Are you ready?

The imminent return of Jesus Christ is a biblical imperative and therefore a reality! Because it is a reality, God’s people must wake up, get up, clean up, get prayed up, and start living it up for Jesus! Endure the hardships of living for God! Do not walk away from your faith and turn to worldly wisdom!

How would Elder Laine Wilder explain the importance of the Word of God? A wise man once said, “Where the word of a king is, there is power.” Thus, saith the Lord! Not…“thus, saith tradition,” or “thus, saith religion,” or “thus, saith the government,” not “thus, saith education,” or “thus, saith experience,” or “thus, saith the heart.” These are idol-gods and defile the heart and must be destroyed. They usurp the rightful place of God’s Word in our life.

"The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. CHRIST is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward all faithful labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents." (Author unknown)

Elder Laine Wilder reveals the mystery: Here’s the mystery: The morning of the Resurrection of Christ, Jesus was not “restored back to life.” Jesus was Resurrected! Those who were raised from the dead would die again, but Jesus Christ, at His resurrection, was raised in an immortal, incorruptible, forever body that will never die, get old, get sick, or get hurt! Praise the Lord!

Elder Laine Wilder posits, "Have you ever asked yourself the question, 'Why did Jesus die on the cross?” The Holy Scriptures provide plenty of answers to those who seek the truth, and Laine praises God for immortal realities and certainties. Why? Because "Jesus has done this great work! His resurrection from the grave was God’s exclamation point that His sacrifice for our sins was accepted, that sin was destroyed, the law was satisfied, that God honored, and that His people were eternally and everlastingly saved. And now, “He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25 (NKJV). PRAISE THE LORD!

In this week's Insights From an Elder, Laine Wilder challenges us to watch out for people who practice "make-believe religion." They may be the ones with "shallow hearts" who sit next to you every Sunday and practice a form of "modern ritualism" for the benefit of others, and when they leave the church, they return to their unregenerate lives. Listen to Laine's insight on how to avoid the pitfalls of religious hypocrisy.

Elder Laine Wilder recommends that we "never question God’s love! He went overboard, for you, by paying the ultimate price so you can be born into His family through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ." Let us closely examine what the Apostle John means by "lavish" when referring to God's love.

If I told you the "god" that's preached from pulpits today has no power to save and no ability to do anything for anyone, would you believe me?

Beloved, the God of the Bible doesn’t need your help nor your cooperation in order to save you, help you, or bless you. Be very careful that you believe the Bible and its description of God instead of believing in the pitiful and powerless "god" that is preached in many pulpits today!

Elder Laine Wilder asks, "Did you know that a broken heart, a contrite spirit, and a subdued will are rare things these days?" He contends, "No one has ever experienced the grace of God in salvation until their heart is thoroughly broken before a Holy God, revealed in the crucified Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." Will you be counted as one of the "broken people" destined for an eternity with Jesus? If not now, when?

Elder Laine Wilder asks, "Do you ever wonder how you are going to get through another strenuous, and weary day? Are you tired of the rat race and just hoping to make it to the end of your life unscathed? Let me give you some exhilarating news…HANG IN THERE! God has something GREAT in store for you!" He then lays out the "good news" throughout the scriptures that is found in Jesus Christ. He makes an absolute declaration: I WILL SEE GOD!

This week, Laine Wilder asks, "Is life wearing you down? Are you weary of trying to please others or even yourself? Are you taking body blows from a life that is sucking the joy right out of you? Are you ready for a refreshing, shower? Ezekiel 34:26 says, “And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing;” Indeed, God showers his blessings on anyone who chooses to repent and worship Jesus Christ. If today you hear his voice, do not harden your heart to his calling. Instead, repent, and receive your shower of blessing.

Elder Laine Wilder comes to you personally to provide several good reasons for the hypostatic union of Jesus. According to Laine, "Only Jesus poured out His soul unto death so that all who believe in Him will never die. Only Jesus endured the worst so that we would, forevermore, enjoy the best - HIMSELF! Oh, what a Savior!" Only One could satisfy God's righteous judgment for cosmic treason. There was no other who could save us - Only Jesus!

Elder Laine Wilder asks this week, "Why do people gravitate to sentimental pictures of Jesus?" Do we actually know who the REAL JESUS is? "The REAL Jesus requires repentance from the lifestyle of sin. The REAL Jesus seeks those who would deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. The REAL Jesus offers forgiveness and everlasting life if you will believe in Him! The REAL Jesus is ready to wade through pain, death, and hell itself to find us, grasp our hand, and bring us safely through." Have you turned your heart to the REAL Jesus? If not today, when?

The Apostle Paul was in a Roman prison for his faith in Jesus Christ. Not knowing how long he had to live, he wrote the following words to the church at Philippi, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard-pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” Philippians 1:21-23 (ESV).

Beloved, Paul wanted to depart. He was ready. He couldn’t wait to be face-to-face with Jesus! How about YOU? Are you ready to shout, “Anchors Away!” and set sail into Jesus’ arms?

Elder Laine Wilder asks, “What great and mighty things do you want God to do for you?” and reminds us that with God, there is nothing that is impossible if we ask and believe. Is there a great and mighty thing that you would ask the Lord for? Today, be encouraged to “lay your burdens at the foot of the cross and see what great and mighty things the Lord will do for you!”

In this week's Insights From an Elder, Laine Wilder challenges the believer to "seriously consider who it is you are really talking to" when you pray. To whom do you lift your voice in prayer? The Creator of the universe wants to hear from you. He is listening, and ready to answer, if you will call to Him!