Of course verse 6 is profitable when isolated and considered separately, but the context in which the statement was made is interesting, namely, the withdrawal from a situation that is perverse and not conducive to spirituality. There are times when we have to show disapproval, and to do so correctly—that is, to know what God likes and what He frowns on—we have to be familiar with His Word. To be able to discern between good and evil is a mark of maturity (Heb. 5:14). The bottom line of success is to make our calling and election sure. Few find the narrow way, and even fewer end up as part of the Bride class.

Verse 6 applies to the servant-master relationship, as well as to other situations, for one is to be content in his circumstance as long as it does not violate conscience. Stated another way, one who is engaged in menial or lowly service should be content with his circumstance because he can serve the Lord equally well whether he is a servant or a master. To realize this contentment keeps one from a fretful spirit in an employment situation or other circumstance of life. “Great gain” is being relieved of anxieties along these lines, for the cares of this life can be a snare.

During the permission of evil, God has been exercising His great power of the universe with the one exception of planet Earth, where His power is exercised only within certain limits. For example, not one of the consecrated can die before it is his or her time. With regard to the public at large, God’s will is not recognized as being done on earth, yet He is aware of all that happens. When He reigns forever and ever, the exercise of His will on earth will be recognized.

After a quick review of the scriptures quoted above. We will give our reasoning: First is that Elijah did not go to heaven. He is part of what we call the Ancient Worthies, a class of Godly men or women, who followed after God. John the Baptist being the last of this group. Jesus opened up a “new and living way.” which by implication of that statement it was not opened up before his death, therefore none had the opportunity of entering in. We are told two things in the scriptures quoted above, 1) King David, a man after God’s own heart, was still in his tomb, he hadn’t gone anywhere in the hundreds of years that had elapsed. 2) we are told that who ever is least in the Kingdom of Heaven was greater than John the Baptist, meaning John was not of the Kingdom of Heaven.

We confess that it is a great bargain— such exceeding riches and glory for a price so mean as to be unworthy to be compared with it; and yet shall we, like Ananias and Sapphira, be found endeavoring to keep back part of the price?

In many of these reasonings, a word is frequently used that may not be clear in our English translation of the Greek. For example, Paul said that a Jew “is one inwardly” and that true circumcision is “of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter [only],” yet we have to study the “letter” of the Word in order to get the spirit. A superficial knowledge of Scripture is different from a spiritual understanding of Scripture, but we have to hear the letter to get the spirit.

Many say, “I know that I love God, and I try to please Him,” but then they put the Word aside and try to use their own reasoning as to what God’s will is. They do not desire instruction.

A true spiritual Israelite’s “praise is not of men, but of God.” A natural human desire is to be recognized by fellowman, but how much better it is to receive praise and recognition from God. The praise of men is superficial and can be very misleading. The one who really obeys receives praise from God; outward obedience is only to please men.

It seems inevitable that no two people think alike and that holds true for the Christian as well (unless you are in a cult and have to see everything the same way). So what do we do when someone doesn’t see things quite the same was that we do? This booklet follows the Christian through the thoughts and prayers that need to be made to make the best decisions. This booklet also gives practical examples. We must all be careful not to give reproach on the name of our Lord by our conduct, so we need to make sure we handle these differences as He would have us do!

Are we inherently immortal or is it a gift from God? This little booklet will examine each scripture bearing on the subject. Study it and come to your own conclusions. You won’t be sorry you did!

Part one: The story of the Wise Men who came to visit Jesus as a young child.
Part two: Jesus’ 2nd Coming and what the doctrine of “Immortality of the Soul” has done to it.