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People of The Living God |
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January 2021
WATCHMEN ON THE WALLS
DRAINING THE SWAMP
Alfred King
There is an old adage that states, “if you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” Through the years, I have found this to be true in my personal life. Being ignorant in many cases has cost me considerably at times, not only financially, but also in extra time and labor. Ignorance can even be life-threatening. I remember years ago I was given the job of painting the attic vents on a large church in New Orleans. It was about fifty feet above the ground, and I was using a wooden ladder to reach it. I had just begun sanding and scraping the old paint when the ladder rung I was standing on broke. My foot dropped down to the next rung and it broke also. I slipped through the ladder and caught myself by my shoulders. When I looked down to the concrete below, I suddenly began to worry that maybe the rest of the ladder would give way, so I hurriedly pulled myself up and cautiously made my way down the ladder to the ground. I was ignorant of the dangers of old wooden ladders, especially if there was no metal rod under the rung. I found that another common saying “Ignorance is bliss,” on the other hand, is certainly not true. Ignorance concerning old wooden ladders could have cost me my life.
Then again, there is another maxim, “Experience is a good teacher.” I have found this to be so true because in most cases in which experience has taught me, it wasn’t a very good experience. It seems to me that there are two types of education or knowledge. One is a practical knowledge of facts which is learned through experience. The other is that which is taught in our schools and universities. (It might be more properly stated, “which used to be taught in our schools and universities. America’s universities have become more interested in “indoctrination” than in teaching. They seem to want to push a certain agenda rather than giving their students the facts and allowing them to come to their own conclusions.) The three ‘R’s (Reading, Riteing, & Rithmetic) are taught in school, and their value cannot be overstated. History, too, is a great way to learn, for it is often said, “History repeats itself.”
Education is that which should improve our lives individually and, consequently, the society in which we live. Indoctrination is normally something we consider when going to church and being taught what scripture teaches. We expect to be indoctrinated because we know what the church represents and we allow ourselves to be instructed in doctrines which the Bible teaches. After being “indoctrinated” at church, we can then decide if we believe what we have been taught and, if not, we can reject it.
Indoctrination is the presentation of ideas or principles with the intention of influencing and instilling those ideas and principles in those listening. It can be good or bad, depending on what the indoctrination is. If we are learning about God and His ways, I would say this is extremely good. However, if we are being indoctrinated with Socialism, Marxism, genderism, racism, etc. we are on a path that leads to destruction, not only in relation to our eternal destiny but our present state in this world.
What makes this more serious is that young people are more impressionable and lack the experience and wisdom of older folks. And this is where the focus of those who want to change America and destroy the Constitution rests. They are after our young people. The recent riots and destruction of property in most of our larger cities is a very clear evidence of indoctrination in our modern universities. These young people are coming out more ignorant than when they went in. Knowledge of facts is truth. It is true that America is not a perfect nation nor has it ever been. But what these young people are being taught and is being emphad are the faults of America. They are missing the good that this nation has brought to its citizens and to the world. To look only at evil in the nation and not consider the good will leave one with a distorted and biased outlook, which will result in bad conclusions, evil decisions, and bad actions. And from what we have been experiencing over the past eight months, we can say the university professors have done their job well. They have indoctrinated America’s young people to hate capitalism, America, and the Constitution.
Actions taken while looking at only one side of America’s society while blindly turning from the other is foolish and ignorant, yet this is what we see in those who want to destroy America. But there is another very important truth that must be brought into this discussion and that is; that knowledge without wisdom can bring catastrophe. One might acknowledge that racism is wrong and desire to help eliminate this scourge in America. So, he decides to go out and smash windows, loot stores, shout profanities, scuffle with police, and be a general nuisance in a neighborhood. Is this the best way to deal with the race issue? Of course not. But wisdom is lacking in those who stoop to such lows in their attempt to address racism. There is something much more sinister in these actions than meets the eye or what they claim is their purpose. While the BLM movement has enlisted many whites into its movement, the manner in which the BLM movement has attempted to draw attention to the problem of racism in America has turned many blacks, Hispanics, and other nationalities against their movement.
There has been a sewage in Washington DC for decades, and its stench is getting progressively worse. It is called the “deep state” or “the swamp.” President Trump has set himself to expose and destroy the deep state in Washington DC. His purpose in running for President was to drain the swamp, expose those career politicians who have no interest in the citizens of this nation. His desire to make America great is because he sees where the swamp is taking this country. He has enough money and wealth that he could live anywhere in the world and not face all the criticism and abuse that he faces every day, but he has desired to attack the swamp instead. Why? Because he loves this nation. Now we can all agree that his demeanor is not the most pleasing and he can be undiplomatic at times, yet this is exactly the kind of person which the task will demand if it is to take on the swamp. President Trump is a very thick-skinned person and is able to let the spewing of leftists and progressives roll off his back, and he remains unscathed. He knows this is exactly how the swamp operates, through fear and intimidation, and he also knows that if the swamp is not drained, this country will be destroyed.
Turning to God’s word, we know that scripture clearly teaches that there will come a time of great tribulation before Jesus returns. Many Christians have believed for years that this time foretold by Jesus is near, and what we see happening in our nation and the turmoil around the world seems to be the harbingers of worldwide change. The riots, the racial chaos, destruction of property, hatred and anger are unbelievable. But what makes this more disturbing is that so many of our city and state officials are accepting these protests as peaceful. Surely the scripture is being fulfilled before our eyes, for “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not …” (IICor.4:4).
Writing this article at the beginning of December 2020, while turmoil still rages over the election, I can only pray that God will have mercy on this nation. There is a major move by the progressives for a National and Global Reset. Their agenda is for a “new normal” to “cancel culture.” In other words, to reshape America. The reshape they intend includes practically every aspect of the American lifestyle. The “chicken in every pot” propaganda is back on the table. “Free education,” “Free healthcare for all,” “The Green New Deal,” and “Jobs for everyone” is a “pie in the sky” idea that refuses to face basic facts. As South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem recently said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.'” So true, when the government says, “we are here to help you,” you need to realize you are standing on a wooden ladder and it will certainly break and you will reap the consequences of your ignorance.
The true church is the only solution for America. We must plead for our nation and for the world, for if America falls, the world will fall with her. Are the events we see today the harbingers of Christ’s coming or just another period in time where “history repeats itself” once again? “Nations rise and fall” and, so, America may be just another nation in the history of the world which did not learn its lesson from history so had to learn it through experience.
THE PURSUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
James Sanderson
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (IICor.5:21). In this one verse of Scripture, the Apostle Paul discloses the marvelous purpose of the ages. Jesus Christ did not leave the corridors of heaven, subject Himself to the limitations of human flesh, and suffer an ignoble death on a cross merely to facilitate sinful man's escape from the flames of hell. The Word of God reveals that Jesus Christ came that we, His people, might share in His righteousness. In other words, Christ, “who knew no sin,” identified with man's sin so that man could identify with His righteousness.
The verb phrase, “might be made” (γ?νομαι, in Greek) means “to become” (Thayer's, page 115). God is offering to “whosoever will” the extraordinary opportunity to become the “righteousness of God in him.” This divine call rests upon every child of God.
What does it mean to be “in him”? Verse 17 of this same chapter reads, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (that is, a new creation); old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (IICor.5:17). To be “in him” one must experience a complete transformation from the inside out – a total spiritual makeover by the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reinforces this theme, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Eph.4:22-24, writer's emphasis).
The Apostle Paul admonished the Philippians to be “filled with the fruits of righteousness” (Phil.1:11). Only by appropriating the work of Jesus Christ at the cross of Calvary and abiding in Him can one produce “the fruits of righteousness.” Jesus declared, “Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (John15:4). “For without me ye can do nothing” (John15:5b). Man's righteousness apart from God is nothing more than “filthy rags” (Is.64:6).
God's Call To Righteousness
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matt.6:33). There is no higher calling in life than the call to pursue righteousness. Throughout the Bible, the Lord exhorts His people to seek righteousness. “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, break up your fallow ground for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you (Hos.10:12). “But thou, O man of God…follow after (pursue) righteousness...” (ITim.6:11). “Having on the breastplate of righteousness” (Eph.6:14). “Awake to righteousness and sin not” ((ICor.15:34). Again, in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Matt.5:6). One cannot read these portions of Scriptures without being struck by the array of verbs used – sow, seek, follow after, awake, hunger, thirst – indicating the level of effort and attentiveness that God expects related to this call to righteousness.
Righteousness is a commodity that is in short supply. Man has many ambitions or goals in life, some noble and others not so noble; but, unfortunately, the pursuit of righteousness is of little concern to many. The Apostle Paul stated that the Holy Scriptures were given for “instruction in righteousness” (IITim.3:16). This word instruction carries the idea of training (Vine's pg 605). As Christians, we all need training. We never get too old for training. This life is our training ground for righteousness. Righteousness is essential for anyone who expects to pass through those heavenly gates. “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart” (Psalm15:1-2). If we do not develop righteousness in this life, we will not have it over there.
What Is Righteousness?
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Rom.10:10). Righteousness is first and foremost a heart condition. It issues from a heart surrendered and devoted to God. In the Old Testament the Hebrew root word for righteousness occurs over 500 times, while in the New Testament the Greek root for righteousness occurs over 200 times (Wikipedia, righteousness). The word righteousness occurs throughout the Bible from the first book (Genesis) all the way to the last (Revelation). The dictionary defines righteousness as the quality or condition of “acting in accord with divine or moral law.” Vine states that it is “the character or quality of being right or just” (Vine's, pg 980). Thayer writes that it is “the state of him who is such as he ought to be, the condition acceptable to God” (Thayer's, pg 149). He also equates righteousness with “integrity, virtue, purity of life, uprightness, correctness in thinking, feeling, and acting” (Thayer's, pg. 149).
The Word of God presents a more thorough understanding of the word righteousness. The Apostle John writes, “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother” (IJohn3:10). This portion of Scripture reveals that the pursuit of righteousness is absolutely essential for anyone who desires to walk with God. Moreover, we learn that righteousness is not static; it is something that we do. The Apostle Peter reinforced this assertion. “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts10:34-35, writer's emphasis). It was said of Zacharias and Elisabeth, “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments, and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke1:6, writer's emphasis). Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John14:15, writer's emphasis). The Apostle John adds another dimension to our understanding of righteousness. “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous even as he is righteous” (IJohn3:7, writer's emphasis). Our supreme example in this pursuit of righteousness is “Jesus Christ, the righteous” (IJohn2:1). The Apostle Peter likewise said, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (IPeter2:21).
We, as Christians, do not behave righteously to earn salvation. We “follow after righteousness” as a result of the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and lives. The devil is the enemy of all righteousness (Acts13:10). He invents a counterfeit for practically everything God calls, for Satan's counterfeit for righteousness is self-righteousness. Jesus Christ shocked the religious establishment of His day when He declared that their kind of righteousness would not allow them to set one foot into the kingdom of God. “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt.5:20). These folks were the religious leaders of that day, set there to guide the Jewish nation in the ways of righteousness. What was wrong with their righteousness? Their acts of righteousness were largely superficial and accomplished to be seen of men (Matt.6:1-2).
The Lord Our Righteousness
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a king shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jer.23:5-6). This remarkable prophecy was fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the “righteous Branch.” It was said of Jesus Christ that He “loved righteousness, and hated iniquity” (Heb.1:9). The Gospel of John affirms, “No unrighteousness is in him” (John7:18). Jesus Himself declared that it was necessary “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matt,3:15).
Righteousness is a divine attribute. Our God is both holy, that is, “undefiled, separate from sinners” (Heb.7:26), and righteous. Holiness refers to His divine character, while righteousness is His holiness in action. Holiness and righteousness go hand in hand. When Jesus Christ arose from the grave, He arose as “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev.19:16). At that time, He, also, declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt.28:18). What is He presently accomplishing in the earth? According to this prophecy in Jeremiah, He is executing “judgment and justice in the earth.” In other words, He is demonstrating His righteousness before all men. God has not taken a vacation. He has not placed a “Do Not Disturb” sign on His door. He is still intricately involved in the affairs of men, bringing to fruition His marvelous plan.
As Executioner of judgment and justice in the earth, God is the One who sets the standards for righteousness. Not only does He set the standards; He is the standard. The Word of God reveals that these standards are eternal, absolute, and universal. That is, they are for all times, unchanging, and for all men. The world is in a state of chaos and confusion simply because man has departed from these holy standards of righteousness and preferred to do that which is “right in his own eyes” (Judges17:6). God has issued a strong indictment against such, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight” (Is.5:20-21)!
There is coming a day when each and every one of us will appear before the “judgment seat” of this righteous God and give an account of what we have done with the time He has given us to train in righteousness (IICor.5:10). “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained” (Acts17:31, writer's emphasis).
“Righteousness Exalteth A Nation”
“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov.14:34). There are only two paths that a nation or individual can choose to follow in life: the pathway of righteousness or the pathway of sin. Jesus, also, described these two paths, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, many there be which go in thereat; Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt.7:13-14). The strait gate and narrow way that leads to life is the pathway of righteousness. The wide gate and broad way that leads to destruction is the pathway of sin. This nation, once founded on Judeo-Christian values, has chosen the broad way that leads to destruction by removing prayer, Bible reading, and the Ten Commandments from our schools and public life, rejecting the moral principles of the Word of God, and replacing God's standards with the ever-changing winds of political correctness. We are now witnessing the decline of a once great Christian nation.
In 1966, a theologian and professor of social ethics, Joseph Fletcher, published an explosive book called Situation Ethics The New Morality. A statement from the back cover speaks volumes. “The sensational deductions which the author draws from this premise include the bold statement that any act – even lying, premarital sex, abortion, adultery, and murder – could be right, depending on the circumstances.” The catch phrase for this movement is “Principles, Yes, but Not Rules (Situation Ethics, pg 31). According to this liberal view each man is now free to create his own theological framework (Situation Ethics, see page 34). Situation Ethics has now become the prevailing religion of America.
The answer to the present situation is not more money, better schools, a new President, more government programs, etc. The only answer is heartfelt repentance and a return to the path of righteousness. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (IIChron7:14). May God help us in these trying times!
THE MESSAGE AT MIDNIGHT
Lorraine Scullin
“At midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him” (Matt.25:6).
When is this cry to be given? Not in the daylight hours when men might be awake and able to respond to this cry of warning, but in a period known as midnight, when God’s people are totally unaware of the forces and agencies that are at work to destroy them under this cover of darkness; when they are too drugged with sleep to arouse from slumber, or so involved with earthly affairs that they cannot see the signs that indicate danger and trouble for the servants of the Lord.
Jesus counselled His people of these last days to watch, even more than to pray. In Mark13:32-37, He warned four times that men are to watch, while in the same Scripture, He admonished them only one time to pray. They would need to do both, because of the things that would prevent them from recognizing this hour of jeopardy preceding His coming.
“Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares” (Luke21:34). WHAT could prevent the people of God from WATCHING? Not only outright acts of sinfulness, but innocent sounding matters, such as cares of this life! “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (II Tim.2:3,4). Notice that minding earthly concerns is just as hazardous to the people of God as drunkenness! They are classified together as dangers to the soul. “Surfeiting” indicates a state of drunkenness, not necessarily a drunkenness of strong drink, but a condition of being glutted with things, the gadgets of this twentieth century, which distract the mind and steal the heart’s attention and devotion. “If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him” (IJohn2:15-17).
“But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up” (Matt.24:42,43). (See also Luke12:36-49) Jesus called this individual “a good man;” therefore, he was one of those whom God desired to be prepared and ready for the shocking events that were to occur in this midnight hour. It is evident from this portion of Scripture that the houses (ICor.6:19) of many good people will be broken up and destroyed because they were neither awake nor watching.
It is well to notice that in this same parable of the wise and foolish virgins, they were all asleep (Matt25:5)! This shows clearly that all the members of Christ’s body were in this state of slumber at this particular time, and that every individual serving God was in ignorance of what was happening until the cry was heard. Even then, the full significance of this cry was not understood as they shook off the effects of sleep. Only those who had made a special preparation by buying oil were able to adjust, without delay, to the sudden and unexpected demands of this midnight hour, for there was no opportunity to purchase this vital commodity – after they awoke. TIME HAD RUN OUT!
What is this message that was heralded in the blackness of midnight? “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain” (Joel2:1). What is this cry of alarm and warning? “Go ye out.” GO – this indicates action, effort, evaluation and response. This is not a suggestion or merely wise counsel. It was a divine command from the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, that His people were not to sleep on, but to awake and act, because the hour was so critically desperate. Only a certain kind of action could deliver them and cause them to escape the snare that had the whole world in its grip (Luke21:35).
WHO is to go out? YE (you).
WHY are you to go out? Why not remain where you are? This cry is being given because God’s people are in extreme danger; they are in actual peril of their lives. Because of unquestioning confidence in religious philosophies and the institutions promoting them, many have relaxed vigilance, unaware that these frail supports cannot stand the pressures, the shakings, and the tests to which they shall be put. The systems of men, and all they represent, seem so substantial, so permanent, so impregnable and invulnerable, that to most people it appears they could never fail those who trust in their shadow.
Even the disciples of old were deeply impressed by the very beautiful buildings of their day – the great temple in Jerusalem – and by all that it symbolized. “Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! and Jesus …said…There shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Mark13:1,2). Humanity is prone to trust in what is seen. Visible props for one’s faith are most questionable, for they lull the unwary to sleep by giving them a false sense of security.
However, in this latter day, all institutions and all men will be subjected to the most violent wrenching, squeezing (the Greek word for tribulation) and shaking that the world has ever known (Matt.24:21,22). It is also a day of fire, because of the heat that will be turned upon humanity and all that they have built (Mal.3:2; 4:1; I Cor.3:13).
The Scripture states distinctly that “Once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that may be shaken (margin) as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain” (Heb.12:26,27; Isa.13:13; Hag.2:6). There is coming a time of tremendous upheaval in all phases of human existence. “Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty…and turneth it upside down” (Isa.24:1). All will come down that is not built upon the one foundation that cannot be shaken – the Word of God. Even the heavens and the earth shall pass away, “But the word of our God shall stand forever” (Matt.24:35; Isa.40:8).
Out of what are God’s people to go? “Go ye forth of Babylon” (Isa. 48:20). “Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul; be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the Lord’s vengeance” (Jer.51:6; Zech.2:6,7). Who is this Babylon, called in the Word of God, “BABYLON THE GREAT” (Rev.17:5,6)?
The disciple, John, said in this same seventeenth chapter of Revelation, “I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy” (verse3). A woman in Scripture is often symbolic of that which is religious in character (See Rev.12:1). However, Babylon is more than an ecclesiastical system, for she is not only guilty of the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus (Rev.17:6), but of “all that were slain upon the earth” (Rev.18:24; Jer.51:49). No religious system is guilty of all this bloodshed. Babylon is this world system pictured as a city which embraces all phases of human existence – religious, economic, social, educational, and political – built by man under the inspiration of its ruler (Luke4:5,6; Rev.13:2,4). Its most distinctive features are the spirit of confusion and the spirit of pride that dominate it. “Is not this great Babylon that I have built?”
This colossal octopus has all the nations in its tentacles, for “The woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth” (Rev.17:18); she sits “Upon many waters,” and “The waters which thou sawest…are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues” (Rev.17:1,15); through her, “The inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication” (Rev.17:2).
Because of the power and influence of this world system and its dictates, many have become unfaithful to their Lord and have compromised their testimony. Their light has gone out. Shepherds who should have declared the whole counsel of God to their flocks have oftentimes been silent or have trimmed their messages to please their hearers, lest they offend those who hold “the purse strings,” since they are paid by the system – Babylon. The hireling spirit moves many religious people today, for this is Babylon’s trademark. She and her wares are for hire! For a price! Her merchandise includes, among many things, “Wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat and beasts…and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men” (Rev.18:11-24). She traffics in human beings, not merely exploiting their labors (bodies; see margin, Rev.18:13), but even worse, their souls.
The real tragedy is that many of God’s sheep are entrapped in Babylon, entangled in her toils, and enslaved in her system. The reason is plain. Babylon supplies their water, fuel, electricity, transportation, jobs, clothing, and most of all, their bread. They are utterly dependent upon her for their very sustenance and the essentials of life. Babylon now sustains them and will, in a short period of time, control them in every facet of their existence. This is the system of the beast, for Babylon is carried and supported by “a scarlet colored beast,” whose identity we find in Revelation12:3 and 9, the “Great red dragon…called the Devil and Satan” who shall, in his time, declare that there will be no buying or selling without his mark (Rev.13:11-17).
Though filled with religious trappings, Babylon has deceived all nations by her sorceries (Rev.18:23). Professing to be of Christ through using His name, she actually carries names of blasphemy (Rev.13:1; 17:3). She is not of Christ, but the very opposite – an imposter, a hypocritical counterfeit: anti-christ.
This warning cry during the midnight hour will be intensified as events move on toward their climax, for we read that John “Saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven…saying with a loud voice, FEAR God, and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come” (Rev.14:6-8).
Therefore God Himself shall rise up to judge and destroy “The woman…arrayed in purple and scarlet” and those that are associated with her. Jesus warned in Luke21:22; “These be the days of vengeance.” “Heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war” (Rev.19:11), for “Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities” (Rev.18:5). “She saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow…Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine…for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her” (Rev.18:7-10). “The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name” (Ex.15:3). “Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations…and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Rev.19:15). (See also Heb.4:12)
The anger of the Lamb is so terrible a thing to behold that “The kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains…and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and …rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains…Fall on us, and hide us…from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”’ (Rev.6:15-17)
While there is yet time, hear this urgent call to escape: “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins” (Rev.18:4). “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass (Luke21:36). “For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the …whole earth” (Luke21:35). To remain in Babylon will only serve to strengthen the chains of complete slavery, bondage, and death of those who fear to leave her. Outside the Babylonian system is deliverance, life, and freedom to come “Unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” for those who will hear this midnight cry and step out upon His word to obey it. “Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach” (Heb.13:13).
There is a way of escape. It can be found. “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man” (Luke17:26-37). There was a place of safety provided in Noe’s time. God will be just as faithful to those who act upon His word in these days; He will keep those who heed His message to flee out of Babylon in this midnight hour (Rev.12:14; Isa.26:20,21).
“Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth…seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger” (Zeph.2:3).
IS FREE MORAL AGENCY SCRIPTURAL?
Alfred King
Recently when reading an article, the author used the term, “Free Moral Agency” and then in parentheses he wrote, (“this is not scriptural”). Knowing the author of the article held to the doctrine of free will, as well as myself having been taught since my youth that Free Moral Agency is a biblical teaching, I had to do a little searching to find how Free Moral Agency is defined. A little google search unveiled some slight variations in its definition.
Most of the definitions I found online stated something along this line: “Not controlled by the will of another, independent, not subject to arbitrary interference.” From a biblical viewpoint, this is free will. Man is free to choose to do right, or he can choose to do wrong. He is not controlled by any force outside himself.
But when I began to search Free Moral Agency as defined by some Christian organizations and from some sociologists and psychologists, I found they define Free Moral Agency from a different perspective. Some modern ministries (referred to as “modernists”) define Free Moral Agency differently than I would, so let me try to explain.
First let’s define these three words: free, moral, and agency. Let’s first define the word agency. From the World Book Encyclopedia Dictionary (Copyright – 1965). Agency: 1) means, action: example – The snow drifted by the agency of the wind. 2) a business of a person or company that has the authority to act for another: example– An agency rented my house for me.
The agency in the first example shows the means by which an action is produced; wind moved the snow.
The second example explains that an agency has been given freedom to act in behalf of the owner of the house. The agency is free to rent that house without consulting the owner.
In the term “Free Moral Agency, mankind is the agent. Free, as defined from the same World Book Encyclopedia Dictionary: “Not under another’s control; having liberty; to do, act, or think as one pleases”. From these two definitions, we can conclude that man (the agent) can do as he pleases (free). Putting the third word in this term changes things somewhat.
Let’s define moral: 1) “Relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior.” 2) “Sanctioned by or operative on one’s conscience or ethical judgment.” 3) “Capable of right or wrong actions (a – agent)” “Syn: ethical, virtuous, righteous, noble; conforming to a standard of what is right and good.” (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary)
From the World Book Encyclopedia Dictionary we have this definition: “1) Good in character or conduct; virtuous according to civilized standards of right and wrong. 2) Capable of understanding right and wrong.”
The word “moral” in “free moral agency” is what changes the definition in the minds of those mentioned above. They believe that man is moral and from the definition of moral, they conclude that man will do what is right if he is not encouraged to do wrong. In other words, man chooses wrong over right because of his rearing, the society in which he lives, or other factors which taint his moral character. The common idea, then, is that man is morally good and only behaves badly because of outside circumstances. This teaching is not scriptural, so we need to consider if man is a moral being and, if so, how this fits into scripture.
Is Man A Moral Being?
From the definitions above, moral relates to what is right and wrong. It involves one’s character and conduct. The question then becomes: Are there men of good character and good conduct? The next question then is: Who determines what is right or wrong? You? Me? The government? Society? Who??
The only way there can be morality is if there is a moral law, a standard by which moral and immoral are judged. There must be a line drawn which separates good from evil, moral from immoral, etc. Christians would say the Bible sets this moral standard, for it contains the moral law of God. While this is ultimately true, many, and probably most, people in the world do not believe in the God of the Bible. They have their own revered books by which their standards are set, or they don’t believe in any deity at all. Most people in the world set their standards of right and wrong according to the society in which they are raised. However, all civilizations hold to certain major principles of right and wrong. They clearly understand that stealing is wrong, that murder is wrong, helping someone in need is good, protecting a defenseless child or elderly person is right. Where did they find these principles?
In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul writes of moral law being found in the hearts of the heathen. “For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another”(Rom.2:14-15). These Gentiles of which Paul refers, don’t have God’s written law, yet “by nature”, or natural inclination or basic morality, do good and what is right.
It is also a fact that Paul in this same book and in the very next chapter writes: “They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood” (Rom.3:12-15). On the surface, it seems Paul is contradicting what he wrote in the previous chapter, yet we know this is not the case. Paul is speaking about two different situations. Not wanting to get off track here, let me just say that in Romans three, Paul is referring to people who have begun making bad choices and determine to continue on that path. They repeatedly reject the moral law, which is written in their hearts, till there comes a time when God gives them over to a reprobate (void of judgment) mind (Rom.1:28). Fundamentally, we find that man has an inbred morality or a knowledge of right and wrong, at least to some degree.
What Is Law?
There are actually several types of laws, but we want to consider only two. The first law is that which is an order or command. The Bible contains many commandments which are God’s law. The Sermon on the Mount is considered “pure law.” Some of the laws contained in this sermon are direct commands (such as “Judge not”, “turn the other cheek”, “go the extra mile”, etc.) and some are implied. The beatitudes are implied commands, for they state the consequence of applying those laws or principles to one’s life.
The second type of laws are certain inevitable facts in our universe. For instance: the law of gravity, the law of thermodynamics, etc. They are laws which are discovered as man has advanced in his knowledge of science. We see, then, there are moral laws and there are scientific laws, two different types of laws.
The question we want to answer is: Are there actually moral laws which govern every man, woman, and child just as certainly as the law of gravity governs nature? Can moral law be proven to be a truth, an indisputable fact? Does moral law exist just as surely as there exists laws of science?
C.S. Lewis in his book entitled, “Mere Christianity” delves into this very issue. He writes, “… man is haunted by a certain behavior they ought to practice, what you might call fair play, or decency, or morality, or the law of nature”. He goes on to state a very obvious fact (truth); man does not do what he ought to do even though he knows intuitively what is right.
What C.S. Lewis is revealing is that there is an absolute moral law just as there are absolute laws of science. Taking a very common law of science, the law of gravity, C.S. Lewis uses a stone as an example in his discussion. A stone is what it is and there’s no need to point out that it ought to be something else. No one expects a stone to be anything other than what it is. A stone will always respond to the law of gravity in the same manner. If dropped, it will fall to the ground. No one would say it should not drop to the ground, because the stone has no free will of its own. We don’t call the stone an evil stone when it doesn’t do what we want it to do. We may want the stone to stay put on the side of a hill, but the stone refuses to stay put. Rather, it rolls down the hill to the bottom. We don’t say the stone is evil because it does what stones do.
If man then has no free will, how then can one say he is evil or that he has sinned? If he commits sin because he is sinful, with no moral compass, and has no free will, no ability to choose differently, he has done just as the stone which has no free will. He responds to a law outside himself, a law to which he is totally unable to break away from.
If, then, man is to be accountable for his sin, he must, in all justice, first, have the knowledge of what is right and wrong and second, the power to refrain from that which is wrong and do the right. We don’t have to look far to see that most men, (in fact, all men) at times do good; they abide by the moral law which is innate within. It is innate within because it is written in their hearts by God, Who created them. All nationalities have common laws: such as not killing, not lying, not stealing, not committing fornication, adultery, rape, burning people’s businesses down, looting, smashing windows, etc. These types of hateful and disgraceful abominations are universally known to be wrong, and most people don’t do them. Even most sinners don’t do these things, and it’s not just because the police are watching but because it is against their conscience and against their innate morality.
These facts reveal a couple of important things. First: All men do possess free will. (All men choose to act as they do.) Second: Men are not totally depraved (depraved, but not totally. Men have a proclivity toward sin but are not forced to sin). Third: Men do not possess free moral agency (meaning morally good unless taught otherwise or because of immoral societal standards). Fourth: All men have sinned and therefore need a Savior, and that is why Jesus came, He came to save from sin and has provided everything necessary. He purchased us with His precious blood, He redeemed us with a great price, He saved us, pulling us out of the fire, He adopted us into His divine family, making us heirs and joint-heirs with Himself, and sent the Holy Spirit to abide within to lead us into truth and give us overcoming power to conquer sin and every strong hold within our natures. And, today, those saved and washed in the blood have the power of choice to serve God and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to live holy and righteously in an evil and sinful world. Praise God!
APOSTOLIC FREEDOM OF SPEECH
Harry Miller
Freedom of the press and freedom of speech are usually considered to be our American heritage. We boast in our national right to be able to criticize openly our local and national government: its legislation and legislators must bow before the free voice of the people. Marxist, Fascist, and Communist governments have demonstrated that free speech is an enemy of the dominion of tyranny. If tyranny is to continue in power, it must control the voice of freedom of speech.
Many countries today dare not permit open discussion of governmental policies or methods. The reasons for their legislation must be kept strictly under cover. National security is given as the reason for secrecy; and any thought of criticism is considered disloyalty to the party, while open criticism is counted as treason. We Americans should be most thankful to God that the politics of our nation are not yet under the dominion of such tyrants. But most of our churches know no such freedom of speech.
In the very place where one would most expect to find complete honesty and open-and-above-board dealings, there is often found great duplicity, double-dealing, and the tyrannic sway of unreasonable dogmatism. Untold thousands of ministers and teachers have been ground down under the iron heel of religious intolerance. Under the guise of faithfulness to God, many honest men have been told to shut their mouths when they have ventured to speak their minds concerning some of the errors of their churches. Those who have failed to shut their mouths have been ruthlessly broken by the master-power, and their names cast out as evil. This has not always stopped the voice, but it has certainly minimized its effect; for today brethren “outside the camp” have a phenomenally small following.
Freedom of speech in the church has virtually become a myth, through much religious organization. Constitutions have completely strangled the voices of most of the would-be doctrinal dissenters. Each denomination has declared its doctrinal position and formulated its creed which has then become the test of “fellowship” for all who wish to be identified with that particular organization; and each sect works ardently to propagate what it has determined to be its unalterable beliefs. Change of opinion or reversal of doctrinal concepts are out of the question: it is attested to that the denominational founders have laid the doctrinal foundation and no man dare question its worthiness. Believe and obey; accept without question; such are the usual demands of present-day Christian sectarianism.
Have you ever considered the difference in doctrinal ministry for the people of today from that of the days of Christ? Can you imagine an uninvited man daring to take the floor and speak publicly of some new-found religious truth in one of the sectarian assemblies of our day? Such a man would no doubt be bodily ejected from the building! There are actual cases of some who have suffered physical injury at the hands of indignant churchmen for a far lesser cause, even in this enlightened day.
The gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ was a completely new message in His day, but the Saviour and all of His disciples had access to every assembly that named the name of the Creator God.
The synagogue of ancient days was a place of liberal religious learning. Absolute strangers were invited to take the floor and speak.
For example, a number of brethren were traveling with the apostle Paul, and when they came to Antioch in Pisidia, although they were unknown to the rulers of the assembly, they were invited to speak: “Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on” (Acts13:15). Again, the next Sabbath day, they spoke to a great crowd of people in this same place of meeting.
There are records of numerous synagogue services when the apostle Paul took part in the free discussion of the message of the Kingdom of God. The book of Acts shows that his doctrinal ministry to the church was manifest in the synagogues in three different ways: In Acts17:2, 18:19, and 24:25, we see that he reasoned – he presented logical facts, appealing to their knowledge of the Holy Scripture.
Acts13:43, 18:4, and 19:26 tell us that he persuaded. This implies something more than reasoning. By the Spirit, Paul moved upon their emotions. This particular persuasive force was used by the apostle in his ministry to the Corinthians: “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God…my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (ICor.2:1-4). Here was Holy Ghost persuasion: a most effective force of persuasion.
However, there were many times when reason and Holy Spirit persuasion were not sufficient, and then Paul resorted to the third instrumentality of his ministry: he disputed (Acts9:29; 17:17; 19:8,9). This is often thought to be argument, or wrangling; but such is not the case. The Greek term here used is a combination of two words meaning literally: seeking together to find.
The apostolic brethren did not think it wrong to enter into a lively public discussion on various points of doctrine. It is true that the opponents of Christianity, when defeated in these public meetings, became greatly incensed against the brethren; and in great wrath often drove them out of their cities. But the synagogue system of religion permitted a true witness to be given, even though it was not accepted.
In their own assembly, the apostle Paul “disputed against the Grecians.” This occurred in Jerusalem (Acts9:29). At Athens, again, Paul disputed, both in the synagogue and in the market places (Acts7:17). At Ephesus he spent three months “disputing and persuading” in the synagogue: “But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus, and this continued by the space of two years” (Acts19:8-10).
According to present-day church ethics, Brother Paul did a most unethical thing in the great city of Corinth: for many weeks he used the local synagogue as a place to “reason” and “persuade both Jews and Greeks” every Sabbath day. But after Silas and Timotheus joined him the great majority of the assembly rose up against the brethren and their message. The chief ruler of the church was in favor of Paul and his message, but the rift was so great that the church was split, and the chief departed with Paul. However, Paul didn’t go far, for right next door was a man who had accepted the Christian message, and thus the brethren held services in this building for eighteen months (Acts18:4-11).
Public discussion and freedom of speech were not confined to the Jewish synagogues: the apostolic church itself practiced the same rule. In Acts fifteen there is an account of a very lively meeting where doctrinal issues were the chief topic of discussion. It says that Paul and Barnabas “had no small dissension and disputation” with the ruling brethren (verse2). “And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said…” etc. (verse7). Then, after all had a chance to “give audience,” Elder James answered and said: “Men and brethren, hearken unto me…” etc. then “Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them” (verse32).
Three times in the book of Proverbs the writer says: “In the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Such a statement implies free speech among the counsellors. Free speech was the life of the apostolic church, and when this God-given prerogative was taken from the church we truly entered into the dark ages. Truth need never fear the attacks of man or devil, and those who rest upon it shall never be moved. But those who have substituted man’s ideas for their creed, and made idols of dogma, are slaves to delusions. Such people fear logical discussion, reasonable argument, and honest debate. Such people offer the flimsy excuse that a discussion of controversial subjects only creates an argumentative atmosphere, and has never been known to save souls.
This is unsound and unchristian reasoning, for the gospel of the Kingdom of God is the most controversial message this world has ever known. It has split homes and families and separated friends and nations. Wherever and whenever this message is given it will produce the results of separation. Jesus Himself declared: “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword” (Matt.10:34).
Many “synagogues” of our day have excluded freedom of speech in order that they might be free to “strengthen the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life,” and they are guilty of these things spoken in accusation by the prophet Ezekiel: Ye “save the souls alive that should not live” (chapter 13, verse 18).
Religious dogma does not constitute truth; truth is found in freedom of speech. Jesus Christ was truth personified. He said: “I am the truth.” No wonder His message to the church of the Laodiceans is couched in the words: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Rev.3:20). All of the other six letters were directed to the churches – but this last letter is to the individual. The church of Laodicea is beyond remedy.
ANOTHER YEAR
Alfred King
As we enter another year, there is a sigh of relief that 2020 is behind us. One year ago, no one could have imagined all that would transpire over the following twelve months. But 2020 being behind us does not assure real and lasting security for the future because the problems which prevailed throughout 2020 have not been solved. And bringing another President into the White House with a change of the cabinet cannot undo all the damage, turmoil, and confusion that has divided America and that has increased to such a degree that one wonders if these problems can ever be solved. Even if the Covid vaccine proves to defeat the virus, the financial crisis and the civil unrest cannot be simply cured by a vaccine. Entrance into this new year provides us with a lot of uncertainties, questions, and concerns, for over the past year the decisions and actions of our political leaders have proven, beyond any doubt, that they don’t have the answers, and in quite a few cases, they only exacerbated the problems.
Turning from the political difficulties to the religious, we find another area of concern and consternation. While listening to many men of the cloth, Christian leaders, and Christian prognosticators, it almost seemed that some believed that Donald J. Trump was the savior of America. There is no doubt that Donald Trump was put in the White House through the providence of God and placed there for specific reasons. Christians must never feel that God makes mistakes, for no matter who is President of the most powerful nation in the world, or for that matter, the leaders of any and all other nations, Jesus Christ is the One we serve, and it is He Who sits at the right hand of the Father always making intercession for His children. What greater comfort and assurance can we have than this? Brothers and Sisters, we are children of God, and as such, we are heirs and joint-heirs with Christ (Rom.8:17), and we are kings and priests unto our God (Rev.5:6,10). Our God rules in the kingdoms of men and sets up whom He will and none can withhold His hand nor say to Him, what are You doing or why. (Dan.4:17,25,32, 5:21, 4:35)
While we may not understand why things happen the way they have, God does understand and He always does what is best for His children and His church. While we can only speculate and ask God for His peace in the ever-changing events in the kingdoms of men, God has a divine plan that He is determined to see completed: To bring His church to a state of glory. In order to accomplish His great plan, He has shaken her considerably over the past year. The church in America has been asleep for decades, and it’s time for her to awaken from her slumber and become busy about the Father’s business. If God is shaking the church, it is evident that God has a purpose in the future for His people, and we must pray and seek God that His will be done, and His church be prepared to be the bride of Christ. I don’t believe any Christian with his eyes open to the present condition of the church can say we don’t need to be shaken. It appears the shaking is not over, for a full repentance, obviously, is not complete.
I believe the question that needs to be asked is: What is the church to focus on in this new year? Where should our energies and time be spent? Somehow, the church must be awakened, not only to the dangers she is facing from her enemies, but also awakened to the reality to all the blessings and provisions Jesus died and procured for His followers. While there has been a stirring among some of God’s people, many (and probably most) are still asleep. In support of this statement; ask yourself this question: Have the many Christian prayer marches, rallies, sermons, prophecies, dreams, tongues and interpretations, etc. brought a genuine nation-wide repentance? Has there been an observerable return by the church to righteousness and holiness? Or have all these religious activities been more of a maneuver to manipulate God so that things might continue as they have in the past? We do like the easy life and comforts provided by the American’s prosperity. But scripture and history has proven over and over that when a people become prosperous and blessings overtake them, they tend to become spiritually lazy, carnal, and their dedication, fervor, and love for God and His work gradually and slowly seep away.
This was the case with Israel over and over. It was the mercy of God that moved Him to sell them into the hands of their enemies, for it was there they began to call upon the Lord and truly repented. If it takes hard times to cause God’s people to awaken out of sleep, and if it takes tribulation to pry His people from their worldly idols, then let it come. God has been calling for His church to return to Him with all the heart and all the soul. It is then that God will send the revival that is necessary for this hour, and that awakening for which the church has prayed.
In His letter to the Church in Ephesus, recorded in Revelation chapter two, Jesus gave them warning of impending danger because they had left their “first love.” He called upon them to “repent and do the first works.” There is something that the church today can do to return to that love they once knew, and this applies to every believer who has experienced that love which came when they were washed in the precious blood of Christ and cleansed from all previous sins. The cleanness of the soul was so marvelous, and the joy which accompanied that cleansing produced a tremendous love for God and a desire to serve Him the rest of one’s life. Jesus told the Ephesian Church that they could return and find again that love that causes one to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
The Strait Gate And The Narrow Way
I would like to present a view which may be somewhat different than what has been commonly thought when reading the following scripture. “Strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth to life and few there be that find it” (Matt.7:14). These words spoken from our Savior’s lips are serious and most important. Most Christians, it seems, do not take them seriously. However, the most common view of this statement is that if one desires to reach heaven, he must walk this narrow path. This perspective is certainly true, for clearly the wide gate and broad way leads to eternal destruction as Christ so aptly put it.
However, it seems to me that there is another important message embedded in this “strait gate” and “narrow way” which places a present importance and necessity upon these words as it relates to returning to one’s first love. Notice that Jesus said this way leads to life. Life, not only in the sweet by and by, but in this world today. The present application is important because, while it has eternal consequences, yet it offers a present spiritual life which few ever find. To state it more succinctly and clearly; there is a path by which believers can obtain a spiritual life today that is beyond what most experience in their daily walk. The reason so few enjoy this life is they shun the narrow way. Jesus told the Samaritan woman that He was providing a water which can totally satisfy and that the partakers of it would “never thirst again” (John4:14). He even went so far as to state that it would be “a well of water within, springing up into everlasting life.” There is a life that is of a spiritual nature which Jesus has provided for His people, a life of vitality, exuberance, joy, peace, and spiritual motivation. And this life is not affected by circumstances in the world around us. Paul and Silas found this life of joy and peace in a dungeon while bound with chains, and so great was that joy and love for God that they were able to sing praises to God in the middle of the night, even with stripes on their backs. This is the life of which Jesus spoke.
Whoever is President of this great nation is not our real enemy. Covid-19 is not the Christian’s real enemy. China nor Russia, nor any other nation are our enemy. Our real enemy is self. Self is spiritually lazy, complacent, self-serving, loves comforts, and hates to be imposed upon. The narrow way imposes upon the flesh. The call to return runs in direct opposition to the self-nature. This is why Jesus said, “Strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to LIFE, and few there be that find it.” (emphasis mine)
In John 7, Jesus, referring to those who would follow Him, said, “… out of his (disciples) belly shall flow rivers of living water.” And John removes all questions about what this water might be by saying, “But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him should receive” (John7:39). This is where life truly is found; it is in Christ, through the Holy Spirit. If it takes tribulation, or famine, or nakedness, or perils, or sword, or war, or persecutions, or any other adversity in order for this life to be sought and found, then we must desire that God bring it and pray that we will be strengthened to bear it.
Therefore, let us not fear about what 2021 will bring. Let us not fret over who next sits in the White House. Rather, let us fear God and turn our hearts to Him unreservedly, return to that first love, and allow the Holy Spirit to bring LIFE and that special divine love which He so graciously sheds abroad in our hearts as we seek Him. May 2021 be a year for returning to that first love, a year of restoration, a year of revival, and a year of awakening by returning to the strait gate and walking the narrow path that leads to LIFE.