|
People of The Living God |
|
May 2020
WATCHMEN ON THE WALLS
“IN THE END OF THIS WORLD”
Harold Scullin
“So shall it be in the end of this world” (Matt.13:40).
It is very foolish and most presumptuous and certainly unscriptural for anyone, or any group of people, to say they have had a revelation as to when the end of the world will take place.
The Mighty God, the Eternal Father, who planned and designed, by His infinite wisdom, “before the foundation of the earth,” and who created the universe and man, and who has brought forth His “eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph.3:11), hath also put in His own power or authority, the times and the seasons and the day and the hour when this great event shall take place (Mark13:32; Acts1:7).
Jesus did tell us that when we saw certain conditions in the earth that we should know “that the Kingdom of God is nigh at hand” (Luke21:31). Also, He said, “Look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke21:28). He also gave us a list of events and the order in which they will take place:
1-Matthew 13:30,39 “The harvest is the end of the world.”
2-Matthew 13:30,40 “The tares are gathered together into bundles to be burned"
3-Matthew 13:41 “The angels…gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity.”
4-Matthew13:42 “Cast them into a furnace of fire” where “there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
5-Matthew 13:43 “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their father.”
Let us consider this order of events in the light of the scriptures.
THE HARVEST. This is the time of reaping that which has been sown. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Gal.6:7,8). “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (IICor.9:6). Here are laws of absolute justice that govern the lives of all men. Each individual shall reap exactly what he has sown.
In the days of the harvest, conditions will be such that “the secrets of men” shall be judged (Rom.2:16), and the “counsels” of men’s hearts will be made “manifest” (ICor.4:5). It will be made manifest at this time those whose hearts are “waxed gross,” and whose “ears are dull of hearing,” and those who have “closed” their eyes, “lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them” (Matt.13:15). On the other hand, there will be those of whom it will be written “Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear” (Matt.13:16). The daily walk of the individual, the daily practice of obedience to the Word of God, a daily walk in the Spirit, and daily putting to death the deeds of the flesh, make the difference in the lives of the people. It takes time, effort, labor, the sun, the rain, good soil, to produce mature grain that is ready for the harvest. “First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear” (Mark4:28,29).
Progress, development and growth are essential in the Kingdom of God. “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord” (IIPeter3:18). Mature fruit brings great honor to our Lord. “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit” (John15:8). “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (IPeter2:2). The harvest is not a time for babes; the milk of the Word will not be sufficient for the events that will take place during the time of the harvest. “For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age (mature), even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb.5:13,14). Today is “the day of salvation” (IICor.6:2). Now is the time to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord” (IIPeter3:18). When the harvest comes it will be too late. PREPARE NOW!
The harvest will be a time of much activity. “The tares and the wheat have grown together” for many years – then comes the harvest. There will be no opportunity for partiality, corruption, or any other expression of the devious ways of man. The work of the harvest will not be left up to the vagaries of the carnal mind. “The angels are the reapers” (Matt.13:39,41). “In the time of harvest” – the reapers will first gather together the tares into bundles to burn them (Matt.13:30). The tares are an illegitimate wheat, a make-believe, like those who are hearers of the Word but not doers, thus deceiving themselves (James1:22), or those who “profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus1:16), or others who “draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips: but their heart is far from me” (Matt.15:8). The first task of the angels is to “gather these tares into bundles to burn them.” Friends, it is time to honestly and sincerely seek the God of truth that His sheep be delivered from these “bundles,” or institutions of confusion – the bundles will be burned.
Another task given the angels by the Son of Man is to “gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity” (Matt.13:41). To offend is to be a scandalmonger, a person who circulates a scandal. Jesus gave no hope for this class of people. “Mark them which cause divisions and offences” (Rom.16:17). “Woe to that man by whom the offence cometh” (Matt.18:6,7). “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way” (Rom.14:13). “Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel” (Rev.2:14). Jesus taught that in the end time “then shall many be offended” (Matt.24:10). The other group that the angels will gather out of God’s Kingdom are equally as ungodly as the first group – “Them which do (practice) lawlessness.” These have no place in the Kingdom of God. “Many will say to me in that day…then will I profess…depart…ye that work iniquity” (Matt.7:22,23). Another group who testified that He had taught in their streets, and they had eaten and drunk in His presence were told, “Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity” (Luke13:26,27).
The bundles, those who cause offenses, and the workers of iniquity shall be cast “into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Matt.13:42). “So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Matt.13:49,50). The scriptures speak of other groups, or classes of people, who “weep and gnash their teeth”, because they also were “cast into outer darkness” or “a furnace of fire.” The “unprofitable servant” who did not multiply his talent was “cast into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The “evil servant” who ate and drank with the drunken, and who began to smite his fellowservants,” was “cut asunder and appointed his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt.24:48-51 and 25:24-30). The man who came into the wedding without a wedding garment was “bound hand and foot, and cast into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt.22:2-13). The “wailing and gnashing of teeth” denote the extreme anguish and utter despair of those consigned to “outer darkness” – the darkness outside the limits of the Kingdom of God. Apathy, indifference, a secret desire for one’s own way, a lack of love and devotion to God, unwillingness to surrender and submit to the will of God, hardness of heart, are among the many factors that contribute to the spirit of procrastination – the putting off of obligation and responsibility to obey the Word of God.
The day is just ahead that shall “burn as an oven” (Mal.4:1). “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver,: and he shall purify the sons of Levi (the priesthood), and shall purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer…an offering in righteousness” (Mal.3:2,3). “For our God is a consuming fire” (Heb.12:29). Yes, God does have a furnace of fire! “Whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem” (Isa.31:9). Could this be the furnace of fire into which these individuals were cast? Not many will endure the smelting process of the furnace, but this is the method the Lord will use “in the time of the harvest.” “By fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many” (Isa.66:16). “By the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning” will the Lord wash away “the filth of the daughters of Zion” (Isa.4:4). No one will escape the pleading of the Lord by fire and by His sword.
“He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire” (Matt.3:11). Here is the fire. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph.6:17). Here is the sword. So great and mighty and powerful and authoritative is the Word of God that the Holy Spirit uses it as a sword to raise up the standard of righteousness. In fact, the author of the book of Hebrews states – “The Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and the marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart” (Heb.4:12). By these two – the fire and the sword – the work of the harvest will be accomplished.
Joel prophesied that the Spirit of God will be poured out “upon all flesh” (Joel2:28). All flesh will be the recipients of the Holy Ghost and fire. “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people…yet they would not hear” (Isa.28:11,12; ICor.14:21). The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, are the means by which the Lord will purify the sons of Levi and also burn up the chaff. Through this marvelous experience of the infilling of the Spirit of God, a channel is opened in the individual, whereby the Holy Spirit can speak directly to each person through his own lips. The reaction, or response, of the people to this supernatural testimony will be according to the words of Jesus – “Every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John3:20,21). The heat of the harvest will make plain the difference “between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not” (Mal.3:18).
It is at this time in the harvest that the angels are instructed to “gather the wheat into my barn” (Matt.13:30). John the Baptist also spoke of this time – He will “gather his wheat into the garner: but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matt.3:12). “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their father” (Matt.13:43). This indicates that there will be great light and great heat. “They shall shine forth as the sun.” In the parable of the sower – “A sower went forth to sow…some fell upon stony places…when the sun came up…they were scorched” (Matt.13:3-8). Jesus said these “stony place hearers” had no root in themselves, and when tribulation and persecution arose because of the Word they would be “offended” (Matt.13:20,21). “The offended” were cast into a “furnace of fire.” They could not endure the light and heat of the sun – they were scorched.
The word harvest comes from a Greek word which means heat. We get our English words thermal and thermometer from this same Greek word. John the Baptist “was a burning and a shining light” (John5:35). Jeremiah said, “His word was in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones” (Jer.20:9). Have we not been commanded to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven” (Matt.5:16)? Is not this the kind of testimony the church of The Living God should have given through the ages?
“Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun” (Matt.13:43) – this is the product for which the creation was brought forth – that for which “the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Rom.8:22). “Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain” (James5:7). “The seed is the Word of God.” That which fell “on good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience” (Luke8:11-15).
THE PRINCIPLES OF THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST
Anna McDonald
I want to briefly go over these principles, because they are fundamental and, sometimes, not even taught. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptism, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment” (Heb.6:1-2).
Repentance From Dead Works
Each believer should have had some conviction of sin. Then having made a confession to God for sinning against Him and against others, hate that sin and turn away from it, especially the sins that exclude one from eternal life. There’s a list of such sins in Galatians5:19-21 and Revelation21:3. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal.5:19-21). “But the fearful, unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with the fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev.21:8). One should be willing to leave dead works that do no good and be willing to submit to Jesus as Lord. One does not need to do good or even be good enough to be saved. However, one must repent and trust in Jesus, and believe that He died for our sins and took our punishment for us. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (IJohn1:9). Jesus is faithful and loving because God is love, and He loves us. Jesus is just because He paid for our sins by His blood, and suffered a terrible and cruel death for our punishment and pardon. His blood has power to cleanse us (IJohn1:7). We don’t need to be good enough on our own volition before God’s regenerating work begins in us. When we come to a point where we hand the lordship of our life over to Christ, He immediately begins working in us, giving us a hatred for sin, and giving us the power to overcome sin. It is not His will that we continue in gross sin. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John1:12). “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (ICor.10:13).
Faith Towards God
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John3:16). The Greek word for believe, pisteuo, implies more than just mental assent but also to trust, to rely, and to place confidence in Christ and His teachings. “But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb.11:6).
We must believe that God is good (Psalm107:1). “To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is NO unrighteousness in him” (Psalm92:15; 86:5,15). Brother Zac Poonen said that truly believing that God is good is worth more than a few years of Bible College. Reasonably so, because this belief helps us to trust Him, love Him and fearlessly yield to Him. It also helps us to know that He loves us and His will is for our very best in mind. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom.8:28).
Truly believing that God loves us with eternal infinite love can also help us receive transforming power in our lives. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love” (IJohn4:7,8; 3:1).
We also must believe in Jesus as our Savior. For those that repent, we must believe that His blood, death, and resurrection have power to forgive and cleanse us and impart to us new life (IJohn1:9; Rom.6:11). Jesus is not just a mere prophet as some say, but He is Savior and God (Titus1:3,4). “And without controversy great is the mystery of Godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (ITim.3:16).
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John1:1-3). “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John1:14). “For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col.2:9; Heb.1:3,8; John20:28). Jesus is God in being part of the plural Hebrew word for God Elohim and as having the attributes of God, being eternal, holy, omnipotent, perfect, etc.
Jesus is also our Creator. “for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him” (Col.1:16).
He was in the beginning when God said “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Gen.1:26).
Jesus was fully man yet without sin and has compassion on us (Heb.4:15). He loves us with a very great love (John15:9). And He’s prepared a beautiful place for us and is coming to bring us to be with Him (John14:1-3). As a bridegroom anticipates his bride, so shall we be cherished and loved with everlasting divine love forever (Rev.21:2-4). “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love. Therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee” (Jer.31:3).
Now we have the privilege to call upon His name (Rom.10:13), even as Stephen, the first martyr, called upon Jesus before his death (Acts7:59,60). We have the privilege of speaking with Him and knowing Him (IJohn4:7). Also, we have the privilege to worship Jesus as well as to worship the Father (Luke24:51,52; John5:23; Rev.5:8-13), for He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev.19:16).
Baptisms
Water Baptism
After Jesus was resurrected, He commanded His followers with the following words: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matt.28:19). Those that were convicted in Acts2:37 asked, “what shall we do?” “Then Peter said unto them, repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts2:38). In order to have a better understanding of baptism, it would be beneficial to meditate on Romans, chapters six to eight, especially 6:1-8. These chapters also share a vital truth of how we must have the life of Christ in us, for without Him we can do nothing. We can do many things, but we don’t have the grace to accomplish things of eternal value. Baptism in the original Greek is batisma which signifies immersion. Acts8:38,39 and Matthew3:16 show that immersion was the biblical pattern of baptism.
The early Christians that lived at the time of the first apostles believed that Jesus was speaking of water baptism in John3:5 when He said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” In times of persecution certain believers believed that theirs was a baptism of suffering that was accepted before God. I would not oppose God’s mercy in such situations where water baptism was not possible. However, we should obey Jesus’ great commission when possible. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matt.28:19).
Please look up all these verses, especially if you have not been taught these fundamental doctrines. Baptism is a commandment of Jesus. And obedience to Jesus brings blessings (John13:17). Many churches today try to make light of baptism or even do away with it. A careful pondering of Scriptures will show that it has deep spiritual significance.
Baptism is a spiritual cleansing. Acts2:38 reveals this by saying, “be baptized for the remission of sins.” Also, in Acts22:16 Ananias told Paul, “arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins.”
Romans 6:3,4 shows that baptism is an immersion into Christ and into His death. Verses four to seven reveal a spiritual reality that our old nature is crucified with Christ, and His life is imparted to us so that we might live in newness of life (Rom.6:4-6). Read also verse 11. Galatians3:27 shows that baptism is a putting on of Christ, thus showing again that this is a spiritual participation with Christ. ICorinthians12:13 shows that baptism is an entrance into the body of Christ. It appears that Christians in times past knew the value of baptism, and they were even willing to risk their lives to be baptized. Also, we read of earnest Christians who have been baptized in freezing cold winters to fulfill the command of Jesus.
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
John the Baptist told us that when Jesus the Christ comes, He will baptize us with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter that He would send, the Spirit of truth that will guide us into all truth (John16:7-14). Jesus tells us to ask for it (Luke11:13; also 11:5-13 speaks of prayer and asking; Zech.10:1). In Acts1:5 Jesus tells His disciples that they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost. “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses of me” (Acts1:8). Then in Acts2:1-4, as they continued in prayer with the women, they experienced Pentecost and were all filled with the Holy Ghost. Peter stating that this was the fulfillment of Joel the prophet. “And it shall come to past in the last days saith God, I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams” (Acts2:17). It appears the Holy Spirit’s power was not given to impress others, but rather to give power to witness, to guide us into truth, to help us understand (John15:26), to pray and have communion with God (Eph.2:18; Rom.8:26; IICor.13:11), to overcome the flesh (Rom.8:13), to give us the fruits of the Spirit (Gal.5:22,23), and to become more Christ-like (John1:12).
In Ephesians 5:18, Paul tells the believers to be filled with the Spirit. “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Rom.8:9).
Jesus said, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart I will send him unto you” (John16:7). So, for many reasons it is of utmost importance that we have this baptism of the Holy Spirit. William Law stresses this in his book, The Power of the Spirit, showing that without the Spirit, spiritual deadness, carnality and hypocrisy often prevails.
Laying on of Hands
The laying on of hands was used for receiving the Holy Ghost (Acts19:6; 8:15-17), for receiving spiritual gifts (ITim.4:14), to send men out for God’s work (Acts13:3), and to ordain deacons (Acts6:6). Jesus laid hands on the sick for healing (Luke4:40) and so did Paul (Acts28:8). The laying on of hands may seem unimportant and irrelevant to most of us. However, upon praying about this, I can see I was a bit blind to the value of this teaching. Actually, there can be a great blessing when Godly elders or consecrated men can help impart the power, and grace, of the Holy Spirit to needy souls. Also, how much do Americans value having medical help? Many consider medical insurance essential. The early church believers were probably even more thankful for the gifts of healing which could impart healing by the laying on of hands. Among certain believers and different countries, these gifts still function today. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Heb.13:8). Jesus’ power is still available to us today. In Mark16:17-18 Jesus says, “And these signs shall follow them that believe. In my name they shall cast out devils…they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.”
The Resurrection Of The Dead
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (ICor.5:10; [Dan.12:2; John5:28-29; also the entire chapter of ICor.15]). “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?” (ICor.15:29,30) “If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? Let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (ICor.15:32,33). In Mark12:18-27 Jesus reproves the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection.
Eternal Judgment
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal” (Matt.25:46; IICor.5:10). “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev.21:7,8).
Lately, there are a few groups that are teaching that there is no life after death. This is contrary to many, many scriptures. “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life” (John5:24). “He that eateth this bread shall live forever” (John6:58). “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (IThess.4:16,17). (Read also Gal.2:7-9; Rom.6:5-8). If there is no eternal life there can’t be any eternal hope, no just retribution, no need to fear of God, and all the eternal promises of God would be annulled. But let every man be found a liar but God, blessed forever, be found most wonderful and true! “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Dan.12:2).
Obedience
Obedience is vital to having a real relationship with God. We cannot do anything to earn our salvation, but we must daily repent and choose to follow Christ. “And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke9:23). Taking up the cross is an important key to truly following Jesus and receiving more of His grace and life (Gal.2:20; John3:30; Phil.3:10). Taking up our cross means to put to death sin, our old nature (Eph.4:22-24), selfish desires and pride (IJohn2:15-17), self (Luke14:26), and even natural affection for our own family if and when it comes before God. Each day we continue to have our free will, to continue to follow Christ or to draw back. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” (Heb.10:38-39). (Read also IIPeter2:15, 20-22; IIPeter3:14,17) Jesus also pronounced strong warnings to the hypocrites and those who choose to continue doing evil (All of Matt. chap. 23, esp. vs. 3,23,28). “But will thou know vain man that faith without works is dead?” (James2:19) If we desire something more than just cheap, flaky, or fake Christianity we must be willing to make some sacrifice. David said he would not offer to God something that did not cost him. Paul said as an athlete strives to win the prize so he pressed toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God. The athlete is willing to discipline himself and work with determination to win an earthly prize but we for something far greater and eternal (Phil.3:13,14). How can we expect to get the best for nothing? God has great things in store for us.
We can also show love to God with our wills. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy soul” (Matt.22:37). According to Vines Expository Dictionary, one of the meanings of the soul is the will. So, even when we feel down, we can show our love for God by learning humility and submitting to Him through obedience. All believers go through times of dryness and trials. However, if we persevere and endeavor to remain obedient, our spiritual life will be renewed and strengthened. “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Rom.8:13). “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John14:21). This is such a precious verse. When Jesus manifests His love and goodness to us, it becomes much easier to love Him. “We love him, because he first loved us” (IJohn4:19).
When God’s spirit leads us to do something that we don’t want to do, obedience can open the door for us to victory and blessing. Lingering to obey can weaken our grace to be obedient till we can come up with excuses, then a hardening of the heart, and then fear often enters in. If we translate from the Spanish, Proverbs24:10 says, “if ye are lazy in work, your strength shall be reduced.”
May God help us to be quick to obey. In Song of Solomon5:2-10, the Shulamite maiden, who represents the church, suffers quite a bit from being slow to obey and misses a precious reunion with her beloved, who represents Christ. We do not want to be like the five foolish virgins that were not prepared for the bridegroom’s coming. Jesus said to them, “Verily I say unto you, I know you not” (Matt.25:12). Thus, these foolish virgins were rejected. If we are willing to obey and turn from our sins, God will give us the grace we need. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (ICor.10:13). I’ve also found that if we stop and pray when we are tempted, we can find much strength to overcome sin. Thus, I was able to overcome habits that I couldn’t overcome before being a believer.
There are many false teachings in most of the churches today, like once saved, always saved and “easy believism.” Such teachings are propagated, sometimes, by taking verses out of context, or by luring people to believe what they want to believe, or by not studying the Scriptures. Thus, they can teach that you can’t lose your salvation when there are many warnings and Scriptures like those previous that show otherwise. “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus1:16).
We do not want to be found hypocrites to whom Jesus said, “And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (evil)” (Matt.7:23). “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt.7:21).
More On Repentance
Could it be that there’s little appreciation for Jesus, and heart for the things of God because there’s never been much repentance in your life? Or could it be that other interests are robbing us of the love of God? Paul tells us that we are to examine ourselves to see if we are really in the faith (IICor.13:5).
The Lord is patient and does not expect us to be matured in one day. However, if we are praying and reading God’s Word, God often convicts and shows us how and where we need to improve or change.
There are sins that keep us from entering into the kingdom of God (Gal.5:19-21). Romans3:20 tells us that “by the law is the knowledge of sin.” This was a perpetual law written by God’s own finger the Ten Commandments, or the moral law (Exod.20:3-17; 31:16-18).
One can start an important study by looking up these verses: Matt.5:17-19; Rom.3:31; 7:12; 8:1-4; IJohn3:4; Rev.22:14. Many try to do away with the Ten Commandments, using Galatians. But Galatians is speaking of the Levitical laws (In Acts fifteen verses one to thirty-one shows how we are freed from having to keep all of those 613 laws; also Hebrews speaks much about this, as the Jews were so accustomed to trying to keep them.). Often, we must discern which laws the Bible speaks of by the context, because the Hebrews did not always make this clear. For example, in Matthew19:19-20, the youth asks Jesus which law He was speaking about.
Then Jesus points to the Ten Commandments:
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make any graven image or likeness of anything in heaven, or in the earth, thou shalt not bow down nor serve them.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
5. Honor thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
10. Thou shalt not covet (desire anything that belongs to another).
If we are honest, most of us can see that we’ve done many of these things, probably many times, and we receive countless good things in this life, so we are worthy of punishment. Although Paul was overall an exemplary believer, in Romans seven, Paul reveals that the things he should do, he doesn’t do and the things he shouldn’t do, those he does (Rom.7:18,19). “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom.3:23). So, we are all very needy, but thank God that as the father of the prodigal son, He rejoices to receive us back to Himself when we turn from sin which usually brings harm to ourselves and others.
In Roy Hession’s book Calvary Road, he tells how Christians in Africa found revival and personal victory. They simply and sincerely repented and confessed their sins to Jesus. They then believed and received cleansing and forgiveness through faith in the power of the blood of Jesus (IJohn1:7). Then they asked Jesus to fill them anew with His Spirit. Also, we can have continual victory by quickly repenting of everything that could quench or grieve God’s spirit. He speaks of many sins that may not bring eternal damnation but could lead us that way and seriously hurt others. “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice” (Eph.4:31). Also, pride, envy, resentments, hurt feelings, self-pity, irritableness, bossiness, worry, fear, complaining, and selfishness can grieve God’s Spirit. Some think these are not sins, but if we see what God says about these things and put them to death in our lives, we can be freed from living under the power of these things. They hurt others, ruin our testimony, and keep us from having peace and joy. “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Rom.8:13). As we, through God, put these things to death, we can find cleansing and victory. Then we can ask God to renew His Spirit within us (Psalm51:10).
I read from a lesson by a Bolivian believer, that there are three things that cause many Christian leaders to fall: pride, fornication, and money. We, too, should be watchful to avoid being ensnared by these things.
IT IS I! BE NOT AFRAID
Billy Linthicum
“I want to introduce you to a very special lady,” one writer declared. He continued by describing her as “the most elegant woman in the universe. When it comes to sheer class and beauty, she is without peer. The word ‘stunning’ is an understatement to describe her. She is as beautiful as the face of God. She is beyond captivating. She is hypnotic and magnetic. There is glory in her that most of us have never imagined. Just a glimpse of her matchless loveliness could win your heart and possess your being. For she is incurably attractive.
“This woman stands at the very heartbeat of God’s eternal purpose. She is His highest passion — His holy obsession. And your Lord is out-of-His-head in love with her!” (From Eternity to Here, by Frank Viola.)
By now, I am sure that you have discerned that the writer is referencing the Church. In ways that you may have never thought of, the writer of this description directs our attention to something most Christians seem to have never fully realized, and that is the loftiness by which Jesus views His Church. Do you see yourself in that description? You need to.
This is the Church I see throughout the Bible, and because of the love I have for her — it breaks my heart to witness her being carefully tucked away during this crisis, otherwise known as the Coronavirus pandemic. For the moment, we, the beautiful bride - the very one for whom Jesus laid down His life - have been temporarily separated from one another — BUT —we haven’t been destroyed — we haven’t been silenced — and, we are still very much alive!
The weekly assembly of professing believers is a remarkable event, and MAY WE NEVER lose the wonder of coming together to 'Behold our God!' And, it is during those times, more than ever, that we must constantly remind one another that God is still on the throne.
David Servant, the founder of The Ministries of Heaven’s Family, had this to say in the April 2020 issue of the Heaven’s Family Newsletter, “Covid-19 has certainly disrupted all of our lives. As I’m writing this, that disruption seems to increase with every passing day. It is so good, however, to know that Jesus is still on the throne. In fact, you probably believe, as I do, that He is using the current crisis to draw people to Himself. May He use all of us as His ambassadors during this time when more people than ever are thinking about eternity and what really matters.
“The natural thing to do when a crisis hits is to think of self-preservation. The supernatural thing to do is not worry, trust the Lord, and think of others. When Jesus lives in you, loving your neighbor as yourself seems natural, supernaturally!”
Therefore, let’s not forget that —
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought death and fear among all peoples throughout the world, but Jesus is still on the throne!
The stock market has crashed, bringing mayhem to people’s investments and their 401K’s, but Jesus is still on the throne!
Many are seeing their income slashed, and others who are losing their jobs, but lest we forget, Jesus is still on the throne!
This is not a time to let your feelings run amok and to give up hope — even bringing into question God’s sovereignty in all that is going on. More than ever, it is the time to remember Who it is that you say you have complete trust in. His name is Jesus. He is the King of Kings — and, He is still on the throne. So, trust Him!
Matthew 14:22-33 presents the marvelous story of the disciples grappling with the effects of a strong wind tossing their little boat about in the churning water, fear gripping their hearts! And then, when they suddenly see a figure walking on the sea towards them, not recognizing that it was Jesus, they became even more terrified.
Jesus’ response to their fear is something we need to take to heart as the storms of life rage around us, “Have courage! IT IS I. Don’t be afraid.” The King James version of the Bible rightly nudges our memory to “be of good cheer,” reminding us that we don’t have to allow fear to rule us because of what is transpiring around us. If anything, be encouraged and be comforted with the realization that Jesus is still on the throne — and He loves His Bride passionately.
How are we to respond in tragedies, afflictions and trials? We must understand that God can use any crisis — even a global one — for the transforming of His people into His Son’s image. As one individual wrote, “That being interpreted means: You are becoming a less unbearable human being. And you are finding the positive new opportunities that this crisis has made possible in your life.”
Another very positive thing about a crisis is that God will use it to awaken lost souls to the reality of the Kingdom of God. As followers of Christ, that should excite us.
Speaking in 1866, amid a cholera outbreak, Charles Spurgeon summed up this thought when he gave this charge to all believers:
“Now is the time for all of you who love souls. You may see men more alarmed than they are already; and if they should be, mind that you avail yourselves of the opportunity of doing them good. You have the Balm of Gilead; when their wounds smart, pour it in. You know of Him who died to save; tell them of Him. Lift high the cross before their eyes. Tell them that God became man that man might be lifted to God. Tell them of Calvary, and its groans, and cries, and sweat of blood. Tell them of Jesus hanging on the cross to save sinners. Tell them that He is able to save to the uttermost.
Let’s not grow discouraged and disillusioned at the developments of late. Be the Church most glorious, in all her radiant beauty, wherever you are, and with whomever you are with. Also, I encourage you to use this time to seek the Lord with all your heart — to grow in Him (2 Pet. 3:18).
In Luke 8:22-25, we find Jesus and the disciples, once again in a boat, in the middle of a lake, when a windstorm places all of them in great danger. This time, however, Jesus is peacefully sleeping in the boat. The disciples, in great fear, just knew that this horrific storm was going to cause them all to perish.
But, you know the outcome. The disciples woke Jesus. He then rebuked the wind and the raging waves and everything became calm – a perfect peacefulness. Jesus’ response to the disciples panic is something we need to take to heart during these challenging days. He asked them, “Where is your faith?”
Considering that Jesus slept peacefully during a raging storm, do you realize that when you truly trust in Him, you can too?
So, “Where is your faith?” I don’t know about you, but mine is in the One who is still on the throne.
AN EXPERIENCE? OR A WAY OF LIFE?
Lorraine Scullin
A very popular teaching of our day, and one gaining in favor with people of various kinds of sectarian and non-sectarian backgrounds, states that the ultimate religious experience for a twentieth-first century individual is the baptism of the Holy Ghost. This view is stressed to such a degree in denominations and outside of formal ecclesiastical circles that people are running here and there seeking this experience. Is this the Bible teaching?
For the last 60 years, the charismatic movement commanded the attention of people of all social levels, from the “princes of the church” down to the lowliest laymen. Those from the business world have been influenced by it. On college campuses of both religious and nonreligious institutions, young people had received this Pentecostal experience as well as many in the various youth and “hippie” groups of the past.
This trend cannot be ignored or relegated to some group of fanatics as it once was, when at the turn of twentieth century the Spirit of God began to fall on a group of humble people who were seeking God. This movement has become worldwide in scope, for many in different nations have experienced this supernatural manifestation.
The Holy Spirit baptism is an experience in accordance with His word (Luke3:16; Mark1:7,8; Matt.3:11). Jesus said to His disciples, after His resurrection, “John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts1:5). Just as men were buried in water under John’s ministry, so was it possible for them to be immersed in the Spirit of God through Christ’s baptism.
However, this baptism in the Spirit is not an end in itself, but, tragically, for many who have received the Spirit in baptism, it has become the end for them. This experience has not changed their lives, neither has it given them an objective toward which to press. Paul said, in view of the fact that he had not apprehended or attained that for which he had been apprehended, he pressed “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil.3:2-14). For others, the Spirit baptism has become a form of momentary entertainment. After such an experience, many go back to a life that is carnal and worldly. “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (IJohn2:15,16).
Religious experiences in themselves are not the final goal toward which the servant of God is asked to strive, although the Holy Spirit baptism can be a step along his way. God’s people are called to a walk in the Spirit, not merely to an experience of a few hours’ duration in the presence of the Spirit of God (Gal.5:16); they are called to a way of life, no part of which is to be lived for self. Jesus said, “I am the way” (John14:6). The “Jesus Way” will change every human plan and ambition, not just for an hour, but for a lifetime; it will totally transform the individual who embraces it and will make him eligible for the prize Paul saw. He has chosen the Christ way of life (not an isolated experience), which is marked by the following:
He is not his own; he belongs to Another (ICor.6:19).
He cannot serve God and mammon (Matt.6:24).
He takes no thought for what he should eat, drink, or wear (Matt.6:25).
He forsakes all that he hath (Luke14:33).
He seeks first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt.6:33).
He bears his cross daily (Luke14:27 and 9:23).
He loves God with all his heart, more than his father, mother, wife, children, brethren, and sisters (Mark12:30; Luke14:26).
He denies himself and loses his own life for Christ’s sake (Luke9:23,24).
Actually, the Holy Spirit baptism is an entrance – into a life and walk in the Spirit. It is given to bring men into the state of being, and relationship with God, that Adam lost by disobedience.
Those who have had the genuine baptism of the Holy Spirit (there are also spurious experiences) have lived in the realm of the divine state during that experience. They have walked, as it were, on the “porch of gold,” symbolized by the porch of Solomon’s Temple (IIChron.3:4), which led into the Holy Place, and even beyond that, into the Most Holy Place where the divine presence dwelt continually. (The gold that covered the porch, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place speaks of divinity, the state that God alone possesses.)
These areas in the Temple represent various stages of development that the people of God may reach in this day, even before the end of time. God desires that men would seek, not merely to have a foretaste of this divine realm by means of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but that they would live continually in this heavenly state of being in which state of glory God Himself dwells. He desires to share this estate with those who love Him to the degree that they will obey all that He asks. For this reason was the Son of God manifested that He might lead many sons to an understanding and a possession of this realm of divine being (Heb.4:9). The admonition to us is: “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest” (Heb.4:11).
Multitudes have sampled this walk in this state of divinity for a few hours. However, instead of going on in this heavenly walk where the Spirit of God leads continually, most people who have had this earnest or pledge of divinity (IICor.1:22; 5:5) have gone back into the realm prefigured by the court outside the Temple. This courtyard represents the state into which men come when they are born again (John3:3). This sphere of being is called the Kingdom of God which Jesus said no one could enter except he “be born of water and of the Spirit” (John3:5). These are born-again people, but they have ceased walking. It is not enough that men be merely in the Kingdom of God; they must go on to growth, to the development of talents, and to perfection of moral character in this Kingdom state.
Therefore, they are called to leave the courtyard wherein has been the teaching of “Repentance from dead works” and “the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment” (Heb.6:1,2). These steps and experiences are not the end; they are only some of the means to that end. In order to attain “the prize” – the divine state – (Phil.3:14), men are called “to cross the porch,” as it were, and continue walking – in this new dimension of the Spirit, represented by the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.
For to remain in the courtyard area is to stay where many questionable “characters,” and those of ill repute, will finally be found. Many enter the Kingdom of God who do not continue to walk with God, and who, once there, refuse to obey the principles and laws of that Kingdom. They rebel against the ruler of that Kingdom, saying: “We will not have this man (Jesus Christ) to reign over us” (Luke19:14).
These individuals are joined by many rebel spirits – “the fowls of the air” (evil spirits) who lodge in the tree (the Kingdom of God) as pictured in the parable of the mustard seed (Luke13:18,19 and Matt. 13:31,32). We find a great mixture in the courtyard; they are there together until the end when they will be separated. The good and bad fish are there (Matt.13:47-50), as are the sheep and the goats (Matt.25:32-46); the wicked and the just (Matt.13:49,50); those who used their talents and those who buried them (Matt.25:14-30). The wheat and the tares are there, for the Scripture states, “Let both grow together until the harvest” (Matt.13:24-42), lest the pulling up of the tares uproot the wheat also. “The harvest is the end of the world and the reapers are the angels…The son of man shall send forth his angels and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend and them which do iniquity” (Berry’s Interlinear: Those who practice lawlessness) (Matt.13:39 and 41).
Therefore, “Let us go on” (Heb.6:1), “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Phil.3:13).
EXAMINE YOURSELVES
Harry Miller
“If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (IJohn1:6).
It is possible for a person to think that he has fellowship with God, and yet his life be a lie. Not only does he deceive others, but he, himself, can be completely unaware of this condition.
Paul admonished the Corinthians: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (IICor.13:5). Too many people take their religion for granted – merely “thinking” that all is well.
An honest and true examination of one's faith is no discredit to God; but a shallow indifference to the sacred relationship with our Creator is surely a reproach.
An open examination and laying bare of the foundation stones of our beliefs does not mean that we are tearing down our faith. As a matter of fact, we are but tearing away the rubbish of human notions and ideas.
The foundation stones of truth are eternal and indestructible. Hell has never been able to abolish truth. But both imps and men have cluttered it up with numberless notions and human interpretation until it is hard to find the “Rock”: the original foundation stone.
The “darkness” spoken of here in the epistle of John is a spiritual condition. Jesus said, “he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth” (John12:35). And in John1:5: “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” Isaiah said “we walk in darkness. We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noon day as in the night” (Isa.59:9,10).
What was the trouble with the people who made such a statement? Verses one and two of this same chapter give the answer: “Behold the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.”
When men grow stubborn and refuse to walk with God, the light within them turns to darkness, for the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with a rebel, and God lets him go on in his own way. The blind then begin to lead the blind and, eventually, they wind up in “the ditch.”
“He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted” (John12:40). These men, of whom this was spoken, did not quit their church and forsake all religion. Their trouble was that they clung to their church, but forsook the Lord. “They did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John12:42,43).
The church with its ecclesiastical grandeur and pomp appeals to the pride of the natural man. The respectable citizens who attend these institutions lend power and social security to fearful men.
Pharisees and hypocrites are often made and cultivated within the doors of the church. Who are these of Jude19 that “separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit”? They are churchmen. Where do you find the “carnal” folks Paul rebuked in ICorinthians, chapters one and three? They called themselves of “Paul of Cephas, of Apollos, of Christ.” Today, they are known by many different denominational names.
Where do you find the “form of godliness” spoken of in IITim.3:5, which Paul said should come in the “last days”? Who are the people who would not endure “sound doctrine” (IITom.4:1-3)? Are they not all churchmen?
Consider the following scripture from Micah. Here again we find a backsliding people led by blind leaders “that cry Peace.” “Thus sayeth the Lord concerning the prophets that make My people err, that…cry Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against Him. Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God” (Micah3:5-7).
God “set prophets” in the early church, but most of the churches of today have no answer of God, for they not only are without prophets, they are without faith in a prophet. This is why “darkness” has covered “the earth and gross darkness the people” (Isa.60:2).
The Comforter, the Holy Ghost which the Lord sent unto His church, was to abide forever, “even unto the end of the world.” Now, the main work of the Comforter is to “speak” and to “testify” to the true people of God. As long as we have this leading we do not walk in darkness, but have a constant fellowship with the Lord through His Spirit.
“For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rom.8:14).
My friend, if God never answers you then you have no scriptural foundation to prove that you are a child of God.
I do not mean an answer through some vague happening that you attribute to the work of God. I mean a personal relationship with the Creator that is a “fellowship” as spoken of in IJohn1.
“He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him” (John14:21).
“If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love Him and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John14:23).
“But ye have an unction from the Holy one” (IJohn2:20).
“But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you” (IJohn1:27).
“Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us because He hath given us of His Spirit” (IJohn4:13).
“Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (IJohn4:4).
Paul spoke of the mystery which “now is made manifest to His saints…which is Christ in you the hope of glory” (Col.1:26,27).
“God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts” (Gal.4:6).
Perhaps you, like some, will say, “Oh, yes, I had an experience when I was converted; I know when I passed from death unto life.” But, my friend, how is your relationship TODAY?
“If a man abide NOT in Me, he is cast forth as a branch” (John15:6).
Bear in mind that our walk with God is conditional. In order to “abide” we are obligated to walk as He leads. The object of this walk is not merely to save us from hell-fire; He desires to perfect us through the sanctifying process of truth. “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (IJohn1:7).
A true walk with God will lead to such an intimate relationship with Him that man reaches a place where he is on speaking terms with his Creator, and a very definite conversational relationship becomes established.
“Therefore My people shall know My name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak” (Isa.52:6). Our God is not like the gods of the heathen that are deaf, dumb, and blind. He is a Living Being, a Father, who is very much interested in His creatures, and of those who love Him He has said, “My sheep know My voice.”
What men need today is not a reformation of church principles, or even of church doctrine. What they need is the restoration of the “voice” of the Spirit. The early church depended much upon His voice, and the scriptural records show that He spoke often to guide and direct the work. In “the last days,” we are told, He will restore the “Spirit of prophecy,” for “sons and daughters shall prophesy,” and once again light shall shine into hearts that hunger and thirst after righteousness.
“Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you” (John12:35).