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People of The Living God |
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October 2023
WATCHMEN ON THE WALLS
LOVE VERSUS LUST
Randall Walton
We twentieth-first century people live in a confused and crazed society in which values and mores are turned topsy-turvy by a degenerate and corrupt citizenry, where traditional practices and goals are considered irrelevant, discriminatory, and sexist.
Those underlying principles of fidelity, faithfulness, trust, and integrity which served mankind well for several centuries have been abandoned for a new set of non-morals which has succeeded in producing a generation not unlike that which existed when Noah was a master ship builder.
Consider, for example, the change of attitudes toward sex and loose living that is evident everywhere today. Sexual activity was once regarded as a private matter between a husband and his wife which was considered a sacred trust for them and them alone. Couples were married for life or, as they promised in their marriage vows, “until death do us part,” or “as long as the two of us shall live.”
But then, marriage was the result of two people (of opposite sex) being “in love” with each other; that is, they had a relationship in which love, not lust, included the entire scope of marital activity: establishing a home, having, raising and educating children, providing spiritual as well as material blessings for a family, sharing misfortunes, illnesses, poverty, and abundance, in short, commitment to a mate or a spouse. Sex was a vital and important part of the picture, but it wasn’t the only or the most important consideration.
Love covers all the above and more, whereas lust operates only for the gratification of the individual persons involved, and the other points are merely incidental to their tryst. Lust knows no bounds or limits. It is based upon sadistic greed and feeds itself at the expense of others.
Statistically, most failed marriages today are the result of financial squabbles between spouses.The reason for this is, of course, that the impetus for the marriage was lust - not love.Where true love exists, financial problems can and will be worked out, but when lust is the rotten foundation, there is no visible reason to prolong the troublesome efforts to budget and discipline themselves.Besides, the thrill of conquest and surrender have vanished and even the existence of children is insufficient to band-aid the doomed “marriage.”
It is most evident that the majority of marriages are based upon the erroneous idea that marriage is merely legalized (or licensed) sex.Seldom is the relationship looked upon as a sacred trust between a husband and wife who have become “one flesh,” whose marriage vows were made for life.Love is required to make such promises/vows, for love is synonymous with devotion, faithfulness, trust, confidence, reliability, patience, service, care, unlimited, unconditional consideration.
Lust Inc.
But, even worse than a marriage without real love is the present and pervasive abomination known as the gay movement, or homosexuality, and the more recent “trans movement”.There is absolutely no possible way to justify such filthy and loathsome practices among rational and intelligent people.The only motivating factor behind gay and lesbian habits is unbridled lust, plain and simple.
It is unthinkable that any valid government agency would even ponder the possibility of allowing homosexuals to “marry.”Truly, it is impossible, for marriage can only be consummated between two persons of the opposite sex.Homos may achieve sleeping arrangements, but never marriage.The true nature and character of a state agency is revealed by its considering this horrendous and demon-inspired lifestyle.
The Bible declares in no uncertain terms that the only hope for a homosexual is to turn from his wickedness: “Do you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?Do not be deceived.Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” (ICor.6:9, NKJV).
The word “homosexuals” here is “effeminate” in the KJV and, in both instances, it refers to a person who is used by a homosexual.The word sodomites, as above, is simply the homosexual who uses the effeminate for his gratification.In either case, there is no hope for them spiritually apart from a total abandonment and denunciation of their depraved state of lust.
Paul stated most plainly that “such were some of you.But ye were washed, but you were sanctified.”This signifies a total turning from the ungodly practice known as sodomy (ICor.6:11) and/or homosexuality.
For the “gay” people to profess to love each other is pure nonsense.Their relationships are based upon lust, and that of the vilest sort (Rom. 1:26,27).It is absolutely sickening to read of their referring to their sexual partners as “lovers.”They do not know the meaning of love.
I Timothy 3:1-7 Fulfilled
It is noteworthy that the great urge in lust was initiated and brought to fruition in the latter part of the twentieth century.Sin has existed since Adam’s transgression, true, but SIN as we see it today is a modern mode of life.Paul was so correct in his description of “the last days.”
Never in the history of mankind have small children been taught the “facts of life” by public educators.(Incidentally, sex education as taught in government-run schools is not given as scientific information alone: it is given in such a way as to encourage young people to participate).Lust is no longer looked upon as sinful or something to be avoided.People are being taught that it is normal and natural!
To our knowledge, no central government has ever upheld the brutal and barbarous practice of partial-birth murder.These “last days” atrocities are contributing to the judgments that are escalating throughout the earth.God’s wrath is surely about to be unleashed upon a wicked and degenerate generation which refuses to recognize the difference between love and lust.
It is time for those who love God and His truth to stand tall and firm regarding standards, morals, and holy discipline.The world is about to slide over the precipice of demoralization, degradation and degeneration.Those who make it through to the end with Jesus Christ will have renounced the ways of the world and all its follies and foolishness, and will have turned their hearts in true love and devotion to the love of their life, even the Lord, Jesus Christ.
THE ARMOUR OF GOD
Melody Ax
We need to put on the WHOLE armour of God, Ephesians6:10-18: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, Above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
The word “Stand” means defend yourself from the hordes of hell by standing firm in the Word of God.It means you remain firm and immovable.To stay, continue, abide, and resist attack from the enemy.DON’T GIVE UP!
Paul the Apostle gives us a spiritual meaning of the Roman Soldier’s armour.There are 7 pieces of armour (7 means perfect; complete):
1.The Belt of Truth – The Truth of God’s word.The belt of truth, the Bible, the written word of God is the most important part of weaponry we possess.A soldier is only ready for battle when he is girded with his belt.A Roman soldier’s belt was made of metal and thick heavy leather and was the carrying place for his sword.It also had a protective piece that hung down in the front.His belt held all other pieces of this armour together.To be fitted with his belt meant he was ready to face action.They would say “gird up your loins” when they were ready to fight.Having your loins girt about with truth.Get ready for the battle and hard work.They would tuck the traditional long robe into a girdle (that is the belt) so it would not hamper physical activity.The loins are located in the middle of the back and is the area between the lower ribs and the hips.The muscles in the loin area are responsible for rotating upper body, bending the spine, and moving of the legs.If you gird up your loins, you are preparing to do something that can be difficult and dangerous.Also, the piece of protective material hung down in the front protected the reproductive organs.The Lord wants us to bear spiritual fruit.
To be fitted with his belt meant he was ready to face action.The truth is the belt that holds the believers’ armour together as well.Ultimate Truth can be found in God’s Word and in the person of Jesus Christ (John14:6); we must know this truth in order to protect ourselves against our flesh, the world, and the Father of Lies, Satan.Truth grounds us and reminds us of our identity in Christ.
2.Breastplate of Righteousness – This breastplate protects the vital organs in the heat of the battle.When he wasn’t quick enough to take up his shield, the breastplate was for the quick and unexpected advances of the enemy.Though we have no righteousness of our own, we must still, by His power, choose to do right.This breastplate is being rooted in God’s Word and is powerful in protecting our heart, and defeating the enemy.The Lord has given us the gift of His Righteousness.Read Romans5:17 and IICor. 5:21.This happened at the cross.Hallelujah!
3.Peace – Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.The feet represent our walk with the Lord.Are you resting in Jesus and have peace?Read John16:33 and John14:27.This peace allows us to be ready to share God with others at times.Shod means they were strong shoes, ready for battle.The Roman soldier’s feet were fitted with sandals that were made to help protect the feet during their long marches into battle.They had extremely thick soles and wrapped perfectly around their ankles in a way that protected against blistering.They also had spikes on the bottom to help them stand firm as they traveled.This helped them have a firm foundation.As Believers, we have peace in knowing we are secure in what Jesus has done for us (IThess.5:23).
4.Shield of Faith – This shield was a large shield that covered the whole body.It was large enough to carry another human being.The Lord has given all of us a measure of faith.What is Faith: Hebrews11:1, and if you don’t have enough faith we can lean on Jesus’ Faith (Gal.2:20).This shield was made of impenetrable wood, leather, canvas, and metal and could be doused in water to extinguish the fiery arrows of the enemy.Before the soldier went out to war, he placed the shield in a tub of water and left it there to soak.Why water?Because the enemy had arrows that carried fire.The wet surface would extinguish the fire.In the same way when we keep our faith completely saturated with the washing of the word (Eph.5:26) we can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the adversary (Eph.6:16).If the Roman soldier wanted to live a long life, he would apply oil to his shield every single day.Because the shield is representative of our faith this tells us that our faith requires frequent anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Faith is the shield of the believer.Trusting in God’s power and protection is imperative in remaining steadfast.When the battle rages, we must remember that God works all things for good.He is always true to His Promises.
5.Helmet of Salvation – The helmet protects the head.Without this helmet one blow to the head would prove fatal.This helmet covered his entire head, facial area, and between the eyes.His armour would prove useless if he wasn't equipped with his helmet.It protects our soul.The soul is the mind, which is the will, emotions and our decision making.It protects our eyes so we can see, our hearing so we can hear the true word of God.That helmet helps fight off the fiery darts of the enemy (Matt.10:28; IICor.10:4).You cannot put on this helmet of salvation unless you have been born again by the Spirit of God.The helmet of salvation is the most crucial piece of armor for the Christian.Without the indwelling Holy Spirit that enters a believer at the moment of salvation, all other armor is useless.Salvation empowers believers to fight.It protects us in our weaknesses.Without salvation, there is no victory.
6.The Sword – this is the sword of the spirit – the word of God.It is a two-edged sword (Heb.4:12; Matt.4:1).The sword was a deadly weapon.In the hands of a skilled warrior, he could pierce through even the strongest armour.Our sword is the Word of God.With God’s Word, we are truly able to fight and defeat all enemies.Christ used Scripture to defeat Satan when He was tempted in the desert.We must do the same.
7.Prayer – praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. This is such an important part of the armour.Prayer.Supplication means being desperate, pleading; it is also humbling yourself before God.Notice with all perseverance…Perseverance means in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.We will see a victory when we fight in His power.Never give up (Eph.6:18).
Satan has an army of demons out to destroy this world.But we have, as believers, been given the power to come against him with the Word of God.There are many scriptures to use to defeat the enemy who is attacking you.Luke10:19 states: “I have given unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”IJohn4:4 states: “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”Romans5:17 states: “For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life by One, Jesus Christ.”James4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God.Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”There are many other scriptures to defeat the devil with His Word.Plead the blood of Jesus.There is Power in the blood of Jesus.Hallelujah!!
IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN, YOU ARE IN THE ARMY OF GOD.STAND, NEVER GIVE UP, AND PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD!
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light” (Rom.13:12).
THE ARMOUR OF PRAYER
Dear Father,
I welcome the power of the resurrected Christ in any stronghold Satan thinks he may have in or around me, and in the name of Jesus I break any generational personal hold of the spirits that torment me or my generations.
I place upon myself the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, and the shoes of the gospel of peace.I take up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and praying always.
In the name of Jesus Christ and by the authority that Jesus gave to his believers (“Behold, I give unto you the power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the powers of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (me) – Luke10:19).I bind you Satan and all principalities and powers and I stand against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians6).
In the name of Jesus Christ, I bind all evil spirits of the north, south, east, and west, trying to influence God’s people.Lord God, send your angels into these regions to minister to thy people and send your Holy Spirit to draw your people to you.Let the high praises of God be in our mouth, and a two-edged sword in our hand, to execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute upon them the judgment written.This honour have all the saints.Praise ye the Lord (Taken from Psalm149:5-9).
Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.As it was in the beginning, and is now and ever shall be.Amen.
IN THE POTTER’S HANDS
Curtis Dickinson
There is a growing number of people who profess Christian faith but who no longer see themselves as the light of the world nor find joy in giving honor and obedience to God.The sharp edge of faith has receded, being driven back by the grizzly onslaughts of daily difficulties.They ask, “Why has God let this happen to me?Why doesn’t He answer my prayers for help?Have I not done my best to be a Christian?Have I not worked hard to serve Him?And in return I get this sickness, this hardship, this loss, this pain, this tragedy…”They no longer pray with expectation, and instead of being filled with peace and joy they are burdened with hardship and anxiety.
Wrong Expectations
Often one’s great expectations are the wrong expectations.In our generation it has been common for evangelists to use all kinds of bait and promises to get people to respond to their invitations to walk the aisles and make their “decision” for Christ.They promise healing, prosperity, happiness, and a safe harbor from the storms of life.But what did Jesus promise?
He did not promise that his disciples would feel no heat in summer and no cold in winter.He did not promise that we would never be hungry or thirsty or grow tired and weary.He never promised to protect us from accidents and hardship, and he didn’t promise to give us bodies of radiant health.He did not promise to protect us from the angry barbs of hate from those who despise us.
Jesus called the disciples to follow him while living in a world that is filled with sin, strife, injustice, disease and evil.No one should be expected to be shielded from the pain and grief that surrounds him because of the fact that he is a believer.Rather he should expect the opposite.Jesus calls his followers to bear a cross, and to share the burden of the world’s ills, just as he did.
Jesus promised that by following him one would find foes even in his own household. (Matt.10:36)What better place to begin practicing humility and turning the other cheek than in one’s own home?It is while enduring severe trials that a Christian may show family and friends that such trials do not quench our faith nor dim the light of hope which we hold.
Didn’t Jesus say that the “disciple is not above his teacher nor a servant above his lord,” and that if the master has been persecuted “how much more those of his household?”To submit to Jesus as master means we are also to expect the kind of treatment he experienced.
Didn’t he warn, “you shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake?” (Matt.10:22)This was said specifically to the disciples who were persecuted by the Jews prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, but it also applies to us today.
What God wants from us is humility and obedience, that He might mold us into His own image.The process may involve tribulation, persecution, a cross to bear, the world’s hatred, the Lord’s chastening, wrenching temptations and fiery trials.
We have no reason to expect to be untouched by the hardships and pain under which the whole creation groans, but we can expect God to be with us, to give us the strength to endure and to profit from it all.
Blessed By Bad Things
Bad things are going to happen to the best of us.But we can address such things the way Joseph addressed his brothers, concerning the tragedy that befell him when they sold him into slavery: “You meant evil against me,” he said, “But God meant it for good.” (Gen.50:20)
Suffering is our teacher. David sang, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn thy statutes.” (Psalm119:71)David was a chosen vessel of God as king and prophet, yet he endured tragedy, severe opposition and deep personal grief.From this he learned to give up his pride, his ego, his rights, and to humble himself before God and the people he ruled.
Sometimes hardship and suffering are the only things that persuade us to give up our pride and stubborn demands for our own way, that we may become clay in the Potter’s hands.The Potter lets us go through the cleansing – as if by fire – until all the lumps of pride and ego are melted away, before He can mold us to His design.
Many reading these lines may wish that they had learned the lesson of faith and obedience much earlier, thus avoiding years of sorrow for themselves and for others.But even after sin is forgiven, its deceitfulness and its habits are often so deeply imbedded in the human breast that to remove them requires surgery by years of affliction, and that without an anesthetic.
When I consider the past, I regret its mistakes, sins and bad judgments.But had there been no trouble and trials, what would I now be without the lessons learned?Trouble has been good for me, and in the very worst times God did not forsake me but drew me closer and showed me His love and grace.Trouble is the fire that melts out the dross and burns up the scaffolding of self-reliance so that one no longer trusts his own power but must trust life completely to God.That’s when the Potter does His greatest work.
Jesus calls us to deny self, to die to self, and live unto Him. (IICor.5:14-15)A dead person has no fear of affliction and trouble, and when at last we are able to “put to death the old man” the things we once thought to be adversities are seen as part of the process by which the Potter fashions the clay to the desired image.
Such is the meaning of faith.As I have expressed it elsewhere: “This is faith, to know that God is in all, through all, and over all, so that the present burden and suffering is a part of the plan.This sickness and disease may result in death.This suffering may become more intense.The difficulties do not always pass!But this does not negate the faith of one who believes God, for he believes that the sickness and suffering in themselves are working for the purpose of God to the accomplishment of His will.
Righteousness is to live in faith that God will have His way, not that we will have ours.” (From Commit Yourself To Life)
It is when a person comes to the end of himself, recognizes his failure and defeat, and surrenders himself to the judgment and mercy of God, trusting in Christ and His death, that the trials and troubles can be seen as beneficial.
God doesn’t abandon His people in their time of anxiety, fear, and hardship.Although one’s efforts may seem in vain, God is still “a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb.11:6).No tear you have ever shed has escaped the Father’s eye.No lonely hour you have spent has gone unnoticed by the one who trod the winepress of God’s wrath alone.Not a minute that you have labored in His field will go unrewarded.
It is only too easy to see that the world is in the ugly grip of sin, and many are obsessed with its corruption.Here is good news.You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.Jesus is doing that, as he has been given all authority in heaven and on earth.
In His loving concern God has already “blessed us with every spiritual blessing” in Christ. (Eph.1)Through Jesus we have the forgiveness of sin, the blessing which no amount of money could purchase.Whatever the circumstances we still have fellowship with the Father and the Son, the privilege of prayer, peace of mind, and the assurance of the ultimate victory of eternal life and glorious immortality.
So – the powers of darkness run rampant and the world chooses the ugly lifestyles of Satan – the apostle James wrote: “Submit yourselves to God; resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James4:7)Paul wrote: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword?….No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Rom.8:35,37)
“Beloved, now are we children of God … We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that has this hope set on him purifies himself, even as he is pure.” (John3:2)
JESUS CAME TO SAVE SINNERS
Charles Woodard
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners: of whom I am chief” (I Timothy1:15)
The words “This is a faithful saying,” alert the reader to key doctrines (ITim.3:1; 4:9; IITim.2:11; Titus3:8).
Jesus Himself said He had come to call “sinners to repentance” (Matthew9:13 a).
In the gospel of Luke He said: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 9:10).
Jesus came to save sinners, to call sinners to repentance, and to save that which were lost. He did not come for the principle reasons of making a people healthy and happy! He did not come to promote an emotional-centered gospel He did not come to deliver from all adversityJesus did come to bring a new life to those who would believe. He came to bring spiritual life to a spiritually blind people:
“And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind”(John9:39).
“They which see not” refers to all who walk in spiritual darkness. “Those which see” refers to those who think they see, but in reality do not.
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke5:32).
“Those who think they see,” compose the majority of the evangelical church members today!I make this statement with great trepidation However, I see and hear over and over a gospel of Healing, Health and Happiness.
I hear very little from pulpit or pew on the “newness of life” of Romans6:4.
I hear very little of Jesus as Judge and the Great Separator. Let me quote John9:39 from the Amplified Bible:
“Then Jesus said, I came into this world for judgment as a separator in order that there may be a separation [Between those who believe on Me and those who reject Me] – to make the sightless see, and those who see may become blind” (John9:39 Amplified).
Jesus came for Judgment! He came to separate the saved from the lost!
The amalgamation of compromise, psychology, health-wealth-claim it-visible emotion is an ungodly mixture of heresy.
WHAT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS?
Alda Scullin
People of the Living God have often been maligned for what some term as being too hard in their messages.Over and over again this ministry has been classified as legalists who over-emphasize the need to obey God’s Word.With this in mind, as I have pondered upon what to write about, I am confronted with the thought that the subject most despised by most religious people (Christians, if you will) is law!A minister once said to us, “Obedience, obedience, I never want to hear the word again.”Some ministers, of course, can be heard to say, “Obey God;” it is often said just prior to taking up an offering!Often those who say, “Obey God,” also say that Jesus abolished all law.In trying to think of a subject to inspire hope and promote spiritual growth without emphasizing the keeping of God’s law I find there are none, unless one simply disregards His written word.From Genesis2:17 (the so-called age of innocence) where God said to Adam, “Thou shalt not …,” to Revelation22:14, the keeping of commandments is required!
One morning, recently, the Spirit of the Lord impressed me with a scripture in chapter 51 of Isaiah which was a blessing and encouragement to me.“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner; but my salvation shall be forever, and my RIGHTEOUSNESS shall not be abolished.Hearken unto me ye that know righteousness, the PEOPLE IN WHOSE HEART IS MY LAW; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings” (verses 6,7).
The point in the above verses that so impressed me was the close relationship between God’s righteousness and His law.Those who know righteousness are “the people in whose heart is My law.”It is plain from the scriptures that man’s own righteousness is an abomination before God (Isa.64:6).Man’s righteousness is self-righteousness, the mark of a Pharisee.Jesus’ words to such were scathing denunciations.They hated and killed Him because of His message which condemned them.No doubt modern Pharisees would do the same.The “Christian” world of our day is so filled with arrogant hypocrites that many sinners will have no part of it.Who can blame them?
What must one do to be righteous in the sight of God?The eleventh chapter of Hebrews has some very good clues.It speaks of those “Who through faith wrought righteousness” (verse 33).Abel was the first one mentioned, who by his faith “wrought righteousness.”He offered sacrifice in accordance with God’s will.Cain sacrificed according to his own desire.Perhaps God’s method seemed too harsh.He is not mentioned as one of the faithful.God was pleased with Abel, and Enoch also had that testimony. Noah prepared an ark in accordance with God’s instruction and “became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, OBEYED.”“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac …” (Heb. 11:8,17 ).Abraham did God’s bidding because “he believed God and staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief… and therefore it was imputed unto him for righteousness” (Rom.4:3, 20-22).Believers not only hear, they also DO (Matt.7:24,25).The Bible is replete with accounts of the rewards for those who love and keep His commands.
David wrote “The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath He recompensed me.For I have KEPT the WAYS of the Lord and have not wickedly departed from my God” (Psalm18:20,21).He also stated, “All Thy commandments are righteousness” (Psalm119:172).It is regrettable that by his rejection of God’s law, the individual denies himself all the promises and their wonderful blessings that accompany obedience to God’s will.Jesus said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John14:23).
The purpose of this ministry is not only to lead souls to God, but also to teach the way of the Lord as found in His word, especially those given us through the words Jesus spoke when He came to earth and walked among men.The “infamous” Dr. Scofield did speak one truth when he said that Jesus’ words were pure law.In the Sermon on the Mount, as well as throughout the gospels, Jesus gave many commands that, when obeyed, will bring His followers to the maturity the Father longs for and all creation groaneth to see; namely “the precious fruit of the earth” (Rom.8:22 and James5:7).
“GREAT PEACE HAVE THEY THAT LOVE THY LAW AND NOTHING SHALL OFFEND THEM” (Psalm119:165).
HOW GREAT A MATTER A LITTLE FIRE KINDLETH
Alfred King
This title, taken from the book of James, chapter three, verse five, is a very thought-provoking expression which can yield several different perspectives.James coined the expression in reference to what men say and how one’s words can have a tremendous effect upon those who hear them and those who repeat them.He calls the tongue a little member which boasts great things.He stresses the evil that one’s tongue can produce by simple words spoken carelessly, in anger or as gossip and thoughtlessly.James doesn’t hold back on the reality of the deadly poison which the tongue can spew forth.“It is a fire, a world of iniquity…set on fire of hell.”After reading these words, one would think that men, especially Christians, would carefully guard what they allowed to proceed out of their mouths.However, men are careless and, unfortunately, much evil has come from people’s mouths, which actually exposes what is cooking in the kitchen of their hearts.
James compares this little member to the bridle of a horse and the helm of a ship.One can use the bridle to turn the horse toward the battle or away from it.He can turn the ship toward heaven or toward the world.He can use his tongue to worship and praise God or he can use it to curse and blaspheme God.The expression that James uses reveals to us how good or bad can be kindled by something that we might consider insignificant.
How Great A Matter A Little Fire Kindleth:
Looking in the Old Testament we can see the consequences of little decisions.A seemingly insignificant choice or decision has not only been costly at times but in some cases changed history.
The choice Cain made in offering an improper sacrifice to God, brought upon him tremendous repercussions.The result of his “little fire” is recorded in Genesis4:13-14.“And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear.Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.”The results of his choice left him overwhelmed.However, the greatest result of his “little fire” was his eternal state, for he lost any hope of eternal life.He kindled a fire that can never be extinguished.
There was also a man named Achan in the Old Testament who made a little decision which had grave consequences.Israel had just taken Jericho and they were basking in the manner by which God delivered Jericho into their hands, so they decided to go up against the city of Ai.However, God had commanded that all the spoil of Jericho was accursed and was not to be taken into the camp of Israel, for it would pollute the camp.The gold, silver, brass and iron were consecrated to the Lord and were to be taken into the Lord’s treasure (Josh.6:18-19).However, little did they know that Achan, being tempted, had disobeyed God’s order and had taken a nice Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels (Josh.7:21).While no one in Israel knew of Achan’s theft, God knew and, as Israel engaged in battle with Ai, Israel was defeated and thirty-six Israelites were slain.
Not only did these men lose their lives, Achan and his whole family were stoned and all his belongings burned with fire.How great a matter a little fire kindled.Achan had no clue of the repercussions his little choice would have on Israel’s battle with Ai and ultimately on him and his family.
Before Achan made such a terrible choice, minor though it seemed at the time, there were others in Israel who fell into the same ditch.Korah, Dathan, and Abirim stood up against Moses, refusing to submit to the order of the Lord.What they thought was a rebellion against Moses turned out to be rebellion against God and His order of command.Moses told the people to separate themselves from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abirim because God was going to judge who was God’s servant.Moses just finished his words to Korah and his partners in crime when the earth opened her mouth and they, their families and all that pertained to them went alive down into hell (Num.16:31-33).
The priests who were in harmony with Korah had been called upon to appear before the tabernacle with their censors of incense where God would give instructions regarding this issue.God would reveal His edict and would exalt the man whom He had placed over Israel to lead them through the wilderness and into the promised land.When these two hundred and fifty priests began to offer incense before the tabernacle of God, a fire came down out of the tabernacle and consumed them all.That day they died under the judgment of the Lord.“How great a matter a little fire kindleth.”
How Great A Matter A Little Fire Kindleth:
From History
Without going into the detailed accounts of history, we can see how little things in history, most often undetected at the time, can have tremendous effects upon future generations.Take Hitler for instance.A man who made some decisions which took the lives of over six million Jews along with many Christians and others whom Hitler considered his enemies.He brought havoc throughout Europe and even into Asia, the Middle East and Africa.One little fire that kindled a matter of unbelievable magnitude.Hitler made a choice one day which led him down a path where he continued to make choices that brought tremendous destruction in Europe and had an effect that was felt around the world.
According to some accounts of history, Hitler was wounded in battle.There was a British soldier who was in the trenches after fighting a hard battle throughout the day.He was tired and it was now dark when he saw a man coming toward him.Not knowing whether the man was friend of foe, he took his weapon and waited to get a clear few of the man.The man turned out to be German, but because the man was wounded, he decided to let him live.That man was Adolf Hitler.If that British soldier had known, he could have changed history.
There were many other men of such stature through antiquity that rose to power and changed the course of history.Julius Caesar, Constantine, Napoleon Bonaparte, Stalin, Mussolini just to name a few.
However, not only were there men who brought evil upon nations and people, there were men who also brought blessings.Such men would be Abraham, Moses, King David, King Hezekiah, Martin Luther, America’s founding fathers as well as others.
How Great A Matter A Little Fire Kindleth:
In The American Church
Some of the greatest dangers in the world today are the little “fires” which are creeping into America’s churches.There was a time when the church was regarded as a holy place: a place where people went to worship God, to be encouraged to live holy lives, to be taught the ways of God and blessed by sermons that helped its members fight the good fight of faith.However, over the past several decades, there has been a decay and a steady departure from the holiness of scripture.One does not have to be a Bible theologian to recognize this fact.
The little “fire” of worldliness and carnality that began creeping in years ago and seemed so trivial at the time has left our modern churches in a state of no return, churches barren of spiritual life.The “fire” of Hollywood entertainment has infiltrated our sanctuaries so that people come to be entertained and emotionally stirred rather than coming to hear teachings on holiness, righteousness, obedience, and walking in a manner pleasing to God.Consider just a few of the “little fire”(s) that are bringing about a great matter, a matter that will have eternal consequences:
(1) Faith without works: Just believe is the message of today.Once you have knelt at an altar and repeated “the sinner’s prayer” you are good for eternity no matter what you do in the future.Some may require a few good works, like be sure to go to church and don’t do really bad things.Then you are ready for heaven no matter how carnal and worldly you are.This is not biblical and this little lie (fire) has kindled a massive worldly church void of true spirituality.
(2) You are good and God wants to bring out the good in you: This is totally unscriptural.It is genuine heresy.Scripture states that man’s heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked (Jer.17:9).Scripture is replete with statements of this nature and Jesus Himself said that there is none good but God (Mark10:18).Yet this lie is promoted in churches throughout this land.It appears on signs in front of churches; but it is false.If man is good then we don’t need a Savior, we just need to let the good in us overcome the bad.“How great a matter a little fire kindleth.”The most difficult people to reach with the Gospel are people who think that they are good and, therefore, see no need of a Savior.
(3) The law of God is done away and we are under grace: It’s okay today that half the people in our churches are divorced and that the percentage of divorce among church goers is the same as those who profess no religion at all.It matters not if you have been saved, if you get tired of your spouse, divorce them.Even ministers have embraced this false idea, and divorce is common among them.This “little fire” of promiscuity in the church has opened the door, not only for the gay movement to influence our churches, but opened the door wide so that today drag queens are becoming elders, deacons, and pastors.These drag queens are permitted to have story time with children and become youth pastors, and this is okay with many of today’s American congregations.Scripture states very clearly that the actions of the gay and trans movement is an abomination before God.What was that “little fire” that has kindled such a great matter and why was it not doused at the very moment it was kindled?
However, not all is lost, for God has kindled His fire and it will not be quenched.
The Greatest Fire Ever Kindled
The greatest fire ever kindled, although seemingly small and insignificant at the time and even today to most men, was the birth of a child to a young virgin lady about two thousand years ago.This birth changed world history and has had, not only a lasting effect upon the world, but brought with that birth the means by which sinful men can be justified before a holy God.The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the God-man, kindled a fire that will forever burn brightly throughout this world until Jesus comes again, and its effect will last through eternity.While men and nations have striven to snuff out the glorious light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and while the candlestick has been taken away in many church, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His saving grace will never be extinguished.It will forever remain in the hearts of those who truly believe scripture and live by its precepts and commands as a beacon of hope, for it has given spiritual life to souls who were once dead in trespasses and sin, and that spiritual life will usher them onward in this battle between the self-nature, the world and the devil; victory is sure because God has determined it.
Though the world for the most part has rejected this gift of God, those who have had that spark kindled in their lives find that it grows and brings about a fire that will never be quenched.Men and nations have attempted for centuries to extinguish the fire Jesus kindled two thousand years ago and it still is burning brightly in the hearts of those who truly know Jesus Christ and walk with Him every day.What a very great matter this fire has produced that sinful men can be conformed to the likeness of Jesus, for we know that when Jesus returns we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.
ALTERNATIVE TO THE RAPTURE
(Part 2)
Warren Berry
The purpose of this article is not to go into all the errors of the rapture theory, for there are many articles that deal with that issue and many have been printed over the years in this publication.*The purpose here is to present an alternative to the rapture theory.Scripture does not leave us without hope during the time of the Great Tribulation, but it does not support a Pretribulation Rapture unless you twist the scriptures and force them into the Rapture Box.If no rapture: then what?
As mentioned in my previous article, many who hold to the Pretribulation Rapture have never heard that there might be a different view of what God plans for the latter days.The idea that God is just up in heaven acting upon impulse with little or no real plan is most foolish.God is not like so many of us who jump from one thing to another; one day going one direction and tomorrow another.God has a plan of divine proportions, a plan which was set in motion before the world was created.I list here just a few verses which reveal this fact:
1 Cor.2:6-9: “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
Titus1:2: “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”
Matt.25:34: “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:”
Eph.1:3-4: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” (all emphasis mine)
These scriptures should be sufficient to show that God has from eternity a plan designed that would be the means by which a glorious church without spot or wrinkle, holy and set apart unto Himself would be created.The creation of the world was part of producing what we sometimes call, “The Divine Family.”The divine family is described in Revelation as a host which no man could number and who stand before the throne of God clothed in white robes with palms in their hands (Rev.7:9).These are the product of God’s divine plan.
While we don’t know everything that happened in heaven before the world was created, we have been given enough to know a little and, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and scripture, certain truths come to light.According to Isaiah14 and Ezekiel28, Lucifer was at one time a mighty being in heaven and very glorious.He was so marvelously created that he became proud and decided to set his throne above God’s throne, and he was able to deceive and convince a third of the angels to go along with his devious plan.Sin had entered into Lucifer and he, along with the angels that followed him, were cast out of heaven.Now he is an adversary to God and to men whom God created.We see him working against God in the Garden of Eden when he came forth through a serpent and deceived Eve so that she partook of the forbidden fruit and convinced Adam to partake also.
Adam had been created in the image of God and, because of the manner in which he was created, he was able to have a very intimate and close relationship with God.Scripture speaks of God walking in the cool of the day in the Garden, a time that fellowship between God and Adam was common.After Adam had eaten of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he hid himself from God because he knew he had transgressed.When God called Adam, Adam hid himself.The wonderful relationship and fellowship had been broken because of sin, and Adam was driven out of the Garden.This fellowship that Adam and God shared is that which God desires to regain, and His divine plan is to bring some of His creation back into this glorious relationship.It was sin that separated mankind from God, and therefore the sin issue had to be dealt with.
We understand from this that Jesus didn’t die on the cross only to save men, although we must never diminish the importance of the sacrifice and suffering that Jesus endured for our salvation, yet we must not limit the cross to initial salvation either.The writer of Hebrews, not only tells us, but warns us to “go on to perfection” (Heb.6:1).Jesus also commanded us in His Sermon on the Mount to continue on to perfection.Matt.5:48 reads, “Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”That is a very high calling but, when Jesus died and rose again, He provided the means by which men can be made mature.(The word translated ‘perfect’ bears the meaning of being mature in God.)In Ephesians4:13 Paul stated in his letter to the church at Ephesus that God expects spiritual maturity among His people.“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”
The point in bringing this up is that most Christians who hold to a pretribulation rapture of the church are not prepared for what’s coming.While it is true that Christ’s righteousness is imputed unto every believer, it appears God is calling His people to obtain a maturity or perfection of which is apart and distinct from that which is attributed through His death.In His death and resurrection, Jesus provided the means by which believers can gain a very deep relationship with God and everyone who has experienced a close relationship with Jesus knows this is true.If Jesus is coming for a glorious church without spot, then we must question how many, who are looking for Jesus to return at any time, are ready to meet Him.
It is true that we are cleansed by the blood of Christ and His blood being applied to our hearts permits Jesus’ righteousness to be imputed to us.This is how we are accounted righteous before God.Yet, God’s intention is not that we remain babes, living in carnality and spiritual weakness, but that we grow into maturity and our actual state grows up to our standing.Some call this the doctrine of “state and standing”.Our standing before God is that we are washed in the blood and are, therefore, accounted righteous.However, for most of us our state is not there yet.We must press on till we reach the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil.3:14).
This is where the plan of God comes in for those living in the last days, the days just prior to His return, and this is where the alternative to a pretribulation rapture comes in.
Scriptural Evidence Of A Higher Calling
Before we continue with God’s scheme (if I may call it that) for the latter times, consider a few portions of scripture which unveil God’s intentions.
Acts3:20-21: “And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.”In these verses, Jesus will not return until this restoration takes place.(Which means He will not return today or tomorrow.)
Heb.4:6: “Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief.”Chapter four of Hebrews speaks about a rest God has prepared for His people and declares that some must enter before Jesus returns.
Eph.5:25-27: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”
These are just a few portions of scripture that present this truth that God expects those He saves to grow into spiritual maturity, that we be no longer spiritual babes who only feed on the milk of the word rather than the strong meat that belongs to those that are weaned from the breast and are hungry for more of God and the fullness of the Holy Spirit.God never intended to take into heaven a bunch of spiritual babes who are more carnal than spiritual and more worldly-minded than heavenly.God’s ways will weed out those that have no deepness of root for they will wither away when trials befall them as well as those who are choked by the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of the world’s riches.There is a process ahead designed in heaven before the world came forth that will produce the precious fruit of the earth, and it will unveil dimensions of God and attributes of His person never before seen.All beings in heaven, in earth and in hell will be astonished when they see the fulfilling of God’s divine plan and behold His sovereignty, His wisdom and power.It is for this reason that Satan, the great deceiver has brought forth a teaching that nullifies and hides God’s divine plan under a pretribulation rapture, thereby hindering the church from entering in.
(To be continued)
* Feel free to request for articles that deal with the Pretribulation Rapture, either by email or postal mail and we will be happy to send you a few that have been printed in this publication over the years.(The Editor)