Teaching Resources International

January 1^st, 2000, could be the worst day in modern history. The year 200 bug, or Y2K, affects computer systems that control everything from heart monitors to air traffic control. The problem stems from the use in computers of two digits to represent the year in dates. While this does not sound like a very big problem, when the calendar reaches the year 2000, many computers will not know what day it is, and systems that control the flow of electricity in power grids, the interest on your loans, or the service schedule for industrial equipment may grind to a halt.

Are you afraid of Y2K? A lot of experts who have been studying the problem for many years now, while not advocating panic, are recommending a healthy dose of caution, because this is a problem that has the potential to have devastating effects in nearly every area of our lives.

Why did this happen and what is being done about it? Many years ago computer resources were much more limited than they are today, and every effort was made to conserve those resources; using two digits for the year was one of those efforts. Many programmers knew there would be a problem in the year 2000, but they did not think their programs would still be in use today. As a result, businesses and governments are now spending billions of dollars and devoting countless hours in an effort to find and fix all instances of the problem. This is certainly not an easy job, as there are billions of lines of computer code that must be checked and corrected, much of it manually compounding the problem is the fact that many computer chips, such as those found in telecommunications satellites, security systems, home computers, and machinery of all kinds will not be able to recognize the turn of the century. The search is on to find and fix these chips.

One of the greatest fears regarding Y2K is that public utilities, including water, gas, telephone, and electricity suppliers may suffer disruptions or total collapses of their service. Power outages are possible, but the size and scope of these blackouts is impossible to predict, because of the complexity of the power production network and the difficulties involved with finding and fixing all of the affected chips and programs.

The banking and securities industries are also affected, since computers deal with everything from deposit and withdrawal dates to interest calculations. While most banks expect to have their own problems fixed in time, many services relying on the transfer of accurate information from one bank to another, including ATM transactions, the clearing of checks, and so on, may be affected as corrupted data invades the systems. The global economy, which has proven itself to be delicate and volatile, could also feel the impact of Y2K.

While the world begins to realize and deal with the problem of Y2K, an even larger problem looms. It is a problem that will not go away, threatens more than the loss of power and heat, and will bring loss greater than the loss of all the wealth in the world. It is the problem of sin and the judgment of sin by a holy and righteous God. Just as programmers didn’t think their actions would affect the future, do you mistakenly believe that when your life is over that that’s the end? You have a never-dying soul. God’s Word says, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Are you afraid of losing power and heat in the middle of winter? You should be more afraid of spending eternity in the “blackness of darkness for ever” (Jude 1:13), in the “fire that never shall be quenched” (Mark 9:43). Jesus said, “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

Are you afraid that your money might be misplaced or lost, or that a global depression might affect your life? You should be more afraid of losing your soul. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). Even if you lost the wealth of the entire world, this would not compare to losing your soul.

Are you waiting for someone to step forward with a solution to Y2K? Those who understand the enormous scope of the problem know that this is impossible. But with the problem of sin—a much larger problem already affecting everyone in the world—Someone has already provided the solution. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, stepped forward “to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26). When Jesus was crucified, He “bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). The problem has been identified and the answer has been provided. “He that believes on the Son has everlasting life, and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36). Have you received Jesus Christ as your lord and Savior? Do you believe that His blood is able to wash away all of your sins? (1 John 1:7). Have you trusted Him, and Him alone, for the safety and salvation of your immortal soul?

Then, no matter what the year 2000 brings, you will have peace within knowing that you are prepared for eternity and that your future is secure in Christ.

NOTE: Much has been written about the Y2K problem, often describing apocalyptic scenarios. We have included this article, not as a commentary on what may or may not happen as a result of Y2K, but as a sober means of reminding one another of a far more important problem facing modern man—the problem of sin and judgment.

This article comes from a tract published by a missionary in Dominica, West Indies (Daniel Shanks). We are not sure if Daniel is the author or not, but we certainly appreciate the timeliness of the message.

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No book in the modern or ancient world compares with the Bible in terms of circulation, translation, or impact. No book has influenced the number of lives that the Bible has.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” The Psalmist said to the Lord: “You, through your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies … I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation; I understand more than the ancients, because I keep your precepts” (Psalm 119:98-100).

This issue provides a number of articles related to the Word of God. Some of the articles are doctrinal. A. W. Pink’s “The Unity of the Bible” and Charles Spurgeon’s “The Infallible Word of God” lay some foundations for understanding the unique treasure that the Bible is. Pink’s other article, “A Presumption in Favor of the Bible,” logically demonstrates our need for a clear revelation from God.

Two articles provide some practical helps. Boston’s “Directions for Reading the Word” gives some important helps for all readers. And, although William Gouge’s “Preaching God’s Word” is most specifically for preachers, it also contains some helps for rightly hearing God’s Word as it is preached.

Charles Spurgeon’s “Christ’s Indwelling Word” is his exposition on Colossians 3:16 and includes many insights and helps related our letting the Word dwell in us. Finally, we encourage you to read Watson’s “The Godly Man is a Lover of God’s Word.” This comes from his The Godly Man’s Picture. This is an excellent book that is currently in print from Banner of Truth. We highly recommend it. We have also included some insights from a message Jim preached on “The Sword of the Spirit” from Ephesians 6 in a series on spiritual warfare.

We continue to hope and pray that these articles are helpful to our readers. Most of all, we pray that the Word of God would be the foundation of you life as you enter this new year and new millennium!

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

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The focus of this issue is on a topic frequently neglected in our age–the blood of Christ. Through a variety of articles, we hope to rekindle appreciation for and an interest in preaching about the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. The old hymn puts it poignantly: “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” It is our hope that you will be encouraged by this issue to teach about the “precious blood of Christ” and that you will find that His blood alone is sufficient to pay for all our sins and cleanse us to that we might stand faultless before the throne.

A number of the articles are excerpts from sermons by Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Spurgeon may have been the greatest preacher of the modern era. Even before the era of the mega-church, Spurgeon pastored a congregation in London that regularly ministered to over 6000 people each Sunday. Spurgeon was a popular preacher, but he never shied away from preaching the great doctrines of the Bible. One theme on which he often spoke was the blood atonement. Choosing from a few of his sermons was most difficult. Shortening them for this publication was also difficult. We hope that the message of the blood, as preached by C. H. Spurgeon will prove to be a great blessing for you. We have also included a short excerpt from another sermon by Spurgeon that we hope will be a “new year’s” encouragement to all preachers: “Preacher, Keep Your Heart Full!”

Along with the articles by Spurgeon, we have included two by the Puritan theologian, Stephen Charnock. “The Cleansing Virtue of Christ’s Blood” is part of an introduction to an exposition of 1 John 1:9. Although we have only included a short part, the entire message is worth reading if you have access the Works of Charnock. Articles by Horartius Bonar, Andrew Murray, and A. W. Pink round out the theme study on the blood of Christ. Finally, we have included another article by Frank Boreham, this time on Hugh Latimer’s text.

Jim’s teaching ministry will continue to be a priority in the coming months. He is currently scheduled to be teaching in Haiti, Belgium, and the Ukraine this spring. There is also a possibility of teaching in Romania if we can work out the scheduling. Continue to keep us in your prayers regarding these trips and also regarding Jim’s writing and editing ministry. May the Lord bless your efforts for His sake as you serve Him this new year.

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

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Romans the eighth chapter is one of the “crown jewels” for believers to gaze upon in the Word of God. It has been said that the Book of Romans is the “Alps” of the books of the Bible and that the eighth chapter of Romans is like the Matterhorn. Dwight L. Moody once said: “I would rather live in the center of Romans 8 than in the center of the Garden of Eden.” He explained that, even in the Garden, Satan was able to lead Adam and Eve into temptation, but the believer who lives in Romans 8, Moody reasoned, was protected from Satan’s deceptions. While such may be an overstatement, the believer who comes to rest in God’s sovereign control over all things (which is the message of Romans 8) is greatly strengthened against all kinds of difficulties.

If Romans 8 is a “crown jewel” for believers, then Romans 8:28 must be one of the more precious jewels. A. W. Tozer noted that Romans was like a beautiful ring on a woman’s finger, Romans 8 was like unto the jewel set in that ring, and Romans 8:28 was like the sparkle of that great jewel. Analogies aside, Romans 8 is a power chapter that speaks of God’s continuing work, protection, and plan for all believers.

With these thoughts in mind, the focus of this issue is that great chapter. In Romans 8, we find teaching on sanctification (8:1-17), suffering (8:17-25), the role of the Spirit in prayer (8:26-27), and God’s providence and constant love for His children (8:28-39). But most of Romans 8 provides comfort to believers no matter what they are facing in this world. Paul begins with the reminder that, for those who are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation. He concludes the chapter with a great encouragement: that nothing shall ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Throughout the chapter, great comfort is provided for those who are the children of God.

Because this chapter is so rich in truth and comfort for struggling believers, all of the articles in this issue are related to some aspect of Romans 8. Certainly we could have included many other excellent articles as this great chapter has been preached often by men of old to the edification of the saints. We hope that each one will serve to help you to better “comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height” (Ephesians 3:18) of the love of God which is found in Christ Jesus alone.

By His Grace,

Jim & Debbie Ehrhard

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Perhaps no doctrine is of greater importance than justifying faith. Should we fail to properly understand what faith is and on what it rests, we might mislead many into an eternity apart from Christ. The Reformers placed great weight on a proper understanding of faith. They declared that justification by faith alone was the doctrine on which the church stands or falls. They defined faith carefully so that what the faith which they preached and taught might not be confused with the faith that was normally taught by Rome.

They labored to make certain that “faith” could never be construed as a “work” that one performed or as a “merit” whereby one gained forgiveness of sins. Conversely, they argued against Roman claims of antinomianism by teaching that true faith was accompanied by good works. In other words, those who had faith were changed in their lives.

Today there is a need to be especially clear in our teaching about faith. Most view faith as an act they do. Wrapped up in such an assumption is the idea that “a profession of faith” is identical with faith. If they have made a “decision,” that’s all that matters, even if there is no change in their lives. Biblical faith, however, is different. It is evidenced by a trusting Christ, a following Christ, and a new love for Christ. One who has true saving faith is not the same—he is new, he is changed.

It is our hope that the articles in this issue might help you to sharpen your thinking about “faith.” Read each carefully, repeatedly, and always in light of the Scriptures. Included are articles by Thomas Watson, a 17^th century puritan; Solomon Stoddard, and Joseph Bellamy from 18^th century America, Jonathan Edwards, C. H. Spurgeon from 19^th Century England, and A.W. Pink from 20^th England. Although their writing span four centuries, their teachings on faith are in accord. We pray that each will provide insights to increase your understanding of faith that saves.

Also, we have included another article about three characters found in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. Thank you for your prayers for us and for your support of this ministry. Jim will be teaching mainly in the Ukraine this year (3 times) and once in Belgium. Continue to pray for his effectiveness in teaching and preaching.

By His Grace, Jim & Debbie

Copyright Jim Ehrhard, 1999. You are permitted to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that: (1) you credit the author; (2) any modifications are clearly marked; (3) you do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction; and (4) you do not make more than 100 copies without permission. If you would like to post this material to your web site or make any use other than as defined above, please contact Teaching Resources International

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