as opposed to millions) of years. Recent discoveries of soft tissue and DNA fragments in fossils, including dinosaur fossils supposedly millions of years old, support the carbon-14 ages of only thousands of years for the fossils.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Cell\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFinally, current evidence indicates it is impossible for life to start by itself. Textbooks sometimes refer to this as abiogenesis or the chemical evolution of life. The first living cell would require hundreds of different types of very large molecules, including the genetic code compounds (RNA and\/or DNA) to form by themselves. These molecules are difficult if not impossible to synthesize in the laboratory let alone form naturally—and most are relatively unstable, readily breaking down into smaller inactive compounds. Moreover, millions of copies of some of these molecules would be necessary to provide concentrations sufficient to make hundreds of biochemical reactions go in just the right direction at just the right rate—in order to have life. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMathematical modeling indicates this is absolutely impossible to happen by chance alone. In fact, if we take a live single-cell E. coli bacteria and make a small hole in its outer membrane, its chemical reactions are so disrupted that the cell will die. Furthermore, no human can make it come back to life. All the chemical components are still there, but we cannot restart the hundreds of chemical reactions simultaneously in just the right state of disequilibrium—the requirement for life.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhen we consider the scientific knowledge we have about life on earth, we can say with certainty that evolution alone as an explanation for the diversity of life on our planet is totally impossible. Instead, science reveals evidence of an awesome intelligent designer operating at least on some level. Why not consider what the Holy Bible claims?—a loving Creator God formed our world, but an enemy, called Satan, has been seeking to obliterate the evidence of His creative acts. The Bible does not stop there. Not only did God plan for your existence, the Bible’s last book, Revelation, claims He has a plan for a recreated earth with everlasting happiness for you. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e*For more information about the scientific studies showing that life on Earth did not evolve, see \u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEvolution Impossible: 12 Reasons Why Evolution Cannot Explain the Origin of Life on Earth\u003c\/i\u003e by John F. Ashton PhD, Master Books, Green Forest, 2012.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCover images: ©SensorSpot\/E+\/Getty Images\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42251460804791,"sku":"EI","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/EvolutionImpossibleCover.jpg?v=1706740798"},{"product_id":"grandma-s-surprise","title":"Grandma's Surprise","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrandma's\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e Surprise\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJacob and Emily were so excited! They were going to fly in an airplane to their grandma’s house for Christmas. They kept thinking about how much fun it would be to go on vacation, play with their cousins, and open presents. But they didn’t know that an even more thrilling surprise awaited them. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the children reached Grandma’s house, they found her caring for a cute puppy. What fun they had playing with him! Finally Christmas morning arrived. After all the presents had been opened, Grandma announced that she had one more, and she hurried off to get it. Soon she came back, carrying a big covered bucket. Jacob and Emily wondered what on earth it could be. What do you suppose they found inside? It was the very same puppy with a bow around its neck! “Oh, that’s \u003ci\u003eour\u003c\/i\u003e dog?!” they said in amazement. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKeeping \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eYour \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003ePuppy Healthy\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWouldn’t it be fun if someone gave you a new puppy? Do you think you would need to know how to take care of your new pet so he would grow and stay healthy? Of course! First you would make sure he had good food to eat. Puppies need lots of \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003egood food\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e so they can grow strong—and so do you. God gives us many good things to eat, like fruits, vegetables, bread, cereal and nuts.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome foods you should not eat. You should not give some foods to your new puppy either. Would a chocolate candy bar be good food for him? Oh, no! Chocolate can make dogs quite sick. Sugary foods are not good for you either. They can make you sick, too. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’m sure you would let your puppy play outside in the fresh air and sunshine to get some exercise. When you go outside to run and play with him, you would be doing three things to stay healthy yourself—getting \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eexercise\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e, \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003efresh\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eair\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, and \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003esunshine\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e. What fun!\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter playing outside, you might notice your little puppy’s pink tongue hanging out. I can even imagine him putting his head on your leg sadly. Now he needs a drink of cool water. We need to drink lots of \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ewater\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, too (4-8 glasses a day depending on how big you are).  \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow, what does your puppy need if he starts looking sleepy after all that fun? A nap, of course. He also needs a long sleep at night to grow and be healthy. We need lots of \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003esleep\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, too—especially when we are young—ten hours a night at least. Who gives us sleep? “He [God] grants sleep to those He loves” (Psalm 127:2, NIV). \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes you need to say “No” to your puppy. You would say “No” very firmly if you saw him chewing on an electric cord or drinking the cleansers your mom uses to wash the floor. You don’t want him to be hurt or killed. \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSaying\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e“No”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e is part of God’s plan for us to stay happy and healthy, too. We say “No” to beer, alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs—anything that will hurt our bodies or make us sick.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWho Do You Belong To?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you had a puppy, you would surely want him to be healthy and live a long time. After all, you would love that puppy! Did you know that \u003ci\u003eyou\u003c\/i\u003e belong to someone who loves you very much? The Bible says: “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, . . . and you are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19). That’s why it’s important for you to take care of your body. We belong to God. He made us and He loves us, so He wants us to be healthy and happy, too!\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo you think Jacob and Emily’s puppy has to worry about where to find food to eat, or if he will be safe while he sleeps at night? No. You don’t need to be afraid, either. You can kneel by your bed every night and every morning and \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eask God to take care of you\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e. You can learn God’s promises in the Bible, like this one: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You [God]” (Psalm 56:3). Trusting God’s care is part of God’s plan to help us stay healthy and happy. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo you want to do these simple things so you will also be healthy and happy?  \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a true story, although the names of the children have been changed. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture marked NIV is taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":360}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42251473944759,"sku":"GS","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/GrandmasSurpriseRGB.jpg?v=1706741174"},{"product_id":"highly-favored","title":"Highly Favored","description":"\u003ch5\u003eHighly Favored\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo you believe in angels? In miracles? One of the most miraculous events in history occurred nearly two thousand years ago when a shiny angel named Gabriel appeared to a teenage girl named Mary with a message from God’s throne:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” (Luke 1:26-28).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese words are written in the Holy Bible, which is Planet Earth’s all-time bestselling book. According to the Sacred Scriptures, it was God Himself who sent Gabriel to Mary. Indeed, Mary was “highly favored” and “blessed” among women because an unfathomable event was about to occur within her young body. The drama continues:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut when she [Mary] saw him [Gabriel], she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS” (Luke 1:29-31).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTherefore, Mary was “highly favored” because she had been divinely chosen to become the receptacle for the greatest miracle of all time. She was about to conceive inside of her womb a Child who would be unique from all other normal humans. No other mother could claim such an inestimable honor. Her Son’s name would be “JESUS.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGabriel continued: “He [Jesus] will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32-33). Mary’s Baby would be “the Son of the Highest”—far above every president, prince, princess, ruler, or king. He would finally sit upon “the throne” as Supreme Ruler over a “kingdom” that would have “no end.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow Can This Be?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMary then said to Gabriel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (Luke 1:34).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere Mary highlighted one apparently insurmountable problem. At that moment, she was engaged to a man named Joseph, yet they hadn’t consummated their union. Their honeymoon was still future, and Mary was still a virgin. \u003cem\u003eHow can I have a baby without being impregnated by a man?\u003c\/em\u003e she wondered. Such a thing had never happened—ever!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGabriel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God…. For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:35-37). Gabriel’s answer to Mary’s dilemma reveals an unfathomable mystery. Even before her wedding day, “The Holy Spirit” would rest upon her, and “the power of the Highest” would move within her. A never-before-conception would occur apart from any earthly father. In this unique instance, the Dad would be the Almighty Himself, and Mary’s Baby would be “the Son of God.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn complete submission Mary replied, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Mary’s last words to the holy messenger before he vanished reveal that she considered herself to be a humble “maidservant of the Lord.” She had complete confidence in what was “told her from the Lord” (Luke 1:45).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalled Blessed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA short time later, Mary told her cousin Elizabeth: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in \u003cem\u003eGod my Savior.\u003c\/em\u003e For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:47-48). Mary’s words are deeply significant. First, “all generations” would call her “blessed.” Unlike any other mother since the dawn of time, Mary had the privilege of giving birth to God’s Son. Second, her humility is again revealed in that she called herself a “lowly … maidservant.” Third, she realized that God Himself was her “Savior.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMary’s use of the word “Savior” reveals that she knew she needed to be saved from sin, just like all of us sinful mortals. Her Savior was her Son. “You shall call His name JESUS,” another angel also told Joseph, “for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Both Mary and Joseph were “His people,” needing to be saved from sin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Jesus began His public ministry, in one instance “His mother [Mary] said to the servants [at a wedding], ‘Whatever He says to you, \u003cem\u003edo it’”\u003c\/em\u003e (John 2:5). This shows that Mary not only honored her Son, but also that implicit obedience to His words was her motto. Whatever \u003cem\u003eJesus says,\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003ewe should do.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is important to stress that while Mary was truly blessed to become the earthly conduit for our Savior Jesus Christ, the overriding focus of God’s Book is to exalt her Son, \u003cem\u003enot\u003c\/em\u003e His humble mother. Saint Paul later made that crystal clear when he wrote that God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:4-6).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne doesn’t need to be a skilled mathematician to calculate the meaning of the word “one.” There is only “one God,” not myriads of gods, and there is only “one Mediator between God and men,” and it isn’t a woman. Not even Mary. No. It is\u003cem\u003e the Man Christ Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e who \u003cem\u003ealone\u003c\/em\u003e sacrificed His life on a cruel cross to pay the price for human sin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHonoring Her Son\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsidering these clear Bible verses, have you ever wondered what Mary herself would think about her exaltation to nearly divine status in the church? I imagine that neither Saint Peter nor Saint Paul would approve—because, significantly, in all their inspired New Testament letters, they never mentioned Mary even\u003cem\u003e one time. \u003c\/em\u003eWhy not? Not because Mary wasn’t blessed, but because she herself is not our Savior \u003cem\u003eor mediator.\u003c\/em\u003e This honor belongs exclusively to Mary’s Son. Jesus Himself is the star of the show, and His glory must not be eclipsed by any man or woman who was conceived in the usual way. Seated on His exalted throne above, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself tenderly appeals to each of us, saying, \u003cem\u003eCome to Me,\u003c\/em\u003e all you who labor and are heavy laden, and \u003cem\u003eI will give you rest \u003c\/em\u003e(Matthew 11:28, italics added).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus deeply loves us and warmly invites us to come \u003cem\u003edirectly\u003c\/em\u003e to Him for rest, forgiveness, peace, and “everlasting life” (John 3:16). Again, Jesus Himself says, “Come \u003cem\u003eto\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eMe.”\u003c\/em\u003e Let’s remember the words of the blessed virgin who said,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhatever He [Jesus] says to you, \u003cem\u003edo it \u003c\/em\u003e(John 2:5).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42251487150263,"sku":"HF","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/HighlyFavoredCover.jpg?v=1706741520"},{"product_id":"what-the-world-needs-now-copy","title":"Why I go to Church on Saturday","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy I go to Church on Saturday\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo many, my Saturday church attendance appears to be out of step with the Sunday Christian tradition. They wonder how I can be so confused as to go on the “wrong day.” So, exactly why do I, and millions like me, choose Saturday over Sunday? Consider these three reasons that may surprise you.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReason One—\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eGod’s Word\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI go to church on Saturday because it is biblical and Sunday church attendance is not. While God welcomes worship every day of the week, He set aside the seventh day as a special day of rest. This day is called the Sabbath and corresponds with Saturday. It was given to humankind at creation, about 2,000 years before the Jewish people existed (Genesis 2:1-3). Jesus said the “Sabbath was made for man”—not just for Jews (Mark 2:27).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt creation, God performed three deliberate acts to make the seventh day uniquely different from the other six—He rested, blessed, and sanctified the Sabbath (Genesis 2:2, 3). This is extremely significant.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, we need rest from labor and time to reflect. God wired us this way. This is why He drew us aside that very first seventh day of creation for special time with Him. Second, God packed a spiritual blessing into the seventh day that He didn’t put into the other six. Lastly, God drew a boundary around this 24-hour period and designated it as a day to be wholly dedicated to pursuing a relationship with Him.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf we examine every verse in the Bible on the Sabbath we discover some amazing things. All the Old Testament people of God enjoyed its blessing—and we must remember that until Abraham no one was Jewish (Genesis 11:26). Jesus honored the Sabbath by keeping it every week (Luke 4:16). The disciples kept it (Acts 18:4, 11; 16:13). It will be kept in heaven and the new earth (Isaiah 66:22-23). The Bible presents an unbroken cycle of Sabbath observance from man’s creation to the earth made new.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo why do most Christian churches worship on Sunday? The answer—tradition. You see, the Bible never records God changing the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first. The only change of God’s law mentioned in Scripture is attempted by a clever inside attack on the church (See Daniel 7:25).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis change came in long after the disciples died. By the third and fourth centuries, history records some Christians kept the pagan worship day (Sunday) in Rome and other places where the church was compromising to escape persecution. As the church at Rome grew in political power and developed into the Roman Catholic Church, it officially sanctioned Sunday keeping instead of the Sabbath. Today, it points to this fact of history as proof that its authority and tradition is superior to the plain teaching of Scripture.*\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReason Two—\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eLove\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSabbath keeping is not legalism. “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). The fourth commandment has never been changed by God—only by man. Since the Sabbath is the Bible day for weekly worship, and since Jesus kept the Sabbath Himself, I observe the Sabbath out of love for Him. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many reasons why I love and obey Jesus. Two primary ones are that He is my Creator and Redeemer (John 1:1-3; Titus 2:14). Jesus created the earth in six days and rested on the seventh. The Sabbath is God’s official memorial or “sign” between Him and His people that He is our Creator (Exodus 31:17). And just prior to Jesus’ return, a message from God calls everyone to “worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water” (Revelation 14:6-7). Every time I “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,” I honor my Creator as the one who holds my life in His hand (Exodus 20:8-11).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot only did Jesus create humans, He also redeems us from sin. The Sabbath is a special sign of this salvation—“a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them” (Ezekiel 20:12). Refraining once a week from secular employment to support ourselves reminds us that we can’t work to earn our eternal salvation—it is a gift of God, and we are wholly dependent upon Him (Hebrews 4:4-10). If I can’t trust God to care for my earthly livelihood one day a week, how can I truly say that I trust Him for my eternal life?\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Sabbath reminds me of the love Jesus has given us through creation and redemption. Just as anniversaries are memorials designed to refresh our love for those closest to us, so the seventh day Sabbath reminds us of God’s love and our utter dependence on Him for life in this world and the next.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReason Three—\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eExperience\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third reason I keep the Sabbath is because I’ve responded to Jesus’ invitation to try it and see if His Word is true. God often invites us to test Him. One such occasion is in Malachi 3 where He challenges us to give Him one-tenth of our income. To those who accept, He promises to pour out a blessing. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sabbath also contains a challenge. God invites us to give Him one-seventh of our time. If we do, He promises to bless us. “If you . . . call the Sabbath a delight . . . then shall you delight yourself in the Lord” (Isaiah 58:13-14). I experience this Sabbath blessing every week.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResting on the Sabbath restores me physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. It de-stresses me from the burdens of life. I enjoy uninterrupted time with family and friends that keeps our relationships alive. Worshipping with fellow believers energizes me. I gain insight and inspiration from Bible study and sermons on the Sabbath. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sabbath gives me a reason to stop all earthly pursuits every week. Since it is God’s command, it leaves no room to compromise for a pressing project at work, or any other thing that might come up. This protects the Sabbath rest from simply becoming a good intention that I will get to one day. It is God’s command—no questions asked—so I happily do it and leave everything else to the other six days as God says. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found Jesus’ words to be true—He made the Sabbath for man (Mark 2:28). That is, the Sabbath is not something that God does to us, but is something wonderful He does for us. In this busy age in which we live, I treasure all of the positive blessings that I get to experience, because God has kindly given us the Sabbath.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI understand that my going to church on Saturday may appear strange. But now you know that I do it because I am committed to following the Bible, I love Jesus as my Creator and Savior, and I have discovered God’s Sabbath blessing. You can also enjoy this wonderful experience. If you’d like to know how, or you want more information, just contact GLOW and they can help you.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*See glowonline.org\/dan7, item 24\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCover design: ©www.typofire.com\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43949115670711,"sku":"WHY","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/Why-Church-on-Saturday-Cover-web.jpg?v=1732298635"},{"product_id":"what-is-jesus-doing-now","title":"What Is Jesus Doing Now","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat is Jesus Doing Now?\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEver wonder what Jesus is doing right now? According to the Bible, after Jesus died for the sins of the world, He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. So what is He doing right now? Is He just sitting on a cloud? Is He passing His time watching what we are doing here on earth while seated on His throne? Is He supervising the construction of our golden-brick homes in heaven? Fortunately, we don’t have to speculate. The Bible tells us exactly what Jesus is doing right now. He is judging you and me in preparation for His soon return. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImpossible! you may be thinking.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s more than possible. The Bible says: “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which \u003ci\u003eHe will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained\u003c\/i\u003e. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31, emphasis added).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis inspired passage teaches that God Almighty “will judge the world \u003ci\u003eby the Man\u003c\/i\u003e whom He has ordained.” That “Man” is Jesus Himself, who “rose from the dead.” Jesus affirmed the same truth when He declared, “the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22). That settles it. Jesus isn't just our Savior who died for our sins, \u003ci\u003ebut He is our Judge also\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInvestigating What Jesus Is Doing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut is He judging us \u003ci\u003etoday\u003c\/i\u003e? Some believe so, others disagree. If you ask five pastors, four priests, and even the Pope, you may get ten different answers. But speculation is worthless, just like the flowery promises of many politicians. So let's allow God to answer this question. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 14th chapter of His book of Revelation—the greatest book of apocalyptic prophecy ever written—verses 14-16 describe Jesus Christ’s visible and climactic return at the end of the world. Notice carefully the same chapter's earnest proclamation about what occurs just prior to His return. Verse six depicts a holy angel shouting to “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people . . . , ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, \u003ci\u003efor the hour \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003eH\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003eis judgment has come\u003c\/i\u003e” (Revelation 14:7, emphasis added).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLook closely. Pick up a Bible and read for yourself. Revelation 14:7 boldly announces that “the hour of His judgment \u003ci\u003ehas come\u003c\/i\u003e,” and this judgment takes place at exactly the same time that the “everlasting gospel”—the message of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection—is being preached worldwide (verse 6). This announcement also occurs just prior to His glorious return to the earth (compare verses 6-7 with verses 14-16 and Matthew 24:14). Putting these pieces together shows that humans are being judged \u003ci\u003enow, before Christ’s return\u003c\/i\u003e. And as we have already learned from Acts 17:30-31 and John 5:22, Jesus Himself is our Judge. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy is Jesus judging us? First, because when He returns to earth He will dispense rewards and punishments (see Revelation 22:12), and each person’s case must be decided before Christ's return so He can “render to each one according to his deeds” (Romans 2:5-10). In multiple places the Bible reveals that before God punishes the wicked or rewards the righteous, an investigation takes place where the deeds and motives of those being judged are brought to light before the universe (see Daniel 7:9-10; Revelation 20:11-15;1 Corinthians 4:5). The universe!? Yes. The universe.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy would God need to show other created beings the hearts of those He is judging? God wants everyone to see and trust His decision-making. David understood this clearly. When speaking to God he said, “that You may be found . . . blameless when You judge” (Psalm 51:4). Such an open investigation of the hearts of the human family will prove God blameless when He executes justice on the sinner and gives eternal life to the saint. When sin is finally destroyed forever, no one in God’s created universe will have any lingering doubts about God’s wisdom and goodness in dealing with sin, sinners, and the saved. Everyone in heaven will say, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For \u003ci\u003etrue and righteous are His judgments\u003c\/i\u003e” (Revelation 19:1-2, emphasis added).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA Warning and an Offer\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo what is the point for us today? As we saw earlier, just prior to Christ’s glorious return to earth, a proclamation will be given to the world warning all to “Fear God, and give glory to Him for the hour of His judgment has come” (Revelation 14:7). This message is now in your hands.  \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus Christ is judging us now. When He returns, those persons who have responded to His gift of salvation, turned from sin, and trusted His grace, will be rescued and rewarded. Those who have rejected His merciful offer of salvation and held onto their evil ways will be punished. The judgment is unavoidable—it is coming to everyone. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book of Revelation says that “the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars” are destined for “the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). Do any of these sins describe you? Make no mistake about it: Jesus Christ is the Judge, and every violation of the Ten Commandments is “written in the books” (Revelation 20:12).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe thought of being judged by a Being who knows our deepest secrets can be terrifying—and it ought to be. But God doesn’t want us to live in terror. He has provided a way for our darkest sins to be wiped clean from our record so that we can experience peace and freedom from guilt. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow can your record be cleansed? The Judge of all the earth has already started the process by paying the penalty for your sins. “For God so loved the world,” Jesus Himself stated, “that He gave His only begotten Son, \u003ci\u003ethat whoever \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003ebelieves in Him should not perish but have everlasting life\u003c\/i\u003e” (John 3:16, emphasis added). If you repent, He will forgive and cleanse you of your guilt. If you trust Him fully, you too can be ready when He returns.    \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, you can choose to give yourself to God and then, by His grace, grow into a true follower of Christ as you gain strength through daily Bible study, prayer, and sharing of your faith.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoon Jesus will come and “Not guilty!” will then be His verdict.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43949187727543,"sku":"WJDN","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/What-is-Jesus-Doing-Now-RGB-web.jpg?v=1732299822"}],"url":"https:\/\/glowcentral.org\/collections\/featured-tracts-promo.oembed","provider":"Giving Light to Our World","version":"1.0","type":"link"}