The Mena weekly star., 1916-07-06


 Proverbs 1922.
 The blessing of the Lord, the Pastor declared, is here entrusted with the curse pronounced upon Father Adam in Eden. That curse was death, not eternal torment The blessing, there fore. will be the antthesis of death life everlasting and q return to Edenic conditions for all who are willing and obedient. The wilfully disobedient. how ever. will come under another death sentence, Scripturally called the Sec ond Death. from which there will be no recovery. Christ dieth no more"
 The speaker believes that God has as good purpose in connection with the creation of mankind as with that of the angels. and that the present great difference between the conditions of men and the holy angels is the diff ference between condition of sin and one of righteousness. The angels who live in state of holiness and happi- ness are those that kept their first es- tate. This some of the angels failed to do-the fallen angels. the demons. Uude e Man in his present fallen condition Is sick. mentally, morally and physically. Because of sin be has come under a Divine curse-not dew ilish curse of eternal torment, but Di- vine curse of death.--Genesis 3:17-19: Romans 6:23
 That q universal blessing is to come to all men is made very clear in Scrip ture. This blessing will come through Jesus Christ. As the curse was a worldwide sentence which reached to all of Adams prosperity, bringing all into condemnation, so 1t is the Divine purpose that a release from this con demnation shall come to all through Christ. Our Lord Jesus "by the grace of God tasted death for every man." Every member of Adams race. whether living or dead. is to experience an individual opportunity for life eter- nal through Christ's death.-1 Cor. 15:21, %; Heb. 2:9; Tim. 2:5. 6; Acts 3:22, 23.
 Few Seeing Eyes and Hearing Ears.
 Some Christian people claim that now is the worlds only opportunity. Citing the proclamation that whoso- ever believeth in Christ Jesus shall have everlasting life. they declare that this offer does not extend beyond the present existence, that responsibility te heed this offer rests upon all now. The Bible indicates, however, that not many now understand even the first principles of the great blessing which God has provided. The majority be- lieve not, because Satan has blinded their minds through ignorance, super stition and priestcraft- Vast multi tudes have died without having heard of Christ. Since intelligent faith in our Redeemer Is absolutely essential to salvation, according to Scripture. how could these have opportunity for salvation if the present life ends all hope?-2 Corinthians A; Acts 4:12: John 5:25. 2s, 29. etc.
 To His disciples our Lord intimated that few now understand Gods ar- engagements. (Aiatthew 13.10-17l Ills time to enlighten the world has not yet come. Only few are now in proper condition to be profted by the Truth. Therefore the Lord sees that this knowledge Is given to none except those in the right heart attitude and able to exercise faith. Upon others Gods Message makes little impression. Weakness of heredity or handieaps of training or both hinder them
 All having hearing ears and under. standing hearts realize the blessing mentioned in our text. During the next Age the Lords blessing will come upon the world. but will operate quite differently. Christ will take control of all the world. will bind Satan that ne deceive the nations no more, and will grant the blessing of life everlasting to all who will receive Gods gracious offer into good and honest hearts. These approaching Times of Refresh ment St. Peter calls Times of Res titution. (Acts 3:19-21.) Adam and all his race will be offered restitution from sickness. sorrow, death. from mental. moral and physical disabilities -back to the image of God which Adam lost by disobedience in Eden. but which Jesus redeemed for all man kind at Calvary.
 But those who are Gods children are rich now, rich in the sense of sins forgiven. in the realization tiat God no longer condemns them. that they are His children. joint-heirs with Christ in all His wonderful glory. Gods blessing gives them the spirit of sound mind So they go on their way rejoicing in the hope of future gl0ry.-f Corinthians 20