|
People of The Living God |
|
March 2022
WATCHMEN ON THE WALLS
SCRIPTURE IS THE FINAL AUTHORITY
Alfred King
One of the major faults within the Roman Catholic Church, which brought about what is commonly called today “The Protestant Reformation,” was the issue of whether the scriptures were the sole authority upon which Christianity is built, or did the Pope have authority to overrule scripture. Sola Scriptura became the battle cry of the Reformation, for the reformers held the belief that scripture is the final authority. Martin Luther, who is credited the founder of the Protestant Reformation, began to speak out against, not only the additions to scripture imported into Catholic catechism, many of which were in direct contradiction to scripture and which placed undue burdens upon its members. Martin Luther was also disturbed at many portions of scripture which were discarded, distorted, and corrupted. The Church had adopted the false premise that the Pope had the authority to adapt God’s word to his programs and the Catholic agendas, whatever was convenient and seemed appropriate at the time. One of those added dictates which went far over the top for Martin Luther was selling of indulgences.
Indulgences were propagated by the church in order to (honestly stated) make money, and it revolved around Purgatory, a teaching that when souls died they went to a place called Purgatory where they await judgment. It left people uncertain of their final state when they faced God’s judgment. Selling of indulgences was the teaching that people could pay a sum to the Catholic Church and buy family members or others out of Purgatory. So, basically one could, if he was wealthy enough, free a person from God’s judgment. It included even paying for one’s own sins. No need for the blood of Christ, for Purgatory was a sure way. And, who pronounced this alternative? It was sanctioned by the Pope, for the church claimed that he, the pope, was the apostle to the last day church.
Although Indulgences ceased after a couple of centuries, the Church still claims to hold the power to circumvent scripture. The Pharisees and Sadducees of old had nothing on the Catholic Church in making the word of God of none effect through their traditions and commandments of men, for Catholicism has trumped even those evil sects.
In a recent article published by “JustPatriots.com”, titled, “100 Priests Come Out of the Closet,” the pope is challenged once again to stand with scripture or reject God’s order. In this article, homosexual acceptance is the issue that is coming up before the Pope to see how he will rule on this unscriptural and undebatable topic. Let me quote the first paragraph of this article. “Last week in Germany 125 Catholic church workers, including priests, teachers, and church volunteers launched OutInChurch, a movement calling for the Catholic Church to accept LGBT people and allow them to work within the church openly without discrimination.” (emphasis mine) Time will tell how the Pope will respond to this troubling issue. While the Gay movement has infiltrated many Protestant churches, until now the Catholic Church has been in opposition to it. Will the Pope stand with scripture and hold its previous decrees or will it bend and compromise to popular demand? The fact that it is not only priests who are petitioning for change, but church workers, teachers, and church volunteers is beyond believable.
In Acts11:26 we read, “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” A disciple is a person who embraces the teachings of some person or philosophy, living by and promoting its tenants and ideologies. Christians then are disciples of Jesus Christ and live their lives according to His teachings and commands, which are recorded in scripture. While the definition of so many words in the 21stcentury are being changed so they no longer mean what they have in the past, the word “Christian” cannot be changed. Christians are those who live by the teaching of Jesus Christ and the Apostles. Therefore, those who do not abide in Jesus’ words are not truly Christians; they are counterfeits. Those Protestants or Catholic or any other breed of religion who do not abide by the Master’s teachings are merely religious and certainly not Christian. This may sound unloving. It may sound harsh. It may sound fanatical and radical. It may even sound absurd to many and appear the stance of some egotistical self-righteous nut, but it is perfectly in keeping with “Sola Scriptura.”
Maybe it’s time again to sound the trumpet of “Sola Scriptura” in the 21stcentury, not only to the Catholic Church but to the many Protestant Churches who have themselves rejected scripture to appease an ungodly multitude who have weaseled their way into many Protestant Churches in America. I know this article will affect some adversely, stating it is void of mercy, grace, and love. But I ask you: Is it wrong to tell a sinner he is living in sin and he needs to change, be born again and gain eternal life? Is it unloving to warn a couple who is living in fornication or adultery that they are living in sin? Is cautioning those who curse and take God’s holy name in vain that they are on a very dangerous path, void of grace? Is it then unmerciful to warn homosexuals, lesbians, and all others living a perverted life that they are headed for an eternal hell? Is it love, mercy, and grace to say nothing and not urge them to avail themselves of God’s gracious, merciful, and loving provision in Christ? Is it love to say nothing? To say nothing encourages them to continue in sin. Is it love to allow them in our churches as members, workers, deacons, and even ministers or pastors? Is that not condoning and encouraging them in their sin? Those who do such things are not only accomplices to their sins but encourage others to take that same path that leads to destruction. May God awaken His blind church to such atrocities and open those eyes which Satan has blinded, while there is still time.
IS YOUR HUT ON FIRE?
Billy Linthicum
On February 25, 2021, the Senate Floor debated over the Equality Act, a measure that would create a right to kill babies in abortions and force Americans to fund abortions. As part of the debate zeroed in on sex and gender issues, Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) upset some of those on the Senate Floor when he confirmed God makes boys and girls unique. Accusing the proponents of the Equality Act of ignoring Biblical values, the congressman said, “When men or women claim to be able to choose their own sexual identity, they are making a statement that God did not know what He was doing when He created them.” In response, Rep. Jerry Nadler replied, “What any religious tradition describes as God’s will is no concern of this Congress.”1
Sentiments such as this demonstrate how things in this country, and the world, seem to be spiraling out of control as people are losing perspective on reality. Now, a year later, controversy over issues that are dividing this country has only intensified, and it is overwhelming to watch ungodliness and immorality escalating at warp speeds. Even a casual observation of world events, and changing human attitudes, causes one to ponder whether the perilous characteristics listed in Romans1:24-31 are manifesting themselves right before our eyes. 2 It is becoming profoundly understandable why Scriptures like Hebrews3:13 should be a common practice among Christian believers: “But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called "Today,"so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements and to store his few possessions.
One day, after foraging on the island for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, completely engulfed in a raging fire and smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost.
He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me?" he cried. “How could you let this happen?”
Early the next morning, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.
"How did you know I was here?" the weary man asked his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.3
The last two years have seen the destruction of people's routines and the obliteration of almost every form of normalcy. And, one of the most dominant characteristics of this period has been the prevalence of fear. Not just fear, but great fear! With that thought in mind, let me encourage you to not lose heart. Despite all that is transpiring, God is present and working in your pain, your suffering, your discouragement, your fears, and your questions – which usually begin with “Why?” So, take comfort, because whether you can “see” it or not, God is working in your best interest even when it seems that your hut is on fire.
Here’s something to contemplate! Despite all the negative feelings, doubts, questions, and even the anger you may have expressed as the world has been turned upside down, God has a positive recourse for everything you have experienced or are undergoing. In times of stress/distress, we have a tendency to say:“This situation is impossible. What can I possibly do to counter what’s going on?” Jesus' response is: "What is impossible with man is possible with God" (Luke18:27 NIV). Depression and self-pity can cause us to feel that:“Nobody really loves me.” Jesus' response is: "I love you…so much so, I even died for you."4
Discouragement causes us to feel like:“Nobody really cares.” But God’s Word saysyou should be “casting all your cares on Him, because He cares about you” (IPeter5:7 CSB).
Often when you think that no one really cares, it is normal to think: "I feel all alone." In these moments, God admonishes us to remember,"I will never leave you; never will I forsake you" (Heb.13:5 NIV). And, He also wants us to remember that He is never far from any one of us (Acts17:27c).
When despair brings us to the “end of our rope” and feeling overwhelmed, we often lament:"I’m exhausted." "I can’t take it anymore." "I just can't do it." "I’m fed up." To that, the Lord proclaims,“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt.11:28), and never forget that "My grace is sufficient for you" (IICor.12:9a).
Has the totality of events that have transpired during the past two years brought you to a point of distress? Are you one of the many people struggling to make sense of things in a world that seems to have gone mad? Do you feel like you’ve reached the limits of what you can take? Then let Proverbs3:5-6 be the source of your encouragement…“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your ownunderstanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show youwhich path to take” (NLT).
Having watched stores being emptied and ransacked by a panicking society only reminds us that we are living in tumultuous times. The scope of all that we have been witnessing can easily cause us to become fearful and pessimistic about the future. Just remember, though, if you have truly placed your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for your whole life, then remember that He has “not given you a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment” (IITim.1:7 CSB).
The conditions of our world, created by the events of the past two years, have removed many of our comfortable routines and securities. Our sense of “normal” has been replaced by worry, frustration, confusion, and uncertainty. But these present conditions do not have to control or decimate our lives. Remember that Jesus is always near and, if you listen closely, you can hear Him say, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matt.14:27).
In the days ahead, keep these things in mind when it seems your little hut is burning to the ground …It just may be a smoke signal that is summoning the grace of God!
Heavenly Father, When our dreams, our plans – even our routines – are seemingly burning to the ground, remind us to lift our eyes up to focus on You. Not only have You said that You would never leave us, but You’ve explained that You are never far from those who place their trust in You. How comforting to know that You are so close that, if we would but reach out, we would touch You. You are that close! Empower us to keep believing, to keep trusting, and to keep seeking Your face, even when things seem hopeless and impossible. In Jesus' beautiful name, Amen.
All Scriptures are quoted from the NASB unless otherwise noted.
1. Congressman Jerry Nadler: “God’s Will is No Concern of This Congress”, LifeNews.com, Feb 26, 2021
2 Romans 1:24-31 (AMP) - Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their own hearts to [sexual] impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin], (25) because [by choice] they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. (26) For this reason God gave them over to degrading and vile passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural [a function contrary to nature], (27) and in the same way, also, the men turned away from the natural function of the woman and were consumed with their desire toward one another, men with men committing shameful acts and in return receiving in their own bodies the inevitable and appropriate penalty for their wrongdoing. (28) And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or consider Him worth knowing [as their Creator], God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do things which are improper and repulsive, (29) until they were filled (permeated, saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, and mean-spiritedness. They are gossips [spreading rumors], (30) slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors [of new forms] of evil, disobedient and disrespectful to parents, (31) without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful [without pity]. Note: Also see: IITimothy3:1-5.
3 Variations of this story can be found at a number of sites like Heartprintsof God - http://www.heartprintsofgod.com/2012/04/is-your-hut-on-fire.html. The actual author is unknown.
4 John 3:16 & John 13:34 - “love one another; just as I have loved you”
Billy Linthicum lives with his wife, Angie, in North Carolina and has been involved in ministry for many years. He has written articles which have been included in the Testimony of Truth in the past and now has a website from which this article was obtained. For any interested, his website is called, “Follow Truth” and can be found here: https://www.followtruth.com/
Brother Linthicum has preached in various churches in the area where he lives and has ministered at People of the Living God in Tennessee when he has visited here. He is a great brother in Christ and has a desire to see holiness return to the church. We are honored that he has allowed us to publish his articles in our monthly publication, and we are certain that his articles will minister to those who read them.
The Editor
DEEDS AND MOTIVES
Alfred King
Several years ago, I went to visit some friends in another state and, as soon as the pleasantries were accomplished, this couple began asking questions about whether motives would have any effect upon us when we stand before God on judgment day. It was obvious that something had happened that caused them to be so urgent to ask this question. I responded in saying that motives will certainly have an effect upon how we are judged when we stand before God on judgment day.
As it turned out, the pastor of their church had been teaching on The Judgment and the necessity of obedience to God’s word in order for one to be prepared when God judges all men. In his teaching, he had used several verses of scriptures which state that every man will be judged by his works or deeds. Let’s consider just a few before we proceed.
Rev. 20:12-13: “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.”
Rom 2:5-6: “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds.”
Matt 16:27: “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”
There are many other portions of scripture which leave no doubt that how we live our lives is extremely important, for we will be judged according to our works. James wrote very forcefully, stressing the importance of works and declared that faith without works is dead (James2:20). All through the second chapter of James, he states this truth over and over. So strong was James about the necessity of good works that many liberal theologians, bible scholars, preachers, and teachers think the book of James should have been left out of the canon of scripture, and many refuse to preach from it. The reason is that they prefer the writings and teachings of the Apostle Paul, where Paul makes such statements as: “Ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Rom.3:19, 6:15-15), and “Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works” (Rom4:6). “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (Gal.2:16). “Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph 2:9).
While there are many more such verses one could read, these should be sufficient to show why many preachers and teachers do not like that teaching which imposes the requirements of God’s law upon men. However, to teach that God does not expect believers to be obedient to His laws and commands is to teach lawlessness. The most serious problem in teaching that New Testament believers are not required to observe God’s law is that it leaves multitudes unprepared for judgment day. Let me state very emphatically that if you are not walking in obedience to God’s law, you are not ready for judgment day.
The question that was introduced in the beginning of this article concerns motives. What about motives? How do they fit into God’s commands, and will they come into play on judgment day?
If there is any scripture which speaks of motives, it is the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters five, six, and seven. Jesus stated that if a man hates his brother without a cause, he has murder in his heart. He preceeded this statement by referring to a law taught under the Old Covenant. He says, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment.” (Matt. 5:21) It is His next statement which deals with one’s motives. “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire” (Matt.5:22).
Jesus magnified the law by calling, not only the deed sin, but the motive as well. He makes this very clear with the issue of adultery. Consider His words carefully: “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matt.5:27-28). He leaves no escape from the fact that God is looking at men’s hearts and not only their outward deeds. According to these words a man can commit adultery without ever actually committing the act.
Let us look deeper into the issue of motives by considering other portions of this wonderful sermon given by our Lord. Jesus begins His sermon with what we call, “The Beatitudes.” Each of the eight Beatitudes (some say nine) begin with, “Blessed are”. The first question one must ask is: “Are the Beatitudes commands? Later in this sermon Jesus makes such statements as, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt.5:16) This statement is clearly a command. We call statements like this, “direct commands.” It is an imperative sentence, or command, directly from the Savior’s mouth. The Beatitudes, on the other hand, are what are called, “implied commands.” Implied commands are determined to be commands by the obvious conclusion of what was said. For instance, a parent might tell his son, “I will take you to the beach this weekend if you are good in school this week.” The implied command is a conditional command. The blessing is dependent upon the child’s actions. If we carry this principle as we consider the Beatitudes, we find that if we are merciful, God will be merciful to us. If we desire to see God, then we must be pure in heart. These are implied in that they are not direct commands but are the desire of the Commander. We will be judged by, not only direct commands, but also by our response to indirect commands.
On the flip side of these beatitudes is the fact that, if we are unmerciful, God will be unmerciful to us when we stand before Him on judgment day. One certainly does not want to stand before God with an impure heart on the day when God comes to judge the secrets of men’s hearts (Rom.2:16). Something to seriously think about.
When Paul wrote and referred to the secrets of men’s hearts, he was addressing not only deception, but motives as well. The “why” I do or do not certain things is important. Why do I go the extra mile? Or: Why do I not go the extra mile? One might set himself to obey this command and do a pretty good job at it while the motive is wrong. He may be going the extra mile to portray his “righteousness” much like the Pharisees of old who sounded a trumpet before them so all men would see how holy they were. People may go religiously to church, to prayer meetings and are present every time the church doors open only to be seen as spiritual, never realizing that their motive is to be seen of men and to be held in high regard. This is where deceit comes in. They have deceived themselves.
Jesus told of one Pharisee who went to the temple to pray, a very good and necessary deed. He prayed thus: “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess” (Luke18:11-12). Is there anything in that prayer that a believer should not thank God for?
Let’s break it down:
Are you thankful that you are no longer living the life you once lived? God saved you from that life, and it is right that we be thankful and always praising God for His grace.
>Don’t we appreciate that God has provided our needs so we can offer back to Him our energies, our sacrifices, our finances, and aren’t we are glad to do so? Everything we possess we recognize is because God has blessed us.
When we fast, are we are not thankful that God has provided a means by which we can draw closer to Him and see needs met in a supernatural way? All who have fasted have experienced the benefit of this sacrifice.
The problem is not with the Pharisee’s words but the pride and air of superiority which permeates in this prayer. He was obedient in praying, which was a good thing; Right? Prayer was the right thing to do and something we are commanded to do, but the motive in this case was wrong and that motive reduced the prayer to chaff which the wind driveth away.
It is interesting when reading the Apostle Paul’s epistles, especially the one to the Romans, to note that right in the midst of his teaching on grace that he inserts such statements as these: “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law” (Rom.3:31). “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid” (Rom.6:15). “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good” (Rom.”7:12). “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin” (Rom.7:14). He also gives us great hope in declaring that “sin shall not have dominion over you…” (Rom.6:14).
To sum this up: “The law of God still stands in glorified form,” because that law given us by God himself is the expression of His divine character. Grace is God’s divine power given us through the Holy Spirit in order that we might overcome sin. It is through God’s grace, “sin shall not have dominion” any longer in a believer’s life. The power of sin is broken through the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Ghost, and this is grace. Therefore, we should no longer serve sin.
The motive is very important, for it determines why we are striving to keep God's commands and be obedient. We are doing it either because we are religious and want to be seen by men, or we are obedient because we love God and desire to please Him. This is the right and God-accepted motive. Along with love for and devotion to God, we also love righteousness and hate iniquity, desire to honor God, not dishonor Him, and we see in Christ Jesus a holiness, a purity, a divine personality and character so sublime and divine that it creates within a believer a desire to be conformed into His likeness. We see the means by which this is possible in God’s law. In the end, this is why God gave His law, His grace, and His Son. In a nutshell; we love Him because He first loved us, and that marvelous love of Christ has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit so that we might echo Joseph’s words, “… how can I do this great wickedness and sin against my God” (Gen.39:9). Let that love so consume us in order that we can say with John, “His commands are not grievous” (IJohn5:3).
“THE TIME OF THEIR VISITATION”
Harold Scullin
“And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand…and take heed to yourselves, lest…that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth” (Luke21:29-35).
“Behold the fig tree, and all the trees.” These trees convey a message to the people of the last days – a period of time that shall come upon many UNAWARES. This new era of time “shall come as a snare on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.” The event that will mark the coming to pass of this occasion will be so momentous that the lives of all individuals will be drastically changed. The message imparted by “the fig tree, and all the trees” is of such magnitude that Jesus called attention to these trees by stating: BEHOLD (or observe, be cognizant of, or discern) these trees.
For anyone to miss the lesson taught in this parable of the trees is to miss the whole purpose of this life. God has made a tremendous investment in creation and in man. He expects returns, a yield from His investment. “Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard. Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?” (Luke13:7) The “fig tree, and all the trees,” have a message that needs to be heard.
“Behold The Fig Tree”
Hosea wrote, “I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time” (Hosea9:10). The fathers in Israel are like the firstripe in the fig tree. To behold the fig tree is to observe Israel as a people.
Years after these things were written, Paul wrote of Israel, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” – “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (ICor.10:11, and verse 6). By taking heed to “our example,” we can profit greatly in studying the travels of the children of Israel and their history as a people called of God. These people, Israel, were chosen by the Lord to be His representatives among the nations of the earth. The oracle of God (divine communication) was committed unto them. The Lord God promised them blessings physically, materially, and spiritually – “If thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and do all his commandments” (Deut. 28:1).
The Spirit of God faithfully worked, pleaded, and dealt with this people over a period of several hundred years to get them to turn from their own ways and turn back to God. “But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice…and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you…But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart…and not forward…I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets…yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck” (Jer.7:23-26). Great light, truth, and knowledge of the Kingdom of God was given unto this people. Both young and old in this great nation received daily of the blessings of the Lord Jesus Christ – for it was He that was leading them. “ALL…were under the cloud, and ALL passed through the sea; and were ALL baptized…and did ALL drink the same spiritual drink…that Rock was Christ” (ICor.10:1-4). “This is he (Christ), that was in the church in the wilderness” (Acts7:38). “For…the gospel (was) preached as well…unto them” (Heb.4:2). Yes, these people were given the same promises of the Savior, the same Kingdom, and eternal life, as are the people of this day. Their way of life was ordered by the Lord God. Their mode of living, their worship, and all that was associated with their worship were for “patterns, figures, examples, and shadows” of heavenly things. This was “the gospel of the Kingdom” that was preached unto them.
Many references are made in the scriptures to the fact that in view of all the Lord did for Israel and His promises unto them, they refused to walk in His ways or to obey His words (ICor.10:5,7,8,9,10; Heb.3:8-11,18,19). So great was their blindness and hardness of heart, that when the Son of God came among them, they did not recognize or receive Him (John1:11).
How can such a condition happen or occur in the heart of an individual? In the case of Israel, nearly the whole nation was so backslidden that God finally cut them off. They had established a religion after the imaginations of their own hearts – a religion that was compatible with the nations (world) round about them. Jesus exposed the horrible condition of their hearts and the cause of their failure.
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; How often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and YE WOULD NOT!” (Luke13:34) “And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, if thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee…and shall lay thee even with the ground…because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation” (Luke19:41-44). The human heart had become so hard, so encrusted with self, and so encased with self-will, that it could not discern “the day of visitation” by the Spirit of God.
Hardness of heart overcame Samson to the degree that “he wist not that the Lord was departed from him” (Judges16:20). Saul, King of Israel, is another example of how easy it is to let the work of the Spirit of God slip from us. “But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul” (I Sam.16:14). Remember, these people and these conditions are “our examples,” that we should not lust after the same things.
Further evidence of gross blindness that was upon Israel and that they knew not “the time of (their) visitation” was their utter disregard of the warning of Jesus regarding the destruction of Jerusalem. “When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh (close at hand). Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Luke21:20,21). In 70 A.D. Titus laid siege to Jerusalem. People starved to death. Parents ate the flesh of their own children – so great was the siege. Then, for some unknown reason, Titus withdrew his armies for a short period of time. Those in the beleaguered city who remembered the warning words of Jesus fled to the mountains. They acted upon His words and escaped the ravages of Jerusalem.
Bear in mind the fact that this judgment came upon a people whom God had called; a people who professed the God of Abraham as their Lord; a people who believed and observed the Sabbath; a people who kept the commandments; a people who believed in the supernatural works of the Holy Spirit – yet this people was visited with “the righteous judgment of God.” This is the example not to follow. This is the account of the fig tree. However, this message of the fig tree still speaks to the people of today:
1. They knew not “the time of (their) visitation.”
2. “The righteous judgment of God” came upon them.
“And All The (Other) Trees”
The warning is the same…”TAKE HEED.” The people are the same in their response to God – “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges17:6). People still do not discern “the time of (their) visitation.” Men and women and young people of the twenty-first century continue to live as though “all things continue as they were from the beginning” (IIPeter3:4).
The other “trees” of this present day have not profited from the example of Israel's backsliding and rebellion. They have established a religious monstrosity in this, our day, and called it Christianity. This is a misnomer – the use of a wrong name. Jesus asked the question: “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke6:46) This is the use of a wrong name, or title. People were calling Him Lord when, in truth, He was not their Lord. “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). Calling one's self a Christian, or a child of God, does not make it so. Anything less than the standards the Lord has established for discipleship is dishonoring to Him, and He will not accept it.
Isaiah prophesied of this condition. “And in that day seven women (religious bodies) shall take hold of one man (Jesus), saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach” (Isa.4:1). “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him” (Titus1:16). It is evident that the message taught by “the fig tree” is going unheeded. Very, very few are concerned about “the day that shall come as a snare.” “The prophet is a snare of a fowler in all his ways, and hatred in the house of his God” (Hosea9:8).
Here is a paradox – why do the people not accept the words and teaching of Jesus rather than the words of the present-day self-proclaimed prophets? Jeremiah gives an answer to this question. “A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so” (Jer.5:30,31). The words of Jesus portray the hardness of heart in the people of today, as in Israel. They knew not “the time of (their) visitation.” Peter admonishes: “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (IPeter2:11,12).
A study of the scriptures will reveal that God has very definite times when He deals with nations, with people, and with individuals. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found” (Isa.55:6). “God that made the world and all things therein…hath determined the times before appointed” (Acts17:24,26). The Lord has an order and a time for all things. Nothing just happens by itself. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his son” (Gal.4:4). “But when the time of the promise drew nigh” (Acts7:17). Daniel was given an understanding “by books the number of the years…that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem” (Dan.9:2). The scriptures clearly and definitely testify to the fact that God has a calendar – a clock by which events are ordered. The important thing is for men to recognize the time of God's visitation and respond in obedience to His demands and requirements.
Future events and their time are foretold in the word of God. “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts17:31). “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one” (Eph.1:10). “Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things…spoken by…all his holy prophets” (Acts3:21). Until…judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom” (Dan.7:22). These events are certain. The time is definite. How many people are preparing today – in this time of visitation?
What about the present time – TODAY? Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). “I have heard thee in a time accepted…now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (IICor.6:2). This is the time of God's visitation to every individual. This is the time “to make your calling and election sure” (IIPeter1:10).
WEALTH AND POVERTY
Warren Berry
When I took geography in elementary and high school, we had to read about different countries, their locations on a world map and about various aspects of each country as we studied them. I always wondered why we needed to know so much about nations which I would probably never visit nor have any contact. Yet, some of these facts would be on the test which would follow, so I tried memorizing some of the facts in order to pass the subject. One of the issues I questioned was why we needed to know the natural resources of different countries and about their governments. As I became older and visited a third world country and observed firsthand the poverty, it caused me to ponder the affluence of some nations in contrast to the poverty of others, and I began to question why? What are the reasons some countries remain in poverty for centuries while others live prosperously?
I am certainly not an authority on this topic, but remembering some of what I was taught in geography, I realize that there are many reasons why a nation is affluent or poverty stricken. One of the causes I remember that affect a country’s affluence or lack thereof, is its natural resources. I read several years ago that South America has just as many natural resources as North America and yet many, if not most, of those countries south of the border do not experience the affluence of their neighbors to their north. The question again arises: Why?
Nations, such as those in the Middle East had experienced extreme poverty for centuries. There were several contributing factors which brought about that poverty. Lack of useful natural resources was one of them. However, things changed tremendously with the birth of The Industrial Revolution when the need for oil propelled the Middle East into wealth almost overnight. Things changed tremendously for those oil-rich nations. The natural resource, oil, was the means for turning that region from poverty to wealth. Yet, even with this oil-rich resource many people in the Middle East continue to live in poverty. What do we see in regard to the Middle East situation? There is an absence of the middle class. It is basically made up of the rich and the poor.
In contrast to these two other areas discussed, Japan, a nation which has very few natural resources, has for the most part been a very prosperous nation. So, the issue of affluence and poverty goes beyond natural resources alone. The Japanese were industrious and had the ingenuity and foresight to build factories, import raw materials from other countries, manufacture products they could use to improve their lifestyle, as well as to ship those products overseas, and lift themselves into prosperity and affluence.
The Influence Of Government
In considering these facts, we must look deeper to see what the differences were/are in these nations that helped create the affluence or poverty that presently exists. While there are many factors we could consider, the one that seems to be most important is the government of each nation. If the government had wise leaders who were concerned about their citizens, they would promote and encourage good work ethics, moral responsibility, and reward those who availed themselves in whatever manner they could to improve their lifestyles. One of the greatest initiatives for citizens to labor, take risks, save, and move from poverty to affluence is property ownership. The ability of a person to own property, to own a home, to have a car, and money in his pocket to purchase necessities as well as luxuries has always been a motivating force.
So, while government cannot do everything, it is one of the most important parts of whether the citizens of a country have the means by which one can rise to affluence. The government has the greatest power to change a nation’s wealth. Unfortunately, for many nations, the government stands in the way of progress. Some governments keep their people in poverty. In fact, in many cases when a country was prosperous, its government was successful in bringing it to poverty. Such was the case of Cuba when Castro took over its government and, more recently, Venezuela is a prime example with former President Chavez and now President Maduro. Consider how quickly Venezuela descended from wealth to poverty with just a change in government. The lust for wealth and power by government leaders at the expense of their citizens was the catalyst for the nation’s demise.
If we in America refuse to consider history and reject God and His order for how government should operate, the United States will find itself in circumstances similar to that of Cuba and Venezuela. The present government is leading us down a path where our future will be that where the middle class is destroyed and what will be left is a nation of only the wealthy and the poor.
As Christians, we look to God’s word for answers and solutions to what is happening in America, and we find in it where the problems lie and why America is where she is today. Scripture teaches us very clearly that when a nation, which has been built upon the principles set down in God’s word and claims to be Christian but then turns from those fundamental principles, that nation is destined for destruction. Scripture reveals that it is God Who sets up rulers in the nations of the world. The present administration was set up by God. God is allowing things to progressively get worse and worse because America has rejected God and His word. He is also allowing it so His people will awaken from their lethargy and slumber.
Going Back To Normal
Most Americans today want things to return to “Normal.” What do they mean by “normal”? They want to see gasoline reasonable and affordable. They want to see the shelves in our supermarkets filled. They want to return to their jobs, their activities, their pleasures without mask mandates. They want Covid-19, and all the problems which accompanied it, past. In summary, they want to go back to their carnal lifestyles.
The American people want things to go back to “normal”. What is called “Normal” is the very reason we are where we are today. Normal has brought God’s judgment upon this nation and the world. Consider just a few “normal” of the 20th and 21st centuries, “normal” that reveal why we are where we are today.
Normal is rejection of God and His word. Normal is abortion. Normal is no longer homosexuality in the closet but promoted and encouraged by our leaders and even accepted in our churches. Normal is shacking up and divorce without biblical cause. Normal is handing out condoms to teenagers so they can “safely” commit fornication. Normal is not only gender dysphoria, but condoning it, accepting it as “normal”, and encouraging teenagers and even younger children to have sex changes. Giving puberty-blocking drugs to children and doing surgery to their bodies that will leave them forever mutilated. Normal is parading around in public half dressed, with no sense of morality or decency. Normal is taking God’s name in vain. Normal is pornography in magazine racks in Walmart, in Hollywood’s movies, in our advertisements, in our conversation, which permeates the atmosphere. Normal is laboring on God’s holy day. Normal is free sex, legal prostitution, and even homosexual prostitution. Normal is sitting idly by while our young people are coerced into taking drugs, destroying their lives, while those who have the power to at least slow it down get paid under the table and allow the drugs to freely flow. Normal is to hear America’s youth use the ‘F’ word in every other sentence.
It is America’s government, officials and politicians who we have elected that are giving its citizenry what they want. We continue to elect corrupt politicians who have no interest in their constituents but get rich at the expense of the people they are called to serve. They line their own pockets while America’s citizens suffer. They impose unnecessary laws in an attempt to bring Americans under their control. This is what dictators and tyrants did to Cuba and Venezuela. What is needed today is God’s government to, first of all, be restored to His church and from there to America so she might be saved. God’s government is the perfect government, and it is a government which will make the church rich with God’s promised blessings, blessings which will overtake those who submit to it.
The original “normal” for America was that which was present when the US Constitution was written by men who understood the essential value of basic morality. They had profound wisdom in recognizing that America could only exist if America’s citizens held to high standards of ethical morality. History had proven to these men that when a nation’s moral values are discarded, Biblical principles rejected, and when immorality replaces God-given ethics, that nation is doomed to be cast upon the trash pile of history’s fallen nations. America was founded upon God’s word, and that is why God has blessed America as He has.
Only by a return to the “normal” of our forefathers will America regain her Equal Librium. A return to God and His word is the only solution for this once great nation. But the question is: Will she return? The answer to this question seems to be: “No!” Instead, these ungodly and reprehensible conditions will not only continue, but will become ever more deplorable and disgraceful. Our prayer is that God will at least wake His sleeping church and will cause her to rise up to confront the deluge of evil that is permeating and destroying this once great land.
There is a great concern among many Christian leaders and congregations as to where we are heading. We pray this concern will grow and spread throughout this land and that God’s people will be those who cry and sigh for the abominations in the land and that God will bring a revival to America. God is a very forgiving God and He came to save, not to condemn. Let the church arise on this occasion and confront our common enemy directly, face to face. May God bless His church in these days when nations have lost their moral compass.
MORAL LAW
Harry Miller
“In the beginning God…” These are the first four words that we find in the Bible. Since the Lord is the Creator of all things and of every being (“Without Him was not any thing made that was made” John1:3.), there was a time when He was alone in this vast universe. It may seem to some that, since there were no other beings in the universe, there was no need for any law or rule of action, but this was not true. Even in the virgin atmosphere of eternity there existed the laws of right and wrong. The basic principles of justice, mercy, love, and benevolence stood side by side with truth and righteousness. All of these principles are attributes of the very nature of the Creator, God. They are also the moral laws of His kingdom and of His very existence.
The nature of God is one of divine love; His own nature demanded His obedience to the moral laws governing His very person. Love cannot abide alone; neither can benevolence be static, inert, or impotent. These two attributes of God constrained Him to desire companionship. Of necessity, He must share His glories, His bounties, His magnificence. Love is a divine principle, but love cannot abide alone; it must spend and be spent. Divine love lives to give. It has no thought of remuneration or recompense; its reward is its joy of giving.
The very throne of God is supported by law. This has always been a necessity and will ever continue to be. Moral nature demands moral law. To say that any being exists without law is to speak nonsense. In these “last days” we often hear the despairing cry of those who are afraid they might find themselves under the law. Such people have the mistaken idea that Christ Jesus came to repeal all law and to dispense with the very idea of commandments.
Moral law is not law because of dictatorial commands or precepts. Moral law is the principle of right operating among moral beings. Such law cannot be repealed by God or man. When moral law is broken by man or angel, violence and injustice are done. And in justice to all, the Creator (by His own attributes) is in duty bound to demand retribution; even as He is in duty bound, as the Creator, to demand devotion of every creature for the well-being of His kingdom.
We are living in a day of lawlessness; such things as commands and laws are in disrepute. Many people today have become so freedom-loving that the law is often openly defied, and officers of law are despised and ridiculed. The city “cop” has been the brunt of many crude jokes because there is little respect for right government. If this disrespect of law were confined to the criminal element of society, the need for deep concern wouldn't be quite so desperate; but millions of people who actually call themselves Christians today are also lawless. Their lawlessness is not the defiance of social law, nor of man's ordinances: it consists of absolute disregard for the commands of Christ.
The confusion in the minds of these people is a result of the combination of a rebellious heart and a lack of understanding concerning the New Covenant. Any covenant is an agreement: a contract between two parties. God has made an agreement with man, upon condition. Multitudes have grasped the promises of the New Covenant, but they refuse to comply with the conditions. The blessings of Christ's atonement, kingdom, and Spirit are all conditional.
It is written that Christ died “for the sins of the whole world.” But not every man shall be saved. Why? Because there are conditions to the promise of salvation. Men must believe; they must obey the gospel; they must repent. All of these are conditions, and only those who meet the conditions of the covenant will receive the blessings.
The Old Covenant, or Old Testament, was a conditional agreement between God and the Hebrew people. Obedience to the covenant was the divine law. The New Covenant contains different demands of those who enter into God's contract, but the obligation of obedience to the requirements of the covenant are just as necessary now as they were to Israel.
The government of the Kingdom of Heaven contains divine law. Every angel is fully aware of law in heaven. Divine order and absolute rule sustain God's throne; even the demons have no doubt of this. Lawlessness and anarchy are confined to this world and its related realms, and will be tolerated only for a certain time and for certain purposes in the Divine plan.
Beware of those who despise Divine law, for such people shall surely perish in the judgments of this hour. Doesn't it seem stupid and ridiculous that a Christian would take the position that to obey the Lord is to fall from grace and be under the law? Yet those who take this attitude are not morons, but actually thinking scholars!
Consider the words of the prophet Isaiah as he describes the judgment of the wicked of this last day: “the earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left” (Isa.24:5,6).
“He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (IJohn2:4).