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People of The Living God |
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August 2020
WATCHMEN ON THE WALLS
COULD WE BE LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS?
IF SO, WHAT SHOULD WE BE DONG?
Anna L. McDonald
Many believe we are in the last days. Many don’t like to think about it. In reality we could all die at any time in anyway, and the main thing is that we would be found in Christ.
Biblical prophecies speak of signs that will reveal when the end of the world will come. There have been signs of the last days since Jesus died but never like we witness today.
There has been a great increase of earthquakes worldwide. In 2011 one of the biggest earthquakes in history left 19,000 dead in Japan, with many more suffering from nuclear contamination. The world’s deadliest tsunami in 2004, resulting from another extremely large earthquake killed over 23,000. Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 left approximately 10,000 dead in its wake. It was the most powerful storm in history with gusts up to 230 mph. Another recent typhoon in December 2014 hit the Philippines leaving 620,000 displaced and many suffering without food and water.
“It has been estimated that incidences of earthquakes has doubled every ten years since 1950. They have been increasing in frequency and strength (esp. since April 2014). So clear are these signs that we today can have no doubt that we are in the last days” (Matt.24:3-9). Quotes are from Nstarzone.com. There is a lot of amazing evidence through this ministry and others through the Internet.
There has also been a great increase of crime, drug abuse, violence, wars (Rev.6:3,4), disease (Matt.24:7), cancer, hunger (Rev.5:5,6), persecution of Christians (Rev.6:9,11; Matt.24:9). The Christian religion is now the most persecuted religion in the world. Approximately 322 Christians are killed each month and many more are suffering violence and hardship right now. This information is from April 2015. However, it appears that the daily approximate number of deaths of believers is rising. There is also a great increase in natural disasters, tornadoes, floods, droughts, economic problems, and psychological problems. Suicide is now one of the ten greatest causes of death. Considering the overwhelming evidence that we are in the last days gives us added incentive to prepare to meet our Maker. May we strive not to be seeking first the things of this world (Matt.6:33), nor to be overly entangled in this world (IITim.2:4,5; IIPeter3:10-14; Luke8:14).
I used to be intimidated by this topic, but through prayer God has taken away my fears. Also, in the past few years I have been finding many encouraging Scriptures about how God will give much grace and strength to His faithful followers. “But the people that do know their God will be strong, and do exploits” (Dan.11:32,33; Joel2:21-32). However, it is sad to see that apparently the great falling away is now taking place (IIThess.2:2,3; Joel3:14). Many shall depart from the faith, but for the faithful there are many amazing and precious promises (Joel2:21-29; Zech.10:1; 12:8-10; Mal.3:16-18; 4:1-6; Isa.54:10,13,14,17). “Fear not; O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things” (Joel2:21).
The most important thing we need to do is to prepare spiritually and to draw near to God. Then God can give us all we need – guidance, protection, strength and grace. One Chinese church leader who spent 23 years in prison said this to Christians who did not face persecution: “It is vital that we spend time with God to grow in Him so that we’re prepared to stand strong in the face of persecution” (www.opendoorsusa.org). Foxe’s Book of Martyrs is also full of amazing testimonies of miraculous grace given to faithful Christians. Many reveal that God is very faithful in times of great need and in such difficulties they found a deeper fellowship with God. It would be wise to seek God’s will for these days we are living in. It could be to flee to the mountains (Matt.24:16) or to preach the word, or to disciple your children. Whatever and wherever His will is will be the best for us (Isa.52:12). It appears that God will bring some to refugees prepared for His people (Rev.12:6,14). Some will die as martyrs but have a great reward (Matt.5:10-12; Rev.7:14-17; IITim.4:7,8) and some shall see Him coming in the clouds!
I want to encourage you to read or listen to the basic teachings of Zac Poonen. Recently, I have been surprisingly blessed by them even though I have been a believer for almost 40 years now. He says lack of good fundamental teaching can hinder us much from growing spiritually as we should
HOW TO KNOW GOD’S WILL
The first and most important way to know God’s will is through His word. It is amazing how God’s Word can answer almost every question about practical and spiritual things, about relationships, about what’s good, and what’s not good, etc.
The second way would be to ask yourself if this would be something edifying and beneficial, or could it be a stumbling block to others? Does it bother your conscience? (ITim.1:19)
The third way of knowing God’s will would be through the godly counsel from a mature elder or pastor (IPeter5:5). We are particularly called to be submitted to those that are in authority over us, to elders in the church (IPeter5:5), and wives to their husbands (Col.3:18). Receiving counsel from parents can also give clarity about knowing God’s will (Eph.6:1; Ex.20:5). Then, also, receiving counsel from other mature believers (Eph.5:21). This is especially true concerning choosing a spouse and dating. Often people can lose good reasoning when under strong attraction to the opposite gender. For that reason, there’s a common expression that “love is blind.”
Fourthly, open doors can show whether something is of God or if it is even possible. Sometimes God can open doors like an invitation for a pastor to speak somewhere.
Fifthly would be hearing God’s voice. This could be through a prophecy, an extraordinary dream or vision, or hearing God’s voice, usually after praying and waiting quietly in prayer (IKings19:12). Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John10:27). But we should use some caution with this method of hearing from God because IJohn4:1 says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Sometimes the enemy can bring confusion by speaking to us, also. If we hear a voice that goes against God’s Word, it can’t be from God. If someone prophesies to us but that person is in serious sin, we can’t put much confidence in such prophecy. More commonly, God may give you a check in your spirit, or you may feel you shouldn’t do something. In these situations, it is usually wise not go against your conscience (ITim.1:5,19). These methods would be more recommended for those that have been walking uprightly with the Lord for a while.
Lastly, Colossians3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Sometimes we must use sound judgment. If we don’t have peace about a major decision, it would probably be wise to keep praying for wisdom and wait.
LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER
“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; Matt.22:37-39). God is love and these are the two most important commandments.
This is so important, but before going on I think I should touch on a common error that has been coming into many churches. People rest on God’s love for a license to sin. We humans tend to go too far to the left, or too far to the right, or too much of this or that. So Jesus has to teach us the straight and narrow path. Usually, we need to be patient with an erring person. However, there are times that we are called to correct someone in meekness, and confront someone for certain things. In certain situations we are even told to disfellowship (ICor.5:11; 15:33).
Now, back to loving God and others, “Jesus said unto him, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matt.22:37-39). Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John13:35). However, even in Christian churches there is much division.
“How often among Christian workers there is found sharp criticism, sharp judgment, hasty opinion, unloving words or secret contempt of each other! Oh, just as a mother’s love covers her children and has compassion on their failures, so there ought to be love toward every brother and sister in Christ in the heart of every believer. You know what John further says in the most solemn test, ‘If a man say, I love God and hateth his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?’ (IJohn4:20)
“There is a brother a most unlovable man; he worries you every time you meet him. He is the very opposite disposition to yours. He is most untidy, unbusiness-like. You say: ‘I cannot love him.’ Oh friend, you have not learned the lesson that God wanted to teach above everything. Let a man be what he will; you are to love him.” – Andrew Murray.
“This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John15:12). We can hardly fathom the love, mercy, and patience Jesus shows us. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves. We sure would not want others to have ought against us, to treat us badly, to be quick to think evil of us, to speak maliciously of us, etc.
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (ICor.13:4,5). This scripture is quite convicting to me. Probably many of us comparing ourselves with God’s love will be humbled and, hopefully, see our neediness of His perfect and divine love.
“People often ask, ‘what is the baptism of fire?’ I have answered more than once. I know no fire like the fire of God, the fire of everlasting love that consumed the sacrifice on Calvary. The baptism of love is what the church needs. To get that we must begin at once to get down on our faces before God in confession and plead ‘Lord let love from heaven flow down into our hearts.’ Plead for God’s people that He would visit them, plead for each other, plead for all believers that are trying to work for God. Let love fill your heart. Ask Christ to pour it out afresh into you every day.” – Andrew Murray (Hos.6:1-3; Zech.10:1).
Let us do everything possible to draw close to God. May the Holy Spirit quicken the first love in our hearts and fill us with the fire of God’s love! Come Lord Jesus, Come!
TROUBLING TIMES
Alfred King
There is a law in place for those who cry “FIRE!” in a crowded area because of the dangerous effects of panic as people begin to rush toward the exits. One of the most dangerous places to cry “FIRE” is in a filled movie theater. The reason is that it is somewhat dark, most of the seats are filled with movie-goers and it’s difficult to be patient and wait for those closer to the isle to exit. In many cases when there is a fire in such a place, more people are killed by being trampled upon by those in panic-mode than those who died from smoke inhalation or the fire itself. Actually, the best move in such a crisis is to remain calm while quickly and orderly exiting the building. As a child the school I attended had monthly fire drills and we were all taught to exit quietly with no running or pushing. In all the years I attended school, no one was ever killed by students who were in panic-mode. (Of course there was never a fire either.)
Walking through many supermarkets and department stores in America’s major cities observing empty shelves is a strange experience. We are not used to seeing the shelves bare, or items being rationed, and we find ourselves uncomfortable when the supplies we need are not available. The anxiety that has spread across this country is amazing and at the same time, very sad. All of this fear is over what has been named, “Covid-19”, a virus that is serious, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing illnesses. The virus is severe and we should not ignore it. Yet panic is dangerous and costly, and is certainly not the answer nor the solution to the epidemic. What has happened in our nation over the past few months is truly shocking to say the least.
The panic that has smitten our nation is a grim reminder and indicator of our departure as a nation from the Lord. If a person knows God as his Savior and his confidence is in Christ alone, he is assured that nothing happens outside of God’s knowledge and he is able to stand upon God’s promises that He (God) will never leave nor forsake (Heb. 13:5). Christians are not promised we would not face difficulties. In fact Jesus told us that we would have tribulations in the world. He specifically told us that in the end times, there would be great tribulation and there would be unprecedented catastrophes. In His discourse to His disciples regarding His second coming, He said there would be nation waring against nation, racial feuds, famines, diseases, earthquakes, and other extremely disturbing and earthshattering events which will try every man’s foundation (Matt. 24). He admonished His disciples that they must “endure to the end” to be saved (Matt. 10:22).
The panic which COVIC-19 has brought about, is more dangerous than the virus itself and very likely will cause more lasting devastation for the future. Panic is perilous because it brings with it irrationality. People do things which are not rational and respond out of fear. The illogical actions of many people today is somewhat scary and makes me wonder what it will be like when the judgments of God begin to fall upon the earth. If man is so fearful today, in the day of ease, luxury, and prosperity, in a day when we have the best medical care in the history of the world to combat this coronavirus if we were to be infected, what will humanity do when things really get bad, when God’s end-time judgment falls upon mankind? John the beloved was given a graphic picture of the days of which we speak in Revelation 6:15-17, “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” If COVID-19 has caused the panic we see today; who can imagine what it will be like in the days just preceding Jesus’ second coming?
I am not claiming that Christians never fear tragedy or that we are exempt from distress or even terror, but as Christians, we have comfort in Jesus Christ, a rest of which the world knows nothing and it is in Him that we must put our trust. This minor disease (minor by comparison to what will come) is an opportunity for Christians to test their faith and trust in God. God is still on the throne and He is sovereign. Job didn’t know about the discourse in heaven when Satan accused God of protecting Job. But trusting Job could honestly say, “the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). He so thoroughly trusted God through his affliction that he remained steadfast in his faith in God throughout the whole ordeal which is shown in his words in Job 13:15, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”
In the New Testament, we have the record of Paul and Silas, who were publically ridiculed, abused, beaten, and imprisoned in the inner dungeon where they were placed in stocks, yet they could sing praises to God in the middle of the night because they knew Him who was their joy in tribulation and their peace in the midst of the storm (Acts 16:20-34). This is where every child of God must learn to walk, live, and remain. But some will ask, “Aren’t you afraid of dying?” Of course there is always an uncertainty of what death will be but death is not our enemy, sin is. Death has no sting to a child of God. For the child of God, death is merely the passage from this realm to one more glorious. Paul said to be absent from the body is to be with the Lord (II Cor. 5:8). He also said, “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Phil. 1:23). For a Christian, it is not death that is the concern but what transpires between now and the time when we take our final breath. It may be a fear or concern that we may not fare well if we face a slow and painful passage from this life to the next but we can be certain that God will strengthen us and carry us through those times if we place our complete trust in Him. His promises and His grace will carry His children as He has carried so many saints in the past.
When fear attempts to consume you, read through Hebrews 11:35-39 about those faithful who “were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith.” They endured unto the end and have a glorious eternity waiting for them in the realms of heaven.
Peaceful Protests and Riots
The freedoms we have treasured for over two centuries should never be taken for granted, for they were obtained at a tremendous price. The funds spent, the property destroyed, and the lives given, not to mention those who returned home disabled either in body or in mind, should cause us all to reflect upon the blessings we have, blessings which were obtained by the sacrifice of others. The United States Constitution has provided all Americans the right to protest or demonstrate against things we feel are unjust or are not in keeping with the freedoms we expect. And yet, protests that turn into riots, destruction of property, personal assaults, and lives threatened, are not included in the freedoms the Constitution offers. What we see happening in the land of the free, is a direct attack against the freedoms we treasure and the Constitution which grants those freedoms. The very fact that law and order are the enemy of the modern movement is a sure sign that anarchy is driving this movement. Their intentions are to destroy the American way of life and to replace it with socialism or something worse. Some cities are even attempting to establish Sharia law, the religious law of Islam. Doing away with present law and order by defunding the police must be first accomplished before another order can be set up in its place. In the writing of the Constitution, our forefathers saw the evils that prevail when any government is religious in nature. The Holy Roman Empire was a prime example of religious tyranny as well as was the Church of England. Islam and Sharia law is no different. America’s founders had even experienced in this land, the religious fanatics who killed those whom they determined were witches in Massachusetts, many who were not witches at all. Religion can be very brutal, hateful, and evil (even religion with a “Christian” label).
With these events clearly in view, the founders determined that there must be freedom of religion, however, not a religious state or religious country. Freedom of speech is a fundamental requirement for a free people. It is the freedom to think and to disagree with others without fear from the state or government. This is why protests were allowed and even encouraged. If something we feel is wrong, whether it be in our government, our schools, our factories, our health care, or any other area, citizens’ voices can be heard and wrongs can be made right.
Riots and destruction of property were never a right nor a privilege, it is a violation of law, (not only the law of the land but basic moral law) and they earn certain repercussions. As wrong as it was for an officer of the law to bear down on a man to the point that he dies, it does not justify terrorizing neighborhoods and burning buildings. These riots do nothing in solving the problem of racism. In fact, riots, destruction of property, and pulling down statues do more damage by exciting racism. The riots are counter-productive. The real culprits in this ordeal are those who hate America and its constitution. America’s enemies, nations that hate America are supporting all this destruction and rebellion. Why? Because they want to see America collapse. They relish the day when America will become weak and no longer the super power of the world. Jesus warned of these days. There will be race against race He said and nation against nation. What we see today is the beginning of sorrows.
Common Sense
Tearing down statues and monuments because those statues and monuments are reminders of men who were not perfect, are extremely irrational acts. Most of those rioting do not know what they are actually doing. It is claimed that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson had slaves and therefore statues honoring them should be removed. Is this rational? There are two major flaws in this thinking. One is that they are trying to erase history. History is a record of things which happened in the past and are extremely beneficial so that we can learn from other people’s mistakes and learn from them. And yet we can also learn from their courage and the good things which they accomplished. To look only at the faults is to pervert history, just as observing only the good is a perversion. We must examine the whole of history and not just one side. We must consider the blessings we have in this nation as a result of the good and learn and correct the bad.
In the Constitution of the United States, it states that all men are created equal. It does seem strange to us in the twenty-first century that these wise men could write about the equality of all men and yet have slaves themselves. But let us realize that slavery was so common in England and in other parts of the world, that many thought nothing of it. It was the societal norm and pretty much accepted by most. However, we must also realize that dealing with slavery at this time would have been very difficult, even as wrong as it was. The new nation had just gained its independence from England and was struggling to gain some form of footing, a government in which freedom could exist. How could it be possible? Benjamin Franklin is known for his many accomplishments and his great wisdom. One recorded event took place as he was walking out of Independence Hall after the Constitutional Convention in 1787. He was asked by a lady, “Well Doctor what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin wittingly responded, “It is a republic, if you can keep it”. Franklin knew the dangers of the type of government that allowed people to be totally free and it could only exist if its citizens were a moral people. They did not necessarily need to be religious, but they must live by common sense and with moral values.
The men who wrote the Constitution of the United States, knew that building this nation would take time and would be an on-going project. Slavery was just one issue that sooner or later would need to be addressed but there were many other pressing problems also and it would take years and even centuries to deal with them all. Actually, many problems still exist and many new problems have arisen. If the present actions of terror and destruction continue in this nation, we will destroy ourselves. Unfortunately, I fear it is too late because when a nation rejects God, God forsakes them. The only hope for America is God’s people. Only God can save. The internal turmoil is weakening this nation and China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and other enemies are patiently anticipating America’s demise, like circling buzzards, waiting to devour once we become too weak to raise ourselves up.
While God has warned of these days, He also encourages His people to look up for our redemption draweth near (Lk. 21:28). It is time for the church to cast aside our differences and seek God as the true church of Jesus Christ.
THE CONDITION THAT REQUIRES RECONCILIATION
Rich Powell
The fundamental issue of all mankind is reconciliation to God, for whom… and by whom are all things(Heb. 2:10). It is the God of grace who initiated and made possible this reconciliation by coming near to us as one of us in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ, who suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God (I Pet. 3:18).
The need for reconciliation necessarily requires a degree of estrangement. In terms of relationship between persons there has been a hostile division. This alienation from God is what first must be recognized by every man before he can be reconciled to God. This is the task that proves difficult in an environment of such great “comfort” and apathy in which we live. Not many have the “felt need” for God because, either life seems to be just fine (for now) or because one has found other means from myriad choices to meet those felt needs. But what is at the end of it all?
We read in Genesis 3:24, So [God] drove out the man….” This is when man first knew alienation. But there was something that man knew before this – good and evil in an experiential way. The tempter promised that if man pursued his own desires and pleasure contrary to the precepts of the Creator (who was ostensibly holding out on them!), he would be like God and know good and evil. The tempter was right, only he failed to leave out a vital bit of information – that such knowledge would not be desirable. Satan led man to focus on his limits and attempt to go beyond them (i.e. become like God). Man’s willful choice to act independently of God’s loving boundaries led him to an outcome he neither expected nor desired – alienation. John Sailhammer says it well:
Even though man’s quest to “be like God” was obtained, the goal itself proved to be undesirable. Man, who had been created “like God” in the beginning, found himself after the Fall curiously “like God” – but no longer “with God”… The author has shown that man’s happiness does not consist of his being “like God” so much as it does his being “with God,” enjoying the blessing of his presence.
We have recorded in human history, that because man was alienated from the Life of God, his understanding was darkened. Though man was made upright (able to recognize the righteous command of God) he has sought out many schemes (Ecc. 7:29) – attempts to shortcut God’s design for life (i.e. find fulfillment in all the wrong places) following futile and pointless pursuits. Where does this leave mankind? Because of his accountability to the holy gaze of an infinite Creator, he does not like to keep God in his knowledge (Rom. 1:28), but has a mind hostile toward God, not subject to God (Rom. 8:7) – children of wrath (Eph. 2:3).
Knowing evil by experience (actively and passively) the natural man stands alienated from holy God; condemned to eternal separation (death) and in desperate need for reconciliation to the holy, loving, gracious Creator. Hear the words of Immanuel (which means “God with us”):
The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10)
“ALL THOSE VIRGINS AROSE”
James Sanderson
“And that, knowing the time that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armour of light” (Rom. 13:11). If “our salvation” was near in Paul's day, how much nearer must it be in our day! The events of September 11, 2001, were a wake-up call that something is wrong. Unfortunately, many heard the alarm go off, yawned, hit the snooze button, and fell back to sleep. Both Gallup and Barna, two statistical researchers, attested to the tremendous impact that the downing of the twin towers made upon the world. “There was a great deal of anecdotal evidence that the pews in churches, synagogues, and other houses of worship were filled to capacity in the week or two immediately after the terrorist attacks”( Gallup, 12/21/2001). “The terrorist attacks on September 11 certainly shattered the stability and comfort of American lives, leading to a surge in church attendance and Bible sales immediately after the attacks” (Barna, 11/26/2001).
With the events of 9/11 behind us, America, and the rest of the world, for that matter, continue to face a serious moral crisis. The erosion of moral values evidenced by the wholesale disregard of biblical standards of right and wrong rivals the conditions that prevailed in the days of Noah and in the days of Lot. We serve an unchanging God. Just as God brought judgment to the world of Noah's day and Sodom and Gomorrah of Lot's day, the Word of God promises the same will unfold in these last days. The present pandemic with its accompanying social, economic, and political upheavals is another wake-up call to every member of the body of Christ that we need to adjust our priorities. God has a mighty work to accomplish in these last days. Nothing less than our complete and undivided attention will be needed if we expect to stand in this evil day.
The Bible reveals that God will bring forth conditions in the earth that will cause the Church (His people) to awaken to the urgency of the hour. In His Parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus states, “While the bridegroom tarried, they [the ten virgins] all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps” (Mt 25:5-7, writer's emphasis). The word arose in Greek means “to waken or rouse from sleep” (Strong's). In this prophetic parable every virgin suddenly awoke to the grim realization that the Bridegroom was coming soon to an ill-prepared world. They all began feverishly to trim their lamps in preparation for this cataclysmic event.
The Apostle Peter issued this warning, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lust in your ignorance” (I Pt. 1:13-14). In ancient times a soldier girded his loins in order to be alert and ready for battle. The use of the Greek verb ν?φω (be sober)in this particular passage carries the idea of watchfulness (instead of being under the influence of an intoxicant, Vine). To “hope to the end” is to be prepared to endure whatever God may send one's way.
The Apostle Paul exhorted the church at Ephesus, “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise redeeming the time because the days are evil” (Eph 5:14-16). To be circumspect is to be carefully attentive to what is going on around you. According to Paul, one who walks circumspectly is wise. The five virgins who were wise made sure that they had procured sufficient oil to keep their lamps burning throughout the darkness of night. Moreover, according to this passage, those who walk circumspectly redeem the time. To redeem the time is to make “the most of every opportunity” (Vine). The wise virgins made the best use of their time by cultivating a close relationship with God so that when the “evil day” arrived they were prepared to meet the challenges that lay ahead.
Note: The following article is taken from the Facebook page of “True Vine Christian Fellowship” in McMinnville, TN and is reproduced by permission.
PRIDE
Brandon Carter
As an unfortunate result, like many other words having their meaning twisted and bent to the modern whims of society, the word pride has become something to celebrate. There is an element of truth in its usage today, but a focus on elevating a certain movement. Pride has now its own month of the year in which parades are held, protests are voiced, and policy is affected. However, have we forgotten the connotation of the word pride?
PRIDE, noun:
Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one’s own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.
Insolence; rude treatment of others; insolent exultation.
Generous elation of heart; a noble self-esteem springing from a consciousness of worth.
Elevation; loftiness.
Decoration; ornament; beauty displayed.
Splendid show; ostentation.
That of which men are proud; that which excites boasting.
Excitement of the sexual appetite in a female beast.
Proud persons.
This is pride defined in the dictionary of Noah Webster published in 1828. I often choose to seek definitions and meanings of words from an older source because of the rewriting and, frankly, political correctness to which our current culture is so well attuned.
As you can see, each of these meanings of the word pride connote a rudeness to others or a selfish desire to puff oneself up but I repeat myself. In a minute I will show how this is one of the most dangerous things that we can do as an individual.
In AD 590, Pope Gregory released his list of the seven deadly sins. After that, a list of virtues was taught to be practiced counterbalancing these temptations. I am no Catholic and I have a lot of issues with the teachings that they espouse. Honestly, most of the doctrinal teachings of the Catholic Church are opposed to what Christ taught. I know that there are true bible-believing Christians in the ranks of the Catholic Church as there are also in all denominations of Protestant ministries. God speaks to the individual heart and that is what matters most.
This list of seven deadly sins with their countering virtues are as follows:
Sins Virtues
Lust Chastity
Gluttony Temperance
Greed Charity
Sloth Diligence
Wrath Patience
Envy Kindness
Pride Humility
I listed these because it is popular to say, “seven deadly sins” and miss the virtues. I will define virtue below again using the same dictionary.
VIRTUE, noun
Strength; that substance or quality of physical bodies, by which they act and produce effects on other bodies. In this literal and proper sense, we speak of the virtue or virtues of plants in medicine, and the virtues of drugs. In decoctions, the virtues of plants are extracted. By long standing in the open air, the virtues are lost.
Bravery valor.
Moral goodness; the practice of moral duties and the abstaining from vice, or a conformity of life and conversation to the moral law. In this sense, virtue may be, and in many instances must be, distinguished from religion. The practice of moral duties merely from motives of convenience, or from compulsion, or from regard to reputation, is virtue as distinct from religion. The practice of moral duties from sincere love to God and his laws, is virtue and religion. In this sense it is true,
That virtue only makes our bliss below.
VIRTUE is nothing but voluntary obedience to truth.
A particular moral excellence; as the virtue of temperance, of chastity, of charity.
Acting power; something efficacious.
Secret agency; efficacy without visible or material action.
Excellence; or that which constitutes value and merit.
One of the orders of the celestial hierarchy.
Efficacy; power.
Legal efficacy or power; authority. A man administers the laws by virtue of a commission.
As you look at the list of seven deadly sins, you can see some things there that almost look familiar, “Thou shall not” harkening back to the ten laws of the Mosaic texts or Ten Commandments as we are more familiar. How can a man or a woman attempt to follow these “laws?” Stay away from this and don’t do that… Even if we wanted to, we could not follow this strict way of life. This is the reason for Christ coming and shedding His blood for us. Because He is the only one who could. He is the only one who has ever lived up to God’s standard. The truth is that in today’s world, more and more people want to do what they want to do. All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. – Proverbs 16:2
The point is this, when there is no basis of morality, everyone will do what he or she will. There is no right or wrong. Everything is subjective. If this is truth, then truth will fluctuate from person to person and situation to situation. How do you build a structure where each worker uses a different unit of measurement? One thing is for sure, the structure will undoubtably not be able to stand.
That brings us to today. We see all sort of different things taking place. How is it that there is so much inequality (or a specter of it) present in today’s culture? To some, stealing and burning others’ property is right. To others, pulling down monuments and attacking people is acceptable. While others show that having a hatred for someone who is a different shade of brown than they are, legitimizes acts of violence or at the least graceless vengeance. In all three examples, there is a truth being acted upon. The problem is that the truth that is being acted out has a shifting foundation. You cannot reconcile these three truths. An unfortunate truth is that we will never all share the one Truth that stands unwavering.
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable]. – 2 Timothy 4:3-4 Amplified. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6
Why is our world writhing in pain and destruction? If we do not hold tothe Truth, we can expect war between our own fallible truths. This is part of the spiritual battle that is raging. It is the longest war in history at 6,000 years and counting. There are those who know and see the battle but there are also those who have no idea that there is a war taking place. Both types are on the battlefield but only one is engaged. This is dangerous. Do you feel the depression but don’t know why? Do you feel anger or hatred toward a person or people group but can’t justify it? This is the battle. You have been drafted for war. We all have.
Referring to the list above depicting sins and virtues, they can be condensed down to one sin and one virtue.
Sin Virtue
Self Love
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. – Philippians 2:3 Amplified
Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us]. – 1 Corinthians 16:14 Amplified
An expanded list of sins…
Now the practices of the sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control), idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies], envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. – Galatians 5:19-21 Amplified
And virtues…
But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23 Amplified
I am sure that we can all pick out at least one of the sins in that list that we have been guilty of in the past or currently. I, personally, can pick out four or five. The point is that we all have sinned and fallen short of the standard of God (Romans 3:23). Also, notice that in the virtues it states that “against such things there is no law.” If we are practicing those virtuous things, we are not judged by the law. It has no power over us.
If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] – 1 John 1:8 Amplified
Now back to the list of sins in the table… Notice number seven. Pride.
Pride is truly a relevant sin, proudly exposed and celebrated every year in June. June has been deemed pride month for the past several years in America. This time is celebrated by the LGBTQ+ community and is used for an opportunity to parade and protest for equality and recognition. Pride; however, does not equal sexual orientation in terms of meaning. Pride is the attitude that one exudes while living or identifying a certain way. Pride is a state of mind as my brother wrote recently. I would argue that the community behind this push is also a state of mind as there are no studies confirming biological or chemical reasons for an alternate lifestyle. It has been attributed to feelings, emotion, and lifestyle choice. I can see and respect that. Just know that when you choose to travel a selfish path you are exercising free will.
For [God does not overlook sin and] the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth, because that which is known about God is evident within them [in their inner consciousness], for God made it evident to them. For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship [all His creation, the wonderful things that He has made], so that they [who fail to believe and trust in Him] are without excuse and without defense. For even though they knew God [as the Creator], they did not honor Him as God or give thanks [for His wondrous creation]. On the contrary, they became worthless in their thinking [godless, with pointless reasonings, and silly speculations], and their foolish heart was darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory and majesty and excellence of the immortal God for an image [worthless idols] in the shape of mortal man and birds and four-footed animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their own hearts to [sexual] impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin], because [by choice] they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
For this reason God gave them over to degrading and vile passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural [a function contrary to nature], and in the same way also the men turned away from the natural function of the woman and were consumed with their desire toward one another, men with men committing shameful acts and in return receiving in their own bodies the inevitable and appropriate penalty for their wrongdoing. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or consider Him worth knowing [as their Creator], God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do things which are improper and repulsive, until they were filled (permeated, saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice and mean-spiritedness. They are gossips [spreading rumors], slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors [of new forms] of evil, disobedient and disrespectful to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful [without pity]. Although they know God’s righteous decree and His judgment, that those who do such things deserve death, yet they not only do them, but they even [enthusiastically] approve and tolerate others who practice them.
Romans 1:18-32 Amplified
The real and dangerous problem with pride is that it will act as a hot iron. This, I argue, is the deadliest sin. The more that pride comes in and puffs up with whatever other sins that are occurring, the more one’s conscience is seared as with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:2). You start to be less and less sensitive to the protection that God supplies with the Holy Spirit calling to you and those who are sent by the unction of the Holy Spirit to intercede. You become numb. Is there pleasure? Yes! But only for a season. Then the judgment comes. It will come in the form of broken dreams, broken families, and ultimately death.
Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death. – James 1:15 Amplified
To celebrate “pride month” is to ultimately celebrate death. It would be no different than to announce a “murderer month” or a “pedophile month.” Have parades celebrating those who have murdered or exploited children in their past and proudly identify as such. We are starting to see even the latter of the two examples being nudged into the realm of psychological disorder. Next it will be discriminatory to deny them their free will in such activities and identification. There is a pattern. The decline of a society always normalizes the same activities that were repulsive culturally in the past.
I know that this has been a long and verbose post, but I have been thinking on the subject of pride for a while now and felt compelled to share. I know that many have not made it to the end of this. Maybe it was a case of tl;dr (too long; didn’t read) or possibly that it began to offend some. In the case of the latter, it may have proved 2 Timothy 4:4. If you have read to this point, I commend you and thank you for your time. God speaks through His Holy Spirit and inspires His people to warn those who are in danger. I hope that I have been a good servant in relaying this message. With love.
UNCTION!
Leonard Ravenhill
The Cinderella of the Church today is the prayer meeting. This handmaid of the Lord is unloved and unwooed because she is not dripping with pearls of intellectualism, nor glamorous with the silks of philosophy, neither is she enchanting with the tiara of psychology. She wears the homespuns of sincerity and humility and so is not afraid to kneel!
The offense of prayer is that it does not essentially tie in to mental efficiency. That is not to say that prayer is a partner to mental sloth. But in these days, efficiency and smartness are at a premium. Prayer is conditioned to one thing alone, and that is to spirituality. One does not need to be spiritual to preach, that is, to make and deliver sermons of homiletical perfection and exegetical exactitude. By a combination of memory, knowledge, ambition, personality, plus well-lined book shelves, self-confidence and a sense of having arrived - the pulpit is yours almost anywhere these days. Preaching of the type mentioned affects men; prayer affects God. Preaching affects time; prayer affects eternity. The pulpit can be a shop window to display our talents; the closet speaks death to display.
The tragedy of this last hour is that we have too many dead men in the pulpits giving out too many dead sermons to too many dead people. There is a strange thing that I have seen even in the fundamentalist circles: it is preaching without unction. What is unction? I hardly know what it is, but I know what it is not, or at least I know when it is not upon my own soul. Preaching without unction kills instead of giving life. The unctionless preacher is a savor of death unto death. The Word does not live unless the unction is upon the preacher. Preacher, with all thy getting, get unction.
Brethren, we could well manage to be half as intellectual if we were twice as spiritual. Preaching is a spiritual business. A sermon born in the head reaches the head. A sermon born in the heart reaches the heart. A spiritual preacher will under God produce spiritually-minded people. Unction is not a gentle dove beating her wings against the bars outside of the preacher's soul; rather she must be pursued and won. Unction cannot be learned, only earned by prayer. Unction is God's knighthood for the soldier-preacher who has wrestled in prayer and gained the victory. Victory is not won in the pulpit by firing intellectual bullets or wisecracks, but in the prayer closet. The meeting is won or lost before the preacher's foot enters the pulpit. Unction is like perfume. Unction is like dynamite. Unction comes not by the medium of the bishop's hands, neither does it mildew when the preacher is cast into prison. Unction will pierce and percolate. It will sweeten and soften. When the hammer of logic and the fire of human zeal fail to open the stony heart, unction will succeed.
What a fever of church building there is just now, yet without unctionized preachers these altars will never see anxious penitents. Suppose that we saw fishing boats with the latest in radar equipment and fishing gear launched month after month and put out to sea only to return without a catch - what excuse would we take for this barrenness? Yet thousands of churches see empty altars week after week and year after year and cover this sterile situation by misapplying the Scripture. "My word…shall not return unto me void." Incidentally, this seems to be one of the very few texts that the dispensationalists forgot to tell us was written to the Jews!
The ugly fact is that the altar fires are either out or burning very low. The prayer meeting is dead or dying. By our attitude to prayer we tell God that what was begun in the Spirit we can finish in the flesh. What church ever asks its candidating ministers what time they spend in prayer? Ministers who do not spend two hours a day in prayer are not worth a dime a dozen - degrees or no degrees. Where are our unctionized pulpit crusaders? Preachers who should be fishing for men are now too often fishing for compliments from men. Preachers used to sow seed; now they string intellectual pearls.
Away with palsied, powerless preaching which is unmoving because it was born in a tomb instead of a womb and nourished in a fireless, prayerless soul. We may preach and perish but we cannot pray and perish. If God called us to the ministry, then I contend that we should be unctionized. With all thy getting, get unction, lest barren altars be the badge of our unctionless intellectualism. (Copyright © 1994 by Leonard Ravenhill)
IS THEOLOGY STILL TAUGHT IN CHURCH?
(Part Two)
Alfred King
Last month I addressed one of several questions asked by the lead singer of a Christian band, questions which brought him to the place where he no longer believes in God. Although raised in a Christian home and his father being a pastor of a local church, this young man came to the place that he no longer believes that God exists. He has become an atheist. The purpose of these articles is, hopefully to give some thoughts and answers to some of the questions which arose in this man’s heart, knowing that these same questions come to many of us at sometime in our lives. Even as Christians, there are questions which disturb us and can cause us to doubt God and His word. Of course, our schools, universities, and society in general have shoved God out and moved science to the forefront and have convinced many of our young people that science proves there is no God, or Supreme Being who created the earth and the universe. It seems easier for men to believe that the complexities of man’s existence all evolved by chance rather than believing in God, which in all sincerity, requires more faith than believing in a divine Creator.
In the last article, we focused on why God appeared so hostile in the Old Testament and so merciful and loving in the New. (For those who did not read the previous article, refer back to the July issue of “Testimony of Truth” or go to “peopleofthelivinggod.org” website where the article is included under “Newsletters”.)
This month I want to tackle another question which brought about this man’s departure from the faith. To begin, I will include part of the Instagram he posted where he lays his uncertainties before his readers: “Why does God let Job suffer horrible things just to win a bet with Satan? Why does he tell Abraham to kill his son and then basically say, ‘just kidding! That was a test.’ If God can do anything, can’t you forgive without someone dying? I mean, my parents taught me to forgive people – nobody dies in that scenario.”
The two events we want to evaluate in this article are those surrounding Job and Abraham. Let us therefore consider these two great men of God. Were the temptations they endured without purpose? Was God merely trying to win a bet with Satan and merely joking with Abraham? What was the purpose?
God tests Job
First, let’s turn our attention to Job. The question this man asks actually deals with God’s intentions and clearly casts doubt on God’s integrity. To this man, Job’s trials seem irrational and portrays God as a foolish sadist who enjoys people suffering for his entertainment or amusement. Apparently, this young man was not paying attention in church, or worse, basic theology was missing in that ministry. While I enjoy listening to good preaching and teaching, I have contended for years that teaching is more valuable to one’s walk with God than preaching. Both are good and both necessary, but teaching brings the Gospel to one’s heart where it can have a practical and lasting influence upon a Christian’s life. Preaching is geared more to encourage and prod believers onward. Teaching gets into the actual application of God’s word to the heart in everyday life. Teaching dissects the scriptures so we understand the divine plan of God and see how every portion of holy writ, join together to portray to the reader God’s majesty, wisdom, and glory, by revealing the means and power God offers man to bring that plan to fruition. God is exalted in a most marvelous way as the Holy Spirit enlightens scripture to the spiritual mind and heart. Glorious truths and heavenly mysteries lift the believer into heights in Christ that transcend any and all earthly glories. Riches beyond human understanding flood into the soul if the teachings of scripture are truly understood and embraced.
There are several wonderful revelations unveiled in Job’s humiliation which have been beneficial to believers since that day. Job’s trial was recorded for believers who follow after. How many Christians who have faced persecutions and martyrdom, have found strength to persevere from the record of Job? I myself have been encouraged, not only because of Job’s endurance but from the understanding that God is being glorified through sufferings. It helps to understand this when we are tested and tried. In Job’s account, we have an even greater revelation, an unveiling of events which took place in heaven. A glimpse beyond the veil. This unveiling revealed several wonderful mysteries of God and of heavenly events. Let’s view those wonders.
1. Even in the Old Testament, Satan could not do just as he pleased. He was under God’s control. Whatever Satan brought about in the earth, God sovereignly allowed it.
2. God promised His people that He will not allow them to be tempted above what they are able to bear. A wonderful promise proven in the case of Job. God knows our level of maturity and how much we can endure and sends just what we need that we might grow stronger in faith.
3. This event in heaven portrays the wisdom and omniscience of the omnipotent God. Who can fathom the depths of His knowledge or determine the bounds of His wisdom? Who can justifiably say to Him, “Why did You make me thus? Or, why have You allowed this trial to fall upon me?” God is infinite in both wisdom and knowledge and declares and determines that all things will work together for good to His people. We can carry this assurance into every trial we face and know that it will accomplish that which God has decreed.
4. It reveals a portion of God’s divine plan, showing the necessity of trials. They are for our maturing and building up of our strength to stand. In the end, Job understood some things about his own nature which he did not perceive before. Note carefully what Job said after his trial: “I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:2-3, 5-6) Job received a greater comprehension of God and His ways and also received more blessings after his trial than he had before. Job grew in his faith and in his relationship with God.
God Tests Abraham
Abraham, no doubt, had reason to question the command to offer His son as a burnt offering to the Lord. Had he heard correctly? This is what the heathen do. Everything within him resisted the very thought of such an action. The whole idea was repulsive and his nature rebelled against such a notion. One thing that Abraham was assured of, was that he knew God’s voice, a great lesson for all Christians. We need to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit when He speaks. There are many voices crying out today and many false prophets declaring this and that. Can we identify God’s voice when He speaks? Are we able to discern which voice is God’s and which is not? This is a very serious question for all believers in today’s world.
God was not “just kidding” when He called Abraham to offer his son as an offering. God was offering to the world a vivid picture, a picture unmatched in history, of the sacrifice of His own Son, Who would pay the penalty for man’s transgressions. God has communicated to all men His great love, mercy, and grace in this call to Abraham. All parents can feel Abraham’s pain, the agony of his soul at the very thought of slaying a son or a daughter. The very thought of such a deed sends chills up our spine and everything within us recoils in horror. Children are a blessed gift from God and are given to us with the responsibility to protect them and provide for them, and we very acutely feel that responsibility, as I’m sure Abraham did. Yet Abraham’s love and commitment to God, coupled with that heavenly faith that rose up within his soul, drove him onward to obedience. He knew Isaac to be the promised child and he was persuaded that God was able to raise him even from the dead. Such faith is most profound and exceptionally rare. This is why Abraham is called the “Father of the faith”.
Did God then place Abraham in such a trying situation and just before the act was completed, conclude by saying, “just kidding”? Does Abraham’s trial not give every believer a greater understanding of the cost to heaven for man’s reconciliation? Does it not create within us a more profound grasp of God’s nature, His character, and His divine personality? Who can comprehend God? Who can fathom the depths of His love? Who can justifiably question God’s purposes? No one! God’s ways are past finding out and far above all that we can ask or think. We are called to walk by faith and the example of Job and Abraham are just two men of great faith and they both call every believer to trust God in every trial we face, every disappointment, and every state in which we find ourselves, and obey Him fully, no matter how foolish or impossible it seems to our carnal minds. God always comes through and we grow in grace and maturity through every trial and every time we are obedient to God’s commands.
The lesson to be gained from Job and Abraham is that God has His reasons and if we just trust Him and obey, He will bring us through and we will be stronger and more Christ-like in the end. Observe and consider how much Christians are blessed, encouraged, strengthened, and ministered to through the trials of these two saints.