DISCIPLE

by Mel and Gloria Bowers     “And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD... And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies” (Judges 2:11-14).     “God is love” (John 4:8). God is also loving and kind and compassionate (Lam. 3:22-23). But God is, above all and through all, Holy! (1 Pet. 1:15). As His ambassadors in this wicked and perverse generation (Phil. 2:15), He has called us to Holiness  – a reflection of His Holiness  – as well (1 Pet. 1:15). Because He is God and because He is Holy, He had no choice but to “deliver them (His disobedient sons) into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them... so that they could no longer stand before their enemies.” ...

by Phillip Mullan, Belfast What an exciting time of life!     Finishing school,     Learning to drive,     Having ever-increasing independence,     Going out with friends,     Meeting new people.     Perhaps you are going to university or starting work! There are new freedoms, more money, maybe a student loan, or your first salary – the opportunities seem endless!     We have a tendency as young people to live inside our comfortable “Christian bubbles”. Going to meetings and conferences, socializing and having fun, shopping, gaming, travelling, dining out and dressing up. Perhaps golfing, playing football or rugby, watching TV, films and the endless online options – Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube and Facebook to name but a few.     Would you let the Saviour interject into your busy life?     “If any man will come after me, let him deny himsel...