BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

devastating); and there will be sights of terror and great signs from heaven" (verses 9–11, Amplified Bible, Classic Edition). That sounds a lot like what's being reported both on the national and international news these days, doesn't it? All over the world it seems that things are being shaken. What's more, between now and the time the Lord returns (which I expect will be soon) the world is only going to get worse. While the world is getting darker and darker, however, the Church is getting lighter and brighter. In the Church things are looking up even while in the world they're looking down. "But Gloria," you might say, "how is that possible?" Because as believers, we have the "victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4). And because even while we're living here on earth, our life "is hid with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). Actually, as believers we're in much the same situation Moses was after he asked God to show him His glory in the Old Testament. Have you ever read about that? In response to Moses' request, the Lord hid him in the cleft of the rock and covered him with His hand (Exodus 33:22, New King James Version). Then, He showed Moses His goodness. In the New Testament, our Rock is Christ Jesus! We're hidden in Him in the secret place of God's protection! The world knows nothing about this secret place, nor can they live there. But this secret place is very real. It's a place surrounded by the power of God and by His angels. A place in Christ Jesus where we can live without fear, in safety, health and prosperity. A place where we're safe from all evil and where God can show us His goodness. God is a good God! He is always endeavoring to get us in a position where He can fully do the good He desires to do in our lives. That's why He sent Jesus—so we could experience His goodness and enjoy all the blessings of salvation. It's also why He gave us His written Word—so we don't have to wait until we get to heaven to experience those blessings but can walk in them while we're still here on earth. We need the Word to live free on this earth! Because we're surrounded by a world whose god is the devil, we can't fully experience God's goodness here and be lazy about the Word! Instead, we must do what Hebrews 2 says and "pay much closer attention than ever to the truths that we have heard, lest in any way we drift past [them] and slip away." For "how shall we escape" (the perils of this world) "…if we neglect and refuse to pay attention to such a great salvation [as is now o•ered to us, letting it drift past us forever]?" (verses 1, 3 AMPC). Dwelling and Saying Salvation is more than the new birth! The Greek word translated salvation means "deliverance, preservation, material and temporal deliverance from danger and apprehension, pardon, restoration, healing, wholeness, and soundness." All those things became yours when you were born again. Healing, peace, prosperity, well- being, your family being intact, supernatural deliverance when you need it, and the goodness of God are all part of your salvation and God wants you to have them. But if you don't keep what the Word says about them in front of your eyes and going in your ears, it's easy to let those 2 8 : B V O V "While the world is getting darker and darker, however, the Church is getting lighter and brighter. In the Church things are looking up even while in the world they're looking down. " The KCM Amplified Bible, Classic Edition gives you powerful tools to discover what God's Word says to you. We have partnered with the publisher of the Amplified Bible to put the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition back into print! A time-tested and trusted study resource, the KCM Amplified Bible, Classic Edition is a tool that lets you explore all the rich nuances and shades of meaning in the Bible text without having to learn the original Greek and Hebrew languages. Open the pages of this helpful Bible version, and you won't lose any revelation in translation. KCM.ORG/MAG 1-800-600-7395 (U.S. only) FREE standard shipping included. Offer price valid through Jan 31, 2024 paperback $ 29 95 #240101

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