PART 2

Harry R. Miller

        There is another great “city” whose influence and power has affected the lives of millions; this metropolis is called by the following names: “The city of the Living God” (Heb.12:22); The “Jerusalem which is above” (Gal.4:26); The city “whose builder and maker is God” (Heb.11:10); “The bride, the Lamb's wife” (Rev.21:9); “The holy city, new Jerusalem” (Rev.21:2). This is the city of which the earthly, material Jerusalem is but a type, a very incomplete “shadow.”

        We now will examine the four distinguishing categories of the way of life of this city and note the comparison between it and old Babylon.

The Political System Of Jerusalem

        The superb rule of rational beings is the absolute theocracy; God is King. This is the rule of heaven. Only rebels are foolish enough to think that they can rule themselves. Israel, after the flesh, made a disastrous mistake when they rejected the Lord as their king and applied to Samuel for a “king like unto the nations.” This tragic event was the beginning of the downfall of the Israelite nation. It is said that God “gave them a king in his anger” (Hosea13:11). God never intended that His people be governed by an earthly system, and so, after a couple hundred years of this sort of rule, the Lord took away the kingdom from Israel and her line of ungodly rulers ended.

        Jesus Christ of the seed of David has come, not only to seek and save that which was lost, but to restore the kingdom to God. He now has taken His rightful place ON THE THRONE at the right hand of His Father: “By the right hand of God exalted” (Acts2:33); “Sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool” (Heb.10:12,13); “Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him” (IPeter3:22). “Jesus Christ…the prince of the kings of the earth” (Rev.1:5); “The Lamb…he is Lord of lords, and King of kings” (Rev.7:14); “Thou king of saints” (Rev.15:3); “The only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever” (Jude25); “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (IIPeter1:16); “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible” (ITim.1:17). This should be enough evidence that Jesus is now king; however, since so many folks have been taught that He is a king TO BE, it would be well to consider more about the place of His throne and its duration.

        “I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion…Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee…Kiss the Son, lest he be angry” (Psalm2:6-12); “I will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before me. It shall be established forever as the moon and as a faithful witness IN HEAVEN” (Psalm89:35-37); “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom” (Heb.1:8); “Call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke1:32-33).

        David was not the “father” of Jesus Christ: God said, “This is MY beloved Son.” Christ was of the “seed” of David but most certainly was not his “son.” How can the above statement from Luke be explained then? Is not this the answer: “God is love” and the meaning of the word David in the Hebrew is “loving”? Christ is the Son of the God of love, and the throne of the God of love is in heaven. The earthly king David, in figure, restored the kingdom of national Israel to God the rightful owner: “David blessed the Lord…Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all…thou reignest over all” (IChron.29:10-12). “The prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David…for ever” (Isa.9:6-7).

        Let us locate the “throne,” for this is a most important point of doctrine: “In mercy shall the throne be established and he shall sit upon it in truth in the TABERNACLE of David” (Isa.16:5). Now to locate the tabernacle of David and we will have our answer. He certainly did not mean that the old tent that housed the ark is the tabernacle where God's throne is to be located. This Scripture should clear up the matter: “We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the THRONE of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the true tabernacle” (Heb.8:1,2). “The first tabernacle…was a FIGURE for the time then present” (Heb.9:8,9); “Christ being come an high priest…by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands” (Heb.9:11). It appears that the tabernacle of David was but a FIGURE of the perfect tabernacle in heaven: “figures of the true” (Heb.9:24).

        Before Christ ascended to the heavenly throne, He made this declaration to His disciples: “All power IS GIVEN UNTO ME in heaven and in earth” (Matt.28:18). With this supreme authority He now sits upon the throne of His Father in the tabernacle of heaven, and as the Chief Administrator of the Kingdom of God, He rules and orders the affairs of His government. “He must reign (NOW), till he hath put all enemies under his feet” (ICor.15:25).

        Jesus Christ is not only the head of the church, He is head “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only IN THIS WORLD, but also in that which is to come” (Eph.1:21).

        Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way that “The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Dan.4:25); it is strange that many of the children of the kingdom of God are not aware that their Redeemer is KING OF THE UNIVERSE NOW!

        There are two things in any kingdom that will command the respect of the subjects under its rule: The person of the sovereign, and His LAW. The God of love has captured the hearts of His subjects; no power nor influence carries a force worthy to be compared to love. For the love of Christ, millions have laid down their lives, and for the same love other untold millions willingly “die daily” that they might honor and obey Him. The subjects of His kingdom, because of their love for Him, pray continually that they might be more devoted, more surrendered to His will. No kingdom on earth has ever known such devotion of its subjects; neither could fear or a force of arms acquire such devotion from its citizens.

        “The law of the Lord is perfect;” it never need be put through the process of change like the laws of men. The twenty-four elders of heaven are not busy daily trying to create new laws with which to control the kingdom. The perfect law stands eternally through all ages. His commandments (not the laws of Moses) are everlasting; they are just as applicable today as they were in all ages past. They never need revision nor alterations to adjust to changing conditions. Humanity with all of its weaknesses is just the same today as it always has been; so the laws that held carnality in check in ages past are just as effective now in our age.

        Every devil in hell and every angel in heaven are convinced that whatever God has said is what He means. The crucifixion was absolute proof that the Creator of the universe would honor His law above all else. He loved sinners, but His law said “the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” In respect to His law, He had to require the death of the sinner, or the death of a perfect man who would take the sinner's place. Jesus Christ took that place and honored the WORD OF HIS FATHER. Because God's word has been honored, the Father can now justly forgive repentant sinners and turn them over to His Son for complete reformation.

        The Son is working to restore mankind to their former estate: “Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet” (Psalm8:4-6). “Replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion” (Gen.1:28); this was given to man in Eden, but through sin he lost his authority and power to rule even himself. Through Christ, self is being brought into subjection, and as the carnal man is brought under, the virtues of the life of Christ are brought out in the character of men, and the power of the kingdom is restored.

        It is the nature of the kingdom of God that has so bewildered carnal men; unlike the world powers, His kingdom “cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, Lo there, for, behold the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke17:21). This is very difficult for the natural man to understand. Besides, it is written: “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God” (ICor.15:50). Of course, Jesus made it very plain to Pilate: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John18:36). So many people cling to the idea that His kingdom must be “of this world,” and they then postpone His reign and rule for another time; such doctrine is a denial of Christ and of His words.

        When we become Christians by the new birth, we are delivered from the power of darkness, and are “translated into the kingdom of his (The Father's) dear Son” (Col.1:13). By this act of God, we become a part of “A chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation” (IPeter2:9). Brethren, God is creating a NATIONAL ISRAEL that is holy. The “law of the Lord” is very busy “converting the soul” (Psalm19:7) of the saint who puts his complete trust in Him. Jude said that He seeks to “present you faultless before the presence of his glory” (verse 24).

        It might be well here to compare Satan's kingdom (Rev.16:10) with God's kingdom and note the contrasts: “The great red dragon” (Rev.12:3) came “up out of the sea” (Rev.13:11); Satan created his beast kingdoms from among men. And “the waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations and tongues” (Rev.17:15). The “whore” sits upon the “waters” and also the “mountains” (the governments of the beast). But, take note that the horns “hate her” and finally destroy her with fire (Rev.17:16). Satan's kingdom is divided and, of course, it cannot stand.

        How different is the kingdom of Christ. It is completely of a heavenly nature: its King is in heaven; so also is His throne; so also is the city Zion (Gal.4:26); so also are the “general assembly and church of the first born” (Heb.12:23). Love is the ruling force in His kingdom, while hate predominates in these other kingdoms.

The Economic Factor Of Jerusalem

        Here, again, we find a contrast between the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of this world that is as different as day and night. For the saint who will follow Christ and obey His commands as given in the gospels, the “rat race” is ended. Friends, there is a rest for the people of God. There is a place now in this life where a person can cease from his own works as God did from His (Heb.4:9,10).

        The Sermon on the Mount is the constitution of the kingdom of God, and those who will “hear what the Spirit saith” and put these COMMANDS of Christ into practice will secure the benefits promised to those who will so honor Him.

        Unbelief always applies God's promises for the time to come: the future. Many talk of the kingdom to come, but few demonstrate the glory of the present kingdom of God. The reason for this unbelief: people will not accept the fact that God desires to share all of His bounties with His obedient children, now, in this life, as well as bless them in the ages to come.

        “The gospel of the kingdom” introduced a new order of life: FOLLOW CHRIST. So revolutionary is the way that He led that the masses of professing Christians have turned away from His teachings and constantly search for a more compatible way of life. The path the Saviour has carved out for saints is purposely designed to put to death the carnal man; he who strictly follows the order that the Master builder has commanded us to observe will find that his obedience is the very thing that develops sainthood. By following Christ, saints are impaled upon the cross which crucifies our greatest enemy: SELF.

        The glorious fact about this death by way of the cross is not the dying to self but the awakening of the true love for God that results in this operation: “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him” (IJohn2:5).

        Nothing works so rapidly to eliminate the fallen nature as our willing subjection to the commands of Christ that involve our economic life. The poor slave of self, having been reared in Babylon, taught from his birth to trust in mammon, having all his lifetime suffered the fear of the loss of things that sustain him, is bowled over with consternation when told he can have all if he puts his complete trust in God.

        Many have accepted, as a philosophy, “trust” in God. But in amazement they stop when they discover that, before they can actually trust God, they must first cut all ties with mammon. “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable and disobedient” (Titus1:16). The so-called “faith” of many professing Christians is but a thin veneer, a sop to the troubled soul fearful of the wrath of God. Those who love Christ demonstrate their love in the practical manner of obedience to His commands: “If a man love me, he will keep my words” (John14:23); “He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me” (John14:21).

        “Let us be called by thy name” (Isa.4:1) is all that the daughters of Babylon ask of Christ; and behind the “name” facade is hidden all manner of evil. It takes a lot more than a “name” to make a Christian church: “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke6:46). “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me” (Matt.15:8,9). “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt.7:21).

        God the Father spoke through the lips of His Son: “The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me” (John14:10). Now, consider this: “God…spake unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his son…Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Heb.1:1,2 and 2:1-3).

        Economic conditions in this world (evil kosmos) have become almost a permanent part of the life of this generation. It seems almost impossible for believers to accept this statement: “If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him…but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (IJohn2:15-17). Jesus made this positive statement: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise (disesteem) the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt.6:24). Very few saints love the world; but many HOLD ON TO MAMMON! By many of their works, they demonstrate before men and angels that they have more faith in the keeping power of mammon than they have in God.

        After making this statement concerning “mammon,” the Master commands (in the next nine verses of Matt.6), “Take no…thought for the morrow;” in these verses He goes into detail and makes it very plain that He is speaking about the most essential things for our personal needs such as: food, drink, and clothing. He, also, makes it plain that “the gentiles” all seek after these needs, but saints are under divine order not to seek them. This dictum from the throne of God is repeated three times in these few verses, and His words are so plain that a little child can understand.

        Men refuse to obey these dictates for various and sundry reasons. Unbelief and fear of personal loss are the chief factors for refusal; but one thing is certain: whatever the cause for not doing His will, it is without excuse.

        “The Sermon on the Mount” contains a number of commandments that are very obnoxious to the carnal man; such as that just referred to in Matthew 6. Another which is just as distasteful is found in Matthew 10:21; “Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor … and come and follow me”

        Ah, but some will say, “That only applied to the rich young ruler;” that is very true, but here we find it spoken again, and this time to the “little flock:” “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life…Sell that ye have, and give alms…Be ye therefore ready” (Luke12:22-40). Jesus taught that God could, and would, take care of His own. He commanded that His followers trust the Father's care and separate themselves from those things in which most men trust.

        For a very brief season, the apostolic church practiced, as well as preached, the good news of the kingdom of God. These saints truly believed that the Christian calling is a single-minded service to the Lord and His saints; a service that is ruled by the love of God. They believed that men and women were to live and work together in the love of God for the extension of His kingdom on earth. They not only prayed “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” but put it into practice.

        Economic competition and exploitation deny the brotherhood of saints and are, therefore, a denial of the will of God. It is the will of God that a complete transformation be brought about in human relationships in this life. His love is not just for the world to come; neither is the love of saints something that is only to be practiced in a far-off future time.

        Ask any saint what his idea is concerning the perfect heavenly state, and he will picture a time when competition and exploitation are at an end. He will portray God as the great provider and show that love and peace reign supreme among brethren. In such a state, he will tell you, worry and the “cares of this life” will all be ended; but this is all for a future life, we are told! You see, by nature God has instructed all men of a way of life that ought to be. But unbelief says that there are too many “giants” in the land to have it now in this life.

        Friends, Jesus Christ came to restore to the godly the things the Father gave man in the beginning. The gospel of the Kingdom is the only message from the days of Christ to this present hour. It is the good news of the heavenly kingdom within the reach of men: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings…that saith unto Zion, THY GOD REIGNETH!” (Isa.52:7)

(To be continued: The Social Factor and the Religious Factor will conclude next month)

Brenda Rankhorn

        Have “you longed for sweet peace and for faith to increase”? “Would you walk with the Lord in the light of His word, and have peace and contentment alway?”

        Do you desire peace, more faith, and a greater contentment? Do you want healing for the distress and unrest in your soul?

        II Chronicles7:14 says, “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.”

        Land, or ground, in Matthew13:19 is considered the heart. In order to have healing for our heart we must humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from our wicked ways.

        First, we are to humble ourselves, as Jesus did, who “made himself of no reputation” (Phil.2:7,8). Acting in obedience to the Father, Jesus lowered His position as King to become a servant and be made in the likeness of men. He humbled Himself still further by dying a criminal's death on the cross. There's never been a time that greater humbleness was shown.

        A humble person recognizes the need for help, admits to failings, and is willing to ask for help as the psalmist, David, said, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm51:10). He admitted his heart wasn't pure, asked God for help to become more like Him, and asked for help to bring his spirit into greater subjection to God's will so he wouldn't sin (Psalm 51).

        Our attitude should be the humble, repentant one of the publican and not the boastful haughty one of the Pharisee (Luke18:10-14). The Pharisee lifted himself up as good, worthy, important, and was wise in his own eyes (Prov.3:7). His whole demeanor bespoke of vainglory and self-exaltation. On the other hand, the publican showed abject humility. He would not even “lift up so much as his eyes to heaven” (Luke18:13). Considering himself a sinner, he called upon God for mercy. He realized his inadequacy without God. This man was justified and regarded as righteous, rather than the other.

        A broken and a contrite heart God will not despise (Psalm51:17). “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you” (Jer.29:12). God will listen when we pray. Prayer is speaking to God in worship, entering into spiritual communion with God, and making an earnest request to God.

        We are to pray “according to his will” (IJohn5:14); with faith and fervency (James5:15,6); and “continually” (Col.4:2), as Elijah did after the contest on Mount Carmel. Knowing it was God's will for rain, Elijah forewarned Ahab of the approaching downpour. Then, with complete trust in God, he continued to pray until a cloud came into view and he knew his prayer was answered.

        David cried in distress unto God, was heard, and received deliverance from his enemies (Psalm18:6,17). We can do the same and be delivered from our “enemies” that try to destroy us. This deliverance from the works of the flesh, such as fear, envy, and bitterness, is part of the healing of the heart.

        “Seek and ye shall find.” The Greek meaning for seek in this verse, Matt.7:7, is to seek in order to find. We're not to give up until we have found what we seek. When Jacob, in fear and distress, was seeking deliverance from the hand of his brother Esau, he arose in the night and wrestled with an angel until daybreak. So great was his determination, his desire for deliverance, that he told the angel, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” His prayer was answered; his life was preserved (Gen.32:7, 11-22, 24-30).

        Is our desire for God, His will, and His help of such import that we would “seek His face continually” (IChron.16:11)? Does our soul thirst and long for Him to such an extent that we would seek Him early in order to find Him (Psalm63:1)? Early, in the preceding verse, is defined in Hebrew as to be up early, with the implication of earnestness, to search for with painstaking, and to inquire early in the morning. Are we willing to give up our last hour or half hour of sleep to earnestly seek God? We can set ourselves to seek God (IChron.22:19).

        The Lord promised, “And ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with ALL YOUR HEART” (Jer.29:13). Give it all you've got!

        “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18). If we want God's blessing and cure, we must want it enough to turn from our wicked ways.

        Turning from wickedness is like breaking up the fallow ground of our heart (Hosea10:12). It is a preparation for the planting of truths and understanding of the word. Truth and understanding are both necessary to having a whole heart.

        We need to be like the Ninevites who, when they heard of the coming demolition of their city, repented in sackcloth and ashes. They humbled themselves, cried unto God, and turned from their evil ways. They tried their best to get God's attention and help, and it worked. Their city was restored unto them (Jonah 3:4-10). Our heart, spiritual being, will deteriorate to such an extent that it can be overtaken by the devil if we don't do something for its feeble condition.

        We could be like the Israelites whom God was constantly urging to leave their wickedness so He could give them rain and cause them to eat and be full (Deut.11:13-17). Because of their abominations, even though they cried unto God, He would not hear (Ezek.8:17,18), and they became wasted and desolate.

        Do we want a spiritual life of desolation, discontentment, and sorrow; or one of throbbing joy, deep satisfaction, and life-giving strength? It's up to us.

        The Lord had Ezekiel tell the people to “repent, turn yourselves from all your transgressions…and live” (Ezek.18:30-32). Only with a healed heart will we live.

        If we can't seem to meet these requirements for obtaining a healthy heart, then we can ask God for help. “Lord, help me to be humble,” or “Please give me a desire to pray and seek your face,” or “Show me how to refrain from sinful deeds and how to keep from entertaining evil thoughts,” can be some of our entreaties unto God. God doesn't make us press on in our own strength before He will heal. He's with us each step of the way. We have only to take the first step. As we draw nigh to God, He will draw nigh to us (James4:8).

THAT IS THE QUESTION

Harry Miller

        “The first covenant had ordinances of divine service…which stood in meats and drinks…and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation” (Hebrew, chapter 9). Under this covenant these “ordinances” were law, and to fail to fulfill this law was a sin against the Covenant Maker. It was this “law” that “had a shadow of good things to come” (Heb.10:1).

        The law of sacrifice dates as far back as the sacrifice; Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain because he offered according to the law of sacrifice. The “fruit of the ground” was just as abominable in the eyes of God as the sacrifice of an “unclean” animal would have been. Those who serve the Lord must serve Him according to His plan.

        Abraham, Isaac and Jacob never offered sacrifices that were not according to the laws of sacrifice. Noah recognized “the law of sacrifice” and offered “clean” beasts (Gen.8:20).

        The “clean” beast was a shadow of “the lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world,” and “in these sacrifices there is again a remembrance made of sins” (Heb.10:3). Christ fulfilled the “law” or shadow of the sin offering when He was offered a sacrifice for sin. This offering “made an end of sin” and an end of the sacrifice for sins.

        Therefore, from Adam to the cross, there was a “law of sacrifice,” but the cross was the end of the sacrifice and, incidentally, the end of the laws in connection with the sacrifice (Heb.10:8-14).

Arguments Used By Those Who Forbid Meats

        Isaiah 66:17: Here the great sin of those under the “Old Covenant” was not the eating of swines’ flesh as some would have us believe, but it was the sin of heathen idolatry. This is plainly stated in Isaiah65:1-7 (Many other references may be had).

        In Luke8:26-37 we have an account of the herd of swine that ran down into the sea and were drowned. Many say that this shows the attitude of the Lord Jesus in regard to the swine. They say He hated the pigs – Why? The pig was not the creation of man or the devil. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself created pigs; it was He that made all beasts, whether they are “clean” or “unclean.”

        And has He changed His opinion of His creation, since He said in Genesis1:24-25 “and God saw that it was good”?

        Some might think that the swine are filled with evil spirits, due to the fall of man, and that is what makes them “unclean” but, if this is true, why is it that when Jesus let the devils go into the swine that the herd committed suicide? Were not these swine cleaner than many men in that they refused to be the “habitation of devils”? This passage proves that swine are NOT the carriers of foul spirits.

        The judgment of Jesus in this case was not upon the swine, but was upon the ungodly men of that country, owners of the herd who so hated God that they “besought him to depart from them.”

        According to the ceremonial law, only certain kinds of beasts are “clean,” although they all were made by the same Creator; and according to the same law only a certain “kind” of a human being is “clean,” though “ALL have sinned” and “there is none righteous, no not one,” and though ALL are the sons of Adam, yet only a certain “kind” of man is fit for divine service. He must be a child of Abraham by promise (not a mere natural descendant). He must have the circumcision of the heart; he must have a heart of flesh, a new spirit and a new birth.

        All other humans are “dogs,” “swine” and, as Peter saw in his vision – “all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth and wild beasts, and creeping things” (Acts10:12).

        Types and shadows are profitable to those who understand the TRUTH, but many who know not the truth, wrest the scriptures in using the shadows to “prove” their shady doctrines. All doctrine should be based upon the DIRECT statement of the Lord, or the apostles. Error among God’s people has always come from those who build upon interpretations and human reasoning, rather than on the plain statements of scripture.

What Saith The Scripture???

        Col. 2:13-22: “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances…and took it out of the way. Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink…Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why…are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?”

        Romans14:1-3 and 14:23: “Him that is weak in the faith…eateth herbs;” verse 14: “I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.” Verse 20: “All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.” Verse 23: “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

        We are not to eat before the “weak” brother, but we are to “put the brethren in remembrance of these things,” and thus “be a good minister of Jesus Christ” (ITim.4:6).

        In order to be this “good minister” that Paul speaks of here, we must warn the brethren of the “doctrines of devils” that shall come forth in “the last days” when the “old wives fables” will be revived and the teachers of error will “command to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For EVERY CREATURE OF GOD IS GOOD, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer” (verses3-5).

        “In the beginning was the Word – ALL things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made,” and it was He that said after He created all beasts that “it was good.” It was He, the Word, that spoke to Noah in Genesis 9, saying, “EVERY beast of the earth, EVERY fowl of the air…ALL that moveth upon the earth…ALL the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. EVERY moving thing that liveth shall be MEAT for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.”

        Noah ate “ALL things” and “EVERY” kind, but when he made a sacrifice, he recognized the laws of sacrifice and only offered the “clean.” Later, the Levitical law forbade the eating of the “unclean,” and under the OLD Covenant it was an abomination to eat the kind of flesh that was not used in ceremonial worship.

        But since the cross, the old covenant is abolished and with it all the laws of ceremony and sacrifice; therefore, beloved brethren, “turn ye not again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage” (Gal.4:9). “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Gal.5:1), “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom.14:17).

        “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be A GOOD MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST” (I Tim.4:6).

Addendum:

        We do not condemn those who disagree with us on this subject, and we ask that they will not condemn us. Our fellowship with other saints is not dependent upon whether we eat or do not eat certain foods. We regret that so many well-meaning people have disfellowshipped others with whom they were in disagreement over such topics as this.

        We believe that God will bring His people together in love and one accord, and until He does, we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit, until we all come into the unity of the faith.

        Editor

Alfred King

        As one gets older it is amazing how quickly time passes. It seems only a short time ago that the turmoil surrounding the presidential election was raging and we were all gathering together for our Thanksgiving dinners. Thanksgiving is that special time of year when we fellowship with family and friends giving thanks for our blessings. That special time is once again upon us.

        We in Tennessee gather together with our church family and with some who travel here to celebrate with us as we give thanks to our God Who has so graciously and wonderfully blessed us. We are thankful not only for the physical blessings, but spiritual blessings as well and these we treasure more than the physical.

        While we have so many blessings bestowed upon us, we are not blind nor indifferent to the fact that the world around us is becoming more and more chaotic and unstable. The events of the past couple of years have brought about changes in America that one could never foresee even five or ten years ago. When I was young, Americans were concerned about nuclear war, concerned that we might lose the freedoms we are so accustomed to and that we might find ourselves under the dominion of some communist dictator. But we possessed a confidence that American military might was far superior to that of other nations, so our fears were minor and we thought little of it.

        Today however, the America we knew fifty years ago is not the same as it was. The threat to America is not coming from a nation on the other side of the world nor from some dictator who rules some foreign land, rather it is coming from within. America is more divided today than it has been since the Civil War, over a hundred and fifty years ago. There is even some discussion among some citizens and groups that another Civil War may be the only means to solve the divide that exists in this country. What the future holds as far as the United States is concerned, only God knows. Many of our political leaders seem set on destroying this nation, and they sit in the most prominent seats, possessing the most likely means to bring about their devious and destructive plan. Either these leaders are completely ignorant of what they are doing, or they are set on an agenda to destroy this nation.

        With the events of the past two years set before us, some might find it difficult to give thanks. While we must not bury our heads in the sand, we must watch and, while watching, we must keep our eyes set on things above and maintain faith in God and His word. We must be thankful for the freedoms we still have today. We can be thankful for the freedom to gather together in worship and hear God’s word preached each Sabbath. While the present government continues to press its draconian and unconstitutional decrees upon us, we still possess many freedoms which other nations can only hope for. Let us then give thanks to God for those freedoms we still possess and rejoice in our God, Who still is on the throne ruling in the kingdoms of men, setting up whom He will and removing them as He sees fit.

        In the end, the spiritual blessings which come from God alone cannot be taken away by men or governments. Rulers, tyrants, and governments for centuries have attempted to silence the Gospel by persecution, imprisonment, and martyring its proclaimers, yet have been totally unsuccessful. They have tried to destroy God’s word by forbidding it to be found among believers and, while they burned thousands of Bibles, it remains still today a beacon of hope and salvation to millions. Is spite of men’s evil efforts, God, Who is omnipotent, preserved it up to the present time. It is from God’s word that we find so much to be thankful for and to rejoice in.

        Those precious words from the Apostle Paul to the church in Rome have blessed multitudes throughout the centuries and sustained them in their times of distress: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom8:31-39). This is our cause of thanksgiving even in the midst of the world’s confusion and misguided politics.

        There are many God-given promises in scripture that we should never be discouraged or fearful of what men may do unto us. Jesus foretold of these days and encouraged us with these words: “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke21:28)

        As we Christians gather together this year on Thanksgiving Day, let us focus not on the crisis America is facing but on the promises of God. It is there that one finds solace and cause for thanksgiving. God’s word supplies the strength to endure to the end. It is God’s word that causes one to lift up holy hands and sing praises to God in a Philippian jail, even while in bonds and with stripes on the back. It is there that one can be thankful that they can say that they are worthy to suffer for Christ. (Phil.1:29) or say with Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job13:15).

        Although America and the world is in turmoil, let all Christians give thanks this year for all of God’s promises and blessings. Let us give honor to our God Who created all things, Who controls all things, and Who has promised to present us faultless before His throne when He returns in the clouds of glory. It’s time to give thanks!