In this series we have considered the apostle’s exhortation to us, in the verses above, to “fan into flame the gift of God which is in you.” While some believers through the centuries have acted upon this word in a marvelous way, so many others, it seems, have not.

The very sober word below from G.H. Pember (England, 1837-1910) helps to explain why this is the case. Mr. Pember was the author of Earth’s Earliest Ages; and while that is is most well-know book, his four-volume set on Biblical prophecy, from which this excerpt is taken, is also extremely valuable and worthy of much study.

Why We Refuse
the Lord’s Gifts

If it be asked, Who is sufficient for these things?—we reply, No man, in his own strength; but power shall be given to every one who earnestly and sincerely desires it. The revelation of God declares that all grace is freely offered to us; and that the only hindrance arises from hesitation on our part to receive His gifts, because we shrink from the responsibilities they involve and love this present world.
— The Great Prophecies Concerning the Gentiles, the Jews, and the Church of God, pages 453-454; first published 1887, reprinted 1998.

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—  14 January 2026 —