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As
the calendar year concludes and another one commences, the editor makes
the following sacred and solemn resolutions:
RESOLVED:
TO BE HOLY in all manner of godliness (I Pet. 1:5-16) and conversation
(II Pet. 3:11-14); to strive for purity of heart without which no one
can “see God” (Matt. 5:8); to avoid all uncleanness (Rom.
5:3), internally (II Chron. 29:16) and externally (Gal. 5:19-21); to refrain
from unfruitful works (Eph. 5:11), unprofitable words (II Tim. 2:14),
unwise worship (Matt. 15:9), ungodly ways (Prov. 4:14-15) and undesirable
women (Prov. 4:3-11).
To be as consistent
as possible in implementation of the practice of Biblical separation in
all areas in which the Word of God commands, either by specific precept
(I Cor. 5:1-5) or by scriptural principle; (II Cor. 6:14-18), making no
distinction in obedience (I Sam. 15:22) between the so called practice
of “primary separation” (II John 7-11) and “secondary
separation” (II Thess. 3:6-14).
While working
out my own “salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12),
to avoid all unscriptural enticing, entangling and erroneous alliances
(II Tim. 2:4) which would break down God’s divine demarcation line
between truth and error, hinder my spiritual progress and service for
Christ, as well as causing others to stumble. (Rom. 14:21).
Not to warm
to the deceitful apostates (II Cor. 11:13-15) and divisive compromisers
of the day, who would destroy the scriptural unity of the saints, but
rather to warn against them with tearful pleadings (Acts 20:28-31), so
that my ministry can help present saints “perfect in Christ”
(Phil. 1:27).
RESOLVED:
TO BE HUMBLE in personal, preaching and printed endeavors: to
maintain a “humble and contrite spirit”, avoiding a know-it-all
arrogant, boastful and proud spirit (Prov. 6:16-18) so that I may experience
revival of heart and stirring of soul (Is. 57:15);
To seek to
obtain the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5), to have godly longing in character
( I Tim. 4:7-8), guiltless conduct in living (Phil 2:15) and gentle lips
in conversation (Col. 4:6); to be militant (II Tim. 2:3) but not mean
(Eph. 4:31), uncompromising (I Cor. 16:13) but not uncompassionate (II
Cor. 5:14) and strong (Eph. 6:10) but not stubborn (Ps. 78:8).
RESOLVED:
TO BE HONEST; to walk honestly toward those without the fold
(I Thess. 4:12) and those within the fellowship (Heb. 13:18); to work
honestly, providing things “honest in the sight of all men”
(Rom. 12:17) and to write honestly with truth as the foundational source
(Eph. 6:17), love as the functional spirit (Eph. 4:16) and consistency
as the faithful stand (Acts 24:16); to never knowingly misrepresent the
facts concerning the actions, associations or trends of any individual
or organization.
RESOLVED:
TO BE HELPFUL; Since the ministry of helps (I Cor. 12:28) is
one of the most neglected gifts today, my desire is to be a “fellowhelper
to the truth” (III John 8) and to those engaged in the defense and
dissemination (II Tim. 2:15) of the truth;
To be a better
PASTOR’S HELPER in the confirmation and defense of the Gospel (Phil.
1:16) by [a] PRAYERFUL INTERCESSION for faithful shepherds (II Thess.
3:1-2), as well as for fallen saints and erring servants (II Tim. 2:24-26);
BY [b] PRINTED
INFORMATION which protects the unity of N.T. churches against compromising
heretical intrusions (Rom. 16:17); information which is needful but NOT
avoided simply because the items are controversial (Gal. 2:11-14) or the
issues contemporary (II Tim. 4:10); printed matter which contains a constructive
structure in its facts, a Christlike spirit in its features (Eph. 4:16)
and considerate statements in its form; which has as its ultimate goal
the benefit and blessing of the saints (II Cor. 7:8-12).
[c] BY PREACHING
INVITATIONS: A preacher first and foremost, his favorite occupation and
hobby is preaching! His resolution is that his preaching would be Christ
centered in essence (I Cor. 1:23), compassionate in expression (Acts 20:19
& 31) and convicting in extent (Titus 1:9).
RESOLVED:
TO BE HUNGRY for God’s Word, with all considerations of
time centering around this daily feeding upon the Scriptures (Jer. 15:16).
Since God has given His Word the predominant place in His perspective,
(Ps. 138:2), I must give the Scriptures the prime portion in my plans.
It must be my daily delight (Ps. 1:2). I must hide its truths in my heart
(Ps. 119:11), dispensing and disseminating this Word of life at every
opportunity (Phil. 2:16, II Tim. 2:15).
FINALLY, I
RESOLVE AND VOW TO KEEP THE FLAME OF THE LOVE OF CHRIST BURNING IN MY
HEART, WITH A FERVENT HEART FOR LOST SOULS (II Cor. 5:14) apart from which
my vision will grow dim, (Prov. 19:18) my service grow cold (Rev. 2:3),
and all my resolves of non effect. “I will pay my vows unto the
Lord in the presence of all His people.” (Ps. 116:14) D.J.
PS: The “catalyst”
for these resolutions has been the Holy Scriptures, the editor’s
SOLE authority of faith and practice. [This editorial was originally printed
in the Nov.-Dec. 1994 FD, but the contents were so challenging to the
editor that he has decided to accept them anew, as fresh resolutions for
the coming year, with only a final needed adaptation concerning an earnest
passion for lost souls.
Also
in this issue THE UNIQUENESS
OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
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